Before you start

So... you have decided to build your own SMuFF, eh?

Well then, let me tell you a few things before you start.

You need skills!

I've stressed this topic so many times and I'll do it once again. This project indeed is challenging. Make sure you have the skills needed to build your SMuFF. You're supposed to know:

If you're lacking in one or two of these skills, look out for a friend to help you. Also, there's nothing wrong with learning new skills but you may consider starting with something less complex and gain as much experience as possible.

With a lack of fundamental skills you'll end up in frustration and loss of money. You don't want to make this experience, do you?

Study the documents and tutorials

I've put a lot of my time and knowledge about this project into the documents and tutorials. Use them. If something seems unclear, watch / read over and over again. Try breaking down the problem into small pieces.

If it's still unclear, use the Discord channels to ask.

Nobody's perfect, neither am I. 

Some things that appear pretty obvious to me, may not appear obvious to you. Try explaining in detail what your problem is, so its easier for me (or others who went down this path before) to explain and help.

Rely on quality parts

There's a lot of stuff out there in the wild. Some stuff is cheaper than others, some is better than others. More expensive doesn't automatically mean it's better!

Watch out for recommendations and reviews from others or ask your friends who have more experience. 

Be aware you're working on a project

There's a very clear distinction between a project and a product. A product is expected to be mature and something that's ready to use. A project isn't. It's something that you build as you go.

There will be setbacks and frustration, but also an inner satisfaction when everything works as you expected it to.

If you experience setbacks, calm down, take a break, do something different. Take your time and try to figure out what went wrong. Then, when you're relaxed enough, get back and try it again.

Always keep in mind: The SMuFF wasn't built in just one day! 

(Coincidentally, they say the same about Rome - funny, eh?)

Testing, testing, testing

Testing the device you've built is key. That's why I baked automated testing into the firmware. Use it! 

Watch the device while testing. Check what it's doing and whether or not it feels ok what it's doing. 

Tests usually take place under repeatable conditions. Only with repeatable conditions you'll be able to tell what's the cause for a problem.