[sdiy] Deceptively simple question: Panels

[J. Larry Hendry]

-----Original Message-----
From: Aaron Bader
Sent: Thursday, August 25, 2005 9:11 PM

> I've seen a lot of different module form factors, things like MOTM, EFM,
Oakely, PAIA, Serge, Dotcom... what's common? What do you fellows prefer?
Are any of these compatible or effectively the same?

---- Larry Hendry writes:
Aaron,  Since I manufacture and sell panels, I can help with some
compare-and-contrast facts that may help.

First, let me say that in my opinion, panels fall into 2 basic categories:

Camp # 1: "I like big panels with plenty of space."  Mostly these have 1/4"
jacks, but you will find some of the larger format with bananas too.  That's
another discussion.

Camp # 2:  "I want more functionality in a smaller space and I am willing to
accept a more crowded panel with smaller knobs and jacks."  Mostly, you will
find 3.5 mm (sometimes called 1/8" jacks on these).

In camp # 1 you will find MOTM, Oakley, and Dot Com from your list.  MOTM
and Oakley use the exact same form factor.  However, Oakley is no longer
selling PCBs.  Some Oakley designs are going to be available as
assembled-only modules from a different group in the USA (EAR).  MOTM, of
course, is available in kit or assembled.  These panels are 5 rack units in
height.  Or approximately 8.75 inches.  The vary in width in 1.75"
increments (rack units again).  So, some modules are 1U, some 2U and a few
3U wide.

If you want panels in the above format size, and you do not want to DIY
them, you have at least 3 sources -- Schaeffer in Germany, FPE in the USA
(same company) and if you had some MOTM and wanted your panels to exactly
match those, you could get them from Stooge Products (that would be Dave
Bradley and I).  The Schaeffer and FPE panels are anodized and engraved.
Mine are painted and silk-screened (to match MOTM)

Also in camp # 1 you have dot com.  It is also 8.75 inches tall.  However,
the width units are 2.125 inches to match the old Moog (R.I.P. Dr. Bob)
modules.  These units are sold assembled only.  Modules are mostly 1U and 2U
wide, but they have some selected other widths.

You can purchase blank dot com panels from Roger Arrick at very reasonable
prices.  We will screen them with your designs.  And, there is also a guy on
the dot com list that does them too on occasion.

And in camp # 1 sort of, you have Cyndustries and Modcan.  I say sort of
cause they are large panels, but tend to lean toward more stuff on them and
are normally thought of as banana camp. :-)  Modcan does make a "plan B"
module with 1/4" jacks in this same size format.

In camps # 2, you have PAIA, and one you did not mention Blacet.  I am quite
fond of a lot of John Blacet's work, and he has a compact and efficient form
factor.  But, I am a camp # 1 guy. So, I hack the circuits into bigger
panels.  Maybe Grant R. will pipe up since you did not mention Wiard.  He is
also in camp # 2 with some newer products.  This form factor is 3U high
(IIRC) with varied widths.

I am sure you can get this form factor panel too from FPE or Schaeffer.
Stooge products does not produce them.

Serge panels are large and contain several modules.  Maybe someone else can
help with dimensions on those I cannot.

I also know nothing about EFM.  I have never purchased any of it. Maybe Tom
will calm down and act decent long enough to pass along some useful
information.

I am not omitting anyone on purpose.  But, that covers what you asked about
and more.

Here is a nice page with some comparison information.

http://www.modularsynth.com/

Larry Hendry
www.wiseguysynth.com