[sdiy] construction of simple power bus for new modular?

[Colin Hinz]

On Thu, 5 Aug 2004, Julian wrote:

> Now i know this is a pretty weak question, but...
>
> I need a power bus for my new modular.  For my last one, i used stripboard
> with 0.1" idc type connectors (like those found on the doepfer / AS
> modulars).
>
> The stripboard strips are not high current though.  I dont know the ratings,
> but i suspect the earth is not entirely within safe ratings.
>
>
>
> Anyway, the new modular (efm and others) will have 0.156 molex style
> connectors on the boards.

I am converging on having half a rack-width of modular gear completed
pretty much simultaneously (stuff coming from four parts of the
globe, arriving all at once, talk about synchronicity) so I've been
giving some thought to power supply issues, as well.

I'm going to use the Blacet powersupply scheme, but instead of buying
the PSCONN2 board I'll be making a hybrid regulator/distribution
board from unclad perfboard. I'll have a 7815/7915 pair for every
4 modules or so -- sure, I could easily get by with a single pair
of regulators and beefy heatsinks, but regulators are cheaper than
heatsinks and distributing the heat dissipation has to be better
than one localized hot-spot (I am reminded of my first computer, where
everything was running off an overtaxed 7805, which eventually
desoldered itself from the board -- yipe!!). I'll be using tinned
copper bus wire or maybe even 14 gauge building wire for the
power busses. I can't be more detailed at this point as further
details are what I'll make up as I go along.

- Colin Hinz
  Toronto, Canada