52 comments

Hi!, the standard case pieces are 67mm deep internally, so that would be a very tight fit. There is a deep version of the case that is 84mm internally, which will be plenty of room for your 65mm modules. You'll be able to make a 104hp case with a few 4hp slots on the top and bottom.

Thanks for the quick answer. Printed the deep version of the case (104 hp total) and it came out great! What size nuts fit the case? Can you recommend a place in Canada to purchase them?

You might get lucky and have a local hardware store stock some metric nuts and bolts. If not, I've purchased from these guys before. https://canadabolts.ca/products/metric-square-thin-nuts-stainless-steel?variant=44768766132448
You want m3 square nuts and 8mm m3 bolts. If you can get your hands on "m3 threaded rails" from somewhere, they will work best. https://modularsynthlab.com/product/eurorack-rails-m3-threaded-inserts/

Interesting, I didn't know about this serge/4U format until you mentioned it. Probably best if I make an entirely new Serge/4U case.

Hi. 30mm dice would be too large for this dice tower as-is. However, you could scale up the design to accommodate larger dice.

Hi! You can use two 16HP. So 26+16+16+26=84

Yes I know. I just wanted to do it from 3 peices for aesthetic reasons.

OCD :D

I getcha, 3 pieces of size 28hp would be perfect! I already have too many pieces to support, so I need to set a limit.

Reminder that the license is "private use" and does not permit sale of any cases you make (https://cults3d.com/en/licenses#cults_pu). The easiest way to add any bespoke switches and leds, would be to modify a 4hp blank panel to accommodate your switches and attach it to one of the 26hp left/right breakout blocks on the end of your rows. Or to place it on the front alongside your modules.

Thank you for your reply. Obviously this is for private use and I was wondering if you would be willing to make this modification on case3uS_N_v1_0hp_right.stl?

I want to avoid a combinatorial explosion by adding additional bespoke holes to the case blocks themselves. But I'd consider adding bespoke holes to 4hp blanks, which can then be attached to any of the breakout blocks. That said, in order to get a good fit for whatever switch you wish to use, I'd have to buy the switch, which I'm not willing to do. HOWEVER! I do have these switches https://www.amazon.ca/FBApayipa-Solder-Rocker-Switch-Toggle/dp/B01N2U8PK0/ which I used for https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/tool/ryobi-riden-bench-power-supply-jinja. So I could make a breakout panel for that switch. If your switch is different, you'd have to adjust the 4hp blank yourself.

Merci ! Here is the switch I would like to incorporate, I am now to compensate for the work of course. Musically

https://www.amazon.fr/gp/product/B07SHVNLTJ/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A1BV4N88UHB8BY&psc=1

That's big, too big to be added to a blank panel. That would definitely need to be added to a block as you originally intended. Sorry, but it's not worth my time working on such a bespoke item. You'd also need mount points for whatever power supply and bus board you intend to use. You should be wary of the clearance you have available as space is limited inside. There are deep versions of the case if you run out of space.

Noted, thank you for taking the time to respond.

Hmm, interesting, I didn't consider someone wanting an entire row. Do you need a right side too?

As far as I understood the structure of the pieces the 0hp right side should fit the 3x1U pieces, no?

That's correct, but it would be nice to save on nuts and bolts and have the right side built on as an option.

I've created case3uS_B_1UI_v1_26hp_left.stl and case3uS_B_1UI_v1_26hp_right.stl and added them to case3uS.zip. Let me know if you have any problems. Enjoy!

Thanks! I'll let you know as soon as i print it.

I think there would be room for a 6hp hole if I got rid of one of the bolt hole rows. It's not a trivial change though. Adding a 6hp slot would greatly reduce the depth available for the modules in that block, but you might have enough shallow modules to make it work. If I find some time I'll give it a go.

Thank you very much, really appreciate it.

