Build A DIY Case And Power Supply For A Modular Synth CHEAP

A DIY modular synth case and power supply?
This could easily work for eurorack or other standards if you just adjust the dimensions, the power supply will work!
The mentionned un edited power supply build will be on my patreon in the coming days. Aswell as a livestream this weekend!
/ lookmumnocomputer
The backing song is on my Patreon too, from a few months ago, so scroll down and you'll find CHURCH instrumental :).
A link to frequency central POWER DIY, there are also the ones with the power busses already on them!:-
www.frequencycentral.co.uk/?pa...
If you have any stickers you want to see on this synth! check my donation page for the address to send them into :-
www.lookmumnocomputer.com/don...
CHECK OUT MY MUSIC ON SPOTIFY :-
bit.ly/LMNCSpotify
Paypal :-
paypal.me/lookmumnocomputer
Thanks for all the support, as the above is how i keep this project afloat, as i don't think i'd be able to develop projects like the furby organ and gameboy mega machine otherwise so thanks! :D.
The AC-AC plugs i use!
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3A-12V-FIB...
Patreon :- / lookmumnocomputer
Facebook :- / lookmumnocomputer
Website :- www.lookmumnocomputer.com
Instagram :- / lookmumnocomputer
Always looking for old gear! to mod or conserve in the "museum of everything else" one day :P
ETH Donations always welcome, here :- 0xD765bf71f5c10F91d704D792De4b21712B132f23
Other donation options right here! thanks :D :-
www.lookmumnocomputer.com/don...

[@Xanthyn]

Sam, I gotta say this is just about my favorite content on KZbin at the moment. You are clearly smart and motivated as hell, and you are enabling aspiring makers and musicians to deepen their craft. You are helping remove financial and mental barriers for people with this channel, and the world needs as much of that as it can get. I can't wait to see what's next.

[@pasde2]

Yes, definitively removing barriers and inspiring. Keep up the good work Sam.

[@barrowmeoct04]

'Tools are made to be used not to be pretty, even though they do look pretty in their own kind of brutal way' 'No need for measurements because, measurements, we all know, are for crazy people and mathematicians' Nowhere else can I find such peculiar maxims, keeps me coming back here.

[@user-lg7cb6sr5z]

How come every time I find a comment that quotes a video, the guy in the video says it right as I read the comment??

[@LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER]

“ A NOTE”A quick note I possibly didn’t make clear! The power jack isn’t 240 volts! That would be crazy. It’s wired to a 12v ac wall wart. There’s a link in the description to it!

[@Firewurxmusicismylife42055569]

LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER i wouldn’t put it past you lol

[@Sixela963]

You should pin this comment

[@willynebula6193]

As an electrician if you hooked up 240v or even 115v US to those power supply boards, you would get a capacitor fireworks display you would NEVER forget 😯 DON'T PLAY AROUND WITH POWER OUT THE WALL KIDS IT WILL!!! KILL YOU

[@jimmy_jamesjams_a_lot4171]

Are AC wall - warts or transformers a whole lot harder to come by than DC? I have seen maybe two schematics online for making a bi-polar supply from a D.C. Wall wart, because they're more common out in this here New World. AC are much less likely to be found. So your voltage regulators on your Freq. Central PCBs, they're rated for a good 1 - 1&1/2 Amperes per regulator, no? So maybe a good idea to take note your regulators' current capacities in Amperes when matching the AC wall warts for them. If your wall wart is able to provide 5.5 Amperes of current, then you should probably make allowances by wiring two of the regulator PCBs to the single wall wart (so to use its current capabilities efficiently). By using different values of fuses for both rails, I've learned a whole lot about power consumption. If you're modules need a total of 450 milliAmperes of current, I'll put a 600 mAmp fuse on it, so it won't allow too high of a current spike. More modules, I put bigger fuse. So I've learned that my fuse should reflect my power consumption needs and not just to put the largest fuse that my wall wart would allow! Since maybe I only need 1/2 of my wall wart's power capability. Any thoughts / feelings about the donut shaped Toroidal transformers vs the cube shaped varieties? You are really doing great, Thank You!

