Reworking My Large System

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steve149 said:
DJ Bobcat said:
Oooooo.... That's a cool PC![emoji1] Are you gonna get one? The wife might leave me if I bought ANOTHER computer.[emoji1] It would be interesting to see if those pocket-sized computers would run Traktor without any hiccups.[emoji4]


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I may, but they don't ship until late this year ... a touchscreen would have been ideal. They also run Android, so might be cool to power LightRider DMX.
Click to expand...

They are not so much smaller than my Nano computers, but the best part about them is the BATTERY. The computers I use (and have used for several years) have no batteries. I don't consider it too big a deal, because nothing else in my system has batteries either. But if there's a momentary power failure, everything else turns right back on. The computers take a couple of minutes to boot back up.

Stick PC's have the same issue as the Nano's, but they also lack the performance.
 
DJ Bobcat said:
They are not so much smaller than my Nano computers, but the best part about them is the BATTERY. The computers I use (and have used for several years) have no batteries. I don't consider it too big a deal, because nothing else in my system has batteries either. But if there's a momentary power failure, everything else turns right back on. The computers take a couple of minutes to boot back up.

Stick PC's have the same issue as the Nano's, but they also lack the performance.
Click to expand...
Battery AND a screen that can show some basic info .. and can boot without the big screen if needed.
 
steve149 said:
DJ Bobcat said:
They are not so much smaller than my Nano computers, but the best part about them is the BATTERY. The computers I use (and have used for several years) have no batteries. I don't consider it too big a deal, because nothing else in my system has batteries either. But if there's a momentary power failure, everything else turns right back on. The computers take a couple of minutes to boot back up.

Stick PC's have the same issue as the Nano's, but they also lack the performance.
Click to expand...
Battery AND a screen that can show some basic info .. and can boot without the big screen if needed.
Click to expand...

The screen is pretty useless for me, but the battery... that's great![emoji4]


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Got a late start today. Life is not all fun and DJ gear.[emoji1] Sometimes ya gotta do domestic chores.[emoji4] The darn Keyboard shelf has been kickin' my butt!... It's such an odd shape, and the case is so out of square, it's just frustrating. But today I finally got everything fitted, and I got the first coat of paint on it. It looks... ok.[emoji848]... I need to re-sand in a couple of spots and get another coat of paint on it, then we'll see.[emoji4]

Got the hole cut for the monitor (electrical) outlet/USB port (for the LED lamp). That went WAY better than it did with my Small System. I also mounted the gooseneck mic stand... easy-peasy[emoji4]. I decided not to put the XLR jack in the top though... too much going on beneath it, so I'm putting it on the rear patch panel. In fact, I'm putting two wired microphone (XLR) inputs back there. Ya never know when a second wired mic will come in handy, and it won't be as easy to hook one up to the controller as it was with the American Audio Controller was, since it was in it's own special case.

Haven't started on the facade yet. Maybe tomorrow.[emoji4]
 
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OK... Lookin' much better with the second coat of paint. Had a little weirdness where the paint didn't stick... blistered and peeled. Wiped it down with some paint thinner and repainted those areas, and it seems to be sticking. Think I'll set it out in the sun and let it bake a while.:)...
1525455636138.png
 
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DJ Bobcat said:
OK... Lookin' much better with the second coat of paint. Had a little weirdness where the paint didn't stick... blistered and peeled. Wiped it down with some paint thinner and repainted those areas, and it seems to be sticking. Think I'll set it out in the sun and let it bake a while.:)...
View attachment 34234
Click to expand...

Bob...sometimes paint won't stick to some surfaces (plastic); trim and molding in many of the older mobile homes. What worked for me was first use Zinnsser 1-2-3, I got it at Lowe's. It comes in white, but you may be able to tint it darker. If it continues to peel, try Zinnsser 1-2-3 and then paint it black. I don't know if the Zinnsser comes in in a spray can?

I forgot to Zinnsser the door frame molding when I remodeled the master bathroom--it's peeling. I rubbed something up against the door frame when entering the closet, it just peeled off. I'm going to paint over the spot with Zinnsser to see if it works on the rest of the "painted" area where rubbed. If it does, I'm in business; otherwise, going to have to steel wool or scotch pad the rest of the door frame and molding!
 
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TwinSpinDJ said:
DJ Bobcat said:
OK... Lookin' much better with the second coat of paint. Had a little weirdness where the paint didn't stick... blistered and peeled. Wiped it down with some paint thinner and repainted those areas, and it seems to be sticking. Think I'll set it out in the sun and let it bake a while.:)...
View attachment 34234
Click to expand...

Bob...sometimes paint won't stick to some surfaces (plastic); trim and molding in many of the older mobile homes. What worked for me was first use Zinnsser 1-2-3, I got it at Lowe's. It comes in white, but you may be able to tint it darker. If it continues to peel, try Zinnser 1-2-3 and then paint it black. I don't know if the Zinnser comes in in a spray can?
Click to expand...

