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== Front panels ==
=== Specifications ===
The Eurorack format was developed in parallel by [[Analogue Systems]] and [[Doepfer Musikelektronik GmbH|Doepfer]], with different approaches to module power connectors and front panel mounting holes. These days the Doepfer standard predominates.<ref>[httpshttp://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=8419&start=all&postdays=0&postorder=asc Analogue Systems: Doepfer compatibility], Muff Wiggler forum, October 2009</ref><ref>[http://electro-music.com/forum/topic-36446.html Analogue Systems or Doepfer as 1st Modular system?], Electro-music.com forum, August 2009</ref> The format is based on [//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deutsches_Institut_f%C3%BCr_Normung DIN] 41494 [[Eurocard]] standard.<ref name="hinton">[httpshttp://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=45388&start=0&postdays=0&postorder=asc Some general questions on euro-designing] by [[Graham Hinton]], Muff Wiggler forum, October 2011</ref>
==== Panels ====
Doepfer specifies the Eurorack front panel material as 2&nbsp;mm anodized aluminium.<ref name="a100m">Doepfer [http://www.doepfer.de/a100_man/a100m_e.htm A-100 Construction Details]</ref> In practice panels from other manufacturers may slightly differ, e.g. Synthwerks use the closest gauge that [http://metalphoto.com/ Metalphoto] offer which is 0.0625" (1.59&nbsp;mm). Also check data sheets for front panel parts, e.g. the maximum recommended thickness for [[3.5&nbsp;mm Cliff 1384 jack]]s is 2.5&nbsp;mm.<ref name="guage">[httpshttp://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=51475&start=all&postdays=0&postorder=asc Aluminum Panel Guage???], Muff Wiggler forum, January 2012</ref>
Front panel dimensions in the the Eurorack format are specified in U and HP not in inches or millimeters. One U (unit) or in German HE (höhen einheit) is {{sfrac|1|3|4}}".75&nbsp;inches equivalent to 44.45&nbsp;mm. The panels height is [[3U]] (3x{{sfrac|1|3|4}}3x1.75"={{sfrac|5|1|4}}.25" or 133.35&nbsp;mm) less any allowance for mounting rail flange. Width is measured in HP (horizontal pitch) or in German TE (teilungs einheiten); 1 HP is 5.08&nbsp;mm, 1/5", 0.2" or 200mil. The actual width of a front panel is a few tenth of a&nbsp;mm less than whatever multiple of 5.08&nbsp;mm it is, to give some tolerance for final assembly. A [[19-inch rack]] has a usable width of 84 HP.<ref name="hinton" /><ref name="a100m" /><ref name="confused">[httpshttp://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=55022&start=all&postdays=0&postorder=asc confused about euro panel spec standard.], Muff Wiggler forum, March 2012</ref><ref name="measures">[http://www.electro-music.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=18281&postorder=asc Standard measurements in front panels], Electro-music.com forum, May 2007</ref><ref>[http://electro-music.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=17529&start=125 Thomas Henry's SN76477 Super Controller Module] by [[Matthias Herman]], Electro-music.com forum, July 2007</ref>
 
The vertical space available between mounting rails is:
Line 12:
* Gie-Tec, Proma (now defunct) and TipTop Z-Rails, 112.5mm (4.429 inches)
* Vector, 115.1mm (4.531 inches)
These don't include a tolerances for the screw hole in the panel nor for the nut in the rail moving up and down. It's better to give a little more clearance than suggested by these figures.<ref name="six">[httpshttp://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=1695905 Six jacks in euro, what is the preferred configuration?], Muff Wiggler forum, October 2014</ref>
 
==== Panel mounting holes ====
If the Doepfer specification is followed, or rails with sliding nuts are used, elongated holes are not required. These are useful for non-standard panel widths like the Piston Honda's and to compensate for for manufacturing tolerances of the panel width or hole position. They help to fit the modules flush against one another.<ref name="oval">[httpshttp://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=126980 Euro modules – Oval mounting holes], Muff Wiggler forum, December 2014</ref> In a double width case, there will be a gap where the two threaded inserts meet, unless e.g. single 168 HP tiptop Z rails are used.<ref>[httpshttp://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=69180 The Eurorack Charter?], Muff Wiggler forum, October 2012</ref>
 
Oval holes were originally for mixed Analogue Systems and Doepfer systems. The AS holes are 0.2" from the panel edge and the Doepfer holes are 0.3" from the edge. The oval holes were originally used to allow these modules to be placed in the same threaded rows without having the 1/2 HP gap that would otherwise result. These days the oval holes are mostly just centered on the Doepfer spacing.<ref name="oval" />
 
