Modular DIY 02 - Case and power supply

The first hurdle in building your own Eurorack is the case and power supply - you have to do that first. Here's what I did for under 100 quid and I am now ready to start building modules.
Intro - 0:10
My chosen power supply and case concept - 7:11
Constructing the case - 11:58
Summing up - 31:41

[@matthatmusic]

Thanks for sharing! I’m about to begin my own DIY modular synth journey and your videos are very helpful and entertaining.

[@cho03]

Very informative. I got the tip top happy endings kit for my birthday recently. The rack ears double as desktop stands until I get some wood and make an enclosure. They also make the bracket that you can screw to whatever you want to make the sides, or enclosure from.

[@paddymixes3563]

20:46 sums up this entire episode for me... Bravo sir!!!

[@ScottofOakland]

You seriously need to be in stand-up comedy. I was laughing so hard the whole video. Also very informative!

[@Wunderkammerdandy]

Awesome vid! Thanks so much! Debating how to start with modular and your video gave me the best hints so far 🙏🏻 I’m on and start building next week 😁

[@robstegura3134]

Love the knurlies bought some here in the US and your right they are brilliant little bits.

[@tayal01]

Inspirational. Exactly what I needed at this early stage. Just building my first module from scratch starting today - PMFoundations 3080 VCO PCB Kit - with no idea how I'm going to mount and power it!

[@MoltenMusicTech]

“No idea” is my favourite place to start 😀

[@oddbox2764]

Nice explanation. Was just looking to expand my case and this was a very good video to help me decide where to go next. Thanks!

[@Alphastare23]

Ha! This'll be a fun series. I'd spring for some washers for those sides at least. Looking forward to the progress!

[@nrbarnard]

Actually came to the same conclusion as you regarding power supplies. Starting out I needed to be able to trust what I was plugging my modules into, then when (not if 😉) something went wrong or didn’t work I needed to know it was within the specific module. Tiptop psus are decent, the blue lights are super obnoxious though, so bright!

[@howardanderson3061]

Solid advice, you also don’t want to build something to just blow up your first module. This is where I am, I bought the Rainmaker just for the amazing delay and now I need a power supply. However, it looks as though I will be getting more modules. Lol

[@RiczWest]

Liking your real "DIY approach". I have a degree in EE and the last time I built a power supply was decades ago! They're a real commodity now - just search for "triple rail power supply 5 12" and with a bit of searching you'll find what you need (I think it was +5 & +/-12?). I found one in Aus for around £45 but bear in mind that the input is 240V AC!!! And that can hurt if you get a shock (at minimum ;). As others have commented, the lower DC voltages are pretty safe, so no need to worry. You'd still have to get your ribbon cable and connectors for euro-rack, but it's an option for anyone with a bit more knowledge and looking for a more DIY angle. The "cardboard rack", well that's a classic and as you commented, may be in need of an upgrade...

[@MoltenMusicTech]

But that's the thing, I don't know what I need, so I don't know if I've found it. I'm familiar with 4HP power supplies and flying bus cables so if it looks like that then i feel ok about it. But these open ones with bus boards i don't have the first notion if they are good, bad or inappropriate - that's the point i'm trying to make here i think :)

[@CHONK-Music]

This series has come at a perfect time for me. I bought a microbrute with the intention of it being the start point of my eurocrack journey. I think I'm going to add an extra oscillator to start, and I'm looking at the Befaco even VCO for my first module.

[@DJ_Merkury66]

It's a good module. I built the kit. Depending on your soldering skills, it may be a bit overwhelming. Befaco modules are very dense with their layouts.

[@CHONK-Music]

I've not soldered for a while, but I'm hoping it's like riding a bike. :)

[@DJ_Merkury66]

My suggestion is to buy two kits. One cheap one to build first to get your feel back. I haven't ruined a kit or made a non-working module yet, but it is a bad feeling when you realize you have made a mistake.

[@Snuckyfication]

Currently building the even vco. Its my seventh module and I did already some smd modules from GMSN. I am saying this because although it is not really a dificult build, it's dense and fiddly sometimes ( f.eg. The red WIMA cap footprint is larger than the silkscreen pads, so you have to bend the legs with nosepliers in order to get it in and straight). So like Shawn suggests, I would first build an easier module to get the practice back. Enjoy!

