BlueClone - The Blue Room's Own Comms System

[ddproduction]

Possible stupid question but what is the function of the large caps across the dc input of the power unit?

[cedd]

Hieronymus and NewChris, I've sent Boatman a copy of a spreadsheet I've designed which is able to calculate numbers of parts required, based on the user entering the number of beltpacks and power supplies they wish to build. It's able to take account of minimum order sizes and order multiples, so for instance if something comes in a multiple of 5 components and you need 6, it'll return the response "2 packs of 5". Just little bits and pieces that might make ordering simpler.

 

 

 

 

It's probably simpler for now if you continue with your own spreadsheets as mine can't really be properly tested until we've got some real data to stick in it, but if you want copies to play with then PM me your email addresses and I'll send you the excel file. I've managed to write it without needing to use macro's so it's just a bog standard excel spreadsheet.

 

 

 

[boatman]

Possible stupid question but what is the function of the large caps across the dc input of the power unit?

 

Reservoirs to remove any switcher noise from wall-wart style power supplies. Two are needed as the power lines to the separate loops are isolated by diodes.

[Hieronymus]

I have an updated version of the partslist. It can now calculate for both the base unit and the belt pack.

 

I've included a sheet with:

CPC UK parts (prices in pounds, incl VAT)

Farnell (Netherlands, prices in Euro, incl BTW)

 

I've spotted a problem with the 10k log pot from Alps. It's no longer manufactured.!!

 

I chose the next best thing, but I think Boatman has to check the dimensions for this thing. Or change the panels a bit....

 

You can tweak the total costs a bit by not choosing the resistor packs for everything and also some caps could be cheaper. Have fun sourcing!

 

The calc sheet version 0.5

Edited January 22, 2014 by Hieronymus

[boatman]

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I've spotted a problem with the 10k log pot from Alps. It's no longer manufactured.!!

 

I chose the next best thing, but I think Boatman has to check the dimensions for this thing. Or change the panels a bit....

.

.

 

It was quite some time ago when I ordered these from CPC and when they arrived they were in Farnell packaging. I've just checked against the data sheet and they are actually the Alps 29 0006 that I have (6.5mm above the PCB to the centre of the shaft, so both the panels and your part number are correct! I will update the parts list.

Edited January 22, 2014 by boatman

[boatman]

The beltpack panels are here and fit perfectly! A small design change means that they are considerably more handsome than the first set of power unit panels.

 

A few pictures.

 

http://mydesk.myzen.co.uk/_Useful/BlueCom/BeltpackPanels.jpg

 

http://mydesk.myzen.co.uk/_Useful/BlueCom/BeltpackFront1.jpg

 

http://mydesk.myzen.co.uk/_Useful/BlueCom/BeltpackFront2.jpg

 

http://mydesk.myzen.co.uk/_Useful/BlueCom/BeltpackBack1.jpg

 

http://mydesk.myzen.co.uk/_Useful/BlueCom/BeltpackBack2.jpg

[Hieronymus]

Normally I don't realy like these kind of posts...

 

but in this case, let me expres my thoughts:

 

WOAHHHHHHH!!! :):D

 

 

 

[Stuart91]

I see you lost one of the screws at some point... :D

 

All looks very nice though. If I was being handed that as a finished commercial product I don't think I'd be disappointed.

[boatman]

I see you lost one of the screws at some point... :D

 

All looks very nice though. If I was being handed that as a finished commercial product I don't think I'd be disappointed.

 

I wondered how long it would take someone to notice! I actually only had seven M3 screws of the appropriate length (with matching heads) in my box. I should have moved one from the front to the back before taking the second set of shots.

 

The ideal fixing into the case would be this M3 x 8mm taptite screw from Farnell (it could also be used to mount the connectors to the back panel), but I didn't have those handy either, so had to run an M3 tap a short way down the holes.

Edited January 23, 2014 by boatman

[Stuart91]

I wondered how long it would take someone to notice!

 

Very good. Is there a prize for being the first to mention it? ;)

 

One other random question - what's the logo/symbol just to the right of the empty screw hole?

[dmxlights]

I must say they are starting to look very well now and when can we start buying them in kit form :D

[boatman]

I wondered how long it would take someone to notice!

 

Very good. Is there a prize for being the first to mention it? ;)

 

One other random question - what's the logo/symbol just to the right of the empty screw hole?

 

Have a look at this close-up then have a look at my forum user name.

 

http://mydesk.myzen.co.uk/_Useful/BlueCom/Boatman.jpg

[bruce]

Have a look at this close-up then have a look at my forum user name.

 

Very clever. But it looks nothing like the Arran ferry....

[dbuckley]

Very handsome looking product...

[Stuart91]

Very clever. But it looks nothing like the Arran ferry....

 

Needs a flock of hungry seagulls following it for a start...