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New structure, final safety article and pics
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README.md

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@@ -4,6 +4,8 @@ Welcome to the official MICRORACK documentation. MICRORACK is the most accessibl
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## Quick Start
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<!-- todo: use styled tiles with links to sections for each part of the docs -->
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New to MICRORACK? Start here:
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1. **[System Setup](setup/)** — Unbox, power up, and make your first sound
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---
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## Open Platform
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MICRORACK is an open platform. Any enthusiast or brand can create and distribute compatible modules and accessories.
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- **Specification License:** [CERN Open Hardware Licence (CERN-OHL-W)](https://specs.microrack.org/LICENSE.md)
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- **Contribute:** Submit modules, documentation improvements, or community designs via GitHub
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---
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## Resources
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| Resource | Link |
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## Open Platform
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MICRORACK is an open platform. Any enthusiast or brand can create and distribute compatible modules.
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- **Specification License:** [CERN Open Hardware Licence (CERN-OHL-W)](https://specs.microrack.org/LICENSE.md)
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- **Contribute:** Submit modules, documentation improvements, or community designs via GitHub
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---
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*Built with ❤️ by the MICRORACK team and community.*
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*Built with ❤️ by the MICRORACK Team.*
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setup/10-safety/README.md

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# Safety & Orientation
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# Safe Usage Guidelines
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MICRORACK is designed to be a safe and robust platform for experimentation. Following a few simple rules will ensure your modules live a long and happy life.
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MICRORACK is designed to be open but safe and robust platform for hacking and experimentation. Following a few simple rules and recommendations below will ensure that your modules live a long and happy life.
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## The "Look for the Notch" Rule
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## Modules alignment
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Every MICRORACK module has a distinct **triangular cutout (notch)** at the bottom of the PCB. This is your orientation guide.
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Every MICRORACK module has a distinct **triangular cutout (notch)** on the PCB. It helps to orientate modules and properly place them on your breadboard with **notch at the bottom**.
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| Correct | Incorrect |
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|---------|-----------|
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| Notch at **bottom** | Notch at top |
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| Power pins align with rails | Module won't work |
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| Module functions normally | No damage, just no function |
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![Cutout orientation example](cutouts.png)
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### How to Check
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1. Hold the module with the components facing you
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2. Look for the triangular notch (60 mil / 1.52mm deep)
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3. The notch should point toward the **bottom** of your breadboard (usually the side closest to you)
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4. Insert the module so the power pins seat firmly in the power rails
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> **FYI:** If you accidentally plug a module in backwards, don't panic! MICRORACK modules include **reverse polarity protection** — they simply won't work until you flip them around. No smoke, no damage.
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> **FYI:** All MICRORACK modules polarities are protected, so if you accidentally plug a module in backwards — they simply won't work until you align power rails properly.
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## Electrical Safety
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### Voltage Levels
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MICRORACK operates on low voltage (±12V, +5V DC). It is safe to touch the modules while powered.
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![Touch safety](touch.png)
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| Safety Aspect | Status |
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|---------------|--------|
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| Shock hazard | ✅ None (low voltage) |
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| Module touch-safe | ✅ Yes |
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| Reverse insertion | ✅ Protected |
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MICRORACK operates on low voltage (±12V, +5V DC). It is safe to touch the modules while powered. Some modules are even designed to be touched intentionally. However, please follow these guidelines:
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### Avoid Short Circuits
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- Don't drop metal objects (loose wires, paperclips) onto the powered breadboard
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- This can short the power rails and potentially damage your power supply
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- If you hear a "pop" or see smoke, disconnect power immediately
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![Safety donts](donts.png)
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- It's not recommended to use modules without a breadboard, expose bottom pins and components while powered
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- Don't drop or put metal objects (exposed or loose wires, paperclips, etc.) onto the powered breadboard
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- Keep liquids away from the breadboard and modules
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> ⚠️**Warning:** If you spill water on the device, smell or see smoke, disconnect power immediately!
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### Hot-Swapping
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While MICRORACK modules are designed to tolerate hot-swapping:
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While MICRORACK modules are designed to tolerate hot-swapping **the best practice** is to power off your setup before rearranging.
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**It is fine** to carefully insert or remove modules while everything is powered on but requires an extra bit of caution.