[@fraxz88]

I feel like the power supply is the most dangerous project in any eurorack. I'll probably go with the tip top brand. Thanks maybe I can finally jump that hurdle.

[@tylerevans1700]

Dang your shirts are always so sick.. You are the man, dood..

[@Vei2aC]

If you want to mod a power supply, and still be safe, you can just use an old pc power supply, they work great, and some even give you +3.3 +5 +12 -5 and -12 volts, just a little to know to get it working.

[@Bruinzes]

Due to my back surgery, I have lots of time now to devote to music. My other hobby of rc model flying ties into this quite well, but not a pro so this helps. Thank you for sharing

[@analog_output]

Inspiring! I decided not to use corrugated cardboard for mine, though. I used corrugated plastic. Resulting case is 3U x 84HP plus space for a Mother-32 and a ribbon controller interface. Made from TipTop rails, salvaged yard signs, screws, epoxy, adhesive vinyl, and duct tape. Good enough for a starting point while I figure out what I want for the long term. Total cost (without power) about $45. Went with the TipTop µZeus for the power supply.

[@MoltenMusicTech]

Nice! I'm about to try to screw some rails into an old suitcase :)

[@justincobb5853]

Power supply design and construction is one of the most challenging things in electronics. The first (and mercifully only) time I accidentally shorted out my rack (a patch cable fell through a gap and shorted an exposed flying bus cable), I can't tell you how glad I was that I had dropped the $$$ on a decent power supply with surge, fault, and short protection. Probably saved me four times what I paid for it.

[@jimshannononsounds]

Love these

[@BottleBass1977]

Hi Robin. Nice video, mate. The screws for the rack ends are usually M4 machine screws - quick search on Amazon throws up a ton of results, 10mm long is probably about the shortest you'd need for thin card or wood. Maybe get an assorted kit on there in different sizes. Plus washers. Washers will stop the screw head pulling through the card. Also for the next DIY build, can I throw in the Bastl Kastle? OK, so it's not 'modular' but is available as a DIY kit from Thonk (I just bought two a couple of weeks ago). Super easy to build (well, OK, not *super* easy as the PCB is quite fiddly to solder) and very rewarding to have an small battery-powered desktop synth you can squeeze in your pocket!

[@polutropos]

I spent the best part of 2015 reading and studying power options afraid to take the plunge cos I couldn't reassure myself I'd be safe with a DIY solution. Eventually I found the Tiptop HEK & took the plunge. There are so many power options now, it's much less a barrier to entry.

[@zorglub76]

Well, the first thing I've built when started with SDIY was Erica Synth's PSU. I just layed out a PCB (you can also buy a kit) for it and it still works one year after. Basically, you have a transformer that can kill you if you touch the high voltage wires. But your phone charger can do that too. Anyway, it works nice. If you want to avoid messing with high voltages, GMSN works good and is powered by a laptop PSU.

[@Oceanwireaudio]

Couldn’t agree more. I’ve built over 40 modules, SMD and TH, and I see no cost, time or any other benefit to building a power supply. Buy a ready made Doepfer case, they are superb cases with super stable power at a great cost outlay,

[@fullyard-art]

Hahaha. Robin,doing this, for me, you're already legendary. Ahhahaha

[@harryvincent]

Another great video! I've just started a modular case video series, doing a lot of DIY and very nearly went with the same tiptop supply. A friend advised me that the frequency central power pcbs are good though and I had no money so I went with that. Ordering the parts was really easy and the build document was really helpful, I contacted frequency central to check a few things as I had essentially no experience and they were really helpful. It all works! I think you are right though about it being a risk and if you have the money it's probably worth spending the extra just for peace of mind. Looking forward to more diy!

[@leftmono1016]

HarryPlaysGuitar - just watched your video on the Frequency Central power supply, you've shown that it is pretty straightforward to build a power supply. Nice one! I've been mulling over getting one of these as they look pretty simple to build and I think the build instructions includes links to all the components on Tayda.

[@harryvincent]

Left Mono thanks for looking at the video! Yeah I got parts on tayda aswell, really cheap and easy because of the links. I didn't find the build too hard and I have just built another one of their kits. Video should be up either this Friday or next.

[@lecliche8849]

I love the no-bullshit, down to earth, make it up as you go along approach. Love it. I totally agree, buy a powersupply. Make everything else.

