# Building Zynthian

**URL:** https://discourse.zynthian.org/c/building-zynthian/5.md

[Latest](https://discourse.zynthian.org/latest.md) · [Categories](https://discourse.zynthian.org/categories.md) · [Tags](https://discourse.zynthian.org/tags.md)

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## [About the Building Zynthian category](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/about-the-building-zynthian-category/12)

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**Author:** [@disadmin](https://discourse.zynthian.org/u/disadmin)\
**Replies:** 1\
**Last updated:** [December 23, 2018, 8:32pm UTC](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/about-the-building-zynthian-category/12 "2018-12-23T20:32:31Z")

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Reporting problems and sharing experiences while building a Zynthian Box: soldering and mounting kits wiring the parts case mounting documentation errors and improvements etc. Please, don't use this category to disc…

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## [Zynthian DIY build Audio/MIDI Error](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/zynthian-diy-build-audio-midi-error/13696)

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**Author:** [@vhs](https://discourse.zynthian.org/u/vhs)\
**Replies:** 1\
**Last updated:** [September 24, 2026, 1:49pm UTC](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/zynthian-diy-build-audio-midi-error/13696 "2026-09-24T13:49:23Z")

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Hey ya’ll, decided to go with a DIY build for my zynthian, using a fairly inexpensive DAC while I wait for a pisound micro to come in the mail. Current DAC is this board from innomaker. Currently getting the audio/midi e…

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## [What are the exact CUIA + parameters used by the official 4 encoders (Layer/Back/Snapshot/Select)?](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/what-are-the-exact-cuia-parameters-used-by-the-official-4-encoders-layer-back-snapshot-select/13689)

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**Author:** [@DavidCa](https://discourse.zynthian.org/u/DavidCa)\
**Replies:** 4\
**Last updated:** [September 22, 2026, 8:45am UTC](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/what-are-the-exact-cuia-parameters-used-by-the-official-4-encoders-layer-back-snapshot-select/13689 "2026-09-22T08:45:43Z")

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Hi all, I’m building a custom MIDI controller with a Raspberry Pi Pico 2 (CircuitPython) to replicate the behavior of Zynthian’s official 4 physical encoders (Layer, Back, Snapshot, Select) — rotation + push button on e…

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## [Zynaptik Circuit V1 - MIDI socket type](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/zynaptik-circuit-v1-midi-socket-type/13675)

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**Author:** [@s\_blakely](https://discourse.zynthian.org/u/s_blakely)\
**Replies:** 2\
**Last updated:** [September 17, 2026, 4:43am UTC](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/zynaptik-circuit-v1-midi-socket-type/13675 "2026-09-17T04:43:41Z")

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I am currently putting together some home-brew Zynthians - utilizing a number of parts left over from previous builds/upgrades and other purchases (multichannel audio interfaces). I have already built a Pi 5 with Raspia…

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## [Midi/Audio error. Reason detected. Nothing helped so far \[Solved-Updated Build Instructions\]](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/midi-audio-error-reason-detected-nothing-helped-so-far-solved-updated-build-instructions/13623)

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**Author:** [@harold](https://discourse.zynthian.org/u/harold)\
**Replies:** 5\
**Last updated:** [September 8, 2026, 7:14am UTC](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/midi-audio-error-reason-detected-nothing-helped-so-far-solved-updated-build-instructions/13623 "2026-09-08T07:14:21Z")

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On bootup the screen is upside down and the Midi/Audio error shows up. Checked the first\_boot.log and it is clear that the control board is not detected. Checked i2cdetect as well and the MCP address did not show up. So…

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## [Sd,card size question](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/sd-card-size-question/13497)

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**Author:** [@Synthem](https://discourse.zynthian.org/u/Synthem)\
**Replies:** 11\
**Last updated:** [August 21, 2026, 2:09pm UTC](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/sd-card-size-question/13497 "2026-08-21T14:09:16Z")

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Hi there, im new here, my order of the zynthian v5.1 will arrive in a few days. Now i have a question about the sd-card. In the wiki.zynthian its says on the one site i should avoid a 32gb sdcard, but on the other it s…

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## [Audio/MIDI error screen](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/audio-midi-error-screen/10159)

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**Author:** [@gregdulli](https://discourse.zynthian.org/u/gregdulli)\
**Replies:** 22\
**Last updated:** [August 21, 2026, 2:03pm UTC](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/audio-midi-error-screen/10159 "2026-08-21T14:03:03Z")

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Hello, I just finished building my v5.1 and I’m getting an error screen with the message “Audio/MIDI”. I’ve accessed the webconf and this is the UI Log: Restarting UI in debug mode Sep 25 22:03:44 zynthian systemd\[1\]:…

