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hackbox
Joined: Jul 27, 2007 Posts: 134 Location: Australia
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Posted: Wed Jan 30, 2008 3:27 am Post subject:
HackBox's Hack of a Box! Subject description: Aye, tis a fine barn, but 't ain't no swimming pool |
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All right guys no "nice box" comments unless you're being sincerely sarcastic
Guys I seriously need a garage and some manly tools and maybe some carpentry skills but here tis my lazy mans crap box.
All I own is a Mitre and a saw.
The Plate holes had to be drilled by hand because my drill hasn't got "get up n go"
Most of the PCB's are dressed and waiting for a few bits from futurlec. to finish off before mounting.
I'll probably mount the PCBs to a sheet of aluminium(left over from a totally bollocked up project) via some spacers and screws.
I've got part of it working with most of the boards being of Rays design.
1 x VCO
1 x ADSR
1 x Dual VCA
1 x 12 db dilter
1 x 24 db filter
1 x Phaser
1 x Noise cornucopia
1 x autopanner
1 x S&H
1 x VC LFO
2 x home made splitters
1 x ken Stone ring Mod
1 x accutronics reverb w/champ preamp and amp package(silicon chip/jaycar)
Might pop a couple of Ken stones band pass filters in there if I have any room left.
_________________ My DIY and Instrument addiction blog.
http://theawesomepowerofrockets.blogspot.com Last edited by hackbox on Fri Feb 08, 2008 7:47 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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a.b.o.z.
Joined: Feb 07, 2007 Posts: 351 Location: Zagreb, Croatia
Audio files: 7
G2 patch files: 4
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Posted: Wed Jan 30, 2008 3:56 am Post subject:
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nice case.
I'm planing on something like that.
Nice job. |
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hackbox
Joined: Jul 27, 2007 Posts: 134 Location: Australia
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Posted: Wed Jan 30, 2008 4:04 am Post subject:
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it looks a lot worse in person....
didn't realize that soft lighting works on news presenters and dodgy carpentry alike!
Heh.
seriously though.... I made it with junk laying about the house. _________________ My DIY and Instrument addiction blog.
http://theawesomepowerofrockets.blogspot.com |
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RF
Joined: Mar 23, 2007 Posts: 1502 Location: Northern Minnesota, USA
Audio files: 28
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Posted: Wed Jan 30, 2008 5:31 am Post subject:
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Aptly named, HackBox
Hey - seriously, congrats on getting the boards done and in a funtional case.
You can always change the mounting later if you decide you want to. I went back and changed my mounting method after about a dozen modules were complete and in the box.
Have fun and make some music!
Make more VCO'S!
bruce |
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Danno Gee Ray
Joined: Sep 25, 2005 Posts: 1351 Location: Telford, PA USA
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Posted: Wed Jan 30, 2008 6:07 am Post subject:
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Well done! Looks aint everything, and I bet a "better" looking enclosure wouldn't make it sound any better. Have fun with it. Don't be so down on yourself. I have seen much worse. |
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mark_olson
Joined: Oct 26, 2006 Posts: 177 Location: Lawrence, Kansas
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Posted: Wed Jan 30, 2008 7:44 am Post subject:
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I think this case is very cool and I think it has an impressive set of modules in it too. This case has balls and it leaves no doubt that your priority is getting on with it and making some sounds.
DIY obviously allows for a wide range of aesthetic positions regarding cosmetics. I've heard some DIYers say it *should not* look perfect as a matter of principle. I see some of the stuff that guys like Fonik do and I can only dream.
FWIW, I draw the line at duct tape
Mark |
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hackbox
Joined: Jul 27, 2007 Posts: 134 Location: Australia
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Posted: Wed Jan 30, 2008 12:08 pm Post subject:
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Hey thanks guys.
I know its not a guitar so its only $5 pine from up the road.
My only gripe really is that when I was attaching the angled bit at the back the accursed thing moved a little. Need to sort out some sort of clamping method to do it right.
I've had the PCB's sitting there for about 10 months half done.
Built and rebuilt a soundlab as well as building one for someone else.
done a bunch of circuit bends and built some junk.
This case is maybe version 3 as I originally made the one in my profile pic, then miscalculated the inside dimensions of a rackmount when drilling... damn waste of $50 then went on to and Ikea rast with these panels.