[@undergod1009]

You are going to freaking bust your equipment Sam we have a gig coming up remember? FANS PLZ DONT GO :'rjfjrhfjdkcmdnjjhhejfnfhjfje OK ITS ANNOYING PLS DONT SAY HI DONT BURST MY FUSE U 3 YR OLDS PLZ NO ATTACK PLEEEEEEEEEEEZ XD

[@katerspam]

Let me convert the measurements to US: Depth: 1/3 of a foot Height: 3/8 of an arm holding a budweiser Length: the wingspan of a young american eagle. You are welcome...

[@contexture3662]

At least the interior size is 31" x 16" x 8"

[@SparkyMcBiff]

For the three remaining backwards countries on the planet that still us the Imperial measurement system (Liberia, Myanmar and the US) the conversion factor is 1 inch = 2.54 cm

[@smitcher]

Haha, loved the coffin workbench!

[@LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER]

smitcher if there’s any accident I don’t need to travel far 🙃

[@smitcher]

True. Maybe turn it into one of your synths for a truely scary halloween set!

[@LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER]

Well why else would I have a coffin! It’s part of a larger project in the works

[@smitcher]

I suspected as much! Look forward to seeing it in action...

[@giovannia4565]

I am so psyched to get into modular and you just gave me the golden ticket. Had no idea I could build this stuff so easily. Thank you so much

[@zerstaerker]

Just made an OSB-version of this for only 20 bucks worth of material and it's huge. Expected it to be less easy / way more prone to critical errors. Thank you for yor content. It can be pretty encouraging.

[@sebastian.martinez]

Okay. This series is probably what's gonna finally make me decide to build my own synth. Thanks Sam!

[@drakinkoren]

Seconded, always been a bit "where to start" about it all. Looking forward to this!

[@KINGDUB7921]

thumbs up for the metric system

[@pegroj]

Coffin synth?

[@LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER]

Jorge Pinho it is for a project that is nearing completion indeed

[@pegroj]

LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER awesome!

[@Kalumbatsch]

"By the way, I'm also building a coffin, but let's not go into details about that right now"

[@duckunderground183]

LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER ad an animatronic skeleton!

[@ThatStarkKid]

Dude, you're a fucking national treasure. I don't know jackshit about this stuff, but you make it interesting to watch and your passion is contagious. You seem like a down-to-earth and chill dude... had me totally cracking up at your simple "AC current, you know, the wavey one?" Keep it up man! You rock!

[@mathieugaron3428]

So happy to hear an english speaking person speaking in metric... so soothing

[@jmannUSMC]

This video brings up great memories of when I first got into synth DIY and I watched an MFOS video on building a case. Thanks Sam for continuing to push synth DIY to the masses! i'm sure Ray would be proud!

[@Cee.Jay.71]

I've just started building synths so it's great to find there's a channel it! I also love your presentation style, it keeps it interesting. Thank you.

[@tylerlannan5935]

You can use screen window framing pieces for the rails as well. It's very inexpensive (about $4 US for a 7ft length), doesn't splinter when you screw your modules in, and is almost the exact same size as a legit pre-drilled Eurorack rail. Once you get your rails into your case just slap the module into the rail space, mark the holes with a permanent marker, use a 2mm bit to drill holes, then screw your modules right on it. It'll be sung the first go, but the screw will tap your hole as you screw it in since aluminum is soft. Hope you enjoy this tip!

[@maxfrahm8407]

I was waiting for this series since ever!!!! I want to build a DIY-Mudular by myself and now I'm getting 'help' by the Master of DIY-Modular... I love your content!!!!!!

[@stefan1024]

I'm excited about this series! Till now I didn't try any modular stuff because I thought it would be too complicated, but this sounds like it could be easy enough for me.

