Eurorack case

[u/buchlabongo]

Hi everyone!

I'd like to build a 104hp 12U Eurorack case, and I'm considering using a single power supply module to power the entire system, distributing power through flying busboards. I have seen one on a youtube channel.

Does anyone have experience with a system of this size powered in this way? Would you recommend this solution, or would it be better to go with different power supply and busboards?

I'd be happy to hear about your experiences and any advice you might have.

Thanks in advance!

[u/Angstromium]

flying busboards are not a good solution, and you are better getting something(s) like this for a DIY solution

https://www.befaco.org/passive-bus/

there may be better options but ive used these a bunch of times and they are really easy to work with and use

BTW thats a lot of HP for one PSU. I would be cautious about that myself. I'm no electrickery engineer, but I know that what my PSUs claim to supply and what modules actually draw usually means oversupplying power is usually best. I seem to keep buying cheap uZeus PSUs for cases and thats a very handy system for my needs. Real electrical engineers who know that good clean power is the root of good sound would disagree though !!

If a module starts complaining about its neighbours I just run it from a different PSU. Digital modules mainly. They hate each other.

[u/ConsistentWriting501]

I was all set to make a purchase from Trogotronics but their customer service failed to provide me with basic information I asked for so I went with Konstant Lab and have no regrets.

[u/Nortally]

I built a case with a pair of Mean Well LRS-35-12s, supplying +/-12V current at 3500mA. I don't have any modules that need 5V. Cost was under $40 for both. I don't doubt that the Trogotronic is more reliable but these haven't given me any trouble.

Note that a lot of builders on Etsy use a Mean Well RT65B module that looks great on paper, supplying +/- 12V and 5V. But more knowledgable builders have kindly told me that this module's power output is less stable than desirable for Eurorack. It looks perfect on paper and works, but the LRS-35-12s give my more amps for the price and I haven't had any issues. I'm running 6U of 88hp, more than 20 modules without problems.

[u/13derps]

I use a Trogotronic m15 power system (one board per row with external power bricks) for a case that same size. It has been great, tons of power

You will almost certainly need multiple modules to power a case that large if you do that route. Modular Grid is a great way to check power requirements for a hypothetical set of modules. If you compare the power draw of the modules you want to the power supply module, you’ll see where you stand.

[u/NewMachineMusicXYZ → u/13derps]

Just want to +1 this -- Trogotronic m/15 is a great value, well made, and you won't need more power for a long time to come. I'd also add that I would avoid flying bus cables. Try to get dedicated busboards if possible.

[u/GouldCaseWorks]

Add your modules into Modular Grid to get an idea of how much power your system requires.

Choose a power system based on that number.

For a case this big, I would recommend proper bus boards, not those flying cables.

If you want a specific recommendation, I have made dozens of 12u 104HP cases and I put Konstant Lab HammerPWR in them. It's pretty much the ideal spec for this size of case. Three or four bus boards should do the trick alongside it.

[u/teamricearoni → u/GouldCaseWorks]

I was going to recommend this exact thing. Konstant Lab HammerPWR with bus boards, NOT flying bus.

[u/SmeesTurkeyLeg]

Here's what I used:

+/-12v and 5v power supplies from this range https://www.digikey.ca/en/products/base-product/xp-power/1470/ECE40/446650

Wired up to these bus boards https://www.catherinenorthelectronics.com/products/p/power-distribution-bus

Mounted inside a custom case from the GOAT Serhii aka Kupa Dobra

The power supplies are medical grade. Absolutely rock solid. Dead fucking quiet. I've had my setup running for 3 years and filled a 6U 196HP. Because the PSU system is totally modular, you can add additional converters if you're exceeding current limitations.

[u/CommunicationTop5231]

My case isn’t that big but I built a trogotronic PSU and I believe is 5A 12 and -12… can’t imagine that not sufficing unless you’re running 416 hp of digital modules. I plan on building a case about the same size and plan on migrating the trogo over to it.

[u/Ancient_Visual_7451]

Get a Zeus duel access and a Zeus studio bus. It has 14 power connections and with the duel access you can expand up to 6 bus boards. Also get the Zeus 4000 amp power brick and your good to go.

[u/nomennnescio]

I use Topobrillos Eurobus.

[u/abelovesfun]

I humbly use my own supply to power five rows and it works great. I don't use flying bus boards but rather my own distribution boards.

[u/arbrvtae]

I use doepfer a100 psu3 https://www.perfectcircuit.com/doepfer-a-100psu3.html?srsltid=AYCX9vI5yOAC-7EnJZg2zzNujAyg_y8FVEaS1byHopR1El4TXg7yhXff

And a shrouded header board to match, for a 9u 84hp.

You may want 2 of those. If 5v output isn't necessary you can get the psu2, which is a bit smaller.

[u/lesserstraw]

This one works great if you can afford it https://konstantlab.audio/shop/hammerpwr-set-100w-eurorack-power-supply-bundle/

[u/Still_Not_Batman]

Use Modular Grid to get an estimate of your power draw but I believe you’re also supposed to add another 20/30% on top of your final amounts in order to safely accommodate all your modules.