Eurorack Rack Communications 1U

Description

1U PulpLogic format. Tight fit in the 1U PulpLogic row in my Synthrotek water-proof cases, but it fits.  Routes 16 thonk TS jacks to 2 shielded RJ45 connectors. Run shielded ethernet cable between racks instead of large numbers of patch cables.

Use case: Most of my oscillators are in Rack 1. But my WMD Performance Mixer is in Rack 2. This provides an easy way to bring over 8 audio signals from Rack 1 into Rack 2 without the extreme spaghetti normally associated with such things. Patch module output into A1 in Rack 1, connected shielded ethernet cable to both, and then patch A1 in Rack 2 to mixer input. Lather. Rinse. Repeat.

Common ground carried by shielded ethernet cable.

I think it came to 34HP of 1U.

This is a one-time project, no immediate plans to make any more batches. Once they’re gone, they’re gone. The only reason I have extras is my fab house has a minimum order quantity.

Sold in pairs, for obvious reasons. Price listed is for a pair of them.

I wanted something with high port density but didn’t want it taking up space in the 3U section of both racks, and had lots of extra 1U space so I decided to make this. Doesn’t use any power, it’s purely a signal path. Seems to work fine for both audio and CV.

I thought this would be cheaper to do. Turns out shielded RJ45 jacks are pretty expensive.

Front panel is aluminum, with a silk-screened William Stafford poem about communication and signal. I thought it was cute.

This was a fun exercise and I may dabble in REAL module creation in the coming months. So many great makers have put such great things out there. I have a few ideas based on my own needs.