SSlmixed.com Forum

Tech discussion => 4K,6K,8K Series => Topic started by: horizonsound on May 10, 2019, 04:40:40 AM

Title: Bucket Profiles - Reverse Engineering?
Post by: horizonsound on May 10, 2019, 04:40:40 AM
Hey all,

I'm in need of a few buckets, and after looking at how they are made, it could be possible to get the profiles lazer cut locally, than having to pay massive shipping / import prices - living in the arse end of the world (Australia), that's the reality. I just paid an additional 75% on top of purchase price to import some SL611E channels. Lucky they were cheap to start with.

Is anyone out there skilled enough to reverse engineer and produce a drawing such that I could create a dwf drawing and get the bucket side panels made locally?

The extrusion used throughout the buckets seems hard to find, but there are plenty of alternates that could work well. That only needs to be cut to length.

Anthony.
Title: Re: Bucket Profiles - Reverse Engineering?
Post by: Matt Sartori on May 10, 2019, 02:06:38 PM
this would be such an amazing DIY project.. but very time consuming...
I am not a mechanical engineer, but maybe there is someone here on the forum that would do that?

Matt Sartori
Title: Re: Bucket Profiles - Reverse Engineering?
Post by: horizonsound on May 10, 2019, 09:00:07 PM
Hi Matt

Thanks for the response! My background is mechanical/manufacturing engineering, with a passion for electronics. I've reverse engineered quite a lot in my time, both mech and elec. Yes it is time consuming, but after going over it in detail, the SSL 4000 looks like a fairly straight-forward and elegant design.

Perhaps as a start, the basic side profile outline would satisfy a lot of people looking to make 8 channel standalone buckets.

I could make a blank dimensioned template, and would then need someone to fill in the dozen or so values. Any takers?

Failing that, it would be nice to get my hands on an original ;) I'm actually trying to lock down a deal on a 4032E frame, but the seller has gone quite recently, and it may not happen.

Anthony.

Title: SSL Bucket profiles and SSL OB trucks including the Live Aid BBC one
Post by: jimlfixit on May 11, 2019, 02:19:56 AM
Hi Matt
At SSL, Krouse Engineering (sadly no more) in the UK made all the big aluminium work including the profile sides for SSL as they had one of the few big CCN (?) cutters available nearby at the time (late 1970's).

There are now loads of these about somewhere in the World and perhaps Sintech (Andy), here on the forum and in the UK could maybe help as I have sold some to him.

I have had quite a few requests for people having a small 8 or 16 channel SSL front end in buckets which need wiring done so, if anyone needs that, I can help.

Before SSL were involved in OB (Outside Broadcast) trucks, they didn't produce consoles with profiles every 8 channels. OB trucks changed all that as the driving made everything inside the truck vibrate and possibly come loose. Therefore, console frames were not as a 24 channel space but 3 x 8 instead and everything else was re-engineered a bit to suit (such as locknuts and securing 19" rack mounted gear back and front).

One of the first OB trucks that SSL made was for the BBC and this one recorded the original Live Aid concert back about 1982 (?). I remember that as it was the first (and hopefully the last) time I worked 40 hours without sleep trying to get it finished on time at SSL. From memory I remember SSL making at least 5 Outside Broadcast trucks for the BBC in the early 1980's.

Title: Re: Bucket Profiles - Reverse Engineering?
Post by: horizonsound on May 11, 2019, 02:44:02 AM
Hi Jim,

Great info there! I assume all these manufacturing files and drawings are around somewhere, but SSL probably won't give up their IP seeing as they are still in business.

The horizontal aluminium extrusions are proving a bit harder to find something close. Worst case is to use flat bar, drill & tap. That's a pain.
Hopefully these links work... not to scale as i have just "guessed" the dimensions, but you get the idea.