Diy is fine. You are an enthusiastic.

[@SouthpawShorts]

I’d suggest a Grains for a first build! Its programmable too so it has lots of different uses depending on what you need.

[@256k_]

Don't know if anyone mentioned it before in the comments but i just got a set of Z-rails from tiptop the other day wit htheir tabletop ears and when i got home i realized it didn't come with the screws, i called and the guy said they are M4 screws which are not a very common screw to have lying around your house... i spend at leas an hour "dumpster diving" basically into my old garbage misc pots of screws and things until i found exactly 4 that fit it perfectly.... a helpful hint to identify those M4 screws (or at least the M family) is that their heads are rounded and not flat (at least all the ones i saw were rounded) I'm planning on making my own custom wood case but i have yet to figure out a design i like so im just keeping it on my desk naked. I'm also making my own modules from scratch coz im too broke to just buy upfront premade modules and buying a DIY kit is cheating :P (not really im just even more poor, great hobby to get into when you're poor amirite?)

[@noobulon4334]

My case currently is a few pairs of rails (7u) with side brackets screwed into some peices of foamboard, its suprisingly sturdy

[@synthsocialist]

The Erica Synths DIY VCO is pretty good, it's an involved build but not difficult (just a fairly big kit) and isn't too difficult to calibrate. But you have so much Erica stuff as is so I can see if you'd want to avoid it (it's also a fairly wide module so may not be suited for your skiff) The humpback filter is also a pretty sick kit

[@Muenchhausen]

the amount of humor is a clear 12 by 10🫶🏼thx brother!

[@AndrewAHayes]

Over the years I have repurposed old pc power supplies for loads of stuff, I don't imagine it would be that had to set one up for eurorack.

[@tonalaxis]

I sort of agree with your views on the power supply for the beginner DIYers. But if you do have experience building and testing stuff then I say go for it!

[@leftmono1016]

TONAL AXiS - I was thinking that a power supply would be an ideal first build. You’re only dealing with low voltages and the testing is really simple. If you’re ultra paranoid like me it’s pretty easy to test the voltage on every single connector to ensure you have correct voltages before you plug in any modules. Testing and calibrating a VCO sounds much more challenging.

[@chemicalBR0]

I suggest building An Erica Synths Polivoks filter. its a pretty straight forward kit to build. (and a bloody awesome sounding filter)

[@MoltenMusicTech]

Cool - i have an Erica Polivoks filter already though :)

[@ciatangallaghe2485]

It's blue Peter for weirdos, I love it.

[@XiXora]

You must have done some woodworking in school… How about some Bastl stuff? I rarely see people use their kits. I put together a Befaco Hexmix VCA. Wasn't too bad an experience. I enjoyed it over a few evenings. The Hexmix is next to be ordered!

[@localtechnique]

Not sure if it floats your boat but one module that would be a useful addition to someone like me with a semi-modular is a quantiser.

[@MoltenMusicTech]

Yes, there's a good DIY one called the Penrose - it's on my list.

[@albertocastillo7686]

There needs to be a book or video called Modular for Dummies... Ill buy a copy.

[@rmanpojo8485]

I like the ambient sound on the end. Which modules are active? Great video. Thanks.

[@MoltenMusicTech]

Not sure I remember, but it was mostly the 2HP Pluck being run by the Turing Machine.

[@rmanpojo8485]

@@MoltenMusicTech thanks turing machine is aVst?

[@MoltenMusicTech]

No it’s a very popular random generating Eurorack module

[@SaifSameer]

Enjoyed every single second of this... How about adding a phase modulation osc. for a start?

[@MoltenMusicTech]

Ooo, any recommendations?

[@SaifSameer]

www.dspsynth.eu/ Check this one, good stuff for cheap!

[@MoltenMusicTech]

Yeah.... maybe, i've bought something from here before and it wasn't a particularly happy experience, but we got there in the end.

[@SaifSameer]

Not a happy end apparently :\ Just I found other manufacturers' price tag quite high compared to that one.

[@spda242]

Did you check GMSN! ? I think they have some DIY stuff for PS and bussboard?

[@burakeren]

May i suggest washers between cardboard and screws? With time metal screw will destroy the cardboard around by friction. A washer might help since it will distribute load.

