Tube Mic Power Supply Enclosure Design

[Echo North]

And where does one procure such a delightful pointer knob? 

Nice work on that, too. 

There is actually a parallel discussion on that! (unless that is what you are referring to and I missed the sarcasm)

http://www.groupdiy.com/index.php?topic=32817.0

These are not cheap.

Mike

 

[Skylar]

maybe you should split the binder groupbuy in two.

1) male mic + female cable for the equ47 project
2) female chassis + male cable together with the psu project

so everyone who simply needs a psu only can cut off his xlr7 and use a beautiful binder connector that comes with the psu.

This sounds like a great idea.

The only thing I'm concerned about is if you want to change the position of the connectors.
But really, as long as the connectors are on the front, does it really matter?

And where does one procure such a delightful pointer knob? 

Nice work on that, too. 

I have ten of these knobs. They're NOS General Radio KNSP-8 or something like that.
I bought them from a surplus store for $2.00 each. Pretty sure I got the last ones they had.
Since I have already modeled them in SolidWorks, I've thought about getting 1000 or so manufactured.
...but one project at a time...or two.

Used a couple on my Rev D 1176


I've seen the prices on a similar knob (but 1/2 as big as the ones above) from STOCKLI...$9.00 each.
I could probably have them milled from aluminum for less!

So where do you get them?
I have no idea.

 

[Kingston]

This here is awfully similar. http://www.uraltone.com/kauppa/product_info.php?products_id=2836

It looks like the one in LA-2A (for which I just got a bunch), but they would fit here perfectly.

 

[Skylar]

This PS enclosure is being quoted now.

I'm calling it the EQNG PSU.


The hole configuration I ended up using is:
-IEC hole on rear
-binder 7-pin on front
-XLR 3-pin on front (Neutrik hole config)
All other holes must be punched by user.

The material thickness is 0.05" (1.25mm).
I'm having it quoting in aluminum & steel. Bare metal finish.

The IEC hole will work with most fused IEC inlets, including:
Schurter
4301.0501
6200.2100
6220.2100

Qualtek
755-00/28
719W-00/02
860-06/005 (rectangular hole may need to be manually enlarged slightly)

Kobiconn
161-0717-187-E


I'd like to do a package deal where each enclosure comes with a Binder 691 female panel-mount 7-pin + Binder 691 male cable-mount 7-pin.

Pricing coming soon.

Questions/Comments/Suggestions?

 

[Echo North]

Sounds good to me!

Great work.

Mike

 

[bradb]

What about painting?

Can we just get some of that previously mentioned "hammerite" and go wild?

fewer holes the better, looks like you got the good ones!

Thanks Skylar!

 

[Skylar]

Finishing:

Just apply Hammerite or Rust-o-leum for the hammered look.

Someone mentioned before that this is about the easiest paint to work with—very forgiving.


Or finish it however you like.

 

[bradb]

cool,
can we get the mic bodies and enclosures shipped as one package?

 

[Skylar]

cool,
can we get the mic bodies and enclosures shipped as one package?

That's the plan!

 

[MagnetoSound]

cool,
can we get the mic bodies and enclosures shipped as one package?

That's the plan!

Whoo-hoo!

 

[Benny]

Wow, great work Skylar.
Can't wait to get my hands on a mic body and this nice psu housing.
Thanks

Benjamin

 

[stitch-o]

*sweeeeeet*

 

[Skylar]

I'm getting quotes back for the enclosure now.
The pricing is going to be good.

Wondering...

Is it fair to say that most people who would buy a mic body would also want an enclosure?
Anyone NOT want an enclosure along with their mic body?

Also, how much $$$ is too much for your budgets?
I want to see if I need to work the pricing down more!

I personally, wouldn't want to pay more than $45–50 USD.


Here's what the latest rev looks like:

         


This thread may be moving into Black Market territory.

 

[Echo North]

Hi Skylar,

I would personally prefer one of your PS cases for my mic body.

Typically I build my own mic power supplies, but there is a huge convenience factor with your case, along with an amazing build quality.  At some point though the cost would outweigh these factors.  So with that in mind, I agree that $45-50 would be the top end for me.

Great work as always.

Mike

 

[riggler]

Skyalar,

Love your stuff, this is great! I think that we need a PSU PCB to go along with it.

Seriously, if I'm already buying a mic body, I'd pay $35 for the PSU body. $40 seems okay... but I think you'll sell a lot below $40.
Now, if you throw in a PCB for the mic project, you're all set! Charge $50!!

Riggler

 

[yosh]

Yeah, I'll want some PSU enclosures to go with my mic bodies. I also wouldn't want to pay more than $50. $40 Seems like a good deal to me. Thanks for all your work!

-Yosh

 

[Nora]

40$ looks good

a similar sized hammond case that looks pretty boring cost me 43euro or so

 

[Emperor-TK]

I'd go up to $50.  I want two Mic bodies.  I'll take either one or two PS cases, not sure yet.

 

[Skylar]

Got the prototype in.

Looks great.
These will be ready for production as soon as the mic bodies are ready, so that we can all save money on shipping.

One thing we [me and the shop] did with the design is change the square vent holes to round holes to reduce cost.
I think it still looks great, so I believe it's a good design move.
I'm also going to have four holes on the bottom for mounting rubber feet.
I drilled these myself & installed the feet for the proto...worked out really well.


The production units should be cleaned/de-greased, so they won't look as rough as the proto, but there may be some oxidation due to the fact that we're talking about steel here.

But, they clean up nicely.
The hammered paint finish is easy.
1) I cleaned and lightly sanded the case with mineral spirits + 300 grit.
2) Wiped it down/let it dry
3) applied one coat of hammered black
4) let dry for ~5 minutes
5) applied another coat of hammered black
6) let dry for 20–30 minutes
7) applied light coat of hammered bronze
8) let dry for 24 hours


     


           


           


Now, the panel-mount Binder connector here is the wrong gender, but I put it in just for reference.

 

[bradb]

thumbs up