[sdiy] repackaging MOTM into fracrack formats

[J. Larry Hendry]

> ----- Original Message -----
> From: rdrake <rdrake at data2action.com>
> I've seen lots of examples of repacking fracrack modules (blacet, wiard)
in MOTM-compatable form factors... anybody ever gone the other way?  panel
size and 1/8" jacks are my primary concerns, don't care so much about
matching nobs or panel layouts.<

Bob,
As one who has sent a lot of them the other way, I can tell you that it is
certainly do-able.  However, the full size MOTM PCBs are more than 3U tall.
So you could not run the PCBs in their normal orientation keeping the pots
on the board.  The PCB is simply too tall. The PCB depth is less than 3U
(about 4.25").  So, you could indeed turn the PCB 90 degrees from its
intended position and mount it behind a frac rack panel.  Obviously, you
would need to wire all the pots off board.  But, that is exactly what we do
with the Blacet to MOTM conversions.  You should be able to re-use the MOTM
pots.  However, you will need to use a smaller knob.

Your largest challenge is the actual mounting of the PCB behind the panel.
It seems to me that if you want to stay with the Blacet-like layout, it
would be quite easy to fashion a bracket like I make for the MOTM format
conversions.
http://www.wiseguysynth.com/larry/brackets/4brackets.jpg

It would make the bracket almost the total 3U in height, and have a series
of holes that matched up to the full Blacet pot compliment of 6 in a row.
Jacks and switches would be mounted in the panel on the left, Blacet style.

All it takes is a metal saw, metal brake, and a drill if you only need a
couple.  If you (and possibly some of your Blacet-format friends) are
interested in a larger quantity, I could supply such a metal bracket made
from stainless steel with the Blacet pot spacing, and the MOTM PCB mounting
holes ready to bolt up and use for about $4 each (pending quote). However, I
would need a commitment for at least 100 to run them.

Larry Hendry