Tube Mic Power Supply Enclosure Design

[owel]

They look Great!!!

 

[Nora]

Awsome !!

Like the round holes.

And that binder connector looks really like it's 50yr old


(why four holes for the xlr btw ???)

gr
arno

 

[Skylar]

(why four holes for the xlr btw ???)

gr
arno

That was my screw-up. I put them on the opposite sides in the CAD file.
So, when I got the proto, I had to drill them in the right place.

Neutrik's panel-hole dimensions in their datasheets are as if you're looking at the BACK of a panel, not the FRONT.
Still, I should have physically checked an XLR connector to be sure, but I didn't...that's life.

The production units will not have this error.

 

[Nora]

The production units will not have this error.

And even if they did, they would have been masked by the xlr anyway

I was just wondering if there was a practical reason for it... but I do realized now that either way you turn an xlr, the mounting holes will always be the same (unless it's inside out  )

 

[matta]

Hey Skylar,

Man, you outdid yourself again, it looks VERY VERY pro and I can't wait to build up my Mk7 into both these enclosures!

Cheers

Matt

 

[Gus]

The IEC cutout the picture looks like you are using a IEC with a built in fuse holder.  I need to check this but I think C14 types can have different cutout sizes.  It might be interesting to spec the IEC cutout for one with the built in EMI filter


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IEC_connector

 

 

[Skylar]

The IEC cutout the picture looks like you are using a IEC with a built in fuse holder.   I need to check this but I think C14 types can have different cutout sizes.  It might be interesting to spec the IEC cutout for one with the built in EMI filter


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IEC_connector

 

Great idea, Gus.

In spec'ing the IEC hole, I've looked through datasheets on about 10 or 12 different brands/models of fused IEC connectors.
It's true, there are slight differences in the cut-out holes for these products.
What I ended up doing is choosing a size that would work for a few of the most common fused IEC inlets out there.
Earlier in the thread, I listed which ones the hole will work with...I even bought a few of these and test-fitted them against the prototype.

http://www.groupdiy.com/index.php?topic=32809.msg403237#msg403237

I believe one of those on the list has a built-in EMI filter.


I think it would be a great idea to look at some other EMI-filtered IEC inlets, and refine the cut-out hole as you said.
I think this is an application where such a thing is almost a necessity...definitely a good idea.

Of course, you can always get the EMI filter separately.
364-1047-ND
562-851-05/5

 

[tommypiper]

Hi Skylar, nice, thanks.  Can you share the exact name brand of the paint, please?  Was it aerosol spray can?  Where did you get it? 

(PS: I've used Rustoleum many times with mediocre results, and never had that nice of a finish, plus it stinks for months afterwards.    Another problem, it doesn't leave a very hard finish, as you can dig into it/scrape it off with your fingernail, at least for the first couple months... it may get harder over long periods.  I did a few mic PSU cases with it, parts of my house, etc, and I would not recommend it for audio cases.  For the house, it's so-so OK for exterior metal work, like metal trim on the house, but  I've also seen rust develop underneath it many times, so I'm ready to try something else.)

 

[Skylar]

I used Rustoleum Advanced Forumula Hammered paint in aerosol form.
I bought it at Lowes at ~$0.50 more expensive than the regular hammered aerosol.
It's not a standard looking can—no lid and it has a handgun-like trigger.

I would recommend at least 4 coats.
I used 3 coats, and I think you could scrape the finish off with a screwdriver pretty easily.
Maybe add one more coat than I did for extra security.

It seems like the "advanced formula" dries/hardens quicker.
On the next one I paint, however, I will wait one week to let it fully cure.

There's also the brush-on quart size. That might provide a thicker finish, but it won't be as easy to apply.

Non-U.S. :
Hammerite brand, I believe, is more-or-less the same thing if Rustoleum is not available in your area.



Another option for the hammered look would be powder-coating.
Powder-coaters can easily do this type of finish and probably provide a better color selection than Rustoleum.
I would imagine that a powder-coated finish will be more resilient than spray-on aerosol also.

 

[tmuikku]

Yep, Hammerite seems to be like that. Guide says it needs 4 weeks to reach final "hardness". The case looks freaking awesome by the way

 

[0dbfs]

I was reading up on a gtr-pedal DIY site where the guy applies paint then bakes @ 100F or 150F in an old toaster oven for 1/2 hr... repeat X times for the number of coats and any screened nomenclature... Then finish with ployureathane and bake again... steel-wool in between..

rinse, repeat.

I was going to try that on the enclosure with the hammerite finish...

I think roughing it up first with coarse-grit sandpaper like skylar mentioned will also make a better bond.

 

[tommypiper]

I used Rustoleum Advanced Forumula Hammered paint in aerosol form.

Thanks.  I was using the regular Rustoleum...  It will stop smelling eventually after many months, and it does get harder.  I had to leave my previous mic PSU boxes outside in my back yard for a couple weeks, as they stank up the garage so bad I couldn't spend time in there.

Good points about powder coating.  I'll look into that.

 

[marktokach]

Absolutely awesome!! I'll take 2. When you think they will be ready?

 

[marktokach]

how are they coming along?

 

[bluesbaz]

Yep I'm into it for two

 

[JW]

I will probably buy 2 at $40 or less for the MK7 project.

If they were like $20 to $30 I'd probably buy a couple more for other mic projects.

 

[bugfight]

mmmmm me too

2 please

btw, i wonder if some primer might make your paint stick better...

 

[zayance]

I'll get 2 of them count me in.

 

[TornadoTed]

I'll take one.

 

[oceres]

I'm also interested in these Enclosures by the way. I would need two.

Regards,
Rami