MOTM

JB,

> Is anybody using standard rack rails for MOTM cabinets?
At least one person (me) and I suspect a number of others.  At the moment
I have a 3 rack cabinet (see
www-personal.ksu.edu/~jpont/synths/synthstudio.html)
which works well for me, and in the next several weeks will start on a 4
rack 19" cabinet (similar to the above) since I'm running out of module
space (apparently a common lament).

> I bought some rails a 
> couple of years ago with the intention of trying it, but the numerous 
> problems (screw size difference, gap between modules in upper and lower rows, 
> possible interference with the back of pots) all caused me to reevaluate this 
> idea.
[I believe below is commonly known - so I apologize if I am covering
already known territory.  Just my experience contrary to the above
comments.]

I've not had these problems with one exception: some of the Oakley
modules' top pot's interfere with the top motm rail (nothing new here as
Tony mentions this and a solution on his Projects web page).  I've just
used a slim (I believe 1/8" thick) fiber washer to accomodate.  Then one
has to remember to tilt the module when attaching and removing.

Standard rack screws will work to attach the rails (and although they
conventionally have wider heads than those supplied with the motm rails)
and the modules fit ok with the standard rack screws (only to attach the
rails).

For me the part that requires strict attention is making sure that the
cabinet sides are 19 1/8" apart interior.  You can have
some variance in this width, but the more exact the better (of course).
Also, as I think Paul S. mentioned recently, there is virtually no gap
between rows, but with a slight gap between modules within a row.

Having taken the 19" route and considering my current expansion of my
motm-based modular I think that the non-19" rack route may have been
better for me in the long run (given space and ergonomic considerations).
However, given that my primary interest is in making 'noise', I'm not
willing to consider a major change in housing the modules, at least right 
now).

Just a Sunday morning $.02 with first cup of coffee - consider as you
like, Jeff