#1392

you may need to change the /etc/systemd/system/norns-jack.service service that launches jack

this line will need to be modified to your USB audio device
ExecStart=/usr/bin/jackd -R -P 95 -d alsa -d hw:0 -r 48000 -n 3 -p 128 -S -s
(the hw:0 part will be different if I recall correctly)

Read the Norns on Raspberry Pi thread for more

1 Like
#1393

It would appear that I have successfully remapped the USB device as hw:0. Jack launches OK and appears to be using USB audio but something is still broken. Maybe the secret is to leave USB as hw:1 and tell jack to use that. I think I tried that already.

I will read that thread.
Thanks!

#1394

It looks like Quest Components currently has three in stock, though I believe they have a minimum order of $25.

Edit: I should point out that I canā€™t quite vouch for this company since I havenā€™t finished my build yet. Theyā€™ve been accused (at least once) of selling salvaged parts as new. I donā€™t know how valid those claims are. So do with that information what you will.

#1395

CS4270 from Quest are legit. :+1:

Iā€™ve ordered a bunch from them and all were new and functional. They are located pretty close to me but shipping and order processing was quick.

1 Like
#1396

Awesome. Thatā€™s very reassuring!

#1397

Thanks for the heads up on the codecs. It looks like the shipping would be $30US to Canada - if the minimum order is $25US thatā€™s about $75 Cdn. Ouch! Hopefully my $6 Ebay part is legit.

1 Like
#1398

Right now, the CS4270-CZZ audio chip is sold out in Digi-Key and Mouser. Does anyone know of another chip that would work in its place?

#1399

Yes fixed :slightly_smiling_face:

IMG_20201119_155738
IMG_20201119_1557382976Ɨ3968 2.04 MB

Also realised Iā€™d mashed the USB port too, but fortunately no traces torn so I just roughly bent it back into shape and put some hot glue around it for now

7 Likes
#1400

norns-shield_1
norns-shield_11200Ɨ725 122 KB

Shields are live on the Monome site


the @JHC case in prime-time! :clap: :clap: :clap:
8 Likes
#1401

Also looking for CS4270 and eyeing some expensive ebay offers. Would appreciate reports from working/nonworking codecs from ebay if possible :slight_smile:

#1403

Tried ordering the last couple of CS4270 from Quest, and they told me they are now out of stock. ĀÆ\_(惄)_/ĀÆ Hopefully an alternative source becomes available while the big suppliers are waiting for stock.

#1405

Thank you, that seems worth a try for sure.
I am in europe, so a us groupbuy is not appealing to me. However iā€™d organize one in europe, so anyone who is interested in a chip feel free to pm me.

1 Like
#1406

Just ordered the minimum quantity of 10 with the cheap shipping. Will post back here once I have a working build and extra ICs to pass on. :smiley:

4 Likes
#1407

So I built my shield a few weeks ago ā€¦ and my encoders have always seemed jumpy. Maiden tells me that when I rotate an encoder in one direction, Iā€™m getting values in the opposite direction.

Are jumpy encoders common? Can someone else with a shield run a simple script and monitor it in Maiden ā€¦ twist their encoders rapidly to see if they get jumpy values?

Mine will show values of like 2,3,2,3,-3,2,3 and that -3 in there sure makes fine tuning difficult.

Otherwise ā€¦ having a blast and Iā€™ve managed to write up a fun sequencer in Lua.

#1408

Encoder debouncing (aka very slightly smoothing / lagging input values to avoid jumpiness) is built in to both Norns Shield hardware and software, but apparently that doesnā€™t completely guarantee correct turns. I havenā€™t yet witnessed issues with the ones Iā€™ve built for myself and friends but it might Iā€™ve just gotten used to it without noticing.

Are you using the normal Bourns encoders that either come with the kit or were recommended at Mouser?

#1409

Hi All,
have been lurking a while and seeing that people have been very helpful with advice and suggestions, so am feeling emboldened about starting the journey and, and was wondering if i could ask a few questions? (have looked a cross a few other threads, and answered some things, but hereā€™s where iā€™m still pondering:

  • am fairly new to soldering but not computers, so feel like this could be a really cool skill to develop. i think iā€™ve seen enough videos on technique, but just wondering what the most rational way is of getting the right bits in the right places. is it just a case of sourcing the BOM and then following the schematic to piecing together which resistor / capacitor/ etc goes on which pad? i donā€™t see an easy way of making it foolproof, which is my fear ā€“ and also why i think iā€™ll be getting a soldering station with air - to rectify mistakes, etc. but any techniques or tips here would be really appreciated.

  • related, does anyone recommend sources on basic troubleshooting techniques with a multimeter? iā€™m guessing you just test for expected resistance across each smd, but any pointers or links would be appreciated

  • lastly, some kit questions. current thinking on soldering stuff as a list on amazon. grateful for any pointers. and finally a reccoā€™ for sourcing the clear sandwich case in the original photos? current goto is denki otto but looking for something in Eu if possible.

many thanks to anyone who can be troubled responding. no worries if not!

1 Like
#1410

Iā€™m using the ones supplied with the kit. It is very noticeable: you can adjust the levels on the mixer page and they will jump up and down.

#1411

Hi, the Norns shield was my third serious SMT build and it took a lot of patience to complete.

  • Component placement was straight forwards as the PCB has clear makings which indicate which component goes where. Texts on the PCB can be cross referenced with details found on the ā€œschematic referencesā€ tab in the BOM. I started with the most shallowest parts (ic & crystal) and followed the order the components are listed.
  • The packages you get the components in should have markings which indicate the components values. After components are soldered on the PCB, measuring their values with a multimeter might not provide accurate values as components which touch each other effect each other.
  • The tool list looks good but I might recommend sourcing them from a local electronics shop. The price will be steeper but you can ask for recommendations and tips.
  • If you have access to a laser cutter there are great designs for a simple case and you can buy a case in the UK.
#1412

I started with a fresh SD image
in /etc/systemd/system/norns-jack.service
changed hw:0 to hw:1 on the line that launches jack. Again this seemed to be working but no sound from the USB dongle. Then I tried my Behringer class compliant USB sound interface - it works!

Even though the USB sound dongle works with aplay it does not work with jack - no idea why. At least I can play with Norns now till I find a CS4270 codec.

2 Likes
#1413

Amazon list looks good, particularly the SMT soldering kit to practice. Hot air rework and iron on one unit is also a nice thing.
Only things I could recommend are an optivisor (though I see your magnifcation station) and a stick vice ā€“ both have been very helpful in my SMT experience. Also make sure to get some backup tips for your iron ā€“ as I was learning, I actually bent my tip and had to get another.