⚠️ This guide is for DIY builders and tinkerers. Pirate MIDI sells fully assembled units, but as part of our open-source commitment, we’re making this construction guide available for personal and non-commercial builds.
Each variant of the Polar controller shares common elements. Below are general tools and materials you'll need.
- Soldering iron + solder
- Screwdriver set
- Heat-set insert tool or soldering iron with insert tip
- Flush cutters (for preparing wires)
- 3D printer (for enclosure) or printed parts
- Acrylic glue or double-sided tape (for protective overlay)
- JST crimping tool (if not using pre-crimped JST leads)
- 📐 3D Enclosure Models: Polar Pico, Polar Mini, Polar Plus, Polar Max
- ⚡ Schematic & PCB Layout: Polar Pico, Polar Mini, Polar Plus, Polar Max
- 📄 Firmware Source Code
- 📦 Buy Pre-Assembled Units
- 📦 Buy Waveshare ESP32 Boards
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Custom PCB | Input & power designed for each variant |
| Waveshare Board | ESP32-S3 Variants (main brain) |
| 3D Printed Enclosure | STL provided; print in PLA or PETG (preferred) |
| Heat-Set Inserts | Brass M3 |
| M3 & M2 Screws | Machine Thread (not tapping) |
| JST Connector | For PCB to Waveshare connection |
| Acrylic Overlay (optional) | Laser-cut, protective top panel |
Each variant has its own steps below. If you're unsure which variant you're building, check the product comparison table on our website.
Minimalist version – ideal for under-board use.
📺 Polar Pico Assembly Video Guide COMING SOON!
- 1x Polar Pico PCB
- 1x Waveshare ESP32-S3 Zero
- 1x 3D printed enclosure
- 4x M3x4mmx5mm Heat-set Inserts
- 4x M3x7mm screws
- 1x JST-SH 12-pin Dual-Male Cable
- Optional: Acrylic Protective Overlay
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Solder Waveshare headers to PCB
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Heat-insert brass M3 inserts into 3D printed enclosure
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Mount PCB and Waveshare into enclosure and secure with screws
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(Optional) Apply acrylic overlay using adhesive or standoffs.
Screen-only version for visual feedback in tight spaces.
📺 Polar Mini Assembly Video Guide COMING SOON!
- 1x Polar Mini PCB
- 1x Waveshare ESP32-S3 1.69
- 1x 3D printed enclosure
- 4x M3x4mmx5mm Heat-set Inserts
- 4x M3x7mm screws
- 1x JST-SH 12-pin Dual-Male Cable
- Optional: Acrylic Protective Overlay
(Same general steps as Pico, with attention to screen alignment)
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Connect PCB to Waveshare 1.69 module with JST cable
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Heat-insert brass M3 inserts into 3D printed enclosure
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Mount PCB and Screen into enclosures with care to align screen
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Close enlclosure with screws
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(Optional) Apply acrylic overlay using adhesive or standoffs.
📺 Polar Plus Assembly Video Guide COMING SOON!
This version includes two footswitches for changing presets or other toggles.
- 2x Momentary, Normally Open (NO) footswitches
- Wiring for switches
- Solder wires to footswitches
- Insert footswitches in enclosure and fasten
- Solder footswitch wires onto PCB
- Attach screen and MCU as per Mini
- Secure all components into enclosure
- (Optional) Apply acrylic overlay
The flagship controller with touchscreen and full ToneX One editing onboard.
📺 Polar Max Assembly Video Guide
- 1x Waveshare 4.3b Touchscreen Module
- 2x Momenatry Normally-Open (NO) Footswitches
- 1x JST-SH 12-pin connector with ferrules or open wires on other end
- Install heat-set inserts
- Solder wires to footswitches
- Install footswitches into enclosure
- Secure display into 3D printed housing
- Fasten PCB to bottom plate of enclosure
- Connect PCB and Waveshare with JST to Ferrules wire harness - See circuit diagram for details
- Connect footswitches to PCB
- Close enclosure and fasten with screws
- (Optional) Install overlay or protective cover
To install the firmware, follow the instructions found on the original project page here.
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Power via USB or 9V 2.1mm center-negative barrel jack
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Connect to Web Configurator
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Test MIDI input and screen functionality.
⚠️ Wired MIDI needs to be activated in the web configurator -
Confirm footswitch response. (if applicable)
- If the 9v Power or MIDI input doesn't work, double-check the JST pinout or your manual wiring if you didn't use JST.
- Waveshare boards may not have factory firmware. Flash firmware before deciding your unit is "dead".
- Over-tightening screws can crack the enclosure. Don’t overdo it.
- If you have a construction issue, you can contact us in our Discord Server (Polar Channel), or on the original open source project discussion tab.
Found an error in these instructions? Feel free to submit a pull request!
This project is licensed under the MIT License. Commercial resale of DIY units is not permitted under our license.