Its actually pretty sturdy. Couldn't sleep last night from thinking how it cold be improved.... _________________ My DIY and Instrument addiction blog.
http://theawesomepowerofrockets.blogspot.com |
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toybox
Joined: Aug 03, 2005 Posts: 176 Location: chicago/peru,illinois usa
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Uncle Krunkus
Moderator
Joined: Jul 11, 2005 Posts: 4761 Location: Sydney, Australia
Audio files: 52
G2 patch files: 1
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Posted: Wed Jan 30, 2008 5:42 pm Post subject:
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Looks great to me!
How do I get hold of an "accutronics reverb"? _________________ What makes a space ours, is what we put there, and what we do there. |
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Pehr
Joined: Aug 14, 2005 Posts: 1307 Location: Björkvik, Sweden
Audio files: 2
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hackbox
Joined: Jul 27, 2007 Posts: 134 Location: Australia
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Posted: Wed Jan 30, 2008 11:50 pm Post subject:
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Pehr wrote: | Very nice!
It looks almost like a MiniMoog, but without the keys
But how do you fit all these modules in there?
Btw, the DYMO rules. |
Ahh there lies a little problem....
heh.
Need to make the case a smidge bigger(working on it now).
What you see in the photos essentially is just the frame(70mm).
I'm putting larger (90mm) pieces of timber around it so theres a lip of wood around the panels about 8mm(panels are 2mm thick) deep and protruding from the bottom about 10mm.
The PCBs are probably going to be attached to every available surface.
Mostly on the bottom, but on the back too.
The rear section will be more flat looking and less funky....
I am trying to keep the shape at the back as much as possible.
Doing this carpentry job is a nice break from circuits.
Way more messy though.
As for dymo... well the old clicky one is a bit broken so I bought a fancy New one today that does nice clear labels with black print.
It doesn't interfere with the brushed aluminium look as much _________________ My DIY and Instrument addiction blog.
http://theawesomepowerofrockets.blogspot.com |
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hackbox
Joined: Jul 27, 2007 Posts: 134 Location: Australia
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Posted: Thu Jan 31, 2008 12:31 pm Post subject:
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Here's a bit of an update.
I am actually reasonably happy with this one.
When i put it on my pench it doesn't seem 100% square, but then my benck is from ikea and my floor is warped as well.
Now it also comes to my attention that I seem to have forgotten about the reverb tank.... dunno if I'll squeeze that sucker in there or not.
Its not as wide as the rack panels, but I need the space for a PSU board etc.... Oh and I have no idea what to do about the bottom either...The timber I have on hand is rather thick and makes the overall case weight go up considerably.
At home I like the idea of upright, but live.... well... I think this one's going to be console style. _________________ My DIY and Instrument addiction blog.
http://theawesomepowerofrockets.blogspot.com |
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RF
Joined: Mar 23, 2007 Posts: 1502 Location: Northern Minnesota, USA
Audio files: 28
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Posted: Thu Jan 31, 2008 5:17 pm Post subject:
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hackbox wrote: | Oh and I have no idea what to do about the bottom either...The timber I have on hand is rather thick and makes the overall case weight go up considerably.
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"Masonite" - it's a thin, dark brown fiberboard - works well for bottoms or backs of cases.
(Although it won't take much of a load, or hold screws very well - and might be difficult for you to cut to size without a table saw.)
A table saw is a manly tool you should get, hackbox
It really makes cases a lot easier - and square.
I also use mine to cut up to 1/8 inch aluminum for my panels...
BTW - I use the clear Dymo with Black ink on my brushed aluminum, too.
Lookin good!
bruce |
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hackbox
Joined: Jul 27, 2007 Posts: 134 Location: Australia
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Posted: Thu Jan 31, 2008 10:18 pm Post subject:
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RF wrote: | hackbox wrote: | Oh and I have no idea what to do about the bottom either...The timber I have on hand is rather thick and makes the overall case weight go up considerably.
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"Masonite" - it's a thin, dark brown fiberboard - works well for bottoms or backs of cases.
(Although it won't take much of a load, or hold screws very well - and might be difficult for you to cut to size without a table saw.)
A table saw is a manly tool you should get, hackbox
It really makes cases a lot easier - and square.
I also use mine to cut up to 1/8 inch aluminum for my panels...
BTW - I use the clear Dymo with Black ink on my brushed aluminum, too.
Lookin good!
bruce |
Oh I remember masonite from childhood n breaking things....
the local hardware place cuts to order, so I'm thinking about going with 10mm plywood or MDF whatever they have on hand really.
I need a better paying job so I can buy a house with a garage. Then I can get the manly implements that go along with being a DIY Garage owner _________________ My DIY and Instrument addiction blog.
http://theawesomepowerofrockets.blogspot.com |
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hackbox
Joined: Jul 27, 2007 Posts: 134 Location: Australia
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Posted: Fri Feb 01, 2008 2:52 pm Post subject:
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Well here's what its going to look like when I'm done.
