MOTM

> does anyone happen to know the Farnell order code for the power
> cables used on the MOTM modules? (Between the MTA connectors)
> I am having trouble identifying it and my eyesight is rapidly decaying
> looking at the small print on the catalogue pages.

I use the Molex 0.156" connectors or other Farnell equivalent. These are
compatible with the MTA stuff, but they are crimp connections as opposed
to IDC. IDC can be a fiddle without the right tool. You can also solder
them too, and this is what I do. If you solder into crimp connectors,
you can use pretty much any wire size you need. It takes a bit of
practice, but it gives a very good finish. UK 13A mains cable provides
nice and cheap wire for this very purpose if you strip the outer casing
off.

My main reason for doing this is that my system has only one end of the
power cable wired to plugs. The other end is soldered to a four way bus
bar that runs along the length of the cabinet. ( Its a bit sad to chop
off one end of the MOTM cable... ) I use 22A twin and earth cable and
strip the 2 copper wires from this to form the bus bars. Its not star
earthing of course, but the bar thickness keeps the resistance to a
minimum, and hasn't appeared to give any problems yet. Each 2U or 3U
wide space has its own power connector dangling from the bars. The bars
are held into place by small bits of wood screwed to back panel. The
wood has four little holes through it to guide the wire.

But what I would like to see is a long 8U wide PCB with 12 MTA headers
on it all star connected to an input one. This could be used instead of
the bus bar system for all those wooden cabinet people. Paul?

Regards,

Tony Allgood  Penrith, Cumbria, England

Oakley Modular Synth and TB3030:
www.techrepairs.freeserve.co.uk/projects.htm
My music: www.mp3.com/taklamakan