The (sun) baking seems to have helped. The paint is dry and seems to be sticking. The paint I bought is for plastic, and it's the same one I used on my Small System rack (Gator Cases). The Zinnser 1-2-3 is a good tip though. If the paint peels, I'll try it.[emoji4] Right now the rack is a little hot to work with... Just brought it back inside.[emoji4]


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I figured out my paint issue... GEEZ... I really need to read the can before I buy it. When I went to buy paint the last time, I could not find the can I normally buy, so I bought the same Satin Black from the same manufacturer, just assuming they had changed the packaging... NOT.[emoji1] After looking at the cans more closely, the one I usually buy is paint AND PRIMER, where the new one is just paint. No wonder the old one worked better.[emoji1] Fortunately, the sun baking worked great, and this top rack is ready for use. Time to put the components inside. But first, I'll connect wires to the computers, switch, and other components, then I'll plug them into the back of patch panel once everything is inside. There is a definite order in which the pieces need to be installed. The patch panel has to go in first, because it sits against the rear opening. It's the biggest piece and can't be maneuvered into place if there's anything else in the rack. Then the Denon DN-410X goes in, followed by the GTD B-33 Wireless Microphone System. The Computer shelf slides into place, before all the wires are connected. Finally, the Denon MC6000MK2 and rack door are secured on the top. I've put this thing together a dozen times (and taken it back apart) to check for fit, but haven't ever wired everything. I'm a little concerned about having enough short patch cables/wires for inside of the rack, but I'm pretty confident it's gonna go together pretty easily. Of course, that's what I always think.[emoji4]... Can't do it today (unfortunately), 'cause I have more work to do on my daughter's house (getting it ready for sale)[emoji4], and that's gonna take all day.
 
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Thought I'd post a couple more progress pics for those interested in how this system is put together. I essentially have five modules; 1. The Rear Rack; 2. The Denon Mixer; 3. The Wireless Mic System; 4. The Computer Shelf; and 5. The Denon Controller. These modules are all pre-wired before installing them in the rack, and they all go into the rack in a specific order. Then they are connected together as necessary. The computer shelf is now pre-wired and ready to install, as are all the other modules. As you can see, there's a lot of wires just coming from the computer shelf...

1525706516712.png

I know there are some who think these rack systems are passé, but I can't imagine having to wire up a system at a gig. I did that at my very first gig, and that's what prompted me to build my original Large System. I did my first gig with a Laptop, Mixer, and mic., and tied into the house sound system. Still, the wiring and cable management took time. With all the gear I have in this rack, the time it would take to wire it at a gig would be excessive.

Here's a pic of the back side of the patch panel...

1525706531268.png

...Notice there's another shelf on the back of the rack module for my MyDMX 2 and my Whirlwind Combiner box. As you can see, there's a lot of wires. I had make a wiring diagram so I would know where everything goes. Color coding helps a little, but most cables only come in black, so not much help. Also, I use short cables as much as I can, but many of the power cables you get with audio equipment are not available in short lengths. It's nice when a component uses a standard IEC power cord, 'cause you can buy short cables. I'm not much interested in making my own power cables or cutting and splicing cables.😄

I haven't counted cables and cords yet, but I think there's at least 40... That's how many were in my previous Large System Rack, and I don't think there are significantly fewer in this one. Today I hope to start putting this thing together. I still have the (wireless mic) Antenna Slider to make. If that doesn't take too long, I should be able to start assembling this monster.😄
 
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DJ Bobcat said:
Thought I'd post a couple more progress pics for those interested in how this system is put together. I essentially have five modules; 1. The Rear Rack; 2. The Denon Mixer; 3. The Wireless Mic System; 4. The Computer Shelf; and 5. The Denon Controller. These modules are all pre-wired before installing them in the rack, and they all go into the rack in a specific order. Then they are connected together as necessary. The computer shelf is now pre-wired and ready to install, as are all the other modules. As you can see, there's a lot of wires just coming from the computer shelf...

View attachment 34235

I know there are some who think these rack systems are passé, but I can't imagine having to wire up a system at a gig. I did that at my very first gig, and that's what prompted me to build my original Large System. I did my first gig with a Laptop, Mixer, and mic., and tied into the house sound system. Still, the wiring and cable management took time. With all the gear I have in this rack, the time it would take to wire it at a gig would be excessive.

Here's a pic of the back side of the patch panel...