I got the guys up the road at the local hardware store to cut a
485 x 280mm x 6mm slab of plywood. But guess what?
They cut it a: not square b: 10mm too large on one side....
I ended up having to trim it once I got home, which was no big deal really, but I think that if you ask for a 280mm cut you should get a 280mm cut!
I stained it roughly last night and there was an almighty stink in the house!
_________________ My DIY and Instrument addiction blog.
http://theawesomepowerofrockets.blogspot.com |
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hackbox
Joined: Jul 27, 2007 Posts: 134 Location: Australia
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Posted: Fri Feb 01, 2008 7:27 pm Post subject:
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I pulled the guts out of it and am going to rewire the entire thing from scratch.
As you can see, I've arranged the PCB's on an aluminium plate.
This is how I intend to mount the majority of circuitry. I've got a 12db filter in the mail and one of the Wall wart adapters to put in there too.
I'm hoping to mount the last 2 on the walls of the cabinet, but might have to make it a "multi story" sort of deal over the main PCB collection. They'll all be up on spacers so nice n safe
I managed to squeeze the reverb tank in the back. When all the jacks are in there's about a thumbs width of space free behind them.
The thought of all that panel wiring gives me the heebies. Heh. Its gotta be done though!
I really want to finish this one in the next 4 weeks.
_________________ My DIY and Instrument addiction blog.
http://theawesomepowerofrockets.blogspot.com |
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RF
Joined: Mar 23, 2007 Posts: 1502 Location: Northern Minnesota, USA
Audio files: 28
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Posted: Fri Feb 01, 2008 8:28 pm Post subject:
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hackbox -
You are redeeming this case nicely! That's gonna look great.
Every time I stain I hear about it from my wife for the next three days...minimum. But sometimes you just have to endure for the greater good.
bruce |
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Pehr
Joined: Aug 14, 2005 Posts: 1307 Location: Björkvik, Sweden
Audio files: 2
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hackbox
Joined: Jul 27, 2007 Posts: 134 Location: Australia
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Posted: Sat Feb 02, 2008 2:19 pm Post subject:
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Pehr wrote: | Very nice! I like the darker wood against the aluminium.
And a reverb tank too! What reverb circuit do you use? |
At the moment I am using these:
The Champ
The Pre Champ
They're ok but the preamp is pretty noisy.
The accutronics tank doesn't require much on the input, but its at the output where things get a little hissy. On this I'd love some advice to improve the signal to noise ratio.
Basically I have it setup as 1/4w amp > Reverb > Pre Amp.
I'm sure theres a better solution, but I had these little circuits on hand from some project I've forgotten about.
I'll be making all my projects in that colour from now on.
Sure its $5 pine, but walnut stain is good enough for me. Its not a guitar so "tone" matters little _________________ My DIY and Instrument addiction blog.
http://theawesomepowerofrockets.blogspot.com |
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Uncle Krunkus
Moderator
Joined: Jul 11, 2005 Posts: 4761 Location: Sydney, Australia
Audio files: 52
G2 patch files: 1
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Posted: Sat Feb 02, 2008 9:27 pm Post subject:
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Oh, you'd be surprised just how much the resonance of the enclosure effects the overall warmth and clarity of a synthesisers sound. Another, often overlooked, consideration is how the knob material can impede the throw of the pulse width. Not to mention the unwarranted phase dispersal which can creep into poorly aligned sockets. _________________ What makes a space ours, is what we put there, and what we do there. |
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hackbox
Joined: Jul 27, 2007 Posts: 134 Location: Australia
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Posted: Sat Feb 02, 2008 9:36 pm Post subject:
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Uncle Krunkus wrote: | Oh, you'd be surprised just how much the resonance of the enclosure effects the overall warmth and clarity of a synthesisers sound. Another, often overlooked, consideration is how the knob material can impede the throw of the pulse width. Not to mention the unwarranted phase dispersal which can creep into poorly aligned sockets. |
I'm stunned!
Well this is an interesting one eh?
I'd have thought the dimensions of the box could potentially alter phase relationships, but he type of wood? Hmm...
I wonder what effect playing a synth on another planet would do?
Would the magnetosphere react on it differently ect... ?
