#10

The only other cheaper viable solution I’ve found is called makerbeam:
https://www.makerbeam.com

Works well, but there are some caveats. No time to go into details at the moment but if you’re interested I can respond with specifics later.

I got a bunch of individual parts off of amazon for significantly less than going the traditional Vector rail route…

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#11

Would love to hear more when you have time, and Amazon is also a great suggestion.

#12

Sorry for the delayed response!

So the makerbeam works pretty well for DIY case rails, and actually you can build the entire case structure out of the stuff if you want using their system.

I got these rails and cut them to size:

And attached them to the inside walls of my case with the cheap hardware store equivalent of these:

And (this is the kinda weird part) I used this fastening system to attach modules:

Basically, they are sliding bolts rather than sliding nuts like in vector style systems. It’s a bit strange, but it works very well with both eurorack and serge LW/RS/DIY modules.

There is the following solution, but at $15 for 25pcs they’re expensive and really start to eat into any savings you get Vs using vector rails.

Final note: Makerbeam lacks the rigidity of burly vector rail so for longer spans it will flex a bit when you’re patching. My case is about 128hp and it’s pretty noticeable. Not the end of the world, but a small bummer. Shorter spans (84-ish hp) will be solid.

2 Likes
#13

This is perfect! I doubt I’ll exceed 60HP and hope to make some cases as small as 26HP.

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#14

I should also mention:
I’ve used straight up wood strips for rails a ton, and it actually works great if you do it right. I imagine this would be the cheapest simplest diy solution of them all.

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#15

I’ll try it. I guess I was worried about the longevity of that approach, but the idea is tiny cases for just a couple modules, so it’s not like you’d be swapping them out constantly? (Except, of course you would be, as one does…)

#16

Yeah not the best if you’re swapping modules a ton I suppose.
Try that MB stuff and let us know how you fare!

1 Like
#17

I’ve been thinking of doing something similar. What are your plans in regards to power? There doesn’t seem to be a lot options for something with a small footprint that’s only powering two or three modules, clearly because there aren’t a lot people using cases that small. Fair enough.

I feel like the solution is going to be a DIY PCB option, so good thing I’ve been honing my soldering skills, but I feel like a power supply is a dangerous first project for self populating a board.

#18

250mA from a USB cable.
https://c1t1zen.com/presta/home/9-usbpower-kit.html
No mains power, pretty safe even for a beginner.

2 Likes
#19

Oof, brilliant. Hopefully it comes back in stock. Thanks!

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#20

If you would rather not wait, @TomWhitwell’s previous iteration is open source.
https://github.com/TomWhitwell/StupidUSBPower/blob/master/README.md

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#21

It’s probably a pretty straightforward build on stripboard, to be honest

3 Likes
#22

Stumbled onto the Doepfer A-100MNT:

http://www.doepfer.de/a100_man/A100MC_Manual_V2.pdf

Obviously not as cheap and requires yet another wall wart, but it’s a nice plug and play option for this scenario. I’ll have to gauge my lazy factor when the time comes.

Apologies for deRAILing (pun inteded) this thread with power questions, mods feel free to move it to its own thread if you feel it’s warranted.

1 Like
#23

Does anyone know about the synthrotek custom rails? Seems like the enthrevar ones aren’t available anymore.

#24

I would keep my distance from that guy for reasons I won’t get into right now.

I just ordered some custom rails from this fellow over on reverb.


He cut me 90hp rails + a bracket to build a 4u skiff (3u + 1u Intellijel) and the prices were quite reasonable.

2 Likes
#25

Without wanting to reopen the discussion which happened at the time, and understanding why Marcus and others might be reluctant to get into specifics, I think it’s important for potential buyers to have clear info on which to base their decisions, when it comes to stuff like this:

I assume this is what Marcus is alluding to; it’s certainly the reason I’m never buying a Synthrotek product again.

1 Like
#26

There’s also SynthRacks :

#27

yep, that and he screwed over a bunch of his employees when he up and moved the company from portland to moscow, idaho w/ out telling anyone in advance.
His political views towards women’s reproductive rights are also total bullshit.
all that being said, I have a couple of synthrotek 4hp echo modules that are free to anyone who makes a donation to Planned Parenthood. DM if interested.

sorry this got off topic.

5 Likes
#28

I know, I disagree with all he has said on his political views and done to his employees. I would prefer not to order from him if I can help it. Thanks for the alternatives!!!

#29

Pulp Logic also do short rails and brackets

1 Like