On 10/21/02 2:44 PM, "unknown freak" < cgraef@... > wrote:

> I have a burning question for the more hands-on DIY types on the list.
>
> I have a large-ish Doepfer system, and I fantasize about one day
> mounting all the boards behind Shaeffer panels with 1/4" jacks.
>
> As you know, Doepfer pots are mounted on the circuit board and the
> minijacks are inside plastic housings. Given those facts, on a scale of
> 1 to 10, how difficult do you think refitting a module would be (1 =
> pretty damn straightforward, 10 = what are you, nuts some kind of
> brain-damaged masochist freak forget it!)
>
> If you think it's do-able, what would you say the main issues would be
> to worry about
>
> I'd be grateful for any reply.
>
> Thanks!

It would be interesting to see if Doepfer has any "B stock" modules around,
that have been taken to trade shows an such and are beat up, that he would
sell at a reduced price. That may make the cost a little better to swallow.
The pots can be moved to the panels if they have bushings (my units are
downstairs so I can't look at it now) and could be wired to the PCB using
shielded leads (keep them short). The jacks could be removed and tossed. The
new ones could be normalized type and cut down in patch cords for common
connections (VCO-VCF-VCA etc). I have always used Switchcraft Hi Density
jacks and have NEVER has one go bad on me. A big project to say the least.

If Doepfer wanted to increase it's cash flow, he could offer his modules
already stuffed with all parts except jacks and pots for this purpose. Call
it the P series (for PCB) or C series (for custom [or would that be K in
Germany ]) and I'm sure he would sell a bunch of them. He could have a
sliding price range from the cheapest stuffed PCB with no pots or jacks, PCB
with panel mounted pots, PCB with panel mounted pots and knobs, etc. The
only snag I can see is they would probably have to be untested unless he has
fixtures for testing them without pots. Everyone who doesn't buy a Doepfer
because of the 1/8" jacks, and there are a lot of them, would think about
it. It also is a revenue flow when there is a shortage of metalwork etc.
-James
--
James Husted
The ErsatZ Planet Graphics & Sound
james@...
www.ersatzplanet.com