Hanging out near Jupiter would probably introduce a few issues I imagine _________________ My DIY and Instrument addiction blog.
http://theawesomepowerofrockets.blogspot.com |
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hackbox
Joined: Jul 27, 2007 Posts: 134 Location: Australia
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Posted: Fri Feb 29, 2008 3:30 pm Post subject:
Not so Noisy Reverb circuit? |
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As mentioned above I've got an accutronics reverb tank in there.
I have been using a couple of cheap and rather jaycar amp/preamp combo's to do the job.
Trouble is on the output its really hissy.
I Don't mind a bit of noise, but this is getting into Electro Harmonix Flanger territory. Something that I don't want.
Any ideas?
By the way this modular is still sitting in pieces...
Built a soundlab for a friend and rebuilt mine, then started working on pedals that worked on the bench until I put 'em in and enclosure! _________________ My DIY and Instrument addiction blog.
http://theawesomepowerofrockets.blogspot.com |
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Mr Swirling Vortex Man
Joined: Jun 13, 2006 Posts: 23 Location: Australia
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Posted: Wed Mar 05, 2008 10:51 pm Post subject:
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Hey hack, you're a braver man than I when it comes to woodwork!
I've recently purchased:
http://www.ikea.com/au/en/catalog/products/44361109
Got mine from the Melbourne, Australia store.
Someone else on another forum was kind enough to introduce me to the Ikea RAST table. It's the correct width to mount standard 19" rack equipment inside it. I'm planning on putting in some rack rails (I was lucky enough to find some of these discarded recently) and then mounting some blank rack panels which I will use for front panels of my DIY modules.
I'm pretty sure I've seen a number of Reverb preamp/output amp circuits over the years. They might be better than the ones you're using. Perhaps even take a look at the circuit on the Paia website for their reverb? |
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hackbox
Joined: Jul 27, 2007 Posts: 134 Location: Australia
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Posted: Wed Mar 05, 2008 11:24 pm Post subject:
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Mr Swirling Vortex Man wrote: | Hey hack, you're a braver man than I when it comes to woodwork!
I've recently purchased:
http://www.ikea.com/au/en/catalog/products/44361109
Got mine from the Melbourne, Australia store.
Someone else on another forum was kind enough to introduce me to the Ikea RAST table. It's the correct width to mount standard 19" rack equipment inside it. I'm planning on putting in some rack rails (I was lucky enough to find some of these discarded recently) and then mounting some blank rack panels which I will use for front panels of my DIY modules.
I'm pretty sure I've seen a number of Reverb preamp/output amp circuits over the years. They might be better than the ones you're using. Perhaps even take a look at the circuit on the Paia website for their reverb? |
Coincidence with the old rast there.
The Modular was originally mounted in one.
Unfortunately with the panels I chose I got a bit of a gap.
Personally the cab was too big for me, so its now being used to house all my electronics bits n bobs.
Well not even nearly all... but you get the idea.
Checked out these briefly:
http://www.freeinfosociety.com/electronics/schemview.php?id=876
http://solorb.com/elect/musiccirc/reverb2/
http://sound.westhost.com/project34.htm
None seem too hard really.
But I've pedals to sort out first.
so very tired. _________________ My DIY and Instrument addiction blog.
http://theawesomepowerofrockets.blogspot.com |
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v-un-v
Janitor
Joined: May 16, 2005 Posts: 8933 Location: Birmingham, England, UK
Audio files: 11
G2 patch files: 1
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Posted: Thu Mar 06, 2008 5:22 am Post subject:
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The hole drilling may be poor (drilling holes is a fine art anyway), but the controls vs I/O layout imo is first class IMHO! The fact that you have the controls directly facing you and the jacks facing upwards makes this design one of the best I've seen in a while!
Anyway, you can always rebuild the case at a later date, with better front panels, and of course the beauty of this first design and build is that because the initial out lay was cheap, you will have learnt what the best way to layout the controls are (without sounding too condescending- as it's not supposed to be )
Tom _________________ ACHTUNG!
ALLES TURISTEN UND NONTEKNISCHEN LOOKENPEEPERS!
DAS KOMPUTERMASCHINE IST NICHT FÜR DER GEFINGERPOKEN UND MITTENGRABEN! ODERWISE IST EASY TO SCHNAPPEN DER SPRINGENWERK, BLOWENFUSEN UND POPPENCORKEN MIT SPITZENSPARKSEN.
IST NICHT FÜR GEWERKEN BEI DUMMKOPFEN. DER RUBBERNECKEN SIGHTSEEREN KEEPEN DAS COTTONPICKEN HÄNDER IN DAS POCKETS MUSS.
ZO RELAXEN UND WATSCHEN DER BLINKENLICHTEN. |
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