[@MoltenMusicTech]

Now that’s a good idea... not sure I have any

[@NiamorH]

Always check polarity before trying a 'random' power adapter into a device. The uZeus uses 15VDC adapters with 2.5mm barrel jack center pin positive. But I am sure they are using reverse polarity protection diodes to prevent the thing from blowing up if you take the wrong adapter. Not sure I want to take the risk for any device though :)

[@MoltenMusicTech]

That's why you buy off the shelf - much lower risk to blowing yourself up

[@leftmono1016]

Molten Music Technology - that made me chuckle, you’re scared of 12 volts but are quite happy to plug in any old power supply with seemingly gay abandon (in the traditional sense of the phrase). Your logic though is faultless, even I will admit that - and I go to excessive paranoid lengths to ensure polarity, current and voltages of power supplies are correct. Hats off to you sir, I need to be more like you :-)

[@tonalaxis]

Molten Music Technology but it all seems over priced for what it is though doesn’t it? I think that the companies that make the power supplies for Eurorack have cottoned onto the fact that good old Joe Blogs doesn’t have a clue when it comes down to it. Take a look at components used in the power boards and work out the cost vs the cost of parts on sat an £80 Eurorack module. I bet the power supply is a lot cheaper to build.

[@deniskobozev3916]

The now controversial Synthrotek sells power supply kits that use a laptop type power supply and are easy enough to put together. They also sell just the PCBs, which is the path I've decided to take and sourced my own components. If I was looking for a power supply solution right now, I'd probably take a closer look at Befaco stuff.

[@MoltenMusicTech]

Synthrotek seems to do a lot of good DIY stuff but unfortunately the mans personality turns my web browser to sludge every time i go near his site.

[@Markplaysmusic]

£83 now - Micro Zeus. Comes with the rails.

[@avogaster]

Can you conect a VCO that manages 12 volts to a sound card? To speakers? it would be advisable some kind of amplifier with negative gain to adjust the level??

[@MoltenMusicTech]

Modular is quite loud so yes you might need to turn down the gain when plugging it into something

[@avogaster]

@@MoltenMusicTech Thanks for your rapid answer, Molten. I have seen (in this half an hour : ) that people uses output modules to connect modulars to...things. I am thinking in buid a VCO (perhaps with 3340, perhaps with components...), as a way to start with modules, and the last cuestion was the output level. Thanks a lot again.

[@mgscheue]

I think "Happy Ending" comes from... uh, never mind!

[@linzenmeyer]

OMG.....I LOVE "this idiot" I was soooooo thinking of making a cardboard eurorack....just to piss someone off lol You just earned a Sub because of the cardboard bro.....U R the shit!

[@mikeoliver3254]

Use a pc power supply it has +12 -12 and 5volts and there are lots of videos about how to make one into a bench top power supply safely.

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

Agree you really need to pretty much be an electronics engineer for a lot of this DIY stuff or at the least a competent electronic tech. I am neither so buying a decent case/power supply from Make Noise or Intellijel is the best bet.

[@MoltenMusicTech]

I think I am proving that you don't need to be anything of the sort :)

[@MrFlatlandcycle]

M4 (metric) stainless steel screws for the Z-rails: www.tiptopaudio.com/zrails.php Sorry Robin, don't wreck your rail threads with non-metric screws. This Eurorack stuff is all specified on the doephfer website www.doepfer.de/a100_man/a100m_e.htm Source: any hardware store with drawers of stainless steel metric screws

[@SouthpawShorts]

*Red is -12v* The power supplies that use the laptop power bricks are really not so dangerous to build since you’re only ever dealing with 15v max

[@MoltenMusicTech]

That is true..... and which ones are those?

[@mgscheue]

4ms and Befaco for two.

[@MoltenMusicTech]

I wasn't aware of a 4MS power supply kit and i mentioned the Befaco one - any others?

[@SouthpawShorts]

GMSN power strip also, not a kit but the parts are easy to acquire

[@grahameinoz5321]

Just built a Synthrotek kit, piece of cake. Uses laptop brick, cheap from China.

[@jamesprisciandaro3144]

Counterpoint: Do it!

[@richardjermain4052]

This seems a lot like how I get by. Gotta say, it is an absolute pleasure watching someone else clearly not know what the hell they're doing and incorporating spare cardboard into a rig. Thanks!

