I received some old test equipment from the 1970s/1980s that was no longer working or of use. Therefore, I dissected them, removing all components that could come in handy, such as transistors, resistors, diodes, and switches. After properly testing all components, I hope to recycle these components in one or more synth modules. However, it would be a shame if you cannot see all the cool old components hidden behind the face plate. I would like to build the module so that some or all the nice old components are visible, but I am doubting how to make it happen: components sticking out of the face plate, a ‘window’ in the face plate, other options?
Has anyone built any modules in such a way that you can see (some or all of) the components inside? If so, I would love to see some pictures as inspiration for my build!
Components on the (front side of the) front panel have been discussed here before, and there are some Kosmo examples here. An argument against this is how easily you can accidentally short something.
Visible tubes are common, for instance Sam’s Safety Valve.
My version of Nuclear Decay has a window in the front panel, partly so you can see the Geiger tube and partly so there’s less material to absorb particles before they get to it.
A window on the front panel can be easily implemented using plexiglass as the panel material. Just cover how much area you need with paint/graphics and leave the rest as the window area.
For example, I am currently working on a rough Kosmo conversion of @benjiao 's diode ladder filter. The original Eurorack module has the clipping LEDs showing through slits in the FR-4 panel. My version will simply re-arrange the controls on a plexiglass front panel which will be covered except for a small window for the clipping LEDs to shine through.
Gieskes specializes in designs that expose their internals. The modules are sometimes more works of art into themselves than practical instruments. Just take a look at the site for dozens of examples, here’s a random one.
It’s basically roguelike patching, music with permadeath. Conaisseurs wouldn’t want it any other way!!
But even if you patch unagitatedly, i’m concerned about the service life of the device. the jack solder joins are too weak to take the stress they will be subjected to unless they are mounted to a faceplate with a nut.
Thanks for the replies, which gave me some ideas! I agree with the comments that exposed components on the front and weak connections should be avoided, so components on the front panel (damage risk) or completely transparent front panels (weak connections, front panel breaking risk) are out for me.
I like the look of @analogoutput his Nuclear Decay module, with a window to look at the innards of the module. I will explore this option for the module I hope to make with these old components: a variation of Moritz Klein’s Hi-Hat module.
Maybe I can incorporate some ‘Manhattan wiring’, which is new to me.
I will provide an update when I made some mentionable progress.
If you wanted the components exposed on the front, you could hit the exposed traces with some sort of conformal coating to remove the risk of shorting. A basic clear coat rattle can would probably do the trick.
Lots of good options here, please post a pic when you have it assembled
hi if you look through Look mum;s videos you will find one about MFOS Ultimate synth that Sam built the case is clear acrylic which looks great everything on view
