Modular Synth Panels

I uploaded a couple of FPD files that I designed today.  The idea was 
instigated by a fantasy I had about building a CGS-only synthesizer, 
optimizing for panel space.  I wanted to use the 5U by 1U MOTM panel 
size for compatibility with my cabinets.  I thought about using small 
jacks like Blacet, but quickly realized that the panel space hog in MOTM 
format is the large knobs, and that I could still use 1/4 inch jacks.  I 
started playing around with some small diameter Alpha pots and 
discovered that they fit in a matrix of 1-inch vertical separation by 
7/8-inch horizontal separation (the same spacing as the jacks on a MOTM 
panel).  This meant that the pots can line up directly above the jacks.  
The only thing sacrificed is tick marks.  The same small Alco knob used 
in the Tellun and Encore panels fits here.  Comparing the Tellun 
staggered pot spacing, I realized that it seems the main reason for 
staggering is to accommodate tick marks.  Giving up tick marks allows a 
1U MOTM panel to fit a combination of 6 pots and 8 jacks, or 8 pots and 
6 jacks, with room for a couple of switches or LEDs in between.   Using 
this format, I was able to pack a CGS 21 Super Psycho Modulation Source 
into a 1U panel.  It has 8 pots, 7 toggle switches and 1 jack.  (Looks a 
little tight at the bottom, but should work.)  It's similar to the photo 
on the CGS site, but omitting two switches and the LEDs.  LEDs might be 
squeezed in, too, but I'm not a really big fan of LEDs.  I never built a 
Super Psycho Modulation source, because of all the panel real estate 
required in regular MOTM format.

As a second example, I put a CGS 38 and CGS 52 both into 1U using this 
template.  I made some others as well, such as a dual CGS 64 VCA and the 
CGS 77 Serge VCF.

The jack placement in most of these designs can take the 3-Jack bracket 
from Bridechamber for mounting the PC boards.  I haven't figured out yet 
how to mount the CGS 21 PC board on the panel with one jack.

Richard Brewster
http://pugix.com

Sitting here under two feet of snow in central Virginia, USA.