Standalone effects cases and front/back panels

[waldenpotato]

Because of the new DCR320 project I'm now curious about the front and back panels for these types of projects. Do cases exist that work without the need for power tools? Can I buy a 19inch case, get the front and back panels printed, and just screw everything together? From a superficial look around it appears that maybe a drill might be necessary.

Thanks!

[ersatzplanet]

If you are willing to spend a little cash for a professional look, I would check out Front Panel Express (www.frontpanelexpress.com). They have free front panel design software which shows pricing when you are done. They also do enclosures too.

[waldenpotato]

If you are willing to spend a little cash for a professional look, I would check out Front Panel Express (www.frontpanelexpress.com). They have free front panel design software which shows pricing when you are done. They also do enclosures too.

I’m familiar with Front Panel Express and the front panel files for Oakley projects, but I’m still wondering if there are prebuilt 19 inch rack cases to go with the DCR320 front panel file without having to cut and drill anything.

[Synthbuilder]

... I’m still wondering if there are prebuilt 19 inch rack cases to go with the DCR320 front panel file without having to cut and drill anything.

Sadly not. I did look into getting some cases made for the SRE330. The price wasn't that bad, somewhere around 120GBP each IIRC. However, given the relatively slow sales of my rack projects I didn't have the courage to spend 2400GBP on getting twenty made.

The other problem in ready drilled and printed cases is the cost of shipping them, particularly overseas. And that cost has to include not only the shipping charge but the cost of the box and packing materials. Then there's my time to have to safely pack each one. Ultimately, I think the final cost of supplying a case would put many people off buying one.

It takes me about three hours to mark up and drill a case like that used for the DCR320. Using a aluminium case, as opposed to steel, makes it a much more pleasant job. That said, it's never my favourite part of the build.

Tony

[eljay]

There are pre-built 19" rack cases, see Tony's notes in the builders guide, these do not require any cutting, however you will need to drill the holes in the front and rear panels in order to mount the sockets, switches and pots. The FPD file for the front panel overlay can be printed out and used as a drilling template on the front panel, you would need to create your own drilling template for the rear panel although you could probably use the one I uploaded for the ADR30, see the thread in this forum.

[waldenpotato]

Thanks. I think I’ve got my questions answered. It sounds like I can purchase a 19 inch case and drill any required holes in it. I can also get the FPD front panels printed and mounted to the front of the case. Aluminum cases should be easy to drill through.

Appreciate it!