OSCAR - Open Source Console for Analogue Recording

[JohnRoberts]

That sounds (too) easy.... I probably shared this before, back in the 70s/80s I briefly considered selling kit modules that could be configured together to assemble a custom console.

I abandoned that idea and in hindsight I think that was the correct decision.

JR

 

[ruffrecords]

An issue with Eurorack is that, although it's possible to find reasonably priced basic kits, accessories and fittings are outrageously expensive.
E.G. the kits including two brackets for affixing PCB to front panel, handle and necessary screws cost between 21 and 27€. I couldn't figure out the difference between those kits.
I used my 3D printer to make these accessories.

There are certainly some outrageously priced module kits out there but it is relatively easy to circumvent them. Ettinger make some simple cube-like fixings that can attach the PCB to the front panel. Card guides are 50p each. I don't use handles, instead I use captive screws (similar to ones we use at Neve). Just undo them, grab the screw and pull.

Cheers

Ian

 

[ruffrecords]

A 64-way DIN41612 socket costs less than £2. I don't know if there's much savings to do in reducing the number of ways.
I made a backplane with them, doubling the contacts, so designing the PCB was very simple.
For a mixer, it is good enough for 8-bus and 8-aux, plus the necessary rails and some. Just leave an area on one side for I/O's.

One issue with DIN 41612 connectors I have not seen mentioned is insertion and withdrawal force. The first tube mixer I built used a 96 way DIN connector for a 6U module - overkill but as you say they were cheap. Trouble is it was extremely hard to remove the module. In later versions I moved to a 0.2 inch pitch 32 way connector which is much easier to insert and remove.

Cheers

Ian

 

[DB_]

A 64-way DIN41612 socket costs less than £2.

That's good to know! I was looking at £4-6.

Gets even more spendy if you start looking at the modular variants with signal/power/RF connectors.

I don't know if there's much savings to do in reducing the number of ways.

I haven't found any decent alternatives, and had concluded the same as you - doubling up pins is the way to go.

 

[zamproject]

One issue with DIN 41612 connectors I have not seen mentioned is insertion and withdrawal force. The first tube mixer I built used a 96 way DIN connector for a 6U module

In other hand it mean great mechanical structure, which can be a good thing.

I designed most of my audio electronic in euro format, but use the two row version, 64 pin, and I stole the Studer way of using them, remove half pins (zig-zag, 1 on each row) for a 32pin connector. The connection is firm but easy to plug/unplug.

Of course this is fine and fast for DIY and very low production, if you need hundreds connectors like this, better to as mfg if they can customise the connector assembly...

There is also the 41613 for eurocard.

 

[abbey road d enfer]

One issue with DIN 41612 connectors I have not seen mentioned is insertion and withdrawal force.

I guess it's the reason for the rather complex and expensive handle/extractor.

 

[ruffrecords]

In other hand it mean great mechanical structure, which can be a good thing.

I designed most of my audio electronic in euro format, but use the two row version, 64 pin, and I stole the Studer way of using them, remove half pins (zig-zag, 1 on each row) for a 32pin connector. The connection is firm but easy to plug/unplug.

I use the three row connector with only A and C rows filled every other hole:

https://uk.farnell.com/harting/09-03-232-6824/receptacle-din41612-c-32way/dp/2289392

Cheers

Ian

 

[ruffrecords]

I guess it's the reason for the rather complex and expensive handle/extractor.

Exactly but with 32 contacts this is not an issue.

Cheers

Ian

 

[zamproject]

I use the three row connector with only A and C rows

Then you can try to depopulate inner row (B) pins on the male mating connector,
it may (or not) make little easier to dis/connect ?

Cheers

 

[abbey road d enfer]

Curiously, at RS, the 32-way version costs more than the 64-way.