FAQ
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FAQs About the Dodeca Module:
1. we would prefer to only develop one panel and firmware per machine - Unless its drastically different in its feature set. This may mean that if there are multiple people interested they collaborate and discuss the feature set they want.
2. we would like to host the firmware as open source in our github and have contributors work on that. The hope is this morphs and grows in the DIY community. This platform has a lot of possibilities.
Q: What is the price of a complete module?
A: We will not be offering built modules as we are a two person shop and already have more than we can manage on our plate. We suggest asking for builders in our magpie modular facebook group as there are a number of DIY module makers there that build great stuff.
FACEBOOK Group
Q: How do you recommend I develop my own firmware?
A: For the Octatrack we looked at all the possibilities of outputs and tried to find the most versatile set that was easy to mentally track and organize. It is meant to mirror the Octatrack 8 track layout and be an intuitive bridge to those familiar with the Octatrack interface.
What is your panel process?
We create CAD files and have our laser cutter cut the panels out in bulk (no crappy soft aluminum stamped out with sad looking edges here)
The panel is cleaned and powdercoated
We prepare the resist mask for sandblasting which is a 5-step process in itself
it involves.
- Creating the art for Print
- Exposing UV sensitive film with this transparency
- Cleaning and prepping stencils
- Finally applying to the powder-coated panel
We then sandblast the powdercoated panel
Then we wash off the resist and clean the panels of the residue and grime. What is left behind is a durable coat with a layered and textured design.
Then we print with our fancy and high tech UV printer....
We are currently transitioning all panels to a completely digital print process. More precision and accuracy with the same look and feel of the previous method. Greatly reduces our production time and margin for error.(04.10.2019)
Then we print the panel with our very fancy UV Cured printer machine.
Custom Designs?
For the most part NO. See our process section above. We entertain suggestions however and sometimes test out concepts, but the process is far too labor and resource intensive to do tiny batches of panels.
Will you be doing X panel?
For now we are undecided on whether or not we will do panels for certain manufacturers as we like their aesthetic and don't see the need to reinvent the wheel.
We are intent on promoting and supporting the DIY Synth community with our efforts. Recreating commercial panels is far less appealing to us at this point.
Also keep in mind each one takes MANY HOURS of design, prototyping and preparation work before it is ready to bring to market.
Whats up with the customs and one-offs?
We are treating Magpie as a process oriented R&D lab, so along with every standard run we throw in a few alternate designs, experimental processes etc etc. Sometimes these come out great but we decide not to produce them, sometimes we do pursue them but strictly as a limited edition run. More often than not these are offered as a first-come first-served basis on our facebook group as a perk.
Are you guys Robots? In fact, we are NOT robots and machine like replication is not our game. There may be subtle variations from one run to another. We feel this adds a human feel to our craft.
Does this look like Cancer to you? Well, since we are not licensed to give medical advice in the state of Oregon I would suggest you consult a medical professional about things of this nature.
Q: Will you be doing firmware for the ______ sequencer?
A: Our contributions to firmware may be further down the road. Our stance is that we will make panels for any community submitted, thoroughly tested, and in demand firmware and custom layout. This includes Monomachine, Digitakt, Octatrack MKII, and whatever else you desire. (we already have the panel for the monomachine done)