MOTM parts
This information is for doing DIY, repaneling, and/or repairs on MOTM systems. It's not comprehensive, everyone has preferences, but lists the common/major/most-wanted parts in the MOTM format, and/or what sort of things will work.
Front panels
Specifications
MOTM panels use U, the 19-inch rack unit for height and width. The height is 5U (8.75"), while the widths are in multiples of 1U (1.75"), with some fraction less to allow for manufacturing tolerances. The finish is baked-on two part Polane paint,[1] giving it a crinkly look, and with labeling and scales in screen printed epoxy-ink.[2]
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 2.28 mm (0.09") for 4U.[3][4]
Blank panels can be purchased from:
- Bridechamber 1, 2, 3, and 4U
- Synthesis Technology 1 and 2U
Project panels
Panels for specific projects (CGS, I. Fritz, etc.) can be purchased from:
Custom panels
Custom panels can be manufactured by:
- Re:Synthesis, UK
- Front Panel Express, USA
- Schaeffer, EU
Panels components
Avoid cheap parts, especially if mechanical. Invest in quality, you always get what you pay for. Otherwise your entire system might later develop intermittent faults.[5]
Knobs
MOTM uses ALCO PKES90B1/4 knobs, available at:
Potentiometers
MOTM uses Spectrol 149 pots, available at:
Switches
NKK toggle switches with bat handles are the closest fit.[6]
- SPDT: NKK M2102ES1W01 (Allied: 870-8646)
- SPDT center off: NKK M2103ES1W01 (Allied: 870-8647)
- DPDT: NKK M2022ES1W01 (Allied: 870-8652)
- DPDT center off: NKK M2023ES1W01 (Allied: 870-8653)
Jacks
MOTM uses Switchcraft 112A 1/4" jacks.
LEDs
MOTM uses 5 mm flat-lens LEDs.
- Red: Lumex SSI-LXH387ID (DigiKey: 67-1155-ND)
- Green: Lumex SSI-LXH387GD (DigiKey: 67-1156-ND)
- Yellow: Lumex SSI-LXH387YD (DigiKey: 67-1157-ND)
PCB/Panel mounting
PCB mounting
Most MOTM PCBs are about 4.5" by 5.5".[7] These are generally mounted perpendicular to the panel with stooge brackets affixed by the pots or jacks, available at:
Internal connectors
Do not mix dissimilar metal terminals and headers. The contact resistance will go up with dissimilar metals, causing all sorts of problems.[8]
Power
MOTM modules and power distribution boards are connected using 4-pin MTA Connector-156 connectors and 18 awg wire.[9] Systems by Encore Electronics use 4 pin 0.156" Molex KK connector connectors, while those from Oakley Sound Systems use either MTA or Molex KK 0.156" connectors.
| Pin | Voltage |
|---|---|
| 1 | +15 |
| 2 | GND |
| 3 | GND |
| 4 | -15 |
- Female cable mount: 640426-4 (Mouser: 571-640-4264)
- Male PCB mount: 640445-4 (Mouser: 571-6404454)
- TE Connectivity 4 pin MTA 156 header (Mouser: 571-6404454)
Interconnections
Oakley Sound Systems designs use either MTA-100 or Molex KK 0.1" for board interconnects.[10]
See also
References
This page uses Creative Commons Licensed content from Mod Wiggler Wiki:MOTM DIY resources (View authors).
- ^ Where to get MOTM-style silkscreened panels made?, Mod Wiggler forum, May 2012
- ^ MOTM Info
- ^ What type of aluminium is used for faceplates?, Mod Wiggler forum, June 2013
- ^ Aluminum Panel Guage???
- ^ Mod Wiggler forum:On cheap parts...
- ^ Dave Bradley's Parts list and supplier index for typical MOTM hardware
- ^ MOTM pcb in frac rack format?, Mod Wiggler forum, November 2012
- ^ Molex Connectors Explained, as used in Pinball.
- ^ Power distribution – updated, Mod Wiggler forum, Sep 2008
- ^ Oakley Sound Systems:Construction Guide
- The 5U DIY Resource Wiki, Mod Wiggler forum
External links
- Dave Bradley's very extensive Parts list and supplier index for typical MOTM hardware.
- About Aluminum, McMaster-Carr
DIY builder sites
- Richard Brewster's Synthesizer
- Bill and Will's MOTM Analog Synthesizer
- Modular Synthesis, LLC:Parts and construction information