AD ASTRA PER ASPERA : DEVLOGS

 

  • Following the technical hurdles with LTSpice, I decided to pivot my workflow to KiCad. This transition is a strategic move, as KiCad will facilitate the eventual PCB design phase of the project. I began by drafting the Main VCO, though initial simulations were unsuccessful. Since I am learning the software on the fly with limited prior electronics knowledge, I have decided to complete all module designs first and have them verified by an expert later. I am utilizing resources from Benjimodular and other public domain sources, adapting the circuits to my specific needs with the assistance of AI (Gemini).

    After successfully completing the digital schematics for the instrument's modules in KiCad, I’ve sent it to an electronics professor at the university, and we are scheduled to meet at the laboratory next Tuesday. This meeting will be vital for reviewing the architecture and component selection before I begin the physical assembly on a breadboard.

    The instrument is currently designed to feature the following modules:

    • 12-key Keyboard: A precision melody section.

    • Drones Section: A 5-voice analog engine for "warm" textures.

    • Main VCO: The primary sawtooth-core oscillator.

    • LFO, VCF (Filter), ADSR: Essential modulation and sculpting tools.

    • Delay Effect, White Noise Effect, and Mixer: For final atmospheric depth and signal summation.

    While awaiting my meeting with the professor, I shifted my focus to Marketing and Branding. As a solo founder, I recognize that while I have a technical foundation, marketing is a completely new territory for me. I spent the day immersed in an online branding course to define the identity of the final brand.

    I launched the first version of the website via Squarespace. This site will serve as the central hub for the project's context, my CV, contact information, and these weekly DevLogs.

    Weekly Review

    What Went Well

    • Rapid Learning: I achieved a quick mastery of KiCad's interface through AI-assisted supervision.

    • Networking: Thanks to the university's Business Center, I quickly secured the necessary expertise for technical validation.

    Challenges

    • Simulation Uncertainty: Since I haven't successfully run a full simulation, I currently have no confirmation that these circuits will function as intended.

    • Technical Depth: At this stage, I am primarily adapting public domain circuits via AI rather than designing from scratch, which leaves some gaps in my understanding of the internal mechanics.

    Next Steps

    • Social Presence: Launch social media channels and share the first official DevLogs to begin building a "peer-to-peer" connection.

    • Persona Refinement: Determine the precise market segmentation for emerging creators (ages 20-35) and define the "problem size" I am addressing.

    • Marketing Strategy: Establish a pricing matrix and a communication roadmap utilizing the Waterfall method.

    • Sound Validation: Continue simplifying the architecture

  • February 2, 2026: A date that officially marks the birth of the project. I have just settled in Kuopio and at SAVONIA University, in Kuopio, to begin my entrepreneurial mobility within their Business Center. This is where the instrument will come to life.

    I started by laying the foundations with a business plan. To structure my research and development, I opted for the Double Diamond model. This framework will allow me to navigate precisely between the exploration and definition phases of this new musical instrument.

    The Next Day, I dove into the technical roadmap while refining the overall strategy. To give shape to my ideas, I created a mood board with my first 3D mockups. The aesthetic will be a “retro-futuristic” blend of precision engineering and organic materials, creating an “object that deserves to exist,” far from disposable plastic and favoring authenticity.

    All this work converged into the first version of my Pitch Deck, a crucial document for presenting my vision: democratizing “cinema” sound for independent creators.

    Starting on February 5, the focus shifted to electronic architecture. My goal is to build a first prototype to validate the sound signature with my future users. My research, particularly the work of Benjiaomodular’s, led me to an architecture inspired by the Minimoog.

    Weekly review

    What went well

    • Creative speed: Against all odds, the visual style came together very quickly. The “Toasted Analog” palette and amber accents perfectly capture the warmth I'm looking for.

    • Strategic soundness: Online research made developing the business plan smooth and efficient. My pitch deck is almost ready for the next step.

    Challenges

    • Software glitches: My first attempts at editing in LTSpice were frustrating. Between software bugs and simulation errors, I had to abandon the schematic (for now).

    • Technical barrier: My current knowledge of electronics makes it difficult to understand electronic circuits. I will have to call on an expert sooner than expected.

    Next steps

    The business plan I drew up this week was just a rough draft. I now have to rewrite it to fit my actual trajectory: a strong online presence and constant iteration through prototypes.

    • Refine my Personas: Determine the precise market segmentation and the size of the problem I am addressing.

    • Marketing Strategy: Define my pricing matrix and communication roadmap based on the Waterfall method.

    • Sound Validation: Continue to work on the architecture