View attachment 34236

...Notice there's another shelf on the back of the rack module for my MyDMX 2 and my Whirlwind Combiner box. As you can see, there's a lot of wires. I had make a wiring diagram so I would know where everything goes. Color coding helps a little, but most cables only come in black, so not much help. Also, I use short cables as much as I can, but many of the power cables you get with audio equipment are not available in short lengths. It's nice when a component uses a standard IEC power cord, 'cause you can buy short cables. I'm not much interested in making my own power cables or cutting and splicing cables.😄

I haven't counted cables and cords yet, but I think there's at least 40... That's how many were in my previous Large System Rack, and I don't think there are significantly fewer in this one. Today I hope to start putting this thing together. I still have the (wireless mic) Antenna Slider to make. If that doesn't take too long, I should be able to start assembling this monster.😄
Click to expand...

Like...but it's way over my head.!
 
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Ya never know what interesting developments a new day will bring. Today, I finally came up with the (wireless mic system) antenna solution. Got most of it made... screwed up one important part, and remade it.[emoji1] One really interesting little twist of fate... Yesterday, I was working at my daughter's house, and while trying to move a rickety book shelf, the darn thing collapsed on me, putting a big gash in my arm and cutting me in a several other places. I have some bruises on my arms and shoulder. But anyway, while the pieces (of the bookshelf) were strewn across the sidewalk, I removed any reusable screws and hardware (while I was bleeding all over the place)[emoji1]. Turns out, some of those pieces I salvaged will work perfectly for joining this new antenna slider together.[emoji4]Tomorrow I can paint it and put it together, and hopefully it will work... and fit. Since it's only pieces that have never been completely assembled, there might be some tweaking required. If it turns out like I expect, it will be AUSUMM![emoji1] Speaking of which @Ausumm), the LED light he posted (in another thread) was BRILLIANT!... In more ways than one.[emoji1] It's REALLY, REALLY BRIGHT without the dimmer, but it's gonna fit perfectly in my rack. And he even gave me the idea for the best way to mount it in my rack.[emoji4]
 
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DJ Bobcat said:
Ya never know what interesting developments a new day will bring. Today, I finally came up with the (wireless mic system) antenna solution. Got most of it made... screwed up one important part, and remade it.[emoji1] One really interesting little twist of fate... Yesterday, I was working at my daughter's house, and while trying to move a rickety book shelf, the darn thing collapsed on me, putting a big gash in my arm and cutting me in a several other places. I have some bruises on my arms and shoulder. But anyway, while the pieces (of the bookshelf) were strewn across the sidewalk, I removed any reusable screws and hardware (while I was bleeding all over the place)[emoji1]. Turns out, some of those pieces I salvaged will work perfectly for joining this new antenna slider together.[emoji4]Tomorrow I can paint it and put it together, and hopefully it will work... and fit. Since it's only pieces that have never been completely assembled, there might be some tweaking required. If it turns out like I expect, it will be AUSUMM![emoji1] Speaking of which @Ausumm), the LED light he posted (in another thread) was BRILLIANT!... In more ways than one.[emoji1] It's REALLY, REALLY BRIGHT without the dimmer, but it's gonna fit perfectly in my rack. And he even gave me the idea for the best way to mount it in my rack.[emoji4]
Click to expand...
So, you're insinuating that maybe tomorrow, when you use the weedwhacker and lop off your foot, you'll have an epiphany and solve every other issue?
 
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steve149 said:
So, you're insinuating that maybe tomorrow, when you use the weedwhacker and lop off your foot, you'll have an epiphany and solve every other issue?
Click to expand...

Ya just never know.[emoji1]... But on the bright side[emoji1], the antenna issue was the LAST one that needed solving on this project. Everything left is just painting and assembly... EXCEPT the facade, but that's pretty cut and dry.[emoji4]


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DJ Bobcat said:
...But on the bright side[emoji1], the antenna issue was the LAST one that needed solving on this project. Everything left is just painting and assembly... EXCEPT the facade, but that's pretty cut and dry.[emoji4]
Click to expand...
HOWEVER[emoji1]... I'm thinking about changing the keyboard and mouse again. Not that there's anything wrong with the Gear Head Wireless Keyboard/Mouse combo I'm using, but I think a Trackball mouse will be easier to use with this rack, given space on the keyboard shelf is so limited. And if I'm gonna change the mouse, perhaps an illuminated keyboard would be a upgrade?[emoji848][emoji1]
 
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It's amazing what a little black paint can do. Everything looks so much more professional and cohesive when it's painted. I didn't accomplish much on this project yesterday, but I was able to get a coat of paint on the parts for the Antenna Slider. It was really too windy to spray paint, and even though I positioned myself to block the wind while I painted, the overspray traveled further than I'd like... kind of a mess.[emoji1] I need to paint the back sides of the parts, then I can see if this contraption is actually going to go together (and work).[emoji4] Funny thing is; I thought of a much simpler design a couple of days ago... it would have been MUCH easier to make. Wish I'd thought of it sooner, but HEY[emoji1]... I'm committed to this one, so I can't concern myself with what coulda been. If this current design doesn't work, at least I have a Plan B... Or is that Plan C... or F???... I dunno???[emoji1]

I actually have a gig this weekend I'm preparing for, so I can't spend the time on this project I'd like to spend. I had hoped this new Large System would be ready in time, but it won't. My Small System will be fine for this event. The Large System would have been overkill anyway, but I'm really getting kinda excited about using it.[emoji4]
 
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Decided to go out this morning, while it was still relatively cool, and cut the pieces for the facade. Got them ALL cut, but now I'm wondering if this thing is going to be too heavy. I want to build it sturdy, but maybe I should have used some thinner stock?[emoji848]... I guess we'll find out, 'cause I'm gonna go ahead and build it anyway.[emoji1] With all the pieces cut, I can build the facade inside (in the air conditioning).[emoji4]
 
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Bob...I'm in process of doing research and already purchased a pair of 6U sides (7"), a 6-plug blk outlet strip, and pkg of rack screws for items to aide in modification of a current custom road case. Converting a 10U by 6U case with slant rails and piano hinge fold-out Laptop shelf to hold CDMIX II (cd player-3 channel mixer). Bottom of case will house DRPA and 8-plug ETA power unit in the 6-U space of which a angled rack shelf will support the CDMIX II. The Laptop piano hinge shelf will be moved from the rear toward the front so that it will be 3-6" closer. As it is now, I have to reach to operate the keyboard.
Will cut the slant angle down so I will then have a flat road case top; now it is angled and nothing can be placed on top without it sliding down from back to front. I believe I have a photo of the case in a prior Post. Will edit this post with the photo so you will know what I am talking about. I use a external sound card with this unit; Gigaport AG.

I'm not ready to sell the DRPA so that is why it is going in the bottom of the project case. Will get back with photo of current custom case later.

20180428_110746.jpg20180428_110821.jpg20180428_110753.jpg
 

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TwinSpinDJ said:
Bob...I'm in process of doing research and already purchased a pair of 6U sides (7"), a 6-plug blk outlet strip, and pkg of rack screws for items to aide in modification of a current custom road case. Converting a 10U by 6U case with slant rails and piano hinge fold-out Laptop shelf to hold CDMIX II (cd player-3 channel mixer). Bottom of case will house DRPA and 8-plug ETA power unit in the 6-U space of which a angled rack shelf will support the CDMIX II. The Laptop piano hinge shelf will be moved from the rear toward the front so that it will be 3-6" closer. As it is now, I have to reach to operate the keyboard.
Will cut the slant angle down so I will then have a flat road case top; now it is angled and nothing can be placed on top without it sliding down from back to front. I believe I have a photo of the case in a prior Post. Will edit this post with the photo so you will know what I am talking about. I use a external sound card with this unit; Gigaport AG.

I'm not ready to sell the DRPA so that is why it is going in the bottom of the project case. Will get back with photo of current custom case later.

View attachment 34255View attachment 34256View attachment 34258
Click to expand...

OK[emoji4]!!!... That looks REALLY interesting. Gonna be a cool project. Is that carpet on the outside of that case/rack? Looks like no rails on the back, but that's an easy fix for that style of rack... square, flat wood sides. I think you have a good starting point.

The rackmount power strips vary. I used to have dual PDU's in my large rack, but they were HEAVY, and didn't really provide any benefit, so I switched them out for two of these...

CyberPower CPS1215RMS Surge Protector, 1800J/120V, 12 Outlets, 15ft Power Cord, 1U.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00077INZU/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_i_ov68AbMNGD7XA

... One mounted in the rear of the slant-top rack, and the other in the base rack. I plug speakers and audio gear in the top, and lights and anything else in the bottom. There's six outlets on each side, which seems like a lot, but six inside the top rack is not enough for my Large System. I needed 8, so I have a couple of Y extension cords to give me the extra outlets...

ClearMax 3 Prong Y Splitter Cable Power Extension Cord - Cable Strip Outlet Saver.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GSH6SSQ/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_i_Th78Ab2FWV7AM

It will be interesting to see how your project goes TwinSpin. Please share your progress?[emoji4]
 
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A little bit of a hiccup on my project today. I put the keyboard shelf on... no problem.; works pretty much as designed. But when I tried to glue the rubber mat product on the surface, it wouldn't stick. I was using a spray on glue, but the edges kept peeling up. I'd really prefer not to staple it, or tack it down, but after trying a few double sided tapes unsuccessfully, I gave up for the day. I think contact cement may work... can't believe I don't have any. I usually have contact cement on hand, but it doesn't store well, so I'm sure it got tossed. Gotta head back to the home improvement store... AGAIN.[emoji1]
 
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