Back in early June I posted about how the original-and-expanded Kosmodrome case was close to full. Not too long after I started building another case to house more Kosmodrome as Phase 2 proceeds. It was pretty similar to the original-before-expansion first case.
It’s select pine dimensional lumber for the top, sides, and front. The back and bottom are common pine. The cherry finish came out darker and blotchier than the first one. Part of that may be that I was using a different brand of stain. It’s not beautiful but it’s good enough. As usual there are Vector TS600 rails for module mounting.
You might notice it’s taller than the original-before-expansion, with more space below the bottom rail. That’s because I designed it to house a different power supply. Last winter I bought a Bel Power Solutions HBB15-1.5-AG, a linear power supply capable of delivering 1.5 A each of ±12 V (or ±15 V). New, these things cost more than I’d want to pay, but I got a good price for a used on on eBay. Unlike the Frequency Central and MFOS(ish) supplies I’ve been using, which are powered through a 12 VAC wall wart, this one takes wall power. That means it has its own transformer in it, and that means it’s bigger and heavier, so it goes in the bottom of this case, not higher up in the back.
The power cord plugs into this AC inlet, which has a built in switch with LED and a fuse holder — Bel says a fuse is needed, and it’s definitely a very good idea; I have the blown fuse to prove it. There’s now a hardboard back on the case, with a separate piece for the power inlet so the rest of the back can be removed without disturbing it.
On the inside, the wiring for the inlet is covered with a plastic electrical box. The AC cable goes into the PSU via an orange 3d printed cover that goes over a slot where otherwise careless fingers might encounter 120 V. The ±12 V and ground wires emerge through that same cover and go to a barrier strip. The PSU is mounted such that its open sides are up against wood, and it’s held via long machine screws to a piece of sheet aluminum on the bottom of the case, which covers the open bottom and provides additional heat dissipation. Earth ground is connected to the PSU chassis, and everything with 120 V on it is inaccessible without disassembling.
For now there is one bus board mounted behind the top row. I’ll add a second one behind the bottom row when it becomes needed. I like using zip ties to mount the bus boards; they hold them securely but put less stress on the PCBs than screwing them down would. Besides, I can’t get the #6 x 3/4″ round head screws I’d need locally.
Wires run to the bus board from the other side of the barrier strip. I mounted a power display module and plugged it in. Fiat lux! All the appropriate LEDs light up.
I do want to drill some ventilation holes. Other than that the case is done.
Analog Output 