Prepare the system card and perform a sound check
7 steps
Identify Pi and codec revisions
Record the Pi model and the shield revision. The 211028 and later shield uses the CS4271 codec; earlier shields use CS4270.
Check: The system-image choice is based on the actual board markings.
Companion guide, source references and reuse license
Download the matching shield image
Use the release link in the official shield guide and choose the Pi 3 or Pi 4 image with the correct codec. Unpack the image archive.
Check: The selected file is a shield image for this Pi/codec combination.
Write and verify the microSD card
Back up the card, then select it carefully in the image writer. Write the unpacked image and allow verification to complete before ejecting.
Check: The correct card is written and verified without disturbing another storage device.
Fit the card and connect audio
With power disconnected, insert the card. Connect the shield audio output, identified by its output arrow; the Pi headphone and HDMI outputs are not the shield audio path.
Check: Monitoring uses the shield output rather than an unused Pi connector.
Boot with the proper power supply
Connect the power supply appropriate to the installed Pi. Watch for the startup animation and home screen while keeping monitor volume low.
Check: The screen boots without repeated restarts or obvious undervoltage symptoms.
Check the startup instrument
Use the official play guide to start or inspect the supplied instrument. Test the encoders and keys, then bring up monitor volume cautiously.
Check: Controls respond and audio reaches the connected output.
Shut down through the menu
Return HOME, select SLEEP, confirm with K3, and wait for the Pi activity light to stop before removing power. Plan filesystem expansion using the official guide after the initial check.
Check: The unit shuts down cleanly rather than losing power during card activity.
Project credit: monome / Brian Crabtree; enclosure contributors including JHC. Guide reuse: GPL-3.0. Upstream reference. Prepared with AI assistance for a TwinWorks-managed contributor; no physical build/test is claimed.