[@teabreakbeats]

Cheers. I've just watched a grown man screw into cardboard for 40mins!

[@DreadCentre]

does a PC power supply such as ATX have all the correct voltages, could you just use one of those, maybe externally , and just buy the bus cable and solder the wires to that?

[@MoltenMusicTech]

Possibly, if you’re an electrical engineer. Atx supplies are big though and seem like massive overkill when a little module and laptop supply will do the job.

[@DreadCentre]

@@MoltenMusicTech because old PCs are free and repurposing stuff is good.

[@MoltenMusicTech]

Sure - there are all sorts of things you can do if you know how to do it. If you're asking me then I have no clue how you'd accomplish that but fill your boots! :D

[@MoltenMusicTech]

Bloody noisy though

[@kierenmoore3236]

This was disturbingly haphazard, and played hell with my OCD ... I need to go lay down for a while, in my fainting room ...

[@MrFlatlandcycle]

Pedal power supplies will kill your other stuff. Many of them are center pin negative. Mark them and keep them away from your other equipment. Just a PSA FYI.

[@inerlogic]

I imagine, me watching this video as an engineer/technician who wants to build modules and explore making noise i'm cringing as much at this video, as a musician would at me, if I decide to post videos in the future of me making noise with whatever I build.... :)

[@MoltenMusicTech]

Awww don't cringe, you should be delighting in the demonstrating of discovery through experimentation which is surely the essense of engineering.

[@alanc6752]

I would have doubled up on the cardboard for more strength and stiffness but really I wouldn't I would use wood. But the cardboard makes a good prototype.

[@richardfox4803]

Those are M4 screws, for that sort of thickness you need 20mm lengths. You think you can use a longer screw and it'll travel down the length, but you can't, I've tried. I use a Tiptop Zeus with 168HP rail of gear and it works fine. If your into 3d printers Thingiverse has a couple of files for ears, but no case, yet Also a couple of really good cable holders. I use a fairly standard power supply from Amazon. Links; M4 screws smile.amazon.co.uk/4mm-20mm-Pan-Machine-Screws/dp/B075SXKCQ4/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1533841307&sr=8-7&keywords=m4+20mm+screws but there are better priced boxs of loads of variants for a similar price. Power Supply smile.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B071H2XY1T/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Eurorack on Thingiverse. www.thingiverse.com/search?q=eurorack&dwh=265b6c915b8536f

[@MoltenMusicTech]

That's more like it - fabulous information thanks!

[@richardfox4803]

I know VCA's are boring, but everyone needs them and they are relatively easy to build.

[@mpingo91]

You don't have to deal with lethal voltages if you build a power supply, because you can use an external DC adapter but yeah... you can still fry your thousand dollar worth modules if something went wrong with your DIY +/-12V +5V regulators on a homebrew PCB. :)

[@memsus2346]

you should call this system "The Bodgeular"

[@pbartmess]

As a beginner, I have conflicting feelings about this subject. I don't want to hurt myself or my expensive gear, messing around with electricity just because I prefer to "learn by doing." Also, I just want to get down to business making sweet music, so I have opted to buy a power supply from Befaco. However I do believe that it's terribly interesting, and in some ways fundamental, to learn about the fine details of electronics. After all, what is all this about, if not producing sound from electricity? Following all those little electrons on their tiny journeys through our circuits and components - knowing exactly how a capacitor changes the voltage, or how a series of resistors can shape sound? By the way I buy my screws and other DIY electronics stuff from Rapidonline.com in England. The screws you need are M4 (meaning that the thread shaft measures 4 millimeters diameter) and they are available at www.rapidonline.com/catalogue/search?Query=m4%20screws

[@MoltenMusicTech]

It's a conundrum - i too am interested in the electronics, but i'm also impatient to make noises....

[@pbartmess]

Yes. I just tell myself that there's plenty of time to play *and* learn.

[@bob-rogers]

If you have a hot glue gun you can use it to attach a cardboard front and back to your ears. That would greatly strengthen it. Some washers for your screws would be a good idea too.

[@MoltenMusicTech]

good idea

[@symbiat0]

I know you like the Moog cases - STG make a power supply for Moog cases.