[@lakloplak]

You cheeky bugger. I just got myself a power supply yesterday with some eurorack rails. It is my first modular and can;t wait to begin making my own modules. Let the building begin 🤘

[@monomakes]

Yea baby! Made my own Eurorack skiffs from MDF and hot glue :) And used the same PSU supply!!!

[@JohnnyCogs]

WOO! I remember seeing some info for a power supply in one of ur zines, ty for the info ur a blessing to the synth community!

[@LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER]

Johnny Cogs yep! It was always intended to be a video! But I didn’t really know how to achieve a video like this last year. Without it dragging way too much. So hence it being a zine! But now it’s a vid 🙃

[@diglet553]

You know what I was looking on your site for info on your kosmo case, and then this video comes out! Awesome :D

[@jimboburgess42069]

No wizardry when it comes to building a box and powering them up. Great video.

[@dorketch]

I want a t-shirt that says "Mesurements are for mathematicians and crazy people" I was looking for inspiration to build my modular synth. Thanks for you awesome drive !

[@fletcherreder6091]

Dear Sam, There is no difference between mathematicians and crazy people. Sincerely, A mathematician

[@j21butler]

Keep crushing it brother!! I can't wait to see the new ideas the new space gives you. Hopefully, I catch you Stateside some day.

[@EdEditz]

I always build my Kosmo cases with backs that can flip open. Held closed with magnets. But I guess for touring that would be too fragile. I mount the power bus system on the floor of the case instead of on the back. I love the way you put these cases together Sam. It's so simple and yet so practical.

[@23jimi]

If anyone makes similar make sure those PSUs are wired all in phase! It doesnt matter which you connect if you have one psu board but if you have multiple connected to 12v AC they must be connected in phase

[@LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER]

good bit of advise there i completely forgot to mention!

[@mattgaines5927]

A rectified 12VDC supply line does not matter in terms of phase. No synthesizers I know of are powered directly with AC, they all use DC

[@SkullDraizer]

I have never made any attempt to have my power supplies in phase? It's all DC after the power supply so Matt Gaines is right!

[@KiR_3d]

I still can't understand how this circuit works without a transformer... Reactifying bridges, caps and volt. regulators? So is it a rough version of a linear DC supply?

[@LukasFink1]

MoolahNasreddin I think it probably is a charge pump. These invert a DC voltage by periodically charging a capacitor with the input voltage and then connecting the positively charged electrode of the capacitor to ground. Then another capacitor is charged from the negatively charged electrode, which now is below ground by the input voltage. I don’t know if this explanation is good, maybe you should look up a circuit diagram.

[@LukasFink1]

Thank you very much for this video (series). I already had plans on building a synth and now I can benefit from your great experience.

[@droptopsalvador1864]

Awesome video Sam! I would add some little metal latches on the sides of the cabinets so they lock in together when they're set up. It'll cost you practically nothing, too. Keep it up 👍🏽

[@TRIPPLEJAY00]

I need to give you money for your time. Your what I’ve been looking for and your not boring.

[@PandaKattPk]

Look MuM No ComPutEr Much LUV & thank you for the tip/link on the case power via Frequency Central had to order the Routemaster for our entry into the diy modular world.

[@markschwarz2137]

I was hoping for a series like this. Thinking of diving into the analogue synth DIY pool, but have only basic knowledge of electronics. Cheers!

[@OIP_1]

love this! i’m planning to do a much smaller version soon and might just use that frequency central supply pcb

[@cobralyoner]

Super excited for this series! Exactly what I was looking for (:

[@darkmax2007]

That series looks awesome! Keep them coming!! :D

[@busteronlyfullscreenmode]

This is awesome; definitely want more DIY modular!

[@ericjohnson1811]

I'll support you on Patreon. Great videos! I'm happy I found your channel!

[@contexture3662]

You've got to be joking! I've been researching this for the past week haha what perfect timing man!

