"DIY" standards ???

[Karl Helmer Torvmark]

Hi!

May I humbly suggest the system that I've arrived at?
I got hand of some old termial switch units that were used in the
university. These are mounted in standard 6U rack fittings, 7 switches
side-by-side fit in 19 inches. (I don't remember how many horisontal units
this equals)
I had aluminium blanks made to the same size, and I got 5 of these
fittings, enough for 35 modules, which should last a while (at least with
my speed of building).

The advantages of this system is :

* Industry standard, everybody can get hold of cases/fittings/panels
* Nice size for modules. On a standard width panel, there is space for 2
jacks/pots horisontally, 7 vertically. In my experience, this is enough.
If you need more, just make a panel of a integer multiple width.
* A lot of old computer equipment are mounted in these. (Easy to get
cheap/free)

Disadvantages :
* Expensive if you buy all the panels/fittings from Schoff etc.

The PCBs originally mounted in these fittings were 90 degrees to the
panel, of double Eurocard size, with the standard Eurocard connector
connected to a PCB which was parallel to the panel. Often a busboard is
located at the back of the fitting.

There are also similar cases which are of 2U height.
Hope I expained this properly, I am very satisfied with this system.
For big (sequencer) or stand-alone units (MIDI-CV converter) I plan on
using ordinary full-width 19" panels, with PCBs mounted parallel to the
panel.

For PCB files, how about Postscript? You can get Ghostview for allmost all
computer platforms to print them even if your printer is not Postscript.

Personally, I think etching of PCBs is pretty easy, and can easily be done
with modest equipment.

--------
Karl H. 

On 2 Apr 1999, Harry Bissell wrote:

> Harry Bissell:  Has anyone considered some standards for DIY?? We all want to
> trade technology but it looks like everyone has custom PCB and module sizes.
> My rack was based on the ARIES modules, and look how obsolete that is now...
> 
> Comments: Any special form factors anyone would like to propose ? 
> i.e.  a 3" x 5" pcb, or single eurocard, or "frac-rack etc. If all modules
> were the same size and mounting location, we could all save a lot of time.
> 
> Some standard might also exist for swapping pcb designs. Gerber files are out
> 'cause they don't make sense at home. Getting GIF files to a standard size
> might be tough. TomG has a good idea with the little "rulers" in the corner
> that he provides. I'll copy that one... 
> 
> Maybe we should form a co-operative to get etched pcbs. I'll do some checking
> as to what kind of prices we might expect. I have to get some quotes on
> Monday, anyway.... Etching DIY isn't so pleasant unless you have a lot of
> equipment.
> 
> Someone had an alternative to the "Toner Transfer System" (which I've used in
> the past). It was some iron-on and peel type of system. What was it???
> 
> Talk to y'all later.  ;-) Harry.
> 
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