[sdiy] Front panel drill hole questions.. (Doepfer/AS)

[Tim Parkhurst]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Bret Truchan [mailto:clone45 at hotmail.com]
> Subject: [sdiy] Front panel drill hole questions.. (Doepfer/AS)
> Hello!
> 
> Woo hoo!  My pattern generation module is complete!  The drill holes on
the
> front panel are to Doepfer specifications.  However, I was considering
> changing the holes to rectangles such that the module would also fit in
> analog systems and analog solutions cases.  The power connector would
still
> be "Doepfer style", though.
> 
> Would anyone know the exact measurements of the mounting holes needed to
be
> compatible with Doepfer, Analog Systems, and Analog Solutions synths?  Tim
> Servo, were you the person collecting front panel specs?  Would I be
> stepping on anyone's toes by making a module compatible with those
systems?
> I've tried repeatedly to contact Doepfer to request his blessings for
making
> a module that's fits exactly with Doepfer cases.  No response. :-(
> 
> Thanks!
> - Bret
> http://67.119.86.230/

*****************************************
Hey Bret!

Glad to hear you're making progress on your new module. As far as the panel
dimensions are concerned, yes, I'm working on a panel database. So far, I
have drawings for VME/Eurocard, Syntheizers.com, and Blacet/PAIA Frac Rac
panels. Soon to follow are Metasonix, Cyndustries/Modcan, MOTM and
Digisound. I'm still looking for info on Moog, Emu and ARP modular panels
(and any others I may have missed).

As far as I know, Doepfer, Analog Systems and Analog Solutions all use the
standard VME/Eurocard format (audience, PLEASE correct me if I'm wrong).
Here's the basics on the VME format:

*Panel Height - 5.05"/128.5mm for 3U systems
*Panel Space - Multiples of 1HP (.20"/5.08mm). 4HP=.80"/20.32mm
8HP=1.60"/40.64mm
NOTE! This is the AVAILABLE opening for the panel. You will want to make the
actual panel slightly narrower (at least .01"/0.30mm) to avoid interference
problems between adjacent panels. See next item

*Panel Width - Slightly narrower (.01"/0.30mm) than panel opening 
4HP panel = .79"/20.0mm
8HP panel = 1.59"/40.3mm
10HP panel = 1.99"/50.5mm

*Mount holes -
Vertical: 4.823"/122.5mm apart. This puts them .118"/3.0mm in from the top
and bottom edges.
Horizontal: .292"/7.42mm in from the left edge. When using a threaded mount
strip like seen in most VME systems, additional mount holes (if needed) are
at multiples of .20"/5.08mm.
Size: VME spec calls for a 'oblong' hole that is .234"/5.89mm wide and
.130"/3.30mm tall. A rectangular hole this size should also work. 

****CAVEATS,GOTCHAS,WARNINGS AND EXCLUSIONS***********
I have not built panels to these specs. This information is complete and
accurate to the best of my knowledge, but I make no guarantees. These specs
are based on information from Schroff (www.schroff.us/products/default.asp),
Knurr, APW (www.apw-elsol.com), and my own experience designing packaging
for motion control systems.

One good way to check if these panel specs are right for your system is to
make a construction paper prototype and see if it fits. This is a very
simple, low-tech precaution/check that a lot of people forget about.

I can send you a PDF of my VME panel drawing if you'd like. Please note that
none of these drawings have been checked by or are endorsed by the original
equipment manufacturers. I hope to be putting all of these up on my site
soon, but spare time is the magic ingredient here. I'd welcome any input,
suggestions or corrections from the crowd, especially owners and
manufacturers of modular gear.

Best Regards and Happy Holidays,

Tim Servo



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