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This information is for doing DIY, or repairs on [[Eurorack]] front panels. It's not comprehensive, everyone has preferences, but attempts to cover the commonly used parts and what sort of things will work.
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.<ref>[http://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=861269 On cheap parts...], Muff Wiggler forum, July 2012</ref><ref>[http://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=108045&start=all&postdays=0&postorder=asc The Pitfalls of Choosing Quality Brands of Components?], Muff Wiggler forum, March 2014</ref> Vertical mount front panel components will need to of a similar height to neatly fit the gap between the PCB and front panel.▼
== Front panels ==▼
In order to construct low profile Eurorack modules '''vertical mount components''' are required. These allow the [[PCB]] to be mounted parallel to the front panel, keeping module depth to a minimum.<ref name="erthenvar">[http://erthenvar.com/store/accessories/3.5mm-vertical-mount-jacks 3.5mm Vertical Mount Jacks], Erthenvar</ref>▼
== Eurorack panel 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>[http://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">[http://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>
Doepfer specifies the Eurorack front panel material as 2 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 mm). Also check data sheets for front panel parts, e.g. the maximum recommended thickness for 3.5 mm Cliff 1384 jacks is 2.5 mm.<ref name="guage">[http://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 [[3U]] Eurorack format are specified in U and HP not in inches or millimeters. One U (unit) or in German HE (höhen einheit) is 1.75 inches equivalent to 44.45 mm. Thus the panels height is 5.25" (133.35 mm) less any allowance for mounting rail flange. Width is measured in HP (horizontal pitch) or in German TE (teilungs einheiten); 1 HP is 1/5" (0.2", 5.08 mm or 200 [
The vertical space available between mounting rails is:
Line 18 ⟶ 21:
Oval holes were originally for mixed Analogue Systems (AS) and Doepfer systems. The AS holes are 0.2" from the panel edge and the Doepfer holes are 0.3" (7.62 mm) 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
=== Blank panels ===▼
''See [[Eurorack_DIY_parts#Blank_panels|Eurorack DIY parts#Blank panels]]''▼
== 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">[http://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=123605 Six jacks in euro, what is the preferred configuration?], Muff Wiggler forum</ref> 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"/>▼
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 31 ⟶ 28:
* 115.1mm, 4.531" = Vector
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" />
▲''See [[Eurorack_DIY_parts#Blank_panels|Eurorack DIY parts#Blank panels]]''
▲== 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">[http://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=123605 Six jacks in euro, what is the preferred configuration?], Muff Wiggler forum</ref> 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"/>
To fit between the mounting rails the maximum vertical PCB size can be from 108mm (4.25") to 110mm. 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"/>
Line 44 ⟶ 47:
* [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.
==
Choose between having jacks easier to read placed near their associated controls, <ref name="measures">Electro-music.com forum:[http://www.electro-music.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=18281&postorder=asc Standard measurements in front panels] </ref> or below where patch cables are then easier to keep out of the way.
Design the panel so that behind the panel the component bodies have enough clearance from each other and in front both the controls and the users fingers have enough room to operate. Also check that any close to an edge won't interfere with mounting the panel into its enclosure. Check the angle of rotation of the pot will match the scale going to be marked on the panel.<ref name="mikmo">[http://www.mikmo.dk/synthpanels.html How i make front panels.]</ref><!-- here -->
▲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.<ref>[http://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=861269 On cheap parts...], Muff Wiggler forum, July 2012</ref><ref>[http://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=108045&start=all&postdays=0&postorder=asc The Pitfalls of Choosing Quality Brands of Components?], Muff Wiggler forum, March 2014</ref> Vertical mount front panel components will need to of a similar height to neatly fit the gap between the PCB and front panel.
For spacing between 1/4" jacks, a 30 mm x 17 mm center to center grid is comfortable for most people. Most use wide vertical spacing and narrow horizontal spacing. However the opposite allows for placing legends on the side. When marked above or below these are only visible when no plugs are inserted.<ref>Minimum spacing between 1/4" jacks on DOTCOM modules.. by Andre Majorel on SDIY email list, 18 May 2013</ref>
▲In order to construct low profile Eurorack modules '''vertical mount components''' are required. These allow the [[PCB]] to be mounted parallel to the front panel, keeping module depth to a minimum.<ref name="erthenvar">[http://erthenvar.com/store/accessories/3.5mm-vertical-mount-jacks 3.5mm Vertical Mount Jacks], Erthenvar</ref>
== Jacks/sockets ==
=== 3.5mm jack sockets ===
Suppliers:
* Newark:[http://canada.newark.com/cliff-electronic-components/cl1384/connector-stereo-jack-pcb/dp/36X2438?ost=cl1384 3.5mm mono PCB jack socket]
* Rapid:[http://www.rapidonline.com/Cables-Connectors/3-5mm-Mono-PCB-jack-socket-63491 3.5mm mono PCB jack socket]
[[File:PistonHondaInternals.jpg|thumb|200px|Vertical mounted potentiometer and two hacked to fit Kobiconn 16PJ138 panel mounting jack sockets in the [[Harvestman Piston Honda]].]]
