How big do you suppose the market is for exotic analog synthesizer modules that require
major DIY power supply hacking just to get them to work.

And what retailer in their right mind would take a such a burden to sell a product like
that. If it's not going to work out of the box, I'm guessing most people will pass.

--- In Doepfer_a100@yahoogroups.com , "thomasborax" <thomasborax@...> wrote:
>
> a wall wart seems like a ok solution. but what i'd like to do is run
> the 5v transformer off of the same "mains-in" that the +/-12v runs off
> of. i think that's what most people with modulars would want to do.
>
> since the rail already exists on the bus board for +5v, it's just a
> matter of supplying the current needed to feed the thirsty tubes.
>
> having separate power supplies for different modules would be kind of
> like just buying the stomp-box type metasonix modules. the pleasure
> of euro-shaped metasonix would be that it's organized into your
> system. no adaptors, no wall warts. just flip your system on and play.
>
> i would happily DIY a transformer into my system, since it could also
> help with my harvestman modules. perhaps against better judgement
> i've already done work with 120v circuits (and i'm no whiz by a
> stretch - i write this as someone not dead or fried by voltages
> alive). but perhaps eric or someone else would be willing to sell
> something that can get the high current DC5v down to the bus rail
> through a standard female ribbon connector, using the same mains
> on/off switch as the bipolar12v
>
> -t
>
> --- In Doepfer_a100@yahoogroups.com , "laryn91" <caymus91@> wrote:
> >
> > Here's an option: make a power connector on the panel FRONT and
> include a wall wart
> > that can supply the 6v (AC or DC) for the tube heaters.
> >
> > The wall wart can be cheap since I assume it doesn't have to be
> regulated. You can still
> > provide internal connections for those willing to wire up another PS
> themselves. The front
> > panel can have an additional connection for daisy-chaining the
> heater voltage to
> > additional modules.
> >
> > This option could now allow every Erro and Frac user to easily add
> your cool tube modules
> > to their systems.
> >
> > --- In Doepfer_a100@yahoogroups.com , "metasonix2000" <synth@> wrote:
> > >
> > > > i don't currently use the 5v for any of my modules. if my memory
> > > > serves correctly, there is one rail used by the full-sized 16-pin
> > > > (opposed to the 10 of 8 pin) connector that carries +5vDC as needed,
> > > yes
> > >
> > > Right. However....if you mount 3 of these modules in a Doepfer
> > > rack, that will add up to perhaps 1800 mA of load. That might
> > > be better delivered by separate wiring, although I think the
> > > existing 16-pin power busses should be able to handle a couple
> > > tube modules.
> > >
> > > NOW, do you see why there are no tube Euro modules
> > >
> > > It's POSSIBLE to use +-12v only. It requires the usage of
> > > tubes with 12v or other "odd" heater voltages, which are
> > > easy to get but not as commonplace as 6-volt heater versions.
> > >
> > > (I'd like to use 6GH8s if at ALL possible. At one time,
> > > the 6GH8 was the one tube in the world manufactured in
> > > the largest quantities---
> > > mainly because it was used in TV sets that ran them
> > > very hard, and made for a short lifetime.
> > > Lud Sibley of the Tube Collector's Association owns the
> > > RCA corporate archive. He did the research in the files
> > > and found that in 1960-61, RCA was making FOUR MILLION
> > > 6GH8s PER MONTH. By comparison, they made "only" about
> > > 100,000 12AX7s per month. So, leftover 6GH8s are
> > > everywhere today.)
> > >
> > > And the total power consumption will be the same anyway.
> > > A typical two-tube module will use about 3-4 watts just
> > > for tube heaters, regardless of where the power comes from.
> > > So it's your choice:
> > >
> > > 1) get the cab modified to hold an extra +5v supply,
> > > or
> > > 2) use large +-12 power supplies to run the tube load.
> > >
> > > And there's another headache:
> > > Want a Frac version of these modules Well, Frac systems
> > > usually have +-15v. No problem for the solid-state support
> > > circuits. But the tube heaters will HAVE to have optional
> > > dropping resistors to keep their voltages down.
> > >
> > > More complexity, more PC board space.
> > >
> >
>