[@MoltenMusicTech]

Yes they do although i'm not quite sure why and only really for the 60hp ones. There are plenty of 4hp power supply modules that will do the job for half the price. I guess they've saved you 4hp but it feels a bit like a problem that didn't need solving. It does have additional features so.... yeah :D

[@symbiat0]

@@MoltenMusicTech I looked at Befaco too (ready built of course) but ended up using the uZeus like you. I also got the Zeus power adaptor. Also looked at the Silta from Frap Tools. Shame the uZeus doesn’t have a USB port - both the Befaco and Silta have USB A ports which could come in handy especially for powering an external controller perhaps but both of those modules are bigger than the uZeus so as in all things, it’s a trade-off 😜

[@christophergray7434]

As for your suggestion at the end is it alright if I have coffee? :)

[@MoltenMusicTech]

naturally

[@tonalaxis]

You can build at least a 84hp skiff with powersupply and AC powerbrick for under £100 ;) Just worked out that you can get similar for around £56.

[@MoltenMusicTech]

Yeah? Links then please :)

[@tonalaxis]

Molten Music Technology synthracks.com/shop/eurorack-mounting-rails £24 for 84hp Eurorack Modular Synth - Power Supply Unit (Includes External Power Supply) www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B076H8ZNKD/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_6ejBBbDFB0154 £32

[@tonalaxis]

Maybe not as powerful but for running a small skiff it should be fine(depending on modules used)

[@MoltenMusicTech]

Ok, cool, so how do you connect your modules to it?

[@tonalaxis]

Molten Music Technology plug them in using the ribbon cables that usually come with the actual modules 😉

[@canities]

Molten Music Technology, Use some M4 screws to hold the rails onto the cardboard sides. You can buy a box of these on amazon: www.amazon.co.uk/CONNEX-DP8500055-Machine-Screw-Pieces/dp/B00B22VHPC/ref=sr_1_1?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1533851328&sr=8-1&keywords=m4+screw

[@Jimbo386000]

I got a whacky idea inspired by a KZbin video. I’m gonna buy a 12u studio rack and then mount four happy ending kits on it.

[@MoltenMusicTech]

That'll work but will look more like outboard gear than an instrument

[@Jimbo386000]

Molten Music Technology Yeah, that’s true. Haha

[@EdEditz]

I'm building a synth at the moment and I designed and build my own power supply for it. It has +-15, 12 and 5 Volts at 1,5 amps. If you're interested I wrote an article about it on my personal website here: www.eddybergman.com/2019/09/symmetrical-powersupply.html

[@MoltenMusicTech]

Thanks!

[@BlackMan614]

I dunno... I bought a doefper ps-2 power supply and mounted it in a road case. This is a linear power supply - not the crap walwart junk you overpay for. The only "dangerous" part is hooking it up to the power switch. The bus board hookup is not "dangerous" - its DC. Oh... and I saved like $300.

[@devtank]

EVGA power supply boxes are warrantied for 10 years.

[@sonnyobrien]

Do you need a second tiptopzeus if you wanted to another 3U? Worried that would create a ground loop.

[@MoltenMusicTech]

Yes, you’d need a power supply for each case unless you cut holes to pass cables through. I use 4ms row power power supplies which have a way to link together so you only need one wall wart. Not experienced any ground loops.

[@robertsyrett1992]

"This should be a short video," he says. I glance at the video length: 36 minutes....... XD edit: check out AI synthesis power supply aisynthesis.com/product/eurorack-power-supply/

[@MoltenMusicTech]

I know, but then I got into making the case and I wanted to show every fumble 😊

[@OB1techno]

*DO* build a power supply!! You don't have to handle mains voltage. I'm using the Frequency Central Routemasters and they run off a 12VAC wall plug so you're only ever dealing with 12V. They're also cheap (around £30 to build) and include a bus board for 12 modules. I've built two of them and they're ace. They're each powering a 3U 104HP case (which I built from scrap wood) - some pics in this album: facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10156354877275992.1073741826.354498880991 Also recommend the Frequency Central System X VCO as a good DIY oscillator to build. I've done two of those as well, nice easy build.

[@MoltenMusicTech]

Yeah? Still too scary.

[@OB1techno]

hehe, fair enough. I have to admit when I first powered up the first one, I told my wife what I was doing and asked her to come and check on me if I didn’t shout out that I was ok!

[@spindletrim]

How do you spell 'nurlies'?

