DIY Modular Case Question...

jonkull · Joined: Sep 22, 2006 Posts: 164 Location: Burbank, CA

Not sure if this should go here or in the DIY section but...

I'm putting together a 6U modular and I'd like to design my own case. I'm wondering if there are any guidelines for depth. Generally speaking how deep does a case need to be in order to accomodate PSU and modules? I looked at the Doepfer DIY instructions but they leave depth up to the builder. I'm thinking about an angled 'desktop' unit that is 6cm high in front and 10cm high in back. Would this be enough?

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revtor · Joined: Oct 05, 2005 Posts: 79 Location: NewJersey, USA

each format is different with regards to depth, so if you plan on sticking mainly to one format then you'd be best off asking about the max depth of that brand modules. Hopefully someone could measure a few for you and you coulf get a ballpark figure. Or you could email the mfr..

adding the PS inside the cab will add at least 2-3" of necessary depth, you might think of making a small box for the PS and keeping it separate.

I like the desktop style case you designed there. If you get tired of it like that, or if you end up really needing the deskspace, you could always flip it up on its top (deepest end) and it would be a more traditional "vertical" style thing. two thumbs up for versatility.

nice rendering!
~Steve

jonkull · Joined: Sep 22, 2006 Posts: 164 Location: Burbank, CA

I kind of figured brand would have something to do with it. I'll be mixing Livewire and Doepfer so I should check specs on their sites...maybe they have dimensions. Putting the power supply in a separate box is a good idea. I hadn't thought of that. I'm planning a desktop case because I want something that fits on my desk between my controller keyboard and computer monitor. Having the ability to stand it upright at some point is also something I'm considering.

dougcl · Joined: Feb 08, 2008 Posts: 33 Location: Portland OR

There's a module depth thread over on muffwiggler.

Make sure your case has a lot of ventilation.

The center shelf is unnecessary if you are using extruded aluminum rails.

Doug

jonkull · Joined: Sep 22, 2006 Posts: 164 Location: Burbank, CA

I've been lurking over at muffwiggler but missed that thread. I'll have to check it out.

Per · Posted: Sun Nov 30, 2008 6:12 pm Post subject:

There are an big diversity. The Cwejman modules are about 2 cm i depth. The biggest I have seen is the Cyndustries Zeroscillator, it is built with four layers of PCB cards with spacing between, making it at least 15 cm in depth behind the front plate.
Per

dkcg · Joined: Jul 19, 2008 Posts: 23 Location: LA

My deepest module is a euro converted miniwave, it barely fits in an ASys case, and will not fit in any doepfer suitcases. The second deepest was the Super PsychoLFO, but it fit in the suitcase on the deeper end away from the power supply.

As long a you follow the doepfer case depth, you shouldn't have any issues with depth. Personally, I think it's much easier to work with the modules vertical or a slight angle than lying flat, cables can get in the way and things can get moved more easily than if standing.

jonkull · Joined: Sep 22, 2006 Posts: 164 Location: Burbank, CA

Now that my modules are starting to be delivered I can just measure them and build accordingly.

My setup will be:

2x Livewire AFGs
1x Livewire Frequensteiner
1x Livewire Dalek Modulator
1x Livewire Vulcan Modulator
1x Livewire Dual Bissell
1x Plab B Heisenberg Generator
2x Doepfer A140 ADSRs
1x Doepfer A131 VCA
1x Doepfer A138 Mixer
1x Doepfer A180 Multiple

Per · Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2008 12:16 am Post subject:

Nice modules, good luck with the modular.
Per

jonkull · Joined: Sep 22, 2006 Posts: 164 Location: Burbank, CA

Thanks. I can already see this turning into a money-suck. I haven't even gotten my first 6U rack set up and I'm already planning on what will go in my next one. Smile

EdisonRex · Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2008 3:19 am Post subject:

jonkull · Joined: Sep 22, 2006 Posts: 164 Location: Burbank, CA

Yeah well...I was trying to be good and keep to a minimal sub $1500 starter system I could expand on later. A couple of VCOs, a VCF, an envelope or two and an LFO. Watching youtube videos and reading forum posts lead me astray real quick. So if that's any indicator of things to come I'm in for a lot of trouble. I just need to get a cabinet made already. My module shipments have been coming in and all I can do is line them up on my table and stare at them.

Per · Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2008 2:13 pm Post subject:

That is half ov the plesure Wink

Per

EdisonRex · Posted: Thu Dec 04, 2008 1:51 am Post subject:

If it's any consolation I don't have a "real" cabinet yet either, I do have a few rackmount cages for my Fracrack stuff, and my MOTM format is sitting out on top of my mixing console... Might eventually slap some wood sides on and drill some metal stock for cross braces so I can cobble together some "cabinets". I don't expect to travel with the modular stuff so I don't really have much interest in a big case. I'd rather spend the meagre budget on modules or kits.

LektroiD · Posted: Thu Dec 04, 2008 10:39 am Post subject:

I'm still building the boards for the modules, I have no panels, PSU or cabinet as yet, I've basically built an Attenuverting mixer, and 2 lopass gates, which I can't even test without a PSU, so that will probably be my next mission, then I need to find somewhere in the UK that will make panels, and brackets to support the boards. This is before I even think about getting a cabinet to house it all.

As for your original question regarding depth of the cabinet, there are a few people saying they can't fit the Curetronic boards into certain cabinets, so if you can make your cabinets to accommodate those, you should be good to go.

Curetronic projects are here:
http://electro-music.com/forum/topic-27327.html