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## [Control board ribbon cables](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/control-board-ribbon-cables/13448)

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**Author:** [@jaychris](https://discourse.zynthian.org/u/jaychris)\
**Replies:** 0\
**Last updated:** [August 3, 2026, 1:47pm UTC](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/control-board-ribbon-cables/13448 "2026-08-03T13:47:50Z")

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I just wanted to write about a dead control board and was about to say that I could measure… So I measured and silly me! I fiddled endlessly with resinserting the ribbon cables. They made no contact whatsoever on neithe…

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## [Zynthian 5.1 kit does not boot - faulty SD card cable](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/zynthian-5-1-kit-does-not-boot-faulty-sd-card-cable/13399)

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**Author:** [@hibouambigu](https://discourse.zynthian.org/u/hibouambigu)\
**Replies:** 9\
**Last updated:** [July 21, 2026, 3:08pm UTC](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/zynthian-5-1-kit-does-not-boot-faulty-sd-card-cable/13399 "2026-07-21T15:08:14Z")

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Hi there! Just built my Zynthian kit (official 5.1) Everything went together nicely, but had a lot of trouble with first boot. Blank screen, nothing after minutes of waiting. Tried flashing RPi bootloader firmware and …

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## [Bausatz5.1](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/bausatz5-1/13401)

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**Author:** [@Edgar](https://discourse.zynthian.org/u/Edgar)\
**Replies:** 8\
**Last updated:** [July 20, 2026, 10:43am UTC](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/bausatz5-1/13401 "2026-07-20T10:43:57Z")

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Gestern habe ich den Bausatz 5,1 fetiggestellt und nach Einschalten schien auch alles zu funktionieren. Heute wollte ich den Zyntian wieder einschalten da ging dann aber gar nichts mehr. Aktuell kommt nur noch die L…

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## [SD-cards for zynthian V5](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/sd-cards-for-zynthian-v5/11630)

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**Author:** [@jofemodo](https://discourse.zynthian.org/u/jofemodo)\
**Replies:** 21\
**Last updated:** [July 18, 2026, 6:43pm UTC](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/sd-cards-for-zynthian-v5/11630 "2026-07-18T18:43:06Z")

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I would like to open this thread to discuss the SD-card subject and to centralize reports about SD-cards that works nicely, don’t work, have been counterfeited, etc. To start the thread i have a first report about these…

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## [Expected latency with Raspberry Pi 5 + Raspberry Pi DAC Pro + Pianoteq for live playing?](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/expected-latency-with-raspberry-pi-5-raspberry-pi-dac-pro-pianoteq-for-live-playing/13397)

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**Author:** [@nickbuus](https://discourse.zynthian.org/u/nickbuus)\
**Replies:** 10\
**Last updated:** [July 18, 2026, 10:19am UTC](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/expected-latency-with-raspberry-pi-5-raspberry-pi-dac-pro-pianoteq-for-live-playing/13397 "2026-07-18T10:19:56Z")

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Hi everyone, I’m planning my first Zynthian build and my main priority is the lowest possible playing latency. The planned hardware is: Raspberry Pi 5 (4 GB) Raspberry Pi DAC Pro (formerly IQaudio DAC Pro) Ras…

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## [Adding power to DIN MIDI out](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/adding-power-to-din-midi-out/12915)

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**Author:** [@jawn](https://discourse.zynthian.org/u/jawn)\
**Replies:** 10\
**Last updated:** [July 16, 2026, 7:14pm UTC](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/adding-power-to-din-midi-out/12915 "2026-07-16T19:14:58Z")

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Hi, On a V4.5 kit, I have DIN MIDI out. This is what it looks like, taken from the building instructions. I would like to use it with CME WIDI Master to have reliable wireless MIDI, while not wasting USB slots and …

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## [My newly built 5.1 (pi5) starts up in Linux, not Zynthian, so what do I have to do?](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/my-newly-built-5-1-pi5-starts-up-in-linux-not-zynthian-so-what-do-i-have-to-do/13265)

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**Author:** [@lopass](https://discourse.zynthian.org/u/lopass)\
**Replies:** 6\
**Last updated:** [June 23, 2026, 7:20am UTC](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/my-newly-built-5-1-pi5-starts-up-in-linux-not-zynthian-so-what-do-i-have-to-do/13265 "2026-06-23T07:20:26Z")

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The software guide refers to three possible initial outcomes, general success, blank screen and an error message. I guess starting up in Linux is a fourth, because it’s none of those. I have no idea where I went wrong or…

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## [Raspberry with display only](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/raspberry-with-display-only/13251)

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**Author:** [@00sapo](https://discourse.zynthian.org/u/00sapo)\
**Replies:** 9\
**Last updated:** [June 20, 2026, 7:28am UTC](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/raspberry-with-display-only/13251 "2026-06-20T07:28:18Z")

