Hi Erik,
The hole alignment is different for MOTM and DotCom modules and the rails a
machine threaded metal so it's not really easy to mix and match. But, if you
get one of the 10U or taller cases like I have, you can put one set of MOTM
rails and one DotCom frame in it. If you have an even number of each type of
module then this would be the easiest way to go.
If you need more mixing matching freedom, you might want to make your own
rails out of some metal l-brackets and pieces of wood. (I'd call them
"U-Rails" and sell them if I was more motivated and not so overwhelmed with
stuff I'm behind on! ;-) I've never tried to make them but the design is
easy and cheap and should work well (but a little hard to explain here)
Follow the links:
For each U-Rail (two required per module row) you'll need two metal
L-brackets. Take a look at this nice construction page for a Halloween ghost
thingy. About 1/4 of the way down are two pictures: one of L-brackets being
cut in a vice and one of 4 cut brackets.
http://www.modd3d.com/articles/item/rooftop-flying-crank-ghost---part-1This is exactly what you would need for one set of my U-Rails. Basically you
want to cut off enough metal on one end of each bracket so that you can pass
a screw through the remaining hole and mount it to the rack rail (with the
longer end of the l-bracket pointing into the rack). Then just carefully
measure the distance between the brackets and cut a couple of pieces of wood
that will fit perfectly between the brackets (maybe try pine wood first to
see how it goes?). I would use wood wide enough so that you can attach it to
the brackets with two screws at each end for stability. Make sure the
thickness of the wood isn't any greater than the MOTM rails or DotCom frame.
You could also possible save a little money and time by making a special
double thickness rail ("U-Rail2X"! ;`) for the middle of the rack to attach
the top of the modules for the bottom row and the bottom of the modules for
the top row. (use just 2 brackets but double thickness wood)
Hopefully you get the idea and if you have basic wood/metal working tools
and skills it should be a very easy project. (or get a skilled buddy to help
if not) I say again, I haven't tried to make these so I can't promise it
will be easy or even work because I may be overlooking something etc.
A separate power supply in each rack is much more expensive and yes each
rack weighs more so you can just put one big one in one case and then
connect the others with multi-pin connectors. The down side is that you
always have to take the rack with the power supply in it, even if you don't
need the modules that are in it. There are other minor pros/cons to each way
of doing it so read up on what other people have said in various forums. I
started out thinking that I was just going to use one supply for all of my
racks . . .and then when it came time to connect my second rack I realized I
had under estimated the size of the supply I was going to need plus I got
stalled out on trying to decide on connectors, cable lengths etc. so I
finally decided to just give each rack its own supply!
Your Dotcom power supply shouldn't be a problem but if a MOTM module is too
deep just put DotCom modules in front of it instead.
If it was me I would mount the power supply like I did in my racks! ;-) Very
similar to how Richard Brewster originally did it (thanks once again
Richard! :-) See our links and ask questions if it isn't clear. To mount
the 995 I used the same size screws that are used to mount MOTM modules but
they are slightly too big in diameter so I had to drill out the 995 mounting
holes a bit.
Best of luck!
John L Rice
-----Original Message-----
From:
motm@yahoogroups.com [mailto:
motm@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Erik
Ribeiro
Sent: Thursday, June 11, 2009 10:00 AM
To:
motm@yahoogroups.comSubject: Re: [motm] stackable rack cases
Thanks for the links and info. Looks like you've got all MOTM and
Oakley together and Dotcom in other cases.
What about mixing and matching? I know they aren't exactly the same size,
but if I wanted to put both Dotcom panelled modules and MOTM panelled
modules in the same rack frames, could I? Would the hole line up on either
the MOTM rails or the Dotcom rails? I'm so used to pushing everything
together in the MDF case, that I forgot about whether anything would line
up. I don't care about gaps (for now), but just lining up modules.
My plan was to install a Dotcom power supply (is QPS3 too big to fit the
rack case?) and attach the MOTM 995 board then mix and match. I would couple
to other cases using Dotcom harnesses and cables (eventually plan at least 4
to 6). Will this work? Should I really have a separate power supply for
every cabinet? Doesn't that get really heavy/expensive?
Also, any tips on mounting the power supply and 995? Just drill some holes
in the bottom and use screws and washers? What studs do you recommend for
mounting the 995 board?
Running out of room in the Dotcom entry system, and I want to start building
some MOTM modules, so I need more room. Paul, I still want a 730, but I'm
saving a little every week.
Erik
----- Original Message ----
From: John L Rice <
drummer@...>
To: djxpat <
djxpat@...>;
motm@yahoogroups.comSent: Thursday, June 11, 2009 8:30:19 AM
Subject: RE: [motm] paging John Rice - stackable rack cases
Hi Erik,
They are EWI Tourcase from Audiopile:
http://www.audiopile.net/products/Cases/RE_series_roadcases/RUE_Case_products_page.htm
I originally heard about them on Richard Brewster's site:
http://pugix.com/synth/portable-rack-cabinets/Here's a couple related threads on Muff's forum:
First pics:
http://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1616Screwing around with screws:
http://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1768Power supplies:
http://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2628&highlight=motmRecent picture of system in this thread:
http://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1589&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=200
Best of luck!
John L Rice
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