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Awesome! Thanks, chr0n1c! I think I'll take you up on the offer. I'm still in the planning stages but I'll let you know once I figure out if this idea will work. I know this thing is metal, just not sure what type of metal. I'm researching these - they are American Civil Defense Nuclear Survey Meters, so I know there are tons of data/specs on the case material out there in Al Gore's Internet. It seems to be perfect for a home made PSU board, one Core and two SID PCB's. We'll see once I start trying to lay everything out.

;D I actually received my first ever SmashTV order in the mail today and held up the core and sid modules to a pack of cigs...I think I could fit a core in one pack and a sid module in another pack! I'll need a carton if I go for the full SID V2 control surface, though. While I'm at it, I think I'll get one of Wilba's base PCB's and put it in a Bud Light 12-pack case. Now, that would be true Alabama MIDIbox. I'll post sound samples of SID-ified Lynard Skynard once it's complete! Wow, Freebird on the SID. It's going to be hot at the bowling alley on karaoke night!

chr0n1c, Is there enough clearance, adjustability on your CNC to cut holes for midi ports, lcd, buttons, etc. on something say like this....

Okay, so I just found this schematic, which tells me that the PAiA kit works. I was wrong! I should do more reading and less posting! BTW, that's not too bad for the mouser parts. I think I'm going for PAiA kit, and just get it all in one bag. It comes out just a little cheaper than MFOS board + Mouser order, not much, though. So others could go either way. Thanks for looking that up on Mouser, lief!

Okay, I answered my own question ::) - The PAiA PSU does not have enough mA to run a good FM box with LED's and Backlit LED. Off to read more on the PSU PCB at Music from Outerspace. EDIT: I'm wrong on this - see below

That page has a lot of good information! However, purchasing their PCB, plus shipping, then buying the parts from Mouser, Digikey, etc...plus shipping would seem to be more expensive. I like the PAiA kit because it includes everything you need, including the wall wart for $41. Shipping within the US shouldn't be bad.

After reading and rereading and rerereading this post regarding bipolar PSU for the MBFM, I did some looking around on the internet and found a bipolar psu kit from PAiA that delivers +/- 12VDC @ 300mA. It seems like this kit should work for the MBFM, but I'm unsure about the "300mA." The kit is $41. This might be a good find for FM builders in the US, if 300mA is enough for the FM. Can any FM builders confirm that this PSU kit is good for the FM? Link to the site: http://www.paia.com/proddetail.asp?prod=9770R-12

Received my knobs today in the good old USA. Thanks, Goblinz!

Here is an attachment showing the fastener bulk prices.

I found good spacers at Mouser and Digikey. Mouser part number 534-24393. No minimum order. $0.35 each for 25. Digikey part number 2493K-ND. Must order in multiples of 10. If you order 30, they cost $0.50 each. I'm considered running a bulk order for these. But, first I want to check with Smash and see if it would be better for me to order them en masse to go with the Uncle Nutty parts, separate them out like a parts kit and ship the units to Smash to include with Control Surface PCB's. Smash does not sell a Control Surface PCB parts kit, due to the customization of each control surface by each individual. However, there are many people interested in building the MB-6582 using the Pac-Tec PT-10 case, so these spacers and the hardware mentioned in my post above seem to be essential to build the MIDIbox in this case. Once I touch base with Smash, I'll make a decision and post it here. I'm curious to know if anyone would even be interested in a "fastener parts kit" for the MB-6582 Control Surface PCB. Or is everyone just collecting these from local sources?

I thought those threads on the end could twist in and out of the spacer. Well, I'll probably purchase the same type of spacer you used and hold onto these for future projects... Thanks for pointing this out! EDIT - I caught my Uncle Nutty order in time to add the 2.5 mm hardware before it shipped. So now I have 100 each of the 2.5 mm nut, washer and screw to add to the pile of fasteners! I was thinking along the same lines. But, it seems a shame to pay so much shipping for just fasteners. What I may do is separate out the needed fasteners into small baggies, then forward them along to Smash...maybe he would be interested in including them with the control surface PCB purchases until they run out? I'll ask him...

