Concerning the discussions about the prices of the A-100 frames this is my
answer:

If desired we could offer all the spare parts (rails with and without
"lips", threaded inserts, side plates, top and bottom covers, screws and so
on). It will take some time to have all parts permanently in stock as we
have to find out the demand (i.e. how many rails, inserts, side plates,
covers ... are ordered per month on average). So far we purchase only
complete frames from our supplier (ProMa).

But I have to point out that if you built e.g. the A-100G6 from these parts
it will be not cheaper than the A-100G6 as a whole. Only if you built your
own frame and use e.g. only the rails to combine them with your own side
plates and top/bottom cover you can save money (look at the A-100 DIY page
for a suggestion). You may even save money if you use normal M3 nuts instead
of the threaded inserts but it will be a bit tricky to move the nuts at the
right positions to assemble the modules.

I'm in the 19" business since many years (even our PMS and VMS systems of
the eighties of the last century were was 19" based). I know all the
manufacturers (Schroff, Knuerr, Fischer, and so on) but from my knowledge
they are much more expensive than our supplier (ProMa). If anyone knows a
cheaper supplier please let me know (I asked several times without response
so far). Especially I'm not familiar with US suppliers. We are permanently
looking for a cheaper solution and found e.g. a manufacturer with better
prices in India. But the shipment charges from India to Germany would eat up
the lower prices.

Another way to save money per U is to built bigger frames - especially
suitcase versions (some may remember the "A-100 monster rack" we will
probably show at the Frankfurt Musikmesse and that can be seen soon in Los
Angeles in the Analogue Haven shop). E.g. one PSUII is normally sufficient
to drive 3 or 4 bus boards resp. 12U ("A-100G12") and you will need only one
(expensive) top/bottom cover, only one power inlet/switch/fuse holder and so
on.

I'm open for all solutions that could save money for the modules frames as I
can remember when I was looking in surplus shops for 19" spare parts to
built my first cases when I still was a student.

Best wishes
Dieter Doepfer