Let it be said: I utterly adore the 1u format. I've been building Eurorack format synthesizers featuring the Pulp Logic specification for 1u for almost a decade now. With the most valuable resource in a modular synthesizer being space (measured in horizontal pitch) - the ability to off-load any features into a 1u row means you have more room for modules of other functions. A while ago John of Pulp Logic informed me they were working on a means to send a number of signals between two systems with a single multi-conductor cable. This ended up becoming their Links and Tether modules.
I loved this idea - it allowed me to patch two systems and interconnect them with one singular cable. But there was a sacrifice - the Links and Tether modules consumed a pretty significant amount of space in the 1u row. But since they were passive modules - did they need to exist within the 1u row? I could further conserve space by offloading the Links and Tethers into a case that wasn't contained within the system. But I didn't want to just have some cases floating around my workspace - I wanted them to still be part of the synthesizer.
This idea inspired me to both modify an existing CAD file in Onshape for making small, passive 1u cases but to also design my first object - a 1u panel that could be used to mount an arm which would also mount the passive case. After a number of prototypes I'm pleased to say the mission has been completed. I've designed Pulp Logic and Intellijel compatible 1u panels that accept threaded inserts and can hold 1/4" p20 hardware. The initial idea was to mount Smallrig Magic Arms but then I discovered Smallrig's offering of Magic Arms with Ball Joints. I really liked how the retractable pins on the latter could gently 'lock' the mount in place.
The files are available on Printables.com and if you need to modify them - they're also on Onshape. The case was a modified version of the designs by Rackforge.
OnShape:
Additional hardware:
- 1/4" p20 8mm Heat-set Inserts
- These are used on the 1u panel and the side-panel.
- M2.5x4x4 Heat-set Inserts
- These are used on the 1u Eurorack case for screwing the side panels in.
- M2.5 screws
- This is a kit that I bought a while ago and used for this purpose. I really liked using the M2.5 Socket Head 8mm screws. So you could just buy those directly if you desired. These are used for screwing the side panels in.
A few notes about the files:
- 1u Modular Case w Mount
- To print the other side panel for the case, just Suppress the Mount Cylinder extrusion.
- The hp of the case is set as the HP variable. It's not actually in mm.
- The area for the threaded rail / sliding nuts was increased in size to accommodate 2.5mm square sliding nuts.
- 1u Thread Mount Panel (either Pulp Logic or Intellijel format)
- I tend to print these up with infill above 60% because I feel they deserve all the support they can get - as they'd be holding firm on the arm that might be responsible for some expensive camera or video monitor (for example).
- I'd also suggest printing these face down with no supports. All of mine came out looking great (printed in PLA and PETG).
Caveats:
- 1u Modular Case
- The angle that leads up towards the area for a threaded rail / sliding nuts does affect the height of the PCB's you can fit in the case from the front. For example, to fit the Links modules into the case I had to slide them in from an open-ended side of the case.
- 1u Thread Mount Panel
- I do not own any Intellijel cases so while I did a test-fit of the panel one a friend's case, you may encounter physical issues.