Klangstrom applications can be run on different platforms. currently there are two active platforms1:

  • MCU :: applications run on microcontrollers (MCU)
  • DESKTOP :: applications run on desktop computers

a platform can be selected under Tools > Board > Klangstrom (…).

Platform MCU

the MCU platform supports different types of microcontrollers. currently it only supports the STM32-based KLST_TINY board2. the family of STM32-based microcontrollers can be selected under Tools > Board > Klangstrom (MCU) > Klangstrom (STM32).

Board KLST_TINY

the board can be selected under Tools > Board part number > KLST_TINY(STM32F446RE). once selected there are two different upload options available:

  • DFU
  • SWD

the upload method can be selected under Tools > Upload Method > STM32CubeProgrammer (…).

Upload Method DFU

the Device Firmware Update (DFU) mode allows the board to be programmed via the USB connector labeled DEVICE+PWR. in order to do so the board first needs to be set to DFU mode. the standard way to achieved this is by pressing the button on the back of the board labeled PRG. once the button is pressed all three LEDs start flashing in a pattern for a few seconds. now the board is in DFU mode.

the board can be programmed via Sketch > Upload.

if the LEDs did not flash in a pattern or the programming fails, it is likely that the board did not enter DFU mode. the reason for this is usually that the MCU has crashed. in order to recover the board DFU mode must be entered manually. this can be achieve by pressing + holding down the BOOT button, then pressing + releasing the RESET button and then releasing the BOOT button again ( it takes a bit of practice because the buttons are so small). if the procedure was executed correctly the board is now in DFU mode.

Upload Method SWD

the SWD mode allows the board to be programmed via an external ST-LINK programmer ( e.g STLINK-V3MINI ). the programmer can be connected to the board via the connector labeled SWD.

the main benefit of this option is that it does not required to press a button prior to uploading an application. this option also becomes particularly useful when wanting to use the USB port for other applications ( e.g USB HID or USB MIDI ).

Platform DESKTOP

the DESKTOP platform allows to run Klangstrom applications in a desktop computer simulator. it can be selected under Tools > Board > Klangstrom (DESKTOP) > Klangstrom (SDL).

  1. there is a third platform VCV Rack which runs applications as a module in the VCV Rack environment. this platform will be released in the future. ↩

  2. the KLST_CORE board has already been produced and will be released in the near future. ↩