(Sdiy)Re: RCA connectors as patch points?

[Tim Daugard]

I'm using Molex pins on a frame made of perf board and a plastic front
panel. It may prove to be unreliable - but the advantage was price. each
pin costs $0.06 US the front panel on uses 20 pins for connections in the
space of a standard outlet cover.

I'm trying to put together a synth (and some test equipment for the lowest
price possible. The goal is each module in my synth will cost less than
$5.00 each. The boxes are plastic single outlet electrical boxes - $0.15
each. The front panels are white outlet box covers. Plain covers are $0.29
each and with a hole drilled just the right size for an RCA jack or type F
connector they are $0.19 each. So for the switch the cost was connector .06
x 20 = $1.20, Box about $0.30 and the cost of the electronics.

The front panel is shown on:

http://home.sprintmail.com/~daugard/syn_sw1.htm

The advantage of the box is - no temptation to put to much in anyone box. I
was going to put a set of buffer amps in the switch box but then I decided
to make them a separate module. 

I was going to work on the web page but I got tied up with work and
building my second module - a noise source. The front panel for the switch
is still waiting to be printed on my laser printer.

Tim Daugard
Working more Real Estate than electronics
Realty One Services, Inc.

----------
> From: Jim Battin <gusmaster at mediaone.net>
> To: synth-diy at mailhost.bpa.nl
> Subject: RCA connectors as patch points?
> Date: Wednesday, June 09, 1999 2:29 AM
> 
> What's everybody's thoughts on using RCA(phono) connectors (right angle,
> or normal) for a modular synth's patch points? It seems like it would be
> better (and cheaper) then the typical 1/4 and 1/8ers.  I haven't seen a
> synth yet that uses them, is there a legitimate reason?
> 
> Just curious.