Currently there’s only one line of firmwares available to the public, which is closed source and entirely managed by Polyend.
I would like to ask Polyend to do either one, or a combination of the following:
open source the Polyend Tracker firmware
publish Tracker hardware specifications and instructions how to interface with it
generally allow custom firmware to be build and run by users, even if it would void their warranty
What should this feature achieve?
I believe that this feature could elevate the tracker from being a fantastic product to cult-like status. An ecosystem of alternative firmware coded by the community would result in an increased community participation and loyalty to the brand and product.
There could be many more use cases, or “conversions” for the tracker, i.e. emulations of samplers from the 90s area, like E-mu, Ensoniq, Akai, or making it a standalone synthetiser. I’m sure the community would come up with tons of ideas.
Hey @callistixrs it’s been a while. Thanks for the wish.
I would like to add a couple notes to this. First of all, i would like to curb any expectations of this happening any time soon. You’ve also linked to the discussion that has been had, regarding open sourcing the firmware.
In that post i’ve also ran a poll which honestly shows that interest is rather low and thereby the work involved in open sourcing it, may not be wisely invested.
There is however another wish that exists, regarding documentation of the file formats:
I see this having better chances of happening and could be a gateway to maybe get to open source at some point.
Anyway - long story short, i’ll gladly move your wish forward, just wanted to make sure to curb any expectations
@callistixrs Thanks for your contribution. Unfortunately, we have to decline this wish.
The WISH linked by @Sandroid has the biggest chances to be granted, so I’m closing this one.
