Archive of the former Yahoo!Groups mailing list: MOTM

Hi,
I'm looking for help from someone with experience with a large system.
The first question concerns power supply location. My cabinet (which
was built previously for another use) has 5 rows of 34 U spaces each
for a total of 170 module spaces. (Yes, It's BIG) I do hope to fill
this thing eventually. I've got a large linear power one supply
capable of supplying plus and minus 5 amps at plus and minus 15 volts,
(Is that a double negative?) which I figure is enough to power the
whole cabinet filled. The question is where do I put it. Has anyone
had negative experiences in the way of hum or electrical noise from
mounting their power supply near the back of the modules? Would it be
better to have the power supply external and connect it, say with a
hubbell? I'm not worried about hum from the AC lines into the thing,
my studio is completely wired with balanced line AC.

Second question is what about cooling? My cabinet is unusual as it
has a closed back. I estimate that the modules will generate about 90
watts of heat when the cabinet is filled. If I mount the supply in
the cabinet as well I'd probably have about 180 watts to dissipate. I
don't want my modules to act up due to heat and cutting the back out
of the cabinet is out of the question. Has anyone had any experiences
with cooling problems? I could cut some slots in the top and bottom
of the cabinet, or I could mount a couple of whisper fans and baffle
the inside to ensure circulation over the backs of all the modules.
I'm really not in favor of the fans, although practically every synth
I have has one, in a recording studio environment all that fan noise
adds up. Of course that can be overcome by playing really loud :)

One other thing; I love the idea of naming a synth Darmok! It is
inspired! I suppose it only plays in metaphors. I've been trying to
think of a name for mine. Perhaps I will have to start watching old
Star Trek episodes. The one where Picard plays the flute comes to
mind.

Anyway thanks in advance for the help.
Paul Haneberg