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| Approach | Recommendation |
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|----------|----------------|
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| **Best practice** | Power off before adding/removing modules |
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| **Acceptable** | Careful insertion with power on |
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| **Avoid** | Rapid or careless module swapping while powered |
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![Careful insertion](insert.png)
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> **Why?** Hot-swapping can cause brief voltage transients. Modules are protected, but powering off first is always safer.
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Entangled wires can accidentally pull other modules, so **it's better** to avoid swapping modules while they are patched.
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## Handling Modules
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For hot-swap **we recommend** to turn the volume off and disconnect the patch wires from the module before you remove it on the fly.
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It is also **advisable to avoid** swapping I/O modules while they are directly connected to other sensitive devices (headphones, speakers, microphones, recorders, midi-devices, mixers, audio interfaces).
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> **Why:** Hot-swapping can cause brief signal spikes and transients while your other equipment might be sensitive to it. We cannot protect your external devices or records from incorrect usage so its recommended to lower the volume, unpatch or even power off first.
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## Handling
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### Pin Headers
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- The male pin headers on the underside are robust but can bend
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- If pins get bent, gently straighten them with needle-nose pliers
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- Avoid forcing bent pins into the breadboard
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The **male pin headers** on the PCBs are robust and durable, but they can sometimes bend. You can notice it if a module or wire does not fit properly.
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> **Do not use force:** If you feel resistance while inserting cable or module please avoid forced connection or pushing bent pins into the breadboard!
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![Bent pins](bent.png)
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Its easy to just carefully straighten the pins yourself, with pliers or a simple flat screwdriver.
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### Connections
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All modules use same standard 0.1" (2.54mm) pitch male headers while cables have female connectors.
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We provide compatible wire sets with each kit. These include silicon patch wires, alligator clips and jumpers.
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![Connections](coonnections.png)
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You can use standard Eurorack patch cables, instrument Jacks and MIDI connections as well, just ensure stable module and breadboard mounting, especially with bigger or heavier connectors.
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> **Tip:** It's a good practice to reset values of the knobs on the module before patching to avoid unexpected spikes or sounds during performance or recording.
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### Static Electricity
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Like all electronics, modules can be sensitive to static discharge:
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Like all electronics, modules can be sensitive to static discharge so its recommended to touch a grounded metal object before handling modules (especially in dry environments).
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- Touch a grounded metal object before handling modules (especially in dry environments)
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- Store modules in anti-static bags when not in use
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- Store modules in non-conductive container when not in use
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- Avoid handling modules on carpet or synthetic surfaces
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## Quick Safety Checklist
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### Cleaning
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**Use plastic brush** to remove dust from the modules. For heavy cleaning, you can apply IPA (Isopropyl Alcohol) to the brush.
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**Avoid washing buttons and potentiometers** with IPA. It can cause issues with their contact surfaces.
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Avoid using cotton, liquids other than IPA, tools or abrasive materials that could damage or corrode the PCB or components.
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### Storage
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When not in use, store modules enclosed, in a dry, dust-free environment. Use anti-static bags, boxes with foam inserts, or plastic containers to protect the device.
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## Quick Checklist
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Before powering on:
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- ☐ All modules inserted with **notch at bottom**
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- ☐ Power Module firmly seated in power rails
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- ☐ Volume turned down on Output Module
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- ☐ No loose wires or metal objects on the breadboard
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- ☐ Power supply connected and correct polarity
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- ☐ Power supply has correct interface (Type-C or DC Jack), voltage rating (5V-12V) and polarity (Center-Positive)
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## Still Unsure?
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If you're worried about a specific connection or orientation:
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If you're worried about a specific feature or usage scenario, please don't hesitate to:
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- **Post a photo:** [Forum Safety Section](https://forum.microrack.org/c/support) — get quick confirmation from experienced users
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- **Check the specs:** [Mechanical Specification](https://specs.microrack.org/mechanical/) for detailed diagrams
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- **Post a question:** [Forum Support Thread](https://forum.microrack.org/c/support) — get quick confirmation from experienced users or the team
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- **Check the Specs:** [Mechanical Specification](https://specs.microrack.org/) for description of power, size and connection standards
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- **Modules List:** [List of Compatible Modules](https://modules.microrack.org/) for info on each compatible module and its features

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setup/20-powering-up/README.md

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