#295

Dumb DIY question:

I have a bunch of MOTM-style power cables with mta156 connectors that are way too long for what I’m using them for now (a low profile Serge boat) and taking up way too much space in the boat. I’d prefer not to buy the mta156 tool as I’d only need it for a handful of connectors.

Is there any reason I can’t just cut, shorten, and splice my existing power cables, provided the splice is mechanically and electrically sound?

#296

I would gladly pay for a DIY/open-source module workshop/stream from someone here on lines. Soldering, panel design software, pcb software, ordering, resources, etc. I find the nearness thread very inspiring but overwhelming.

I will sleuth the forum for clues as usual but if others are interested in something like this, I would love to see it happen and would help facilitate in whatever way I could.

5 Likes
#297

Personally… I would not, even if it is mechanically/electrically sound like you say, because it always is until it isn’t, and by putting a splice in the cable you increase the chances of something possibly going wrong eventually. If the cord on your lamp is too long you wouldn’t just cut it and reconnect it in the middle with electrical tape and leave it like that (I’m assuming here I suppose…) because even if it could be fine for 20 years its an unnecessary risk compared to doing it properly.

If that solder joint goes bad at some point how much money and time is is going to cost you to maybe replace damaged components or a damaged power supply, or have something fizzle out in the middle of a performance or a nice recording session. Even if the chance is slim if you make little kludges like this every time when you need a proper fix/repair SOMETHING will happen eventually. Having things crammed in a shallow boat only increases the chances of a loose wire touching lots of things you do not want it to if it fails and increases the stress on the wire to begin with.

Granted these crimp tools can be stupid expensive - but I’m sure there are enough people out there who could whip up a few custom length power cables for you at a reasonable price that is probably far less than that of a new power supply.

#298

That is a very, very, very good point.

So anyone have a mta156 tool and want to make me some custom cables? :grinning:

#299

There are two types of tools for that connector, the really expensive type, and this one which I use: https://www.alliedelec.com/product/te-connectivity/59804-1/70089840/

You can also use a jewelers screwdriver to jam the wires in there, but after a couple of those you’ll wish you’d spent the $35. I have to think that after parts and shipping and whatnot you’d be in for more than that to get someone else to do it, depending on how many a bunch is.

1 Like
#301

Has anyone had a go at a liquid foam kit?

https://herbs---stones.com/liquid-foam/

looks a nice one.

3 Likes
#302

Any recommendations for a desktop synth diy? The more retro sounding (and midi compatible) the better :grinning:

I am eyeing up the paia fatman. https://www.paia.com/fatman.asp

#303

I don’t know if there is a more appropriate thread for this, but the following book bundle at HB has some electronics texts that may be interesting to people interested in circuit design. I can’t speak to the quality of them, so YMMV:

2 Likes
#304

I was exploring some samples I had purchased a long time ago, and got drawn in by these synare ones.

turns out, there’s a kit for a clone of it. pretty interesting demos on youtube, seems to sound similar to the original https://www.helensson.com/synare-3.html

1 Like
#305

I recently built the Norns Shield kit and loved it.
Just wondering if anyone has any recommendations for any desktop synths?

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#306

I love my bastl kastl, was the first thing I ever soldered—very satisfying. The newer version seems like it expands the pallet a bit which sounds cool, tho I’ve never played with it.

3 Likes
#307

I think once the project is done, the OTTO synth will be a great choice, but I think that might be a bit of a ways off.

#308

This looks incredible! Is there any idea when it will be available?

#309

Anyone built the Bastl Microgranny?

#310

I built one at a Bastl DIY workshop in Bratislava last year.

Hadn’t soldered anything in a long time and needed to reflow some stuff, but overall it wasn’t so bad (there’s one SMD bit that was a little hard for me).

It’s an awesome little box.

1 Like
#311

There is a Discord server where the developers are pretty active (along with about a hundred people badgering them for price, release date, etc.), if you have a Discord account I’d suggest joining that server. If not, they have an Instagram page with less regular updates. Also, they are using surface mount parts now and are unlikely to offer kits, because of the trade-off between soldering simplicity and a useful product. Hope this makes sense

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#312

Yeah! I build one a few years back. It’s well documented and sounded really nice. Great for learning DIY. I never got into experimenting with the midi features in detail but even with out toggling those the unit offered a lot.

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#313

Do you mean that they will likely only sell completed boards? Or that it’ll be a build that incorporates SMD and they will only sell blank PCB’s?

#314

It looks cool. I’ll investigate some more. Thanks!

1 Like
#315

I think that they won’t offer kits, just pre-built units