For front panels up to 10 HP two mounting holes are sufficient, wider than this and four mounting holes are usual. To attach the modules to the mounting rails M3x6 DIN 7985 cross recessed pan head machine screws are used. The mounting hole diameter is 3.2mm (0.13"), centered 3&nbsp;mm3mm from top and bottom edges and 7.45mm from the left edge. The horizontal distance between the mounting holes has to be a multiple of 5.08mm.<ref name="hinton" /><ref name="a100m" /><ref name="confused" />
==== Mounting rails ====
[[File:Eurorack panels on Gie-Tec rails.jpg|thumb|200px|Eurorack panels mounted on Gie-Tec rails, with sliding nuts. Note the lip along one edge of the rail.]][[File:Eurorack panels on Vector rails.jpg|thumb|200px|Eurorack panels mounted on Vector rails, with sliding nuts.]]Unless attaching the panels directly into the wood of an enclosure; Doepfer aluminium mounting rails from Schroff or Gie-Tech usually have a 1.2mm lip and are fitted with a number of square nuts or a threaded strip with M3 tapped holes, spaced with 5.08mm between centres.<ref>TipTop [http://www.tiptopaudio.com/manuals/z-rails.pdf Z-Rails dimensions]</ref> Be careful not to get Schroff rails that take M2.5 screws.<ref>[httpshttp://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=249254&sid=159dd8651e429dd3d944d75988436079 Schroff Rails for a Eurorack Rast?]</ref> Vector T-Strut rails do not have a lip and take a M2.5 threaded strip or 4-40 square nuts.<ref>[http://www.vectorelect.com/Catpdf/New%20Page%2049.pdf VectorPak T-Struts]</ref> Nuts are more fiddly than threaded strip, but the modules can then be butted flush against each other, for example when Analogue Sytem and Doepfer-style modules share the same rack rails.<ref>[https://www.gearslutz.com/board/electronic-music-instruments-electronic-music-production/814685-why-no-talk-analoge-systems-modules.html Why no talk of Analoge Systems modules?], Gearslutz.com forums, February 2013</ref>
 
Brands using M2.5 square nuts or tapped strips and M2.5x6mm machine screws: [[4ms]], [[Elby Designs]] (SRS), [[Enclave]], [[Rittal]]<ref name="enc">[httpshttp://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=1612192&sid=46c8558b1dfe3ee80c6a2ef51a264eb1 Enclave cases rails...], Muff Wiggler forum, July 2014</ref><ref name="sergesque">[https://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=1385152&highlight=#1385152 &#91;IC&#93; 4U Single Function 'Sergesque' panels], Muff Wiggler forum, 13 December 2013</ref>
 
Brands using Vector rails with M2.5 square nuts or tapped strips and M2.5x6mm machine screws: [[Erthenvar]], [http://www.goike.com/node/4 Goike]<ref name="sergesque" />
 
Brands using Gie-Tec rails with M3 nuts or tapped strip and M3x6 machine screws: [[Tiptop]], [[Gorillabox]], [[Doepfer]]<ref name="enc" />
Line 43:
 
=== Blank panels ===
6061 aluminum alloy, T3 or T6 temper, is easy to come by, can be easily worked. Thickness usually ranges between 1.5 mm (0.62") and 2.5 mm (0.12") but see what is standard for the format, e.g. a thickness of 2&nbsp; mm (0.08") for [[3U]]. Softer 1100-H aluminium alloy from [http://metalphoto.com/ MetalPhoto] and 1.59 mm (0.625") thick, is used for many Euro panels but is usually punched rather than drilled.<ref>[https://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=86107 What type of aluminium is used for faceplates?], Muff Wiggler forum, June 2013</ref><ref name="guage" />
 
For small panels it's cheapest to buy Doepfer pre-made blank panels. For wider panels it might be worth getting them done by Frontpanel Express, without labeling and with whatever holes are required. Getting aluminum cut by general online metal suppliers is going to deliver metal that is approximate in size and the edges will need filing down to get it to the correct size.<ref name="guage"<ref>[httpshttp://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=50409&start=all&postdays=0&postorder=asc Sheet Metal (aluminium) UK], Muff Wiggler forum, January 2012</ref>
* [http://store.synthrotek.com/blank_eurorack_panels Synthrotek], USA
 
Blank panels can be obtained from:
* [http://www.reichelt.de/Baugruppentraeger/BGT-TFP-312/3/index.html?;ACTION=3;LA=446;ARTICLE=34002;GROUPID=3363;artnr=BGT+TFP+312;SID=26PTQzxKwQARoAAHOZA-w413b4ed837993f58e14dcd8d28089d58 Reichelt Elektronik], Germany
* [http://syinsi.com/product/blank-panels/ syinsi.com], Canada, USA and international, blank/blind panels for Eurorack
 
