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DriftingOtter edited this page Mar 29, 2025 · 2 revisions

Overview

Before getting started on the IEM itself, we need to first set up your development environment.

This will include the following applications:

  1. VituixCAD
  2. KiCAD
  3. AutoDesk Fusion 360
  4. FPGraphTracer
  5. Git (optional, but recommended)
  6. OpenCTM (optional)

These programs will allow us to create certain components of an IEM more efficiently and quickly.

Before installing these, let's set up our project directory.

Even though Project Resonator already has a well-structured setup, I recommend creating a separate directory for your IEM. This will serve as a backup of the original project files, preventing accidental overrides and allowing you to experiment without the risk of losing essential data.

Project Directory Setup

  1. Navigate to a suitable location on your computer (e.g., the Documents folder).

  2. Create a new directory. Naming it something like Project_Name_Year is a good practice for organization.

  3. Inside this folder, create the following subdirectories:

    • /Driver_Data
    • /Crossover_Circuit
    • /Crossover_PCB
    • /Shell_Design

These directories will store prototyping files and data, ensuring easy access when needed.

VituixCAD Installation

VituixCAD is a loudspeaker simulation program traditionally used to create crossover circuits for speakers. In our case, we will use it to visualize our driver's frequency response and other performance metrics.

For this project, I recommend using a pre-2.0.0 version of the software for ease of use. If you prefer, you can install the latest version.

To install an archived version:

  1. Go to Internet Archive's Wayback Machine.
  2. Paste https://kimmosaunisto.net/ into the search bar.
  3. Find a version before 2018/04/25, as that was the last date before version 2.0.0.
  4. Download and install the application.

KiCAD Installation

KiCAD is a schematic capture and PCB design software that we will use to design the crossover circuit.

To install KiCAD:

  1. Visit KiCAD's Website.
  2. Click the 'Download' button and follow the instructions for your OS.
  3. You will see a list of mirrors—choose any familiar or the first available one.
  4. Download and install the software.

AutoDesk Fusion 360 Installation

Fusion 360 is a CAD (Computer-Assisted Design) application used to design the IEM shell. Installation depends on your status:

Installation for Students/Academics

  1. Visit AutoDesk Education Software.
  2. Click "Download AutoDesk Fusion."
  3. Select "Student" and complete the sign-up process.
  4. Verify your student status (if required).
  5. Sign into AutoDesk and download Fusion 360 from "All Products and Services."
  6. Install and log in.

Installation for Free Trial

  1. Visit the Fusion 360 Free Trial page.
  2. Click "Download free trial."
  3. Create an AutoDesk account and follow the installation instructions.

FPGraphTracer Installation

FPGraphTracer is a tool from FPrawn Labs that helps trace frequency response (.frd) and impedance response (.zma) files from driver specification sheets.

To install FPGraphTracer:

  1. Visit FPGraphTracer Website.
  2. Scroll to "Download Now" and install the appropriate version for your OS.
  3. Refer to the basic usage guide provided on the download page.

Git Installation

Git is a version control system that tracks changes in your project, allowing you to revert to previous versions and manage different project branches.

To install Git:

  1. Visit the Git Website.
  2. Select your OS and follow the installation instructions.
  3. (Mac users) Git may require Homebrew; install it from Homebrew's Website if needed.

OpenCTM Installation

OpenCTM is a compression format for 3D geometry, used to reduce the size of .stl CAD files before committing them to Git.

To install OpenCTM:

  1. Visit the OpenCTM Download Page.
  2. Click the green "Download" button.
  3. Install the program as usual.

Summary

With these tools installed, we are now equipped to efficiently develop IEMs:

  • FPGraphTracer helps us trace frequency and impedance response data.
  • VituixCAD allows us to design crossover circuits.
  • KiCAD enables us to create PCB layouts for manufacturing.
  • Fusion 360 is used to design custom IEM shells.

From here, we move on to driver selection, where we will explore different types of IEM drivers, their advantages, and common configurations used by manufacturers.

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