[@MoltenMusicTech]

With a K - shop.befaco.org/175-knurlies

[@softsmoken]

You could just use this desktop until you had other equipment couldn't you?? Not a bad option for cheap start

[@albertocastillo7686]

Video begins at 7:16

[@MoltenMusicTech]

What and miss all my waffly reasoning?

[@papastratman218]

There was also this video (kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5eTi2Zqga9rj5o) in which mylarmelodies does a DIY cardboard skiff. That video has a link to Future Music Magazine which has measurements and a template for the cardboard ends. The screws are 4M, by the way. www.amazon.co.uk/Machine-Screws-Bolts-Stainless-Delivery/dp/B00A05GQHG My first Eurorack case was made of cardboard and I've made all of my cases. DIY cases are great.

[@MoltenMusicTech]

templates are for wimps :) Freestyle it.

[@papastratman218]

That's awesome.

[@atmeltronic128]

Would a PC power supply would work?

[@MoltenMusicTech]

You mean because it has 12v and 5v rails? I’ve no idea but seems like an unlikely and odd fit to me

[@atmeltronic128]

@@MoltenMusicTech its worth the try as long you are careful.

[@noobulon4334]

It technically could but the -12v rail is rather weak and atx power supplies are pretty bulky to put in even a moderate sized case

[@atmeltronic128]

@@noobulon4334 ok

[@Vei2aC]

@@MoltenMusicTech i have built 3 eurorack's all with pc power supply's works great, and easy to get, and you can get way more use out of it for eurorack all pc power supply's have 3.3v and some even have a -5v, verry helpful.

[@ZevraBoy]

So, no DIY power supply, no « real » case. What am I doing here? 😂 But a lot of fun 🙂

[@MoltenMusicTech]

Cheeky

[@DreadCentre]

what's HP?

[@MoltenMusicTech]

Hole Point or Horizontal Pitch. It’s how wide a module is in reference to the mounting holes of a Eurorack case.

[@rudiger86]

+/-12v and +5v.... power supply seems simple

[@newenglisharchitecture1012]

So I just bought a Doepfer A-100 LC9 and it came with a schuko plug (and I live in the UK). The seller gave me a 13 amp /250 volt UK plug to replace it. That can't be right, can it? The box says it can only take 100 - 240v, with only two choices of fuse: 0.8AT or 1.6AT (230v and 115v respectively). I don't to blow my case or modules. I'm not an electrician. I'll leave the electricity to the patching thanks ;)

[@MoltenMusicTech]

I don't know mate do I look like the kind of person who knows what I'm talking about when it comes to power supplies? Try speaking to Doepfer.

[@newenglisharchitecture1012]

@@MoltenMusicTech Oh. Sorry.

[@AndrewAHayes]

Once filled with modules this is gonna last all of 5 mins

[@MoltenMusicTech]

I will be onto case v4.256 by then

[@AndrewAHayes]

why not reshape those cheeks (french curve templates make this simple) and use them as a template to cut them out of plywood or acrylic!, Im looking forward to v4.256

[@mattsynth]

Cardboard would not be my first choice for an eurorack. Fire hazard I would think. You would be better off using plastic or wood that is less combustible. Metal of course would be your best choice. Amp output is the #1 info you want to look at when purchasing power supplies. Over drive your power supply and you are asking for big expensive trouble.

[@fakshen1973]

Building your own power supply is like building and packing your own parachute. You certainly could save a few dollars... but unless you absolutely know what you're doing... you won't be around to spend them. Blowing up your modules or starting a fire isn't really quite experimentation friendly.

[@ericjohnson2965]

I'm too chicken shit to try

[@philipTOMPSETT]

Another corker!

[@RoguePotatoes]

This case-crafting exercise is dangerous for newbies. Build something rigid to avoid damaging the back of your precious (and costly) modules, when this thing shears to the side...

[@MoltenMusicTech]

I think modules are a bit more robust than that and we all need a little bit of danger

[@tonalaxis]

Make an Oscillator first.

[@MoltenMusicTech]

I plan to - any suggestions?

[@tonalaxis]

Molten Music Technology no idea as I’m just starting out but this looks interesting www.thonk.co.uk/shop/erica-polivoks-vco-ii-kit/

[@linzenmeyer]

We get it...move on...NOT building a power supply