Suppliers:
* [http://www.onlinemetals.com/merchant.cfm?id=239&step=2&top_cat=60 OnlineMetals.com], USA – large blank panels
* [http://www.allmetalparts.co.uk/ All Metal Parts], UK – large blank panels
Line 56 ⟶ 57:
* [http://www.aluminiumwarehouse.co.uk/sheet_calc.php Aluminium Warehouse], UK
* [http://metaloffcuts.co.uk/ MetalOffCuts], UK
* [http://syinsi.com/product/blank-panels/ Eurorack Blank Panels], Canada
 
=== Custom panels ===
Line 67 ⟶ 69:
=== Project panels ===
Panels for specific projects can be purchased from:
* [http://www.exploding-shed.com/ Exploding Shed], EU
* [http://grayscale.info/panels/ Grayscale], USA
* [http://modularaddict.com/parts/panels.html Modular Addict]
Line 77 ⟶ 78:
''See [[Panels (homebrew)]]''
 
== Front panelpanels componentsparts ==
''See [[Eurorack DIY panel components]]''
 
== PCB dimensions and mounting ==
These days Eurorack modules tend to mount the PCB parralel to the front panel, held in place by the pots, jacks and switches.<ref name="six"/> Modules with wired front panel components cost more to manufacture than PCB mounted, however these electro-mechanical components have limited lifetimes and while PCB mounted parts can be repaired it's not as easily as wired components. Also PCB mounted components mean the board is designed around specific parts. If any of these parts goes out of production the modules have to be redesigned, with the additional cost of updating the PCBs.<ref name="planb">[httpshttp://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1750 Plan B/Cliff Jacks], Muff Wiggler forum, September 2008</ref>
 
The vertical distance between the mounting holes on Eurorack rails is 122.5mm apart (4.823"). Based on the manufacturer's drawings for the most common rails used in Euro cases, the clear space between pairs of rails is:
Line 89 ⟶ 90:
Those don't include the tolerances (slop) of the nut in the rail moving up and down and the screw hole in the front panel. These can cause the rails to be closer or further apart when any given module is tightened in. It's better to try to give a little more clearance and not count on these exact figures.<ref name="six" />
 
To fit between the mounting rails the maximum vertical PCB size can be from 108&nbsp;mm108mm ({{sfrac|4|1|4}}.25") to 110&nbsp;mm110mm. The width of the PCB needs to be a touch less than that of the front panel, whilst allowing for clearance and taking tolerances into consideration.<ref name="hinton" /><ref name="six" /><ref name="erthenvar">[http://erthenvar.com/store/accessories/3.5mm-vertical-mount-jacks 3.5mm Vertical Mount Jacks], Erthenvar</ref>
 
=== Stacked PCBs ===
Stacked PCBs can be connected with standard 0.1" single and double row male/female [[pin header]]sheaders. These combine to a height of 7/16 inch or 11&nbsp;mm11mm and boards can be mounted to each other with spacers of this length.<ref name="hw">[httpshttp://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=126900 Hardware for stacked PCBs], Muff Wiggler forum</ref>
 
Don't use tools you value highly, the headers are made of brittle glass filled epoxy which will damage the edge of any blades used to cut it. To get the single row male headers to length, grip the last pin of the length you want firmly in pliers and snap the rest off. The female headers don't snap easily so first pull the pins out of the body at the point where you want it to snap, then file the ends smooth. Alternately combine smaller lengths to make up the length required. To get them to butt against each other at 0.1" if there is extra plastic on the ends file it down.<ref name="hw" />
 
Suitable parts can be purchased for example:<ref name="hw" />
* [http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/3M-Electronic-Solutions-Division/929974-01-36-RK/?qs=Z7nQflo5OWeXTtG8NqxhFQ%3D%3D 517-929974-01-36-RK], Mouser female 2.54mm pin header, 36 way, tin plated copper
* [http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/3M-Electronic-Solutions-Division/929834-01-36/?qs=QV10cN0MjFtGMxJSq6rXkQ%3D%3D 517-834-01-36], Mouser male 2.54mm pin header, 36 way, tin plated copper
* [http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Harwin/R30-1001102/?qs=%2fha2pyFaduh3QY4G1og6YGrzdLjrFnZGRQnWZYca8amFflum8SkGQA%3d%3d 855-R30-1001102], Mouser M3x11mm hex spacer. Fit to the PCB with M3x5mm machine screws.
 