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I want to try out Zynthian and I’m going to buy a used Raspberry 4 (likely 4GB RAM). Is it fine for Zynthian V5? The wiki talks about Raspberry v4, but the shop ships Raspberry v5 only. Also, does it make sense to buy a…

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## [RPI3 + HifiBerry Digi2 Pro: Audio/MIDI error](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/rpi3-hifiberry-digi2-pro-audio-midi-error/10493)

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**Author:** [@alexk](https://discourse.zynthian.org/u/alexk)\
**Replies:** 3\
**Last updated:** [June 10, 2026, 9:07am UTC](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/rpi3-hifiberry-digi2-pro-audio-midi-error/10493 "2026-06-10T09:07:28Z")

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I’m new to Zynthian and trying to run it in a headless mode using an rpi3(b) and HiFiBerry Digi2 Pro (v2.1). The idea for now is to simply run pianoteq and route sound to DAC/HPA. I followed the documentation but unfor…

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## [Interactive MCP2307 to encoders and button Diagram](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/interactive-mcp2307-to-encoders-and-button-diagram/13234)

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**Author:** [@Rogenjosh](https://discourse.zynthian.org/u/Rogenjosh)\
**Replies:** 12\
**Last updated:** [June 10, 2026, 7:20am UTC](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/interactive-mcp2307-to-encoders-and-button-diagram/13234 "2026-06-10T07:20:37Z")

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Hi, I’m new to electronics and find traditional diagrams overwhelming. I apoligies for my use of AI, but I asked it to generate an easy to follow interactive diagrams for wiring configuration. I will share it here it’s a…

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## [Selling Zynthian v5.1.2 (Italy)](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/selling-zynthian-v5-1-2-italy/13084)

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**Author:** [@Njloh](https://discourse.zynthian.org/u/Njloh)\
**Replies:** 5\
**Last updated:** [May 3, 2026, 9:04am UTC](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/selling-zynthian-v5-1-2-italy/13084 "2026-05-03T09:04:56Z")

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Good evening, I hope I’m writing in the right place… I would like to sell my Zynthian v5.1.2 with Raspberry Pi5 8GB. I have serious health problem so I don’t have enough time to dedicate to it. It’s fully assembled (…

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## [USB Touchscreen input scaling issue on 7" 1024x600; I'm almost resolved. One issue left!](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/usb-touchscreen-input-scaling-issue-on-7-1024x600-im-almost-resolved-one-issue-left/12600)

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**Author:** [@musicToMyFears](https://discourse.zynthian.org/u/musicToMyFears)\
**Replies:** 11\
**Last updated:** [April 26, 2026, 10:47am UTC](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/usb-touchscreen-input-scaling-issue-on-7-1024x600-im-almost-resolved-one-issue-left/12600 "2026-04-26T10:47:34Z")

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I’ve read many other threads on this topic and most people seem to have resolved the issue and I’m not sure how. My issue: running Oram stable (and Vangelis), my USB-based touch inputs are incorrectly scaled. My touch …

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## [Lost my love](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/lost-my-love/13042)

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**Author:** [@fussl](https://discourse.zynthian.org/u/fussl)\
**Replies:** 0\
**Last updated:** [April 20, 2026, 5:12pm UTC](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/lost-my-love/13042 "2026-04-20T17:12:32Z")

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Now I’ve lost my love for Zynthian. So I’ll either sell them or take them apart to have parts for some other nonsense. Anybody interested in one or both of these? Make an offer via PM. Parts cost plus shipping would b…

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## [Issues setting up minix sf10t display](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/issues-setting-up-minix-sf10t-display/12886)

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**Author:** [@smespresati](https://discourse.zynthian.org/u/smespresati)\
**Replies:** 8\
**Last updated:** [April 16, 2026, 5:57pm UTC](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/issues-setting-up-minix-sf10t-display/12886 "2026-04-16T17:57:51Z")

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Hi guys, So far I was using a V4 official kit and now I’m trying upgrade to pi 5 in a new “custom” setup. The hardware used is a Pi 5 8GB with a 128 GB nvme in a case Argon Neo 5 NVME and a 10 inches touchscreen Minix …

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## [Raspberry Pi Touch Display 2 - Rotate screen](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/raspberry-pi-touch-display-2-rotate-screen/10804)

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**Author:** [@dealing\_with\_doors](https://discourse.zynthian.org/u/dealing_with_doors)\
**Replies:** 33\
**Last updated:** [April 11, 2026, 1:23pm UTC](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/raspberry-pi-touch-display-2-rotate-screen/10804 "2026-04-11T13:23:02Z")

