"DIY" standards ???

[John Blacet]

If you are happy with 1/8" jacks and don't mind your knobs being on .75"
centers, the 3U high Frac Rack size is certainly a good format to
consider. Widths are multiples of 1.5" and the panel thickness varies
from .060 for Blacet to .090 for Doepfer to .125?? for Paia. (For the
small panel sizes involved, .060 is quite sturdy and .125 is perhaps
overkill..) A rack full of Blacet modules is quite light!

I hear there may be another manufacturer using this format soon.

While the Dopfer modules are slightly less high than 5.25" and are a
metric width, I have been able to fit the small assortment I've aquired
into the Rack by adding a new mounting hole or two.

If you don't want to deal with the Rack, you can always build a wood
case and use moulding strips as horizontal stringers and mount the
modules using wood screws.

Even if you build a lot of your own modules, you may be tempted to try a
commercial product or three down the line...

The other area of possible standardization is the power supply
distribution scheme. Blacet uses .156 spacing male headers (Waldom/Amp
type) on the PCB and the power dist board. Multiple dist. boards would
be "starred" to the power supply.

The connecting cable uses FM housings with crimp pins and 22 gauge or
larger wire. Although you have to invest in a crimp tool ($15), this
system turns out to be quite convenient.

I offered the 10 place power distribution board on this forum a couple
weeks ago as a kit and quite a few people took advantage of this
special, so I will extend the offer: board and parts for $10 shipped
anywhere. (CA residents, add $0.75.)

As for the other items mentioned, I share the opinions of some that
agreeing on knobs and pots and such is probably not practical. I
certainly enjoy everyone's contributions and the "food for thought"
aspect of this forum is of real value. This is probably the area of most
agreement....

Regards.
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John Blacet
Blacet Research Music Electronics
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blacet at metro.net
http://metro.net/blacet/music.html