Combining 5U MOTM and Synthesizers.com modules in the same cabinet: Difference between revisions

'''5U''' is the term used for modules or equipment that is five standard [[19-inch rack|rack unit]]s high. 5U modules typically use 1/4" [[connectors]] and plugs for [[patch]]ing.

The common 5U modules are exactly 8.75" (222.25mm), although non-American manufacturers may prefer 220mm or 230mm.<ref>Wikipedia:[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modular_synthesizer Modular synthesizer]</ref> The format is called 5U because 8.75" is equal to five vertical units in a standard 19" equipment rack.

The width of 5U modules varies. Some manufacturers use the width of the original Moog modules (1U = 2.125"), and as such, these fall into a sub-format called [[MU]] (for Moog Unit). MU module manufacturers include [[Synthesizers.com]], [[Club Of The Knobs]], [[Krisp1]], [[Mos-lab]], [[Moon Modular ]], [[STG Sound Lab]], and [[ModuSonics]]. Other 5U manufacturers, like [[Synthesis Technology]] [[MOTM]], [[Oakley Sound Systems]] and [[Modcan B-series]], use a slightly narrower width, (a 2U wide panel is 3.485 inches wide). This is an important factor in mounting the modules. Since the module widths are different, the mounting holes are also in different positions. Thus, MU and 5U modules can't be mounted in the same row in racks that use metal pre-tapped holes.

==MOTM/Modcan B-series in a Synthesizers.com cabinet==

[[File:dotcomlip.jpg|thumb|right|250px|middle|The Synthesizers.com format module has a side lip.]]This section only discusses wooden cabinets, not racks. To fit MOTM-format modules, (including Modcan B-series), into a wooden Synthesizers.com cabinet, there are three main things to consider. First, how to physically mount the MOTM-format modules. Second, what number of each module format can be fitted. Third, the power considerations (see below).

[[File:syncom6wayconn.jpg|thumb|right|250px|middle]]Synthesizers.com use a 6 pin connector to get power from the power supply to modules.[[File:syncom20harn.jpg|thumb|right|250px|middle]] Power is distributed from the power supply via a power harness which contains a number of these connectors. They sell 2 models: the small power harness has 20, the large has 40.

==Distributing power to a mix of 5U formats==

There is more than one way to distribute power to a mix of 5U formats.

[[File:cyncombodistro.gif]]Adding Modcan and/or Cyndustries is a relatively straightforward task and in many ways similar to connecting Synthesizers.com and MOTM together. The only difference is that Modcan/Cyndustries use 3 pin, rather than MOTM’s 4 pin connectors. With Modcan probably the easiest option is to ask for the power cables to be terminated with MOTM style 4 pin connectors. Then use exactly the same type of distribution system used with a MOTM or MOTM/Synthesizers.com mix system. Modcan are +/-15v only, 5v can be disregarded. This would also work for Cyndustries modules. The other option would be to use a Cyndustries power distribution board, which provides connectors for 4 pin MOTM and 3 pin Modcan/Cyndustries. This could be wired to a suitable power supply using binding posts as with the MOTM distribution boards.