Arduino Nano Mozzi Experimenter Shield PCB

This is a version of my Arduino Mozzi Experimenter Shield PCB designed for use with the Arduino Nano.  Specifically I’ve been looking at what it might take to get Mozzi running on the Arduino Nano Every, which is quite a different beast to the original Nano, but with the same pinout.  This board should be fine with either.

Update

• The build guide is now available here: Arduino Nano Mozzi Experimenter Shield PCB – Part 2.

Warning! I strongly recommend using old or second hand equipment for your experiments.  I am not responsible for any damage to expensive instruments!

These are the key Arduino tutorials for the main concepts used in this project:

• Arduino Multi-pot Mozzi FM Synthesis
• Mozzi Output Circuit
•  Arduino PWM Output Filter Circuit

If you are new to Arduino, see the Getting Started pages.

The Circuit

The circuit provides the following functionality:

• Six potentiometers hooked up to the Arduino’s A0-A3, and A6, A7 (leaving A4/A5 free for use with I2C).
• MIDI IN and OUT hooked up to the Arduino’s RX/TX.
• A Mozzi Output Circuit and an audio out jack.
• A 7-12V power connection.

The MIDI links are connected via jumpers to allow the MIDI interface to be disabled if required to allow the upload of sketches.  The audio output is a mono output, but going to both channels of a stereo TRS jack socket.  The Mozzi PWM pin is jumper selectable between D3 and D9.

PCB Design

The six potentiometers are pcb mounted and MDI is provided by two DIN sockets.

The design is for a stand-alone board with its own power supply and audio output.  The footprint is for the Arduino Nano but that is also the same as the Arduino Nano Every.

As previously mentioned there are jumpers that will allow the MIDI circuit to be disabled, and another jumper to choose the PWM audio output pin, selecting between D3 and D9.

Closing Thoughts

Having Mozzi working on an Arduino Nano Every has been something I’ve been toying with for some time.  I’ve finally got an experimental build that allows it to work, so having a board that minimises the extra connections needed for experiments will be really handy.

This is one of a new set of boards I’ve now sent off to Seeed Fusion for manufacturing, using some discount vouchers I’ve been sent.

Kevin