[sdiy] newbie help w/ mult - need opinions

[Andrew Bode]

Hi all,

I just recently jumped into modular synthesis with the purchase of a few
Blacet modules. I haven't received them yet but I'm hoping to have a
mult/patchbay around the time they do. I was originally going to build a
1U mult and a 1U patchbay (1/4 to 3.5mm for my outboard gear) but I
figured I could cram more jacks on a consolidated 2U panel. I've been
playing with the panel designer from Front Panel Express and came up
with this basic layout (hope text wrap doesn't mess it up more than it
already is):

-----------
 O-o-o-o-o
        
 O-o-o-o-o

 O-o o o o
     | | |
 O-o o o o
     | | |
 O-o o o o
     | | |
 O-o n-n-o
-----------

O = 1/4
o = 3.5
n = normal

The first column is 1/4 jacks and the rest are 3.5mm. 

It may be overkill for me now but I expect I'll be buying another rack
in the future. Of course if my reasoning is completely off base then
please speak up before I do something stupid.  The first 2 rows are to
distribute gate and other signals from a 1/4" source. The bottom 4 rows
are a mixture of 1:1 patchbay and mult. I can't decide if the 4x3 group
of mults in the lower right should be 4 rows of 3 or 3 columns of 4. I'm
leaning towards the latter at the moment. In either case, I'd probably
"normal" the last jack to the next row/column. Are there any other
places it would be worthwhile to normal? I could use a clever way to
output both 1/4 and 3.5 from a 1/4 input, using the current jack
configuration.

I've also got a few questions about the physical layout. I've left
enough space for the electronics on the back of the jacks (using
Switchcraft enclosed jacks 112A and 142A), but how much space do I need
between jacks in order to tighten the hex nuts? I there's 3/16" between
the edges of the washers. I figure that's OK but I want to be sure
before I get a panel made. Also, how much clearance do I need at the top
and bottom of the panel for the Blacet frac rails?

Thanks,
Andrew