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Hi, I have a Raspberry Pi 5 8gb, and just setup a new ‘Raspberry Pi Touch Display 2‘. I have installed the latest oram software. Does anyone know how to get the screen to rotate from portrait to landscape. I have spent …

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## [How to wire WS2812B leds](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/how-to-wire-ws2812b-leds/12192)

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**Author:** [@Keeze101](https://discourse.zynthian.org/u/Keeze101)\
**Replies:** 14\
**Last updated:** [March 23, 2026, 12:08pm UTC](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/how-to-wire-ws2812b-leds/12192 "2026-03-23T12:08:02Z")

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Hi all, building a V5 clone with a 7” screen. Everything works, but I cannot get the WS2812 leds under my keys to work. They work when connected to an ESP32, but not in my new zynthian. The data wire is c…

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## [Zynthian Pocket](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/zynthian-pocket/11791)

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**Author:** [@fussl](https://discourse.zynthian.org/u/fussl)\
**Replies:** 18\
**Last updated:** [March 21, 2026, 11:08pm UTC](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/zynthian-pocket/11791 "2026-03-21T23:08:20Z")

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Some months ago had the idea of building a Zynthian for my purse/bag/backpack that I can easily take with me on vacation. This together with a QuNexus and a power bank and headphones makes a good toy for in-flight entert…

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## [Touch Display 2 Build](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/touch-display-2-build/11572)

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**Author:** [@jmstone](https://discourse.zynthian.org/u/jmstone)\
**Replies:** 5\
**Last updated:** [March 20, 2026, 4:55pm UTC](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/touch-display-2-build/11572 "2026-03-20T16:55:24Z")

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I just wanted to document my minimal build including Pi5 (4Gb) and Pi Touch Display 2. Kit: Pi5 4Gb Pi5 active cooler SD card Touch Display 2 Touch Display 2 case for hats: KKSB Display Stand for Raspberry Pi 5 Tou…

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## [Custom build questions - single board for ADAC and rotary encoders?](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/custom-build-questions-single-board-for-adac-and-rotary-encoders/12872)

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**Author:** [@robothouseindustries](https://discourse.zynthian.org/u/robothouseindustries)\
**Replies:** 7\
**Last updated:** [March 4, 2026, 2:27pm UTC](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/custom-build-questions-single-board-for-adac-and-rotary-encoders/12872 "2026-03-04T14:27:32Z")

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Hello. So I’ve been experimenting with a zynthian build and I already had a DSI touchscreen, a pi 4, and rotary encoders, as well as a USB audio interface that I’ve decided to not use at this point. I’ve got it set up …

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## [V5 board mod, I2C troubleshooting](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/v5-board-mod-i2c-troubleshooting/12874)

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**Author:** [@crowboat](https://discourse.zynthian.org/u/crowboat)\
**Replies:** 0\
**Last updated:** [March 3, 2026, 12:56am UTC](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/v5-board-mod-i2c-troubleshooting/12874 "2026-03-03T00:56:18Z")

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I have both a v5 main and control board for my build now, but travel last year led to the FFC ports breaking and I decided to trace and make a sturdier port/cable system to try to get some more life out of the board befo…

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## [Weird situation here - where to start?](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/weird-situation-here-where-to-start/12821)

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**Author:** [@rexendevar](https://discourse.zynthian.org/u/rexendevar)\
**Replies:** 5\
**Last updated:** [March 2, 2026, 9:45am UTC](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/weird-situation-here-where-to-start/12821 "2026-03-02T09:45:16Z")

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Hi, so I only just found out about Zynthian after building most of a dawless setup centered around a raspberry pi. Now I’d like to know, can I adapt what I have into a Zynthian-based machine, or are my needs too differen…

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## [Encoder mapping for Direct I/O connection](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/encoder-mapping-for-direct-i-o-connection/4039)

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**Author:** [@wyleu](https://discourse.zynthian.org/u/wyleu)\
**Replies:** 20\
**Last updated:** [February 28, 2026, 11:35am UTC](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/encoder-mapping-for-direct-i-o-connection/4039 "2026-02-28T11:35:21Z")

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I’ve been putting some encoders on zynthian-ceed.local Which, of course, involves encoders of various sorts… Now in this case I’ve used the red circuit board and the RGB encoder. . . gpio readall is a command line…

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## [Success Cases](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/success-cases/41)

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**Author:** [@disadmin](https://discourse.zynthian.org/u/disadmin)\
**Replies:** 879\
**Last updated:** [February 25, 2026, 6:34pm UTC](https://discourse.zynthian.org/t/success-cases/41 "2026-02-25T18:34:01Z")

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If you have built a Zynthian Box, please share your experience with the community, and include some nice photos or videos! :wink:

[Next page](https://discourse.zynthian.org/c/building-zynthian/5.md?page=1)