I was trying to do the same , 6hp on 1 side, got 90% of the way there moving verts 5mm in both directions. https://i.imgur.com/zZvVCA8.jpeg ... it was actually the bottom I couldn't get right.

Hi! A single 78hp 3U row (3x26hp pieces left/middle/right) of PLA weighs just under 500g. I've used PLA for all of my prints pictured.
If you're using M3 nuts for the rails, they will need to be square. M3 threaded strips work much better, but the M3 square nuts will work fine, they are just a little finicky. Hex or Square nuts will work fine for bolting the case pieces together.

I tried adding it again. Does it show up now?

BTW, all the slim cases support the rail insertion on the ends of the case. The new zip is a slim version of the deep 3u case. The slim version of the regular 3u case should already be there, case3uS_

Hi TTGek, the sliding nuts falling into the rails can be annoying. I made the rails as small as I could and still allow the nuts to slide. The square nuts can come in different thicknesses too, I had to make it work for the thick ones, which means it's more problematic if you have the thin ones. If it's happening all of the time, could you pad out the rails with paper or something? I moved the nut holes to the side in the newer Case3uS design, you must be using the older Case3u STLs?
If you can afford the "m3 threaded strip" rails then those are much better to use and not tricky like the square nuts. However, those will only work with the newer Case3uS where the nuts are side loaded.
If you can't find your own fix, I could add another case with tighter rails. Do you have calipers, what are the dimensions of your m3 square nuts?

Hi!! Thanks for the quick answer and sorry I didn’t reply sooner. I am using the 3udeep version, because some of my modules are too deep for the regular one. That’s why I don’t have the side inserts. This would already be a massive help! Hope the deep version will get the update as well :)

Hmm, yes. I should definitely add a slim version of the deep case.

That would be great! For the time being I will just fidget with the bolts a bit more ;)

Just got a notification that the file has been updates to include a slim version of the deep case! Amazing! Only when I download the file I can't find the zip file of it in the folder.

I tried adding it again. Does it show up now?

Yes, thank you!!! Now just to get some threaded strips :)

Hi Dsquid. I do intend to make a lid, but it won't be soon.

Hi Zolkin1, thanks for the purchase. It would take a while to create a different sized removable row case (but not as long as the first one). I have parameterized a lot of it, but there are a number of areas that need adjusting every time the size changes. Avoiding rod collisions and providing bespoke measurement markings. I imagined myself quickly making a 4x4 and a 5x5 after I made the 3x3, but there hasn't been a lot of interest in the removable row case, not as much as the case blocks themselves. Making a wider 4x3 as you suggest, would likely be easiest way to increase the size. Now that I know you want that size, that can be the next size I make, but I can't promise when that would be.
That's great news for the 6mm rods, thank you! (I wish I could easily get hold of metric)
I look forward to your make pics, that's always fun to see.

I see, thanks for being upfront about the timelines you have in mind. I think I have an idea how to scale the case without you being involved. I plan to scale all the rods to be 33% larger and rework the row holders for 4Uis block variant. That should give me some extra room in future and it’s a good way to avoid rod collision provlems. What do you think?

That's an ingenious solution because 33% works for both the width (HP) and height (U) in this specific case, and the thickness of the rod works too, 6->8mm. There is one problem that might dissuade you though. When scaling up the endRow STL's, the screw holes that interface with the case 4U blocks will not align, so you won't be able to bolt it in place. Not a problem for the bottom two rows because gravity, but you'd have to fix the top row by some other means.

Personally (and unrelated to alignment), I wouldn't go for this solution because I think adding 1U modules to your library of modules severely limits your freedom when changing case sizes and organizing your modules. I plan to never purchase a 1U module so I can avoid that headache. That might not register as a problem for some people though.

Aha, thanks, I think I’ll follow your recommendation and just add extra row on the bottom laying flat on the table when I need it. I think I can also modify the top row holder just slightly to allow another row to be bolted on the top. After that I believe I should start actively replacing the modules instead of just adding them;)

Thanks for that. The link is broken for me

I did report it and linked your cults page. I didn’t know if they would need you to verify. From what I saw only 3 people downloaded it. And they only put up 3 of the files.