== Internal connectors ==
=== Power connectors ===
Line 106:
 
==== Caution ====
'''Never trust the ribbon cable or the coloured wire.''' Before connection examine the module, the power distribution bus and the ribbon cable to ensure that matching connections will be made at either end. Even with [[shrouded header]]s don't plug the cable in because it fits, always first ensure the correct connections will be made.<ref name="def">[httpshttp://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=15109&start=all&postdays=0&postorder=asc The Definitive Connecting Power Thread], Muff Wiggler forum, April 2010</ref>
 
==== Doepfer ====
RibbonDoepfer cablesmodules, (the de facto standard)<ref name="hinton" /> use two row of 8 [[pin header|male pin headers]] for connecting power and [[normalising]] [[CV/gateGate]]. The pins are 0.1" (2.54mm) apart and at a 0.1" pitch. The interconnection is done via ribbon cable with 1.27mm (0.05") pitch, and using female sockets, 16-pin to the supply bus and either 16 or 10-pin to the module. The colored wire on the ribbon cable indicates -12V.<ref>Doepfer [http://www.doepfer.de/a100_man/a100t_e.htm Technical Details A-100]</ref><ref name="ta">[http://analogue-heaven.1065350.n5.nabble.com/some-help-building-a-rack-for-doepfer-tp25377p25380.html Re: some help building a rack for doepfer] by [[Tony Allgood]], Analogue Heaven email list, 29 June 2006</ref><ref name="def" /><ref name="dcon">[httpshttp://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=37111&start=all&postdays=0&postorder=asc Doepfer connectors?], Muff Wiggler forum, June 2011</ref> Pins are numbered from pin 1 with even numbers along one side and the odd numbered ones along the other.<ref>[http://connector.pinoutsguide.com/16_pin_IDC_male/ 16 pin IDC male connector diagram and applications pinouts]</ref>▼
For the leads between PSU and bus boards, {{sfrac|4}}""(6.35mm) [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FASTON_terminal Faston crimp connectors]. These usually come in three colour sizes: red (32/0.2 AWG), blue (2x 32/0.2 AWG) and yellow (5x 32/0.2 AWG). Use at least the blue type, the yellow for 0V and as thick a wire as possible.<ref>[https://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=149590&sid=5c974bb3ed36d75927a835052c34a53b Wire Connectors for Doepfer PSU-2 and Busboard], Graham Hinton, Muff Wiggler forum, Nov 2015</ref>
 
▲Ribbon cables, (the de facto standard)<ref name="hinton" /> use two row of 8 pin header for connecting power and [[normalising]] [[CV/gate]]. The pins are 0.1" (2.54mm) apart and at a 0.1" pitch. The interconnection is done via ribbon cable with 1.27mm (0.05") pitch, and using female sockets, 16-pin to the supply bus and either 16 or 10-pin to the module. The colored wire on the ribbon cable indicates -12V.<ref>Doepfer [http://www.doepfer.de/a100_man/a100t_e.htm Technical Details A-100]</ref><ref name="ta">[http://analogue-heaven.1065350.n5.nabble.com/some-help-building-a-rack-for-doepfer-tp25377p25380.html Re: some help building a rack for doepfer] by [[Tony Allgood]], Analogue Heaven email list, 29 June 2006</ref><ref name="def" /><ref name="dcon">[https://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=37111&start=all&postdays=0&postorder=asc Doepfer connectors?], Muff Wiggler forum, June 2011</ref> Pins are numbered from pin 1 with even numbers along one side and the odd numbered ones along the other.<ref>[http://connector.pinoutsguide.com/16_pin_IDC_male/ 16 pin IDC male connector diagram and applications pinouts]</ref>
 
==== Cwejman ====
[[Cwejman]] uses the same ribbon connectors as Doepfer, however +5V is unused. Also on 10 pin connectors the coloured wire indicates Gate and on 16 pin connectors it indicates +12V.<ref>[http://cwejman.net/ribbon_cable.pdf Cwejman ribbon cables]</ref>
 
Pin assignments with reference to the front panel for up, on the PCB component side pin 1 is the uppermost on the left:
Line 134 ⟶ 132:
 