[@milan6840]

ey man, you need more attention. That’s high quality Content and i learn something, while i watch your Videos. Keep going! ;)

[@vegardyrnes1793]

Love your vids, mate!❤

[@pierrothecat]

Pretty excited about this new series ! :D

[@mindlessinterior]

You're a mad man and I'm absolutely fascinated

[@DmitryPuffin]

Awesome! Looking forward for modular DIY series. Would like to get into modular world on a budget :D

[@furionm]

Thanks man,great vids..looking forward for next series.

[@ChristopherSibert]

This is awesome, I can't wait to build one for myself!

[@REDACT3D]

ATX power supplies from computers is a good source of +12 -12 voltage - beauty bud keep up the good work

[@lm108]

I love this channel, thanks for being awesome dude

[@smitcher]

Pretty cool units and very useful. Just a thought - if you drill a few holes in the top to line up with the rubber feet then they will lock together a bit better. Glue some blocks on the inside then to seal up the holes...

[@harryvincent]

Great video!, I literally uploaded a video putting together my first case last week (someone gave me the wooden frame section). Used the Frequency Central power which was my first attempt at soldering and it has been great so far!

[@LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER]

HarryPlaysGuitar great news!!

[@harryvincent]

Thankyou!, Your channel has been the main thing inspiring me to get into DIY and synths in general.

[@kristy-leeaudette7386]

So awesome! So stoked!

[@CaptureLiteCreative]

nice... been waiting for that 💪

[@bigvalyeti]

Best channel ever. Any shows scheduled so far?

[@Cyndaqueer]

This is the big brother i wanted as a kid

[@DaKILLaGod]

2:20 the footsteps on the wood

[@RosalvoParadella]

O cara tem um caixão no estúdio 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 ótima oportunidade de fazer um Synth pra o Halloween !!

[@Kaasgeelheid]

oh dude I can't wait for this series

[@garrettlewis5128]

0:48 proper use of a coffin

[@vinkerdoodles]

THANK YOU LMNC!

[@LouisSerieusement]

awesome idea to do a DIY vidéos serie !! Cheers from France :)

[@philmaguire_]

nice busboard idea!

[@bramvanhove59]

good job! want more of this

[@herbstmeier]

Great series!

[@jahmark9336]

Nice one Man Peace and love from Bristol, England

[@willynebula6193]

In the word's of a nother well known youtuber , ace!

[@joninio6542]

You are the man! The antidote to Ricky Tinez. Attn Gavin Williamson - This should be compulsory viewing in all UK Secondary Schools.

[@shatteredbeam]

Next time you build a box my man, use a square block of wood, or a T-square to check your center when you drill the pilot holes with a hand drill, it'll help a ton. Love the videos, keep it up.

[@saimon1680]

Pretty interesting the new series of videos :D

[@KiR_3d]

LOL on the reason for painting )) 1st time I hear "sorry for my room's reverb" from anybody :)) You have a good acoustics there IMO.

[@annebieber2817]

I really loved how casually you used that coffin to cut the wood😂

[@commonteadrinker4830]

man you are just amazing building a studio by yourself that's my dream :D

[@JoeHannouch]

Thanks Sam!

[@gorillaau]

Putty and paint makes the carpenter I ain't. But seriously, awesome work. Do it again, Sam.

[@FUNKINETIK]

4 years ago everything was ‘AWESOME’ these days everything is ‘DOPE’. Anyway LMNC I think your videos are MARV.

[@sonnyobrien]

you're a legend and you clearly love life

[@SkullDraizer]

Like the strip board power distribution. I do that too!

[@freshescargot2470]

where can you buy large pieces of stripboard like the one sam has in this video? or is it just a bunch of smaller pieces connected to eachother? hope you read this i am very curious to know. and thanks in advance if you do!

[@SkullDraizer]

@@freshescargot2470 I've never found long pieces like Sam has. Wish I knew where to get ones like that. I just ordered some of the longest ones I could find available on ebay in the U.S. I use 2.58" solder in screw terminals to connect power to the strip boards. Good luck with your DIY!