Just discovered a good source for the remaining control surface fasteners, here in the USA. The Nutty Company Thanks, Uncle Nutty!

If, like me, you are collecting parts for Wilba's MB-6582 project, I found an auction on eBay for the M3 10mm spacers (otherwise known as standoffs). They are $6.85 for 24 spacers. You need 25 for the project, so I had to buy two sets. Never hurts to have extras in case I lose one or two. Also, extras come in handy for future projects. M3 10mm threaded spacer eBay auction EDIT: These spacers are not ideal for the MB-6582 project (see Wilba's comments in his reply, below). However, I have found some good spacers. I will post more information in a reply to this thread.

I haven't taken the time to see if these would work with standard pots, but some of these look really nice. http://www.leedsradio.com/parts-knobs.html

I was curious as to why there was such an interest in adding a PLED or OLED to Wilba's design. I knew there must be some really good advantage in order to spend so much time working out a solution. So, for those who are intrigued by Cimo's work-around and don't have a clue as to why he's doing it, I offer you some information from Wikipedia, below. Perhaps this will garner some interest in Cimo's group buy (or is it a mega-sale? mini-sale? ;D).

That was beautiful. Why read ucapps.de and the forum and ask a bunch of questions when I could simply affix clothespins to my eyelids and put this video on repeat for 72 hours?

Hey Wilba, I would be interested in one of your red fans and a power switch for MB-6582 if you have any left. Shoot me an email or PM with your price. Shipping would be to the US.

This fan from Maplin is an Akasa. I checked their website and they don't have 40mm in red, just blue. Well, thanks for the info, I'll look elsewhere. I need red, as well. But, may just settle on no LED fan. I'm more concerned about silent running and no interference with sound.

Sparx show us some photos! Also, let me know the model and source of your fan...

No problem! I'm learning as I follow these threads. This is a good education for when I start on my MB-6582.

I haven't actually build the MB-6582, but have been studying the construction guide in preparation. I found this on the wiki written by Wilba: the list of useful headers for a “default†MB-6582 setup J25 (~9V-11V DC, for connecting to fan) J3 (5V DC, for connecting to fan, if 9V-11V makes the fan too noisy)

I think its sexy. Reminds me of all those times I held up pictures of Pat Benatar with one hand....

From one MIDIbox newbie, to another, welcome! Right before Wilba went on vacation, he mentioned having some 6582A SID's leftover from the last sale. If he didn't sell them all, you might be able to grab 4 or 8 SIDs when he gets back from his holiday. Based on the last posts I read in this topic, he might have 8 left, which would be perfect for the MB-6582. Check it out here: http://www.midibox.org/forum/index.php/topic,11570.0.html We recently discovered the linux-based homebrew CNC mill, built by chr0n1c. There is a possibility that he can produce panels for the MB-6582 project. This might cut some waiting time for panels and it should bring down cost. I'm still exploring the possibility with chr0n1c and will let everyone now if this works out. I really love the thought that my panels would come from a home-brew CNC. Especially one controlled by Linux. I told my wife about this - she smiled and said, "you're having geek orgasms right about now, aren't you?" Well, she may be right, maybe I need to draw the line at getting off on DIY porn. She thinks I need to see a psychologist or get some Jesus.

I'm taking a shot in the dark since I'm new to this project. But, I did notice that SmashTV's CORE KIT contains a bridge rectifier. Follow this link and place your mouse over the black circle at the top left of the graphic. I think if you order Smash's CORE KIT you will get the parts you need. http://www.avishowtech.com/mbhp/mbhp_coreR4d.html Someone correct me if I'm wrong....

Thanks, chr0n1c. I will hold off on trying to redevelop Wilba's panel into sections until I hear from you on flipping the panel to do both sides. The PacTec PT-10 case does come with panels, but I would prefer to start with new panel stock. The control surface panel that comes with this case has holes in the corners, and Wilba's design eliminates those holes. Let me know if you cannot get local stock for panels, we can figure something out.