A solar-powered synthesizer that creates experimental sounds, rhythmic patterns, and beats using minimal energy from the sun! This project embodies the spirit of solarpunk by combining sustainable energy with creative expression.
The SolarpunkSynth is an ultra-low power consumption synthesizer that can be powered by:
- Silicon solar cells
- DIY DSSC (Dye-sensitized solar cells)
- Alternative power sources (mud batteries, potato power, coconut energy)
- Nearly depleted batteries (due to extremely low power requirements)
This repository contains two versions of the SolarpunkSynth:
Located in /SolarPunkSynth
- The original version of the solar-powered synthesizer
- Simple and elegant design
- Perfect for beginners and workshops
- Includes complete documentation and assembly instructions
Located in /SolarSynth_digilog
- Enhanced version with digital-inspired aesthetics
- Developed for the Digilog exhibition in Taipei, Taiwan
- Features artistic PCB design with custom graphics
- Same core functionality with a unique visual style
The synthesizer is built around these key features:
- Based on hex-inverter chip (74HC14)
- Three interdependent oscillators coupled through piezo discs
- Ultra-low energy consumption (<0.5mA)
- Audio output via 3.5mm jack
- Organic, variable rhythms through unstable circuit states
- KiCad PCB design files included
- Simple and robust circuit design
- Direct audio output from oscillator circuit
- Basic component selection for easy assembly
- Standard PCB layout optimized for functionality
- Ideal for workshops and educational purposes
- Added MCP6002 dual op-amp for improved audio output buffering
- Enhanced signal conditioning with additional filtering capacitors
- Modified component values for better stability
- Custom footprint library optimized for artistic PCB layout
- Artistic PCB design with custom traces and visual elements
- ENIG finish recommended for superior aesthetic presentation
Both variants maintain the core ultra-low power consumption (<0.5mA) and solar-powered operation capabilities.
You can also view the minimal schematic as PDF.
Detailed soldering instructions are provided to help you build your own SolarpunkSynth:
For complete assembly instructions:
-
/SolarPunkSynth- Original version KiCad files and documentation/002_SolarPunkSynth_footprints.pretty- Custom footprints for the PCB/MASK- PCB mask files and design assets/instructions- Assembly guides and schematics/svg2shenzhen- SVG files for PCB artwork
-
/SolarSynth_digilog- Digilog edition KiCad files/3d_models- 3D models of components/gerber- Manufacturing files/svg2shenzhen- Custom PCB artwork files
-
/photos- Project photos and workshop documentation
This project is designed to be beginner-friendly and has been successfully taught in workshops across various locations including:
- Taipei, Taiwan (Digilog)
- Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Tokyo, Japan (FabCafe)
No prior electronics knowledge is required - just enthusiasm for experimental sounds and solar-powered creativity!
This circuit is a modified version of the StarvationSynth originally developed by Ralf Schreiber and Uwe Schüler. The current version was specifically developed by Marc Dusseiller (dusjagr) to support the exhibition "1,540,000nm DSSC" by Shih Wei-Chieh at FabCafe Tokyo.
- svg2shenzhen - An Inkscape extension that converts SVG drawings to KiCad PCB layouts, allowing for artistic and unrestricted PCB designs with support for any kind of shapes, drill pads, and edge cuts. Special thanks to Budi Prakosa (@badgeek) for creating this amazing tool!
- KiCad - PCB design software
This project is open hardware - feel free to modify and share!
This project is licensed under the CERN Open Hardware License Version 2 - Permissive (CERN-OHL-P v2). This means you are free to:
- Study
- Modify
- Make
- Distribute
without any obligation to share your changes or modifications.
For more details, see the LICENSE file.