[@patrykjaworski4852]

5! Thanks , all best mate

[@vadbura1437]

Great ! Can't wait for the next video

[@LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER]

Albrt Dav yep that’s why I inset the rails by 7cm

[@markallasred6034]

I'm going to have to plug the smoke alarms back in. ATX standards look like they might be more complicated to track than I remember but I really want to reuse and recycle. I deliver papers at night and pick up a lot of roadside goodies but my house is filling up with half finished arcade machines made from desktops and vintage stereos.

[@justinboucher3275]

Awesome!

[@housemachine509]

Nice video and tips

[@alexanderhuliakov6012]

New IY synth series? Yay!

[@ianskeggs5294]

This a strike with a sharp blade against the conglomerates. 🚴‍♀️ keep it up

[@dbzlouis]

New mixtape on the way ? :DDDDDD Thanks for the video !

[@markallasred6034]

So can you do a little more about the power supply? This is the most informative video I've seen so far and all your videos are inspiring stuff but it sounds like, when I see +12 and -12 volts, maybe you can use an old desktop PC PSU. God knows I have a ton of those around. BUT what is the pinout like? etc. GREAT WORK! keep on preaching!

[@LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER]

Yep that’ll work

[@LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER]

Pin out? Anything asling as the wires are wired up right. If you want to use the same connectors as in the vid search up eurorack power connector pinout

[@euricobrandao7918]

Good job nice new place

[@monkeyfishfilms]

Well there goes all my money on electronic components...hyped for the new series

[@KiR_3d]

Man, will be cool if you'll be explaining oscillator circuits in details! I know some things but this is basically in the range of just one type of oscillator: saw core Jupiter8 design (made in AdamskiA videos). Very good oscillator (in terms of cheapness) but highly depends on DC stability.

[@123qwe321ify]

When you're asked to describe your ex positively 2:43

[@LOOKMUMNOCOMPUTER]

haha

[@dvlpr]

So dope!

[@fakshen1973]

Sam, take bashed bits of broken electronics and strip them for parts to make your first modules: old stereos, old mixers, etc. Stuff that is junk and just being sold for parts/scrap... parts that most anyone can find in the rubbish bin. I like the idea of showing people that there IS a way to build your own stuff on a minimal budget.

[@RaccoonEatingCacti]

I scavenge old electronics for parts and alot of the stuff inside is reusable! the biggest trouble with this idea is finding some kind of transconductance device. the CA3080 or even updated LM1700 are not going to be in regular gear that can be salvaged. These are unfortunately essential for stable oscillators/filters. however, some sound system equalizers have discrete transistor pairs which would likely be closely matched, which you could use for log conversion, etc. FETs are also not as common in consumer electronics, or logic chips... I definitely filled my parts bin with stereo innards and was making shitty noises before I bought actual parts but way worth it to just buy the parts IMO.

[@philipTOMPSETT]

The cases seem quite wide. I can see the benefit of the front space from the batons to leave cables plugged in, but was thinking of making a picture frame type wall mounting to hold my Kosmo's. Is the recommended width just for stacking the cases or are there cooling or other considerations that I haven't thought of? Cheers.

[@Itsurecanglitchsomemore]

You are the bomb Sam! Meow Canada is waiting for ya ;)

[@stevenbriggs7535]

Where can I buy strip board long enough for the pin outs ?what lengths are available ? Seems you can only buy small pieces

[@timchorzempa6637]

Hey Sam, did you take inspiration from Keith Emerson's Moog Modular setup for your stage shows? Your "Cosmo" synth has got an impressive presence onstage! Love it!!

[@swarm69]

i requested this shit! lets go! synth journey time!

[@boristheodd2644]

damn, exactly in time :D

[@toolzshed]

Cheers mate

[@calzaronezerozeroone8670]

I like this!

[@flynn312]

Will there be an "in detail" vid coming soon? Im starting to follow along but I am stuck on some things.

[@Logiwonk]

Woodworking protip, put a base coat of red on the wood, then black, and when it wears it's gonna look fantastic when the red starts peaking through.