New power is set in one case. Seems to have solved my noise issues with a few pesky modules. The spring is usable!
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My modular is coming together poco a poco. Got the PSU ready (a +/-12V smps module) and just got the power distributing busbars from JLCPCB. I will eventually also paint the logs I built the cabinet from (baby blue).
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I finally decided to stop being a wuss and upgrade the few modules to Kosmo format and build a proper case. For the life of me, I couldn’t find the extra power supply boards, regulators and capacitors that I purchased, and I had to reuse the supply I used to test the modules. However, I upgraded to a hefty 12V 30VA AC transformer in an external box, which I thought would come in handy with another supply board in parallel when the case is filled up. I also installed a switch and a fuse box in series after the transformer.
I initially used a 500mA fuse to test the system thinking there was no way my modules could exceed that. The fuse was blown on the first try, without even having the modules hooked up. I then switched to the old 800mA AC wallwart with a fresh 500mA fuse and it gave the expected supply. However, when I tried with the modules hooked up, the fuse was blown again. 
I can’t imagine what I am doing wrong here. The setup worked with the modules but without the fuse but also with the fuse and without the modules. Is it possible that six simple modules draw more than 500mA?
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Very unliekly to have 6 modules drawing more than 500mA, not impossible but they would need to be quite beefy.
Then the fuse blew without the modules hooked up, so I dont think the “issue” is on your modules side.
Dont want to sound like I know more, but do be careful when dealing with this amount of current…
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They can draw a lot more than normal current for a short time (tenths of seconds? Not sure) when first powered on.
With my current setup I blew a 1 A fuse with very little hooked up to it. It was a quick blow fuse. I replaced it with a 1 A slow blow fuse and it’s been fine. Slow blow means it gives the stuff time to power up and start drawing normal amounts of current.
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I thought of this, but the fuse blew without the modules on as well, although it was with a different transformer… Perhaps the 7812/7912 regulators also draw more current by themselves when switched on? I can confirm that the fuse was not a slow blow one (no T on the rating).
I think in fact that was what I saw, the power supply itself blew the fuse with nothing connected. There’s a lot of inrush current if there are big capacitors involved.
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Ah, those 4700μF capacitors… so either the capacitors draw too much from the transformer that’s capable, or the modules draw more than they typically draw… Time to get a few 1A slow blow fuses I guess!
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I think it is wise to also measure the current the modules draw when the device has been switched on. Then you know the load and can check whether it is something you ought to expect for the modules you have hooked to it or maybe to discover that there is something wrong with one of them.
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Sooooo who knew you could cut 2mm aluminium with a Stanley blade…
Mark, score, flip, score, bend, bend, bend, result!
Only thing is having to change the blade after making 10 panels… But still pretty good going.
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I wonder whether using a tile cutter would lead to similar results. The cutting wheel these have comes across as being very robust to me.
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Not a bad idea, don’t know if they’re sharp enough. But having a perfect square would be nice for ease of use/process.
Gonna make some 1u and kosmo size today. Maybe get to do drilling too =D
I wanted to fold some aluminium, I was wondering if scoring it would allow a clean fold without breaking it off.
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I’ve been using a similar technique stolen from this chap:
My problem is the last aluminium I bought cuts nicely but doesn’t drill neatly - it seems to be softer than others, and forms itself into strange rivit-like tunnels around my drill bit.
I have tried different speeds and sharpened my drill bits, and it seems to be improved by using plenty of oil to keep the temperature down.
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Today is new-case-day. Yesterday was damn-these-cases-are-too-small, tomorrow will be the-new-case-has-space-for-years-day.
I have scheduled a lot of new modules for the next months, so this case wont be the last.
Time to build another power supply.
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To fill the empty space in the new case I’ve finished 2 new modules:
- @HAGIWO Metallic HiHat
- MFOS Sonic Multiplier
Both modules are 1:1 the original designs, the pcbs and front plates are my own design, the pcbs are etched by myself.
Metallic HiHat:
MFOS Sonic Multiplier:
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Very nice those PCBs.
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Aha! Your radioactive package has a purpose now?
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