DIY – 6U Eurorack Flightcase – finally done

Building a Doepfer style A-100P6 flightcase from a Thomann Economy custom case.

Since I started with my Eurorack synth I wanted to build a Doepfer style flight case. But it wasn’t too easy to find the right case. Then I checked out the Thomann custom case configurator and I ordered an economy case immediately. This was eight month ago and I never had the time to finish it. The case material is around 5 mm thick, the fittings are sturdy and the economy series is perfect if you carrying it yourself. Not to be mistaken, I am not selling cases. This is just meant as an inspiration to DIY your own case.

ClicksClocks Flight Case total powered
Flight Case total powered

The internal dimensions of the case I ordered are 433 x 140 x 306 (w x d x h). Please be aware that for the configurator the depth is the height and vice versa. Unfortunately the case was delivered with a width of 439 mm, which made it impossible to mount one of my 6U 84HP frame (433 mm) directly in the case. I had to add some thin plywood (3mm) on each side. You should clarify with Thomann what their tolerances are. A customer told me, that they have tolerances, so the case might not have the exact internal dimensions you ordered. To be honest, I wonder how they build 19 inch cases, if they might be 19.something in end.

My recommendation would be, to order the case with slightly different dimensions, which would make the installation of the power supply and the frame easier and leaves a bit more space for the modules:
Width: 433 mm
Height: 160 mm
Depth: 315 mm

Depth and Height are already changed for the Thomann configurator.

Part list:
1 x Thomann economy case (433 x 160 x 315 mm)
1 x PSU
2 x Busboards, plus cable set
1 x 6U 84HP frame
1 x Mains inlet
16 x Polyamide stand-offs
16 x M3 x 18 mm screws
16 x M3 hex nuts
20 x M3 Tooth lock washers
20 x Rosette washers for M3 screws
4 or 8 x M4 x 18 mm screws (mounting the frame)
4 or 8 x M4 x 5 mm Threaded Sleeves/Sleeve nuts
4 or 8 x Rosette washers for M4 screws
7 x 4.8 mm flat connectors
4 x 6.3 mm flat connectors
2 x M3 spade connectors
1 m of each colour, black, blue and green-yellow cable (mains voltage installation)
Cable ties and tie mounts, mains cable with IEC connector
I hope that’s about it.

The complete case without modules weighs around 6.3 kg.

Of course you don’t have to use a ready made frame. You can also mount single rails to the case, just make sure to order the case in the correct width.

Fixing the PSU and the busboards is quite simple, you just have to drill the 3 mm holes for the screws and mount them as shown in the pictures. For the frame you should use sleeve nuts (see pictures below) with M4 thread, not longer then 5 mm. You might get these in you local hardware store or on the web. For all the fixings from the outside I used rosette washers, as it looks nicer and the small heads of the screws will not be pulled in the material when fixing them. Any other might to the job as well.
The trickiest part is the mains inlet, as you have to cut a quite big hole in the case. I usually mark the size of the hole and then drill small holes (3 mm) along the lines. Then I cut the parts between the holes and file the hole till the inlet fits in. To me it was important to have the mains inlet on the side, and not in the back of the case, so you can easily put it on a table.

For the busboards and PSU, I used some of my older leftover parts. For the electrical installation you should really know what you are doing or get a professional helping you. Usually the power solution you are going to buy should come with an installation manual.
TECHNICAL DISCLAIMER:
Please be aware that the power supply carries mains voltage (115 or 230 V AC). According to the safety rules the installation has to be done by qualified personnel only. Please keep that in mind: Danger to Life!

I still need to figure out how to cover the front part of the PSU, but that’s about it. Not sure yet, what I am going to put in the case, probably my Doepfer vocoder system 🙂

If you have any questions, and I have enough time, I am up to help you, just send me an email.

Coming soon: XLR -DSUB/DB25 breakout PCBs

Small side project from wiring my studio

As I was asked several times, yes I am back on business since mid January, lots of orders shipped, continuing…

Which doesn’t leave much time for other things. One of the “other things” is my small studio.
Having a lot of analogue gear, outboard, working with microphones, guitars etc. and also prefering an analogue workflow requires some thinking when it comes to wiring it all. I am also more the type of guy who prefers not to have cables flying around all over the studio.
Most of the modern studio equipment (mixers, interfaces) use DSUB25 or DB25 connectors. Of course you can use so called DSUB looms with XLR or 1/4 inch plugs. But when you use modular equipment like the 500 series, or single channel strips it sometimes gets tricky to change the setup, especially when everything is installed and most or all connectors are on the rear. This means you need breakouts to patch things or flip the mic from one to the other channel strip.

XLR Female to Tascam AES/EBU parts and PCB print
ClicksClocks 4 x 2 XLR Female to Tascam AES/EBU parts and PCB print

You can buy ready made breakouts like the RME BOB or from Mamba.
But I personally like the DIY approach. So I decided to make my own PCBs for XLR to DSUB (AES/EBU Tascam pinout). The first PCB prototypes will be delivered in the next weeks, so stay tuned if interested.

Thank You!

The year is almost over and I need some time to rest and charge the batteries for the next year to come.

That’s why I will only take few orders during the next days and then shut down till around mid January.
I wish you all a peaceful ending of the year. If you celebrate it, a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year. Thanks to all my customers for making this year even better than the last. I continue serving you next year. Cheers Stefan

Some shots from this weeks concert from Kraftwerk in Leipzig.

Kraftwerk performing Die Roboter during the 3D tour in Leipzig 8.12.2015
Kraftwerk in Leipzig, Die Roboter

DIY Project: 6U Eurorack Flightcase

The small DIY project for the autumn is in planning.

I wanted to do this for quite a while but never had the time. At least I ordered a custom case from Thomann as they have a configurator which helps you to order a case that fits your individual needs.
Let’s see if I find the time during the next weeks to start and also finish this project. I will keep you updated.

If you need supply for your own autumn DIY Eurorack project, you might be interested in my latest price list. Just send me an email and you will get it quckly.

Clicks and Clocks Eurorack Flightcase Teaser
DIY Project: 6U Eurorack Flightcase

Custom 10 inch Rackmount Frame in Black

From time to time customers have special requests. The idea for this frame is to fit in a 10 inch server rack.

Just a quick post after such a long time, the business keeps me busy. If you know exactly that you are going to use just a few modules this frame will probably fit your needs. It just has 39HP usable width, and the outer dimensions are 254 x 133 x 30 mm. It will fit in this 10 inch rack.

If you are interested in custom frames and pricing, please send me an email. You will also get my latest price list.

Eurorack DIY Frames: Clicks and Clocks Custom 10 inch rackmount frame
Clicks and Clocks Custom 10 inch rackmount frame in black