19" Synth modules anybody?

Uncle Krunkus · Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2008 5:04 am Post subject: 19" Synth modules anybody?

I've been thinking about doing some modular synth modules, and as with my other stuff, I've been thinking I'll do it from scratch with my own design ideas etc. etc.
The thought crossed my mind, why didn't they go with 19" rack mount modules? I'm thinking all the patch sockets down the left hand side, all the controls down the right, to keep it easy to get in there and tweak stuff. If the module is a simple one, then I could put two in the one 1U rack mount.
Can anyone see any reason why this wouldn't work?

EdisonRex · Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2008 5:11 am Post subject:

That's what I'm doing. and yes, 1U for simpler modules is good. I like having all the patch cables away from the knobs. For bigger modules like the SN voice and SN controller this seems to be the best approach (IMO). The only issue for me is I have to build a shallow rack enclosure. Typical rack enclosures are about 600% too deep.

Uncle Krunkus · Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2008 6:16 am Post subject:

I've already got a big rack enclosure, (I made it deep enough to fit my MKS-30!) So I'm not worried about wasting space. I'm just thinking about building modules and wondering why I would put a rack in a rack, if you know what I mean.
Admittedly, all the SDIY stuff may end up being put in a new enclosure which is much less deep. But still, I can't see why I wouldn't make them 19" units anyway. I'm thinking about a 19" 2U PSU with meters on the front and all so I can monitor current levels.
Under all the SDIY modules I'm thinking I'll have a patchbay with the connections for all the equipment with backside sockets. These will be under the patchbay.

loss1234 · Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2008 6:18 am Post subject:

this approach does seem more intuitive to me. i am already about out of space on my first Paia frak rack and i must say i dont really want to have to fork over another 65 bucks just so i can fit a few more modules. maybe using 19" panels would keep me from this problem.

are there places that sell pre made 19" blanks?

thanks

Uncle Krunkus · Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2008 6:23 am Post subject:

Yeah, you can get them relatively easily. In 1U, 2U, 3U, 4U etc. And if need be, you can just get a nice piece of 3mm aluminium cut to size and drill some rack mount holes in it. I'd recommend a piece of angle along the back to stop flexing though, especially on a 1U.

Pehr · Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2008 6:24 am Post subject:

I've though that would be rather good too.

I know Rykhaard aso uses 19" for his modular.

http://www.damian.deathlehem.com/resources/DAMIAN-Nov2507.jpg

loss1234 · Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2008 7:54 am Post subject:

these blanks, do i look for them at a hardware store? is there a brand name or name for them?

thanks

frijitz · Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2008 8:20 am Post subject: Re: 19" Synth modules anybody?

Rykhaard · Joined: Sep 02, 2007 Posts: 1290 Location: Canada

questionable · Posted: Thu Jan 17, 2008 10:31 am Post subject:

i've been toying with doing the same thing. 1 and 2U panels. will be much easier, and i think it will look okay too.

slabman · Joined: Sep 01, 2005 Posts: 102 Location: UK

I just posted a rant on MatrixSynth along these lines. Only I was thinking to rotate 90 degrees and mount the panels vertically - knobs on top and sockets underneath. Someone mentioned that Wiard does this sort of layout (though not on 19") and I noticed that all their modules have the same number of knobs and sockets - not sure if this last point is feasible all the time though

Rykhaard · Joined: Sep 02, 2007 Posts: 1290 Location: Canada

loss1234 · Posted: Sat Jan 19, 2008 3:42 pm Post subject: source for panels

found a company that has the 3u panels for 17 bucks plus shipping. (alltronics)

i think i will order one and see if i like working in this style

http://www.alltronics.com/cgi-bin/item/19ROA525/99/5%2E25%22%2DX%2D19%22%2DRack%2DPanel

frijitz · Posted: Sat Jan 19, 2008 5:36 pm Post subject: Re: source for panels

Rykhaard · Joined: Sep 02, 2007 Posts: 1290 Location: Canada

neandrewthal · Joined: May 11, 2007 Posts: 672 Location: Canada

My local metal shop asserts that there is no such thing as "scrap aluminum" Mad

mandrigora · Joined: Jun 04, 2007 Posts: 51 Location: maryland

loss1234 · Posted: Sun Jan 20, 2008 10:38 pm Post subject:

yeah i SHOULD find a metal shop in the area but in my part of NYC its not real easy to find one without a car and i dont have a car. i sort of feel like paying the money for a pre-made panel would at least get me started until i can FIND a metal shop in the area.

HOWEVER lately i have been using plexiglass for a lot of my panels. do you think i could get away with 3U 19" panels?

thanks all

loss1234 · Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2008 6:08 am Post subject:

IAN- i checked out those panels you mentioned....CHEAP! how thin could they really be? should i risk it and order one?

thanks

questionable · Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2008 11:38 am Post subject:

for anyone interested in banging up a simple front panel layout for 1U or 2U 19" panels, I made up a little drilling template for myself. it simply has a 1 inch grid overlay on appropriately sized panels, and should make it easy to get things lined up correctly. i'm going with a 1 inch grid so that I have plenty of room for the dymo labels I'm using (it can get kind of tight with any tighter spacing.

i'm thinking in general of just using a single 1U panel for each module from here on out.

http://www.nonsilence.com/blog/2008/01/21/front-panels-for-diy-modular-synths/

questionable · Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2008 11:40 am Post subject:

and another note, it looks like raxxess is now offering clear anodized aluminum rack panels in addition to their nice brushed black surface:

http://www.raxxess.com/catalog.asp?CATID=114

Dave Kendall · Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2008 11:59 am Post subject:

RF · Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2008 12:07 pm Post subject:

neandrewthal · Joined: May 11, 2007 Posts: 672 Location: Canada

Dave Kendall · Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2008 6:40 am Post subject:

I had a similar experience to RF. The first time I did this they used the offcuts from a larger job, which were useless for anything else, as they had an occasional scratch in places. Spoke directly with the foreman, so it didn't go through "the system" and the money went in the works petty cash (or possibly straight in his pocket....) Doesn't always work out like that, but it's worth a try..... Very Happy

I guess neandrewtal was unlucky with that shop - I've had some very neat results from the local place.

(slightly OT) - For eurorack fans, the B+Q DIY chainstore has lengths of 2mm thick aluminium (raw or anodised) in widths of multiples of 5mm (pretty much 1HP for smaller panels) up to 40mm (8HP).

cheers,
Dave