[sdiy] Which power supply

[Seb Francis]

> I have 2 questions that I want to ask now that I have the capstone
> oscillator pretty much finished on the breadboard. First, I know there have
> been some discussions about the different modular formats, power and size
> (motm vs doepfer I think it was). Which format is preferred on this list?
>
>   

It really depends on your preference.  There are plenty of companies 
doing each format so there's lots of choice of module whichever format 
you choose, and some companies even offer a choice of format.  The main 
differences are:

MOTM format
- 5U
- Relatively expensive
- Chunkier looking/feeling
- Generally good quality designs and components (depends on manufacturer 
of course, but this is true for MOTM)
- Uses 1/4" jacks - this is a big plus IMO
- Generally power = +/-15V with optional +5V (but depends on 
manufacturer - some use +/-12V)

Doepfer format
- 3U
- Relatively cheap
- More flimsy feel (thinner panels, smaller controls)
- Some manufacturers (e.g. Doepfer) tend to have not so good quality 
designs and components (not true for all manufacturers in this format)
- Uses 3.5mm jacks (less reliable long term)
- Generally power = +/-12V with optional +5V (but depends on 
manufacturer - some use +/-15V)

Can't think of anything else off the top of my head - maybe others will 
add to this.  Personally I have a cabinet with a 5U row and a 3U row so 
I can fit either format, although since all my 3U modules so far have 
been home-built I have used 1/4" jacks throughout for easier 
interconnection without adapters or special leads.

Seb