(https://scontent.fmel5-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/60216445_2599853586709835_4340233412326457344_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&_nc_ht=scontent.fmel5-1.fna&oh=4378c656df560ee636d8ac0724a4e22c&oe=5D6F42E4)

(https://scontent.fmel5-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/60344522_2599853640043163_1716911308265226240_o.jpg?_nc_cat=106&_nc_ht=scontent.fmel5-1.fna&oh=6a7ce31e1ef7b5fd792fa264e132421c&oe=5D7271FA)
Title: Re: Bucket Profiles - Reverse Engineering?
Post by: SDVIG on May 14, 2019, 11:54:21 AM
Hello,
Maybe this will help:
Title: Re: Bucket Profiles - Reverse Engineering?
Post by: horizonsound on May 15, 2019, 08:49:27 AM
Hi,

Yes I used that side profile "drawing" to create the sketch. It is not to scale.
In order to get these accurate to +/-0.2mm, and actual real one will need to be measured up.
The sketch could be used to make a custom bucket, but it won't fit with any real SSL buckets.
Anthony.
Title: Re: Bucket Profiles - Reverse Engineering?
Post by: horizonsound on May 17, 2019, 06:31:35 AM
A few SL611E channels arrived this week. They need a lot of work, and are missing the 82E13 VCA card.
Given how many of these I will need (potentially 16), reverse engineering looks like the way to go....

(https://scontent.fmel5-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/60323736_2610410555654138_2239118763830018048_o.jpg?_nc_cat=107&_nc_ht=scontent.fmel5-1.fna&oh=ba7256c33b1da7390bbcec96e1c0c01d&oe=5D692291)

(https://scontent.fmel5-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/60919111_2610410735654120_6948313068296208384_o.jpg?_nc_cat=111&_nc_ht=scontent.fmel5-1.fna&oh=6136af972799dcbf0d3e2b46e404a513&oe=5D5E80B8)

Title: Re: Bucket Profiles - Reverse Engineering?
Post by: Matt Sartori on May 17, 2019, 09:32:41 AM
A few SL611E channels arrived this week. They need a lot of work, and are missing the 82E13 VCA card.
Given how many of these I will need (potentially 16), reverse engineering looks like the way to go....


Hi Anthony,

this is an amazing project and embraces exactly the spirit of the forum!!!!

Thank you!

Matt Sartori
Title: Re: Bucket Profiles - Reverse Engineering?
Post by: horizonsound on May 17, 2019, 10:40:25 AM
Thanks for the support Matt!!

Would you have any details on the DBX202X, the one with 8x2180 THAT chips and a 5534N in it?
I've exclusively been working off pictures, and can’t quite get it without a schematic, or better pics.
Or someone willing to offer me a donor unit :)
Once that is complete, I’m ready to send the boards out for manufacture.

Anthony,
Title: Re: Bucket Profiles - Reverse Engineering?
Post by: Matt Sartori on May 17, 2019, 12:30:38 PM
Thanks for the support Matt!!

Would you have any details on the DBX202X, the one with 8x2180 THAT chips and a 5534N in it?
I've exclusively been working off pictures, and can’t quite get it without a schematic, or better pics.
Or someone willing to offer me a donor unit :)
Once that is complete, I’m ready to send the boards out for manufacture.

Anthony,

I don't I am afraid, but I am going to have an extra look in the workshop to see whether something comes up...

Matt Sartori
Title: Re: Bucket Profiles - Reverse Engineering?
Post by: DigitalMetal on May 17, 2019, 04:55:24 PM
Do these look like the right profile?
(https://imgur.com/j4VpBHz)

https://imgur.com/j4VpBHz
Title: Re: Bucket Profiles - Reverse Engineering?
Post by: horizonsound on May 17, 2019, 10:12:59 PM
Close, but not quite. The length under the fader tray should be longer.
Seems like someone has had a crack at making one themselves.
Title: Re: Bucket Profiles - Reverse Engineering?
Post by: waltzingbear on May 18, 2019, 07:56:09 PM
to look at the 202X, that (the company) has a number of documents online that cover it pretty well. There are also fairly extensive discussions about it and the vca's in the DIY forums, both groupDIY and DIYaudio.

The original disign used the 2150 series vca, these are no longer available being replaced with the 2180 series vca. New designs with these tend to use either 4 instead of 8 vca's or just one 2181. The new vca is considerably more linear than the predecessor, also noise is better, one of the reasons to parallel them.

