Drawing PCBs

[Indicator]

Hi there,

I just wanted to ask if someone of you is able to draw/ modify pcbs? Im going to modify my console but need some help, as Im not a DIY-crack. I got the ideas and need someone who has the knowledge. I would like to give you an little example: I will integrete an Compressor (1176 DIY) with variable Ratios in every channel, so the pcb has to be modifyed. I have also some routing changings in mind, that I need to check with a pro.

Anybody out there who wants to help me?

 

[Kingston]

Before you dive head first into a ridiculous/impossible project like integrating a 1176 into every channel of any console, maybe you should get familiar with the 1176 single channel project here:

http://www.groupdiy.com/index.php?topic=155

 

[Indicator]

Im doing this project at the moment. I just need somebody who makes the pcbs, so I can do the soldering.

 

[Kingston]

then I suppose you should specify your console (??)  here a little. What is it?

I'm especially curious since I don't know a single console in the history of audio engineering that would allow a mod (???) with LN1176 (???!!) placed on every channel.

Not that the 1176 PCB is large, but having 8-16 (heck, even 4) of them cramped in an already tight space of some existing console is very near impossible. And you need a new (massive) PSU.

 

[okgb]

there was some disscusion about making a 500 series 1176
as a size example

 

[abbey road d enfer]

Hi there,

I just wanted to ask if someone of you is able to draw/ modify pcbs? Im going to modify my console but need some help, as Im not a DIY-crack. I got the ideas and need someone who has the knowledge. I would like to give you an little example: I will integrete an Compressor (1176 DIY) with variable Ratios in every channel, so the pcb has to be modifyed. I have also some routing changings in mind, that I need to check with a pro.

Anybody out there who wants to help me?

This a major undertaking, retro-engineering the mixer modules and doing the PCB layout. I guess some independant designer may quote such a job for several thousand dollars. I reckon the metalwork also has to be modified, in order to accomodate the ratio push-buttons and the meter

 

[livingnote]

>I got the ideas and need someone who has the knowledge.

What did you have in mind as compensation for the work?

edit: Sorry for the rudeness, but I had someone in my lab once with the
exact same thing, and what started as support ended in him wanting
me to do anything and everything he came up with, basically an unpaid
full-time job. In your case it would be safe to assume that if you don't
have 5000 Dollars to spend stay away from this kind of thinking, it
turns into abuse rapidly without any bad intention on your part.

 

[Rochey]

I have to echo livingnote's comment here.

schematic capture and layout is something that takes _hours_ in many cases (to do the job nicely and cleanly).
You might struggle to find someone with the patience to do a good job for you, free of charge.

I've no doubt that there will be some people on this forum that will be very enthusiastic, and offer to do it free of charge. However, they may not be able to match the skills of going to someone who values their time a little higher.

Small designs that take an hour or two are a completely different discussion.

My suggestion is to pick up a copy of cadsoft eagle, and start learning. Or... just bite the bullet, pay someone to convert the design to your form factor, and have them arrange production of the modules for you as well. You'll get a higher quality job, in a faster timeframe.

Cheers

/R

 

[Bluzzi]

Why on earth would you want to retrofit an 1176 into every channel of your board? Why not build racked ones and have them wired to your patchbay as any other outboard gear. You can also  "normalize" them to every channel strip just make sure you have a bypass on every 1176.

A lot cheaper than what you are trying to get above. Also you can substitute the 1176 for any other compressor or whatever you want at that point.

But then that is why a patchbay is a must have in any studio. You do have a patchbay don't you? If you don't its still cheaper (and a lot wiser) to have one wired in.

Jim

 

[livingnote]

Absolutely - heck you can find really good expensive ones on ebay coming out of broadcast houses for relatively cheap...

or build one  ;D

 

[Indicator]

sorry for the delay I had no access to the net until now. The console I mention is a D&R 8000 Series III. Thanks for your input.

 

[Bluzzi]

Thats a nice board, don't ruin it.

Jim

 

[Indicator]

Yes, I dont have that in mind  ;D Would like to use it for a few further years. The only think that is really annoying is, that it dosnt have balanced I/Os and Ins.

I have a custom frame extention (currently loaded with 44 (88) channels) and need to connect them to the mainframe soon. So I need to do the wiring new. Will go with mogami, I think.

 

[Indicator]

I just wanted to mention that I dont want somebody to do this for free. I would just discuss my plans with guys who are experienced and if I find somebody, who is interesting in drawing the layouts I dont want him to do this for free.

 

[Bluzzi]

As long as you are running +4 out of your signals it won't matter if they are balanced or not. Unless you are next door to a radio station transmitter or have to run 1000 feet to your racks it won't matter. I used Canare cable and its just as good as Mogami. The quality of your connections (solder joints, connector types and quality) will make much more difference in the sound quality then the Mogami wire will. Of course using Mogami will not reduce your quality just your wallet size.

If you follow good grounding practice you should have no trouble with unbalanced.

Jim