# General
You can build your own custom Instruments and use them together with the PhotosynQ platform.
# Serial Connection
The custom Instrument needs to communicate using the serial protocol, either through USB or Bluetooth.
# Cloud Connection
Your custom Instrument, when following the guidelines of the Instrument API, will have access through the PhotosynQ Applications, taking advantage of the existing PhotosynQ infrastructure.
# API Key
As of now, you don't need an API Key for connecting your custom Instrument to a PhotosynQ Application.