My first module "rack style"

[Gilles C]

I didn't want to hijack Mikey's thread, so I started a new one to show that he did really inspired me to start mine...

That's all I have right now, but I needed something to start.

This module is an Headphone Amp. I am not sure if I will add the Volume Control on this module or on the one that will be beside it, a Mixer or a Preamp. I am still not decided. That's why the input wire is longer than needed. It could go to the other module from the inside. I also have to build the frame before I know where to drill the holes for the screws in the plates.

The upper jack is the Heaphone Jack, and the lower one is the Input... for now. I also used 2 different Neutrik jacks to see which one will look better. The winner will stay. The pictures don't show the jacks too well. The bottom one is supposed to be chromed...

Here it is:





A couple more modules, and I will begin the frame for the box.

Gilles

[mikey]

I dont know how you've decided to patch your effects together but if you do like I did using jacks I'd suggest you try and use normalled jacks and forgo the need for patch cables.  I wish I had thought of it sooner before I finalized my design.

Here's some info from R.G. on it.
http://www.geofex.com/Article_Folders/jiab/jiab.htm

[Gilles C]

What do you guys call normalised jacks?

One thing for sure is that I would like the In/Out jacks to be out of the view, like at the back. This first module is an exception because it has a headphone jack that I want on the front panel. I finally decided that the lower hole will be for the Level control. And I will use the jack with the chromed nut for the headphone output. The ones with the black nut will be on the back panel, if it's what I use.

I started a second one with a Footswitch, a Led and a Volume control, this time with no jack. I still have to find the best way to connect the Ins ans Outs.

Gilles

[O]

What do you guys call normalised jacks?

Normally closed jacks. R.G. has an example here

One thing for sure is that I would like the In/Out jacks to be out of the view, like at the back.

I'm actually working on a Multi-Box Workstation (R) too and the patch panel is also at the back. I'm trying to make it as shallow as possible, and if the jacks are on top, it adds a few more inches to the overall "height". If my calculations are correct, it's going to be a tad bigger than a Fulldrive2 housing.

[Gilles C]

Ohhh... Thanks for the detail, I was always calling them NC jacks...

So I'll be ok with the Neutrik jacks I already use, they are normalised. But I didn't think of connecting the things together 

Good idea. That'swhat I'll do, probably with a pcb.

Gilles

[O]

I'm also going with a PCB for the jacks... especially since I'm using the same jacks you are. I was planning on just using ribbon cable to connect the jack module and the individual effects boards. I wonder if that would introduce extra noise?

[Gilles C]

Maybe you could glue some metallic tape on the ribbon to make a shield.

Gilles

[Eric H]

What are the dimensions of that face-plate? It seems very small, but I think you have different uses for your rack?

-Eric

[Gilles C]

It's 3.75" x 4.75", because the original plate was 4.75" wide by around 14" long.

At first, I cut a few front plates at 3" or 3.5" x 5" I think, but I was loosing too much material. So I changed to the other format.

As I mentioned earlier, it's about the same size as the front plate of of 1590BB box, and I won't put the jacks on the front plate. I may have to install the pcb on its side with a braket if I need more space for more than 2 pots.



I'm trying to find a standard placement for holes depending on the number of pots. I don't like the Leds at the top, so I will try to find a better place.

Gilles

[Eric H]

It's 3.75" x 4.75", because the original plate was 4.75" wide by around 14" long.

At first, I cut a few front plates at 3" or 3.5" x 5" I think, but I was loosing too much material. So I changed to the other format.

As I mentioned earlier, it's about the same size as the front plate of of 1590BB box, and I won't put the jacks on the front plate. I may have to install the pcb on its side with a braket if I need more space for more than 2 pots.

I'm trying to find a standard placement for holes depending on the number of pots. I don't like the Leds at the top, so I will try to find a better place.

Gilles

That's larger than it looked in the picture --seems like a good size.
They have a nice brushed-finish, where did you get the plates?

-Eric

[Gilles C]

That's from some equipment that was modded where I work. The alum plates were replaced by transparent plates (in Lexan), and we could get the old plates free after the job was done... 

And having this equipment available to cut them helps a lot http://www.gingras-gas.com/anglais/advantage.htm

Gilles

[Eric H]

And having this equipment available to cut them helps a lot http://www.gingras-gas.com/anglais/advantage.htm

Gilles

That was my next question, since the edges were so nice.

Nice machine.

-Eric