I believe circuit boards for the 4 paralell vca are available on line.

good reading.

Cheers
Alan

Title: Re: Bucket Profiles - Reverse Engineering?
Post by: horizonsound on May 19, 2019, 06:31:40 AM
Thanks Alan,

Worked it out now.

Anthony.
Title: Re: Bucket Profiles - Reverse Engineering?
Post by: horizonsound on May 26, 2019, 12:15:08 AM
I took my bucket profile sketch, and had a go at seeing what it would be like in full scale.
Not too bad in the end. Still needs a lot of additional work.
The meters arrive later next week.

BTW - are these photos coming out too large and annoying people? I'll resize them if so.

Lining it all up :

(https://scontent.fmel5-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/60902129_2625300524165141_1205520878159265792_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&_nc_ht=scontent.fmel5-1.fna&oh=996d708c387d7d3e6dee278d9e72a5ed&oe=5D6532AA)


Cut out :

(https://scontent.fmel5-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/60983119_2625300470831813_2574398123002560512_o.jpg?_nc_cat=110&_nc_ht=scontent.fmel5-1.fna&oh=0fb6f8db5b774127f75f364a027a6cb4&oe=5D929FF4)


Assembled :

(https://scontent.fmel5-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/61199078_2625300504165143_3376875804066578432_o.jpg?_nc_cat=110&_nc_ht=scontent.fmel5-1.fna&oh=f7fa7fa176a7b14453800c3e4606fa61&oe=5D53C438)
Title: Re: Bucket Profiles - Reverse Engineering?
Post by: xmax on May 30, 2019, 10:36:45 PM
I can get you a very accurate drawing or DXF in the new week or so,
I have been wanting to do it anyway.
Title: Re: Bucket Profiles - Reverse Engineering?
Post by: horizonsound on May 31, 2019, 12:38:34 AM
DXF would be awesome! Thanks for that.
I'm building a library of drawings for all the metalwork, which hopefully I can share shortly.

Anthony.
Title: Re: Bucket Profiles - Reverse Engineering?
Post by: oyanliz on May 31, 2019, 07:31:20 AM
Hi,

I could draw the parts with Solid Edge ST10 (3D drawing), also I could draw the assembly of few buckets, including screws, profiles... I also could draw the pannels for the VU meters. From those drawing would be export DXF, DWG, STL... what ever is needed for laser cut, machining...

The problem is that I do not have an empty bucket for measuring. Maybe in a few weeks, I could remove channels from a bucket and measure it or so... but if someone has old hand made drawings or any other detailed information about the frame... I could draw and update the info to 3D CAD and 2D CAD.

If you need any hand... please let me know.

Regards.

Oihan
Title: Re: Bucket Profiles - Reverse Engineering?
Post by: horizonsound on June 02, 2019, 03:53:38 AM
Here's the prototype bucket all done up, with some (R22AF) meters installed.

I've completed the R22AF to AL29WF bezel adaptor design, but will have to wait a week or so to get access to the 3D priner.

(https://scontent.fmel5-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/61684145_2638061002889093_6631914252212895744_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&_nc_ht=scontent.fmel5-1.fna&oh=10b636e7bceb961ba0e4a69905be59d7&oe=5D5C773D)

(https://scontent.fmel5-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/61998736_2638067842888409_3958265383529480192_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&_nc_ht=scontent.fmel5-1.fna&oh=12faf61611998b63a88e78ca03d03467&oe=5D57AA29)

(https://scontent.fmel5-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/61800283_2638067849555075_4940662414308802560_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&_nc_ht=scontent.fmel5-1.fna&oh=d38b0c2a7761346e4dc7bec2dab62afe&oe=5D983920)
Title: Re: Bucket Profiles - Reverse Engineering?
Post by: murphster_matt on May 08, 2021, 05:31:48 PM
Hey All, I know this is an old thread but figured best to check here first before starting a new one. Looking to build two 19" bays for my mini 4000E console, do you have the drawings available at all? Was looking into getting the sides cut in a local shop and trying to sources the cross beams from the web. Can't see any attachments, photos or alike in the thread so wanted to just ask. All the best! Matt