#7

I’m still looking for a fool-proof way to have my Grid connected to my Teletype where there is no risk of a power surge blowing the Teletype and, as a bonus, a reduction in noise.

To be clear, I am the fool for whom the solution needs proofing.

I bought this cable from Amazon in the UK:

… but the power+data cable lines are braided(?) rather than being two separate internal wires (of which I would cut the ‘red’). I thought I had cut the wrong one - so ordered a second cable and cut the other internal connection - but that doesn’t work either.

Is there someone in the UK who has successfully connected their Grid to their modular using this Y-Cable method - and can provide me with a link to the exact idiot/fool-proof cable (preferably on Amazon) which they have personally used? Can anyone sell me one they have successfully used?

I bought the Grid to use with Teletype - and it’s very frustrating to have to deal with this before I can even get started!

#8

I soldered up my own splitter cable after searching fruitlessly for one that didn’t have the two USB A +5V lines tied together.

This is just crying out for a reverse version of the 4hp “switch” module that had two USB B and one USB A …

Edit: This one …

https://monome.org/docs/modular/switch/

#9

That’s beyond me, due to my failing eyesight and fat-fingered approach to anything involving solder.

@tehn, is there a reason you guys stopped making Offworlds?

#10

I just bought this one yesterday and will take a look at it tonight. Could be the same one you have though… :thinking:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01MPZDFOC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

#11

It looks very similar. Let me know how you get on. I can get power to the Grid with it, but no data.

Does anyone have an Offworld or Switch I could buy from them?

#12

basically because we’re insanely busy and it’s an incredibly simple open-source first-soldering project.

i’ve been planning to make another batch but it keeps getting deprioritized as the flood of other tasks piles up.

you can build one of these for less than $10 and a cheap low quality soldering iron.

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#13

I just purchased one of these and did the mod. Once you (carefully) cut through the black wire, you’ll see an (aluminum?) sheath that (once sliced open) contains the red wire you need to cut. I powered the grid with one of these:

https://intellijel.com/eurorack-modules/usb-power-1u/

Works great!

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#14

I appreciate that Offworld batches are low on your priorities.

I have attempted and failed other soldering projects described as incredibly simple. My eyesight and dexterity are not up to the job but I will look into the open source instructions and find someone who can do the work for me. Thanks.

#15

Inside the power+data cable I cut open there appeared to be two wires, one was bare and braided around the other which was sheathed.

I bought two Ycables and on the power+data side of one I cut the braided bare wire - on the other I cut the inner sheathed wire.

One of the Y-cables provides power but no data. The other has no power.

A combination of nerve problems, bad eyesight and colourblindness has resulted in my electrical engineering skills being laughably low. I can change a fuse - that is my limit.

#16

@rikrak I’ve got a spare Offworld 2 here that I can send you if you PM me your address. OSH Park always sends 3 PCBs so I ended up with more than I need.

2 Likes
#17

Thanks! You’re a gent. PM sent.

#18

Also interested, if anyone has another spare.

#19

For any of you folks wanting to know about these splitter cables, mine had a foil sheath covering the data and power wires (on the Data cable). Carefully slice through the foil and you’ll find the red power wire there to be cut. Tape up and you’re good to go. Cheers

IMG_20180606_204650
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2 Likes
#20

Update: Thought I had this taken care of this with the intellijel USB module, but the high-pitched issue was revealed again when monitoring the modular through speakers (rather than the Zoom field recorder I had been since purchasing the grid and ansible). Powering the grid from an external/separate outlet (with the same USB splitter) was the only thing that fully solved it in the end.

#21

Is there any chance you could take a pic of this set up?

#22

Sorry about the late reply. I’ll have another look and try to get some more pics, but I’ve already taped up the cable. I wanted to illustrate the foil wrapping some data cables might have, and which might put people off from cutting through to expose the red wire. It’s all good as long as you don’t make a mess of the cutting. Have you managed to sort yours?

#23

No worries. I passed it on to my dad, who’s an electronic engineer :grinning:

#24

Hi guys
First post om the forum. Yeay!
Sorry for the necrobump. I’m new here and to monome stuff and have just ordered a grid, which I am very much looking forward to getting into. :slight_smile:

So, I’m borrowing a Meadowphysics module from a friend until I can afford the Ansible. And since I don’t have enough amps in my Uzeus (or money left to get something more powerful) I’m thinking of DIY’ing something based upon the offworld principle.

My simple question goes as folIows: Is ground tied together between 5v supply and the two other destinations through/on the Offworld (or the Y-cable)? Sorry if this has been discussed elsewhere, but have searched but not found anything yet.

#25

yes, you need to tie the grounds together.

i’d highly recommend using a USB plug/supply to power the grid, to ensure you don’t connect some higher voltage by mistake

#26

Great! Thanks, now I have a nice weekend project whilst waiting for the goodies to arrive. :smile: