Inspired by Hank...a new karaoke box!

[Kevin Kelly]

So Hank inspired me big time to build a box to house some equipment. I think that I may end up building two boxes (one for karaoke, one for dj) but first up is the karaoke box since I am hosting twice a week with a possible third night coming and I'm sick and tired of all the set up. This would make set up a breeze.

Still undecided on whether I'll be going with the Tuf board stuff that Hank used as to get it to me will be an additional $20 shipping as it's not carried in a local stores here.

The main components that I will be housing will be the laptop, mixer and cordless mic box. The Alesis sound box I will probably house below unseen as I never change the settings on this anyway. (I can increase or decrease the amount of reverb, etc through the mixer)

Since I really don't want to screw up on this, I'm started this project by measuring and cutting out templates of my components and layed them out. I know this looks totally stupid but I did this because I wanted to move them around easily. (without using the actual components) I don't blame you if you laugh...ha....I was! (I wish I knew how to post multiple pics and be able to write above each one but I don't so bear with me)

 

[Kevin Kelly]

I then layed them out (before this pic was taken) with spacing that I would be comfortable with and also allowing for wiring, etc and did some measuring. I figured a size of 20" x 48" would work and allow a little extra spacing in case I get a different size laptop or mixer, etc down the road.

I cut a piece of cardboard the same size and layed out my items. I drew circles behind the components for cords and then just traced the components directly on the cardboard. I have the cordless mic back a bit to allow a place to put the mics themselves, slips, etc. I also added where the video out wire and sound card would be...I know, so simplistic but I need to do that so when it comes to actually cutting stuff, I don't want to make a mistake.

What you can't see are the outputs that I drew on the left and right ends....

 

[Kevin Kelly]

So what I plan on having on the right and left ends are the following hookups and please feel free to make suggestions...

On the left: (on my left as I'm behind the box like at a show)

1. video out - a line underneath will run from my laptop to this jack. I can just plug another cord directly into this out at the show.

2. Speaker output/xlr jack

3. Another xlr jack from my mixer for a wired mic (didn't really matter if I did left end or right end really)

And on the right end:

1. Another video output in case hooking up on this end would be more convienent or if I need another output for another tv, etc.

2. Speaker output/xlr jack.

One question I have is since everything except the Alesis processor box and the power strip will be mounted on the top. My laptop won't be permanently installed in this box...when I arrive at the gig I will place it on the box. Do you think it would be necessary to have fans built in below like Hank did on his box? I'm wondering if even a laptop cooler is necessary since I'll be using it almost exactly as I would now...(on a flat well ventilated area)

 

[Kevin Kelly]

Anyone have any thoughts about if fans might still be needed in my configuration? (see above post) The only thing that I will have below is the Alesis box, a power strip and some wiring.

Do you think fans are still needed?

 

[Steve LeBlanc]

I would perhaps add a couple of vents on the back, or side....Don't thing you need fans

 

[Kevin Kelly]

Question on power connection...

I'm getting all of my parts ordered and will probably buy wood today...I've decided to just use pine wood since ordering the Tuf Board is high on shipping. My components aren't that heavy so I'm thinking this will work okay as far as weight goes...

I'm not familiar with electronic stuff (aside from dj electronics - ha) so my question is the IEC receptacle that I will be putting in the front ala Hank's box. Most of the receptacles I've seen require soldering and that's where I'm stuck. I know how to solder...do I just purchase a standard power cord that has bare wires and solder it to the receptacle? I don't want to take a chance with this part of the case since this is the main power to the whole works!

 

[jokerswild]

I'm getting all of my parts ordered and will probably buy wood today...I've decided to just use pine wood since ordering the Tuf Board is high on shipping. My components aren't that heavy so I'm thinking this will work okay as far as weight goes...

I'm not familiar with electronic stuff (aside from dj electronics - ha) so my question is the IEC receptacle that I will be putting in the front ala Hank's box. Most of the receptacles I've seen require soldering and that's where I'm stuck. I know how to solder...do I just purchase a standard power cord that has bare wires and solder it to the receptacle? I don't want to take a chance with this part of the case since this is the main power to the whole works!

For your power connection I'd go with a nice heavy duty black extention cord from Lowe's cut off the Prong end leaving the molded plastic recepticle end to plug your power strip into and then solder the bare wires to the IEC receptical finishing it with some insulation tape if no cover is provided with the recepticle.

Make sure you connect the Black to the Hot or +, White to Neutral or -, and the Green to Ground....

This way you can customize the length of the cable and already have one end done... eliminating a coil of wire inside your box.

 

[Kevin Kelly]

For your power connection I'd go with a nice heavy duty black extention cord from Lowe's cut off the Prong end leaving the molded plastic recepticle end to plug your power strip into and then solder the bare wires to the IEC receptical finishing it with some insulation tape if no cover is provided with the recepticle.

Make sure you connect the Black to the Hot or +, White to Neutral or -, and the Green to Ground....

This way you can customize the length of the cable and already have one end done... eliminating a coil of wire inside your box.

Thanks Rob! Is there any specific numbers I should look for? Amp? Watt? etc?

 

[jokerswild]

Thanks Rob! Is there any specific numbers I should look for? Amp? Watt? etc?

I don't have any specs handy at the moment but you should be ok with the heaviest duty cords they carry think "Furman" power cords as far as amp handleing abilities and sheilding.

 

[Hank Davidson]

For your power connection I'd go with a nice heavy duty black extention cord from Lowe's cut off the Prong end leaving the molded plastic recepticle end to plug your power strip into and then solder the bare wires to the IEC receptical finishing it with some insulation tape if no cover is provided with the recepticle.

Make sure you connect the Black to the Hot or +, White to Neutral or -, and the Green to Ground....

This way you can customize the length of the cable and already have one end done... eliminating a coil of wire inside your box.

That's basically what I did. Only I cut the end off the power strip and soldered it to the IEC. This way, no long cords are in the box.

 

[JoeChartreuse]

Thanks Rob! Is there any specific numbers I should look for? Amp? Watt? etc?

You will find the wattage of each of your components marked on a plate near the AC input of each of your devices.

Add all wattages together for a total and divide by by the AC input voltage (call it 115). This will give you your total current (amps) requirement. Be sure that your receptacle and AC input cable ratings exceed that rating by at least 50%.


If it were me, I WOULD include a small fan....

Hope that helps....

 

[jokerswild]

You will find the wattage of each of your components marked on a plate near the AC input of each of your devices.

Add all wattages together for a total and divide by by the AC input voltage (call it 115). This will give you your total current (amps) requirement. Be sure that your receptacle and AC input cable ratings exceed that rating by at least 50%.


If it were me, I WOULD include a small fan....

Hope that helps....

Yeah what he said...

 

[Kevin Kelly]

Cutting the wood!

So I bought wood today...I was hoping to find 5" and 3" like Hank used but I didn't...the pine came in 6" and 4" (although it really wasn't this size...the 6" was like 5 3/4")

The first pic is all the main pieces cut...my box will be 20" x 48". I also cut two pieces of Luan that same size.

The second pic is the top screwed together...I can't really do much more with the bottom because I'm waiting for parts....

Third pic is with the Luan on the Top half...

Fourth pic is another shot of the top with Luan.

I'm waiting for a quote from Carl at Enlighten Designs for two connector panels. Each one will have a connection for:

XLR for speaker connection
XLR for wired mic connection
RCA for video out
and speakon connections for each speaker...just in case it's more convenient to hook them directly up to my case then somewhere along the wall at the venue.

In addition, one side will have a powercon connection instead of my original idea of IEC on the front.

At any rate....now I wait....carpet, hinges, handle, latches, and possibly the connection panel are all on order. The carpet, etc won't be here until next Tue so now I wait...I hope I can do this correctly....I'm a bit worried to be honest. :sqembarrassed:

Oh...I am thinking about putting some short planks in the top to make it sturdier but it seems to be ok...we'll see.

Hank...did you paint the underside of your top? Is it all carpeted or what?

 

[Hank Davidson]

All carpet. Wait until you dividers are in and all access holes are cut.

*ON THE DIVIDERS: Don't just cut port holes for the sides of the laptop. It's better to notch out the entire depth of the laptop with a long rectangle on each side. This helps the unit breathe.

* You can rip the boards with a table saw to change the width.

 

[Kevin Kelly]

So most of the hardware and the carpet arrived today and I got to do some work on the top half of the case.

These pics are the carpet all measured out and working through the glueing process...last pic shows the corner pieces on. I'm really happy on how the carpet glueing went...I was worried I was going to screw it up but it came out good.

Tomorrow all the connections arrive so I'll build the connection/dishes and work on the bottom half of the case that's going to house everything. The one thing I'm a bit worried about is the weight...we'll see.

The inside of the top will be covered with thick eggshell foam padding so the uneven carpet edges will be covered up.

It doesn't seem like there's much interest in this thread but I'll go ahead and keep posting pics anyway in case someone down the road needs it for reference.

 

[Hank Davidson]

I'm not sure what the size is, check the sections for "twisting". The ribs (dividers) in the lower section should add stability, but the top may require some reinforcement before you add the foam. Using the luan lightens the project, but also breaches it's integrity. It will be more subject to dents than an average case, so treat it kindly.

Looks great so far!

 

[eezee]

What did you use to put the frame together? Nails or screws? How sturdy is it?

 

[MADNESS]

Dawg, Please keep posting. I have not posted but am watching very intently and learning from both you and hank.

 

[Dave Winsor]

Kevin,

I'm watching intently.

Thanks,

Dave

 

[hiredpower]

I'm watching too.

I have built many rack cases and boxes. The up side to these are - personal satisfaction and getting exactly what you want.

Rock on!