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

[[File:syncom6wayconn.jpg|thumb|right|150px|middle]]Synthesizers.com use a 6 pin connector to get power from the power supply to modules.[[File:syncom20harn.jpg|thumb|right|150px|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.

[[File:motm4pinconn.jpg|thumb|right|250px|middle]]MOTM Synthesis Technology use a 4 pin connector on most modules – those that only need +/- 15v. These are the same power connectors that Frac and Wiard 300 series module use. Some of the newer modules, that also require 5v, use the same type of connector but with 6 pins (not the same one as Synthesizers.com use). Power is distributed from the power supply via power distribution boards.[[File:motm960.jpg|thumb|right|250px|middle]][[File:motm990.jpg|thumb|right|250px|middle]] There are two main versions – one with only 4 pin connections (i.e. +/- 15v only) and one with a mix of 4 and 6 pin connectors (providing +/-15v and 5v).

[[File:motm3pinconn.jpg|thumb|right|250px|middle]]Modcan and Cyndustries have the same type of connector as MOTM to distribute power to modules except they only use a 3 pin version which provides +/-15v only.[[File:modcandistro.jpg|thumb|right|250px|middle|The Modcan distribution board.]]Power is distributed from the power supply via a distribution board. The Modcan one is completely compatible with Cyndustries modules.

[[File:qmpsa-motm.jpg|thumb|right|250px|middle]]To only add one or two Synthesizers.com or MOTM format modules to a system mainly of the other format then use the Synthesizers.com QMPSA adaptor which convert between the two formats. This adaptor also provides a 5v source so Synthesizers.com modules can be run off a MOTM +/-15v power supply.[[File:motm995.jpg|thumb|right|250px|middle]] For more than a couple of modules this probably isn’t the most cost effective solution though. For more modules it’s easier to use one of MOTM 995 convertor boards. This gives a combination of 6 pin Synthesizers.com with 4 pin and 6 pin MOTM connectors and can be connected to either a Synthesizers.com or MOTM +/- 15v and 5v power source.

[[File:cyncombodistro.gif|thumb|right|250px|middle]]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.

[[File:STG_distro_board.jpg|thumb|right|250px|middle|STG cable suitable for powering Synthesizers.com modules from the STG distribution board.]]A further option is the [http://stgsoundlabs.com/products/distro.htm distribution board] made by [[STG Soundlabs]]. These can be ordered with a combination of Synthesizers.com, MOTM and Modcan/Cyndustries connectors. They have a set of screw terminals for attaching the power supply. STG can also provide [http://stgsoundlabs.com/products/power_cable_mu.htm suitable cables] for powering Synthesizers.com modules from this distribution board.