> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Simon <simon@...>
> I would like to have AC power connected to the
> rear of the cabinet, with the power switch on the front.
> Is this possible?
Sure it is possible. Many people that are building cabinets are mounting
power supplies inside the cabinets with remote AC switches. I am doing
that. The issue becomes that you have a whole new level of standards you
need to be careful of when installing AC wiring in your cabinet. It is bad
enough in the US with 120 volts. But, outside the USA, many of you may be
dealing with something around 230-240 volts. Trust me, that is killer
stuff. In my day job and am a high volage specialist and work around
voltages up to 765,000 volts. Yet, even I have a healthy respoect for 120 /
240.
I don't have a 900, so I cannot specifically answer that question. But,
since the fuse is on the rear panel, any remote wiring to an AC switch would
be protected by the fuse. So, it sound "possible." If I were doing it
(and I offer this as a casual observation, not advice), I would select a
front panel switch with large terminal connectors, not something small like
the standatrd MOTM toggle. Someone correct me if I am wrong, but I imagine
the 900 PC switch has push on terminals on the back. Terminals that mate to
those are also sold. One could construct a new switch with 2 wires running
to the 900 PS with these terminal connections on the end. The unplug the
900 switch and connect the new in its place. I would use heat shrink over
te connections. I would watch the switch AC rating and the wire AC rating.
Disclaimers:
- I have never had a 900 in my hands. My assumptions may be incorrect.
- As a professional, I never will officially give advice on AC wiring to a
non-professional electrician. This is NOT advice.
- If you have to ask how to wire a SPST AC switch, you probably should not.
> Should I use the Synthesizers.com power system,
No. I think what they do for wiring power supplies is (less than what I
would do). I can only say that because I have had the DC side of that in my
hands. However, I do know one MOTMer who is apparently doing that. Without
saying anything is wrong with it (out of respect for Roger's opinion of good
enough), I would not. But, I am somewhat anal on the subject.
> Will the synthesizers.com power panel fit neatly onto the MOTM 19" rack
rails along with the MOTM modules.
No. The are wider and have different mounting holes.
> Are there other options for cabinet power?
Yes, you can buy a separate power supply from almost anywhere and use Paul's
960 power supply distribution boards. That is what I did. But, you are
stuck with all the AC wiring, switch, fuse and making sure you do everything
right. Can it be done? Sure. Are you qualified? (You insert answer here)
Can you have a qualified person do it at your end? Probably. Take a look
at my recent cabinet page power supply wiring. All my terminals and wiring
are utility grade rated for 600 volts or more.
http://www.wiseguysynth.com/larry/cabinet/cabinet4.htmThey are only photos. I thought about a diagram. But, that could put me in
a bad spot liability wise since I am a professional electrician. When you
give advice in your field of expertise, you are usually liable in the good
old USA.
> How close can/should modules be mounted to the power supply? Are there
interference/noise problems if they are too close?
Apparently as close as the racked up 900 sits is OK.
> Are there heat problems with the power supply mounted inside the cabinet,
or with modules that are next to the power supply?
I was careful not to put anything right next to the PS. But, I think heat
will not be a huge issue, especially if you follow recommendations not to
load your PS over 80% of nameplate rating. You can "roughly" calculate the
heat by just looking at losses between power in and power out and assuming
everything in between is lost into heat.
PWR out = (+15 ∗ I ) + (-15 ∗ I )
PWR in = (AC voltage ∗ I ) how much is that I ? Check the power supply spec
for fusing. Something less than that. So, if you figure the worst case,
full load out, with fuse rating in, you will error on the side of extra
power disappated. It does not look like too much to me inside a large case
like mine. But, it could be. I guess I will see, and add a small, quiet
exaust fan if needed.
Stooge Larry