Vertical mount 3.5 mm jack sockets are hard to find. Options include:
Line 70 ⟶ 74:
** [http://www.qingpu-electronics.com/en/products/WQP-PJ301M-12-306.html WQP-PJ301M-12], an alternative to Kobiconn 16PJ138, all PCB mount pins, with the reliable beryllium copper spring
* Rapid:[http://www.rapidonline.com/cables-connectors/3-5mm-unswitched-stereo-vertical-jack-socket-20-1655 TruConnect PJ-360], stereo, unthreaded bush
▲==== Wired/panel mount ====
* Mouser:[http://uk.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Kobiconn/16PJ138/?qs=sGAEpiMZZMv0W4pxf2HiV6YU8TCM0qP%252bVS23qqYdSEM%3d Kobiconn 16PJ138], mono 3.5mm, switched
Not normally used on unmodified Eurorack, banana jack socket are unshielded but CVs don't need shielding and because audio levels are usually high, this won't be a problem. When patching into external synths or other devices use a shielded cable with both ends of the shield connected to ground. Banana sockets are cheaper because they are mechanically simpler. They are also much more durable since there is less to go wrong. They are widely available and come in a range of colours. Banana plugs are stackable i.e. one can plug into the end of another. Most banana synths are designed with stackable plugs in mind, whereas most 1/4" and 3.5mm jack systems include [[multiple]]s.<ref>[http://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=44407 Banana plugs vs. other plugs], Muff Wiggler forum, Oct 2011</ref><ref>[https://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=42438
Modifying Euro Modules for Banana Jacks], Muff Wiggler forum, Sep 2011</ref>Regular jacks provide an extra switched connection enabling [[Modular_synthesizer#Normalised_synthesizer|normalization]] (connections when there is no cable plugged in).<ref name="bconv">[https://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=13985 Doepfer - banana conversion], Muff Wiggler forum, March 2010</ref>
* [http://www.mouser.co.uk/Search/Refine.aspx?Keyword=Banana+Jack Mouser]<!-- be more specific & dimensions -->
* Bushing used where the PCB is parallel to the panel and there isn't enough room behind for the length of the shaft of the banana jack. Obviously this arrangement will protrude further out from the front of panel. Approximate measurements: .32" id, .4" od, .3" high.<ref>[https://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=133720#133720 Banana system pictures], Muff Wiggler forum, 22 Nov 2009</ref><!-- better dimensions given at at <ref name="bconv"/>? -->
[[File:WMDInternals.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Vertical mount potentiometers in the [[WMD Gamma Wave Source]]. The green one is a BI Technologies P0915N.]]
* Mouser:[http://www.mouser.com/Search/Refine.aspx?Keyword=311-1902F 311-1902F]
* SmallBear:[http://smallbear-electronics.mybigcommerce.com/pc-mount-right-angle-3/ PC Mount Right-Angle potentiometers]
* SmallBear SKU 1012A<!-- link? -->
* Tayda SKU A-1847<!-- link? -->
* Thonk:[http://www.thonk.co.uk/shop/alpha-9mm-pots/ Alpha 9mm Pots]
* Mouser:[http://uk.mouser.com/Search/Refine.aspx?Keyword=rk12l Alpha RK12L] types
Line 95 ⟶ 103:
** [http://www.vishay.com/docs/51047/p9.pdf P9] vertical mount 7mm high with 7mm bushing, only up to 10V
* SmallBear SKU 0221C1
* Jameco 317236
Line 106 ⟶ 114:
** 633-FB15ANEP2<ref name="build">[https://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=47067&postdays=0&postorder=desc&start=475&sid=225da015fa78dc8d1229c945333e8443 BUILD - CGS Euro Modules], Muff Wiggler forum, November 2011</ref>
* Mouser 3mm LED 593-2000C (C stands for clear)<ref name="build"/>
{{split_from|[[Eurorack DIY parts]]|22 April 2016}}
Line 115 ⟶ 123:
{{reflist}}
== External links ==
* [http://www.firstpr.com.au/rwi/parts/3.5 mm-sockets/ 3.5 mm mono sockets for vertical PCB mounting] by Robin Whittle, Real World Interfaces, 2014
* [http://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=57933&start=all&postdays=0&postorder=asc Panel mounted controls vs PCB mounted controls, and more!], April 2012
* [http://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=40206&start=all&postdays=0&postorder=asc Potentiometers / Mouser], August 2011
* [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
=== Lists of preferred parts ===
* [https://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=971680 Thread for your component suppliers references...?], Muff Wiggler forum, Oct 2012<!-- Eurorack? -->
* [https://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=86951 SDIY Partslist spreadsheet], Muff Wiggler forum, Jun 2013<!-- Eurorack? -->
[[Category:Eurorack]]
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