Suppliers:
* Faston PCB mount tab 6.3 x 0.8mm tin (Rapid [https://www.rapidonline.com/te-726386-2-faston-tab-pcb-mount-6-3-x-0-8mm-tin-63-7162 63-7162])
* Rapid [https://www.rapidonline.com/te-connectivity-250-faston-crimp-receptacle-ultra-fast-insulated-556064 TE Connectivity insulated 250 series Faston crimp receptacles]
* Unshrouded gold plated male PCB mount 2x8 pin headers (Rapid [http://www.rapidonline.com/cables-connectors/2-x-8-pin-header-2-54mm-pitch-3a-gold-plated-50-8041 50-8041])
<!-- Add for shrouded -->
Line 145 ⟶ 141:
* 10 way (Rapid [http://www.rapidonline.com/cables-connectors/ribbon-cable-grey-10-way-30-5m-01-1446 01-1446])
* 16 way (Rapid [http://www.rapidonline.com/cables-connectors/ribbon-cable-grey-16way-30-5m-01-1449 01-1449])
* Ribbon cable in grey or rainbow (Rapid [https://www.rapidonline.com/rapid-ribbon-cable-62359 01-0172])
 
==== Analogue Systems ====
Line 175 ⟶ 170:
 
=== Safety ===
Use a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Residual-current_device RCD]. Mains voltages can kill and [[capacitor]]s in disconnected power supplies can still deliver quite a jolt. Unless you're qualified to work with mains electricity ready made external transformers are safer.
 
== See also ==
Line 182 ⟶ 177:
* [[Comparison of Eurorack DIY PSUs]]
{{From Muff Wiggler wiki|vertical Mount Components}}
{{split tosplit_to|[[Eurorack DIY panel components]]|22 April 2016}}
== References ==
{{reflist}}
== External links ==
* [https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/ModularSynthPanels/info Modular Synth Panels], Yahoo group
* The Eurorack Database – [https://web.archive.org/web/20170123131344/http://www.eurorackdb.com:80/node/h_diy_sources Eurorack DIY Resources]
* [http://mutable-instruments.net/forum/discussion/3329/diy-eurorack-modules-/p1 DIY eurorack modules...], Mutable Instruments
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvsTenEcY5k Analogue Systems power supply & Eurorack modular synth case]
* [http://www.eurorackdb.com/node/h_power_supply_list Power Supplies], The Eurorack Database
* [http://www.firstpr.com.au/rwi/parts/3.5&nbsp;mm-sockets/ 3.5&nbsp;mm mono sockets for vertical PCB mounting] by Robin Whittle, Real World Interfaces, 2014
* [http://www.mcmaster.com/#standard-aluminum-sheets/=xe70s0 About Aluminum], McMaster-Carr
* [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/17qu-PkyJnjZf9YzhNYy7X7-d-lmZqhahyUW0YM1b2N0/edit#gid=0 The big eurorack PSU list]
* [https://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=10682&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=15&sid=1f9f1c0e2b280ae0ed45379d38515347 DIY euro case...rails?], December 2009▼
* [https://synthracks.com/eurorack-rails Eurorack Rails DIY Guide], SynthRacks.com
* [http://www.liivatera.com/Products/prototyping/EuroProto/ Euro-Format Prototyping PCB]
* [http://synovatron.blogspot.co.uk/p/products.html DIY1 PCB and DIY2 PCB], Synovatron prototyping PCBs
* [http://www.elby-designs.com/webtek/documents/kits.htm General specifications of components] supplied by Elby designs.
=== Improvements on Euro power distribution ===
* [https://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=134925 &#x0005B;PROJECT&#x0005D; trying to bake my own euro power distro system], Muff Wiggler forum, March 2015
* [https://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=1816974 Eurorack &#x0003E; MOTM adapter board diy], Muff Wiggler forum, February 2015
=== Schematics, PCB overlays, BOMs and assembly instructions ===
* [http://www.modular.fonik.de/ Fonitronik Synth DIY]
Line 208 ⟶ 196:
* [http://cgs.synth.net/ CGS]
* [https://github.com/search?utf8=%E2%9C%93&q=Eurorack&type=Repositories&ref=searchresults GitHub]
 
=== Lists of preferred parts ===
=== Muff Wiggler forum ===
* [https://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=971680 Thread for your component suppliers references...?], Muff Wiggler forum, Oct 2012<!-- Eurorack? -->
* [httpshttp://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=8695157933&start=all&postdays=0&postorder=asc SDIYPanel Partslistmounted spreadsheet],controls Muffvs WigglerPCB forummounted controls, Junand 2013<more!--], Eurorack?April -->2012
* [http://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=40206&start=all&postdays=0&postorder=asc Potentiometers / Mouser], August 2011
* [https://bitbucket.org/cheater/synth-parts cheater/synth-parts], Bitbucket
▲* [https://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=10682&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=15&sid=1f9f1c0e2b280ae0ed45379d38515347 DIY euro case...rails?], December 2009
* [http://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=108045&start=all&postdays=0&postorder=asc The Pitfalls of Choosing Quality Brands of Components?], March 2014
 
[[Category:Eurorack]]
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