ruffrecords
Well-known member
My EZTubeMixer modules originally used standard diecast fixings to attach front panels to PCBs. Problem is, if that is all you use, there is quite a mechanical strain on the on the PCB and the front panel mounted controls when modules are inserted/removed and the only screening between modules is the PCB ground plane.
I now use extruded aluminum cassettes made by Fischer Elektronik. These fully screen the module and and provide more than enough mechanical rigidity. Problem is the extrusions mean I lose nearly 20mm of available front panel width for mounting controls - the old scheme had a 63mm wide space (out of a total 71mm panel width) and the cassettes reduce this to 43mm. If you have few controls this is not a problem but now I am doing more complex modules I cannot approach the density of controls seen in many 500 series products for example.
So I am now toying with the idea of making my own module mechanics. As many of you will know, I have near zero mechanical skills so this needs to be as simple as possible. I am not planning huge volumes so expensive tooling is out of the question. At present I am considering a scheme based on one I devised for a 35mm module. This adds standoffs to the existing die castings and also to the rear connector to create four pillars to which is attached a 1mm thick rigid steel plate which provides both screening and rigidity. I might also add extra die casings to attach the other side of the front panel to make it even more rigid. This gives me the rigidity I need but only some of the screening (the top and bottom of the module are unscreened).
I don't know if the additional screening is worth it (not having it does mean there is a nice airflow past the tubes) or how to iclude it in a simple and cheap many.
Any ideas/advice gratefully received.
Cheers
Ian
I now use extruded aluminum cassettes made by Fischer Elektronik. These fully screen the module and and provide more than enough mechanical rigidity. Problem is the extrusions mean I lose nearly 20mm of available front panel width for mounting controls - the old scheme had a 63mm wide space (out of a total 71mm panel width) and the cassettes reduce this to 43mm. If you have few controls this is not a problem but now I am doing more complex modules I cannot approach the density of controls seen in many 500 series products for example.
So I am now toying with the idea of making my own module mechanics. As many of you will know, I have near zero mechanical skills so this needs to be as simple as possible. I am not planning huge volumes so expensive tooling is out of the question. At present I am considering a scheme based on one I devised for a 35mm module. This adds standoffs to the existing die castings and also to the rear connector to create four pillars to which is attached a 1mm thick rigid steel plate which provides both screening and rigidity. I might also add extra die casings to attach the other side of the front panel to make it even more rigid. This gives me the rigidity I need but only some of the screening (the top and bottom of the module are unscreened).
I don't know if the additional screening is worth it (not having it does mean there is a nice airflow past the tubes) or how to iclude it in a simple and cheap many.
Any ideas/advice gratefully received.
Cheers
Ian