Thanks again, it looks like you sorted it out for me. 10 points to Gryffindor.

Hi, I saw your print, it looks great! I think it's okay for you to upload your extra STL's as long as you link back to my work.

Thank you! :)
Sounds good, will do.

Thinking about it, the only weird thing with me posting the lid is that it's designed for a 5u case. If I send you the standalone 1u row models I made from your 4u models, would you mind including those in your downloads?

Here's the printables page in case you'd like to review:
https://www.printables.com/model/929797-accessories-for-jinjas-expandable-eurorack-case-bl

Hmm, I don't want to support a separate 1U row as it will cause a combinatorial explosion of options for when I do make a configurable lid. Also I think the 1U row air space is too small and has the potential to overheat.

Ahh that's fair. It is a little tight in there.

I'd like to place a load of temp sensors inside and hook it up to a microcontroller, then see how effective a little 5V fan would be at lowering the temp throughout the case. A project for another day.

Here's a thermal image after running it for 20 minutes if you're curious

https://ibb.co/mNppx6D

I think all this tells me is that steppy really doesn't put out much heat haha
At some point I could do a more scientific test for you though if helpful.

That's very cool, no pun intended.

looks good

What about an 18HP middle section? Then you can do 26HP left + 18HP middle + 0HP right

That would work too!

Just uploaded it. it's in case4uIS.zip

Hello! I didn't add a 0hp for the caseDeep4U, I didn't think anyone would want to make a deep case less than 52hp. Are you trying to make a 26hp case?

That was my original plan, but playing around a bit I may go with the 52hp even though it is wider than I really need - but it gives me expansion room for other boards. Basically I'm planning to put my main prototype board in the bottom (with 6 or 10mm standoffs) and still have room for shallow Eurorack modules up top. I may also be able to do it with the Deep 3u modules though that is a little tight on space. No worries - i've got options.

Found the answer to my question in the description of the files lol. Coulda sworn I looked well enough but I guess not. Apologies and thank you!

Cool, glad you found it. If in doubt, print the B (which stands for breakout) as that will let you add more modules!

You're right, its not there. Let me try to upload it again.

It doesn't let me upload the zip for some reason. I've added them unzipped instead. Do you see them now?

Hello. Just 2mm clearance is cutting it close, but it's doable if it's only a ribbon cable that needs to fit under there. If your modules have a power connector that points back towards the back of the case, then there wont be enough space to fit your connector. If you power connectors don't point towards the back of the case, then you should be okay. It's worth noting that the deeper version will bolt onto the shallow version, so you could have a one deep row of 84hp and then a normal row of 84hp. You could try printing out one piece of the case3uS to see if your modules fit. If they don't, keep that piece around for the inevitable second row. ;)

Thanks for such a quick response. I hadn't considered the power header and it is indeed pointed toward the back of the case. Deep version it is. Thanks again and congratulations on such a well thought out and executed design!

Glad I could help!

Hello! The ryobi144TopPart.stl is used for both the 14.4v and 18v battery. I see now I didn't include that in my write up. I will update it now! Thank you for pointing that out.

Hi Coachster. There slim case is still on version 1 , although they are newer than the version 2 of the non-slim case. The slim case files are in case3uS.zip. If I ever have to update or fix the case3uS files, I would rename them V2, V3 etc... Does that make sense? I recommend using the files in case3uS.zip.

okay thank you. I saw the version 1 zip file but I guess I misunderstood the file naming under the STLs list when it notes case3uS & case3u_B_v2_26hp_left.stl so assumed that there is a V2 for the 3uS.
All is well, printing the version 1 now after making a couple little mods to it to accommodate a power supply. Thanks again.

Hi Benbela! Sorry, no, my designs are not to be sold in that manner.

Ok I understand :)