modular analog synthesizer for electronic music
Home Prices Books Technical Site Map
Comments About Links Shirts Banner
Artists Humor Sounds Future Cables
Forum SynthInvent Gallery Brochure Custom
WIKI DIY Entry Sys WebCam Resources
  Power Modules, Power Supplies, Cable Harnesses, etc.

 

On This Page:
        Power System Overview
        Q101 Power Control Module
        Q102 AC Interface Module
        Q103 DC Interface Module
        Q137 Power Control & Interface Module
        QPS1 Large Power Supply
        QPS2 Small Power Supply W/Cables
        QPS3 Giant Power Supply
        QDH DC Cable Harnesses
        QIC Inter-Cabinet DC Cables
        QMPSA Motm/Blacet Power Supply Adapter


Also, see these: Power System Examples

110/220V Operation
Yes, power systems operate on 110 or 220 VAC with exception of the QPS2 Small Power Supply W/Cables and the keyboard controller which both use a 110V wall transformer and will require a converter.


Power Systems Overview
Most modules require DC power which is supplied to the circuit board behind the module's panel. Your system will need a power supply to convert the AC line voltages into the DC voltages needed by the modules. A DC cable harness takes power from the power supply and distributes it to the modules in your cabinet. You will also need one or more modules to control and interface to the AC line.

A typical system would use a Q101 Control Module and a Q102 AC interface module, a power supply and a DC cable harness. The Q137 Module combines Q101 and Q102 functions in a single panel. DC power can be distributed between cabinets using the Q103 DC interface module. This allows a single power supply in one cabinet to supply power to other cabinets.

You'll find all the power distribution components on this page. Take a moment to browse and understand how the power components work together.

See these: Power System Examples

The Technical Information page has pinouts and other details.

Your synthesizer uses high voltages in some places! UNPLUG AC power BEFORE opening your system! High voltages can scare, hurt or kill people!

On rack-mount systems it is UP TO YOU to prevent access to dangerous voltages! High voltages can scare, hurt or kill people!


Click here to see a large image
     Q101 Power Control Module
The Q101 Power Control Module is designed to be used on the front panel of your synthesizer.  It provides a rocker switch to control the AC power source to the power supply, a DC power output connector to provide power to other cabinets, and three voltage indicators.

Normally, the Q101 Power Control Module is used in conjunction with the Q102 AC Power Interface Module.

Specifications
Panel Size:  Single width 2.125"w x 8.75"h.
DC Power Connector:  6 pin circular DIN.
AC Switch Connector:  2 pin .093 Molex, 12" Cable.
Power:  Receives voltages from DC power harness.
Power requirement for LEDs:  +15V@10ma, -15V@10ma, +5@10ma.

Price
$52.00 US.

Click Image for Large View 


Click here to see a large image
     Q102 AC Power Interface Module
The Q102 AC Power Interface Module is designed to be used on the rear panel of your synthesizer to deal with the AC power source.  It provides a standard 3-prong IEC connector for AC input, an unswitched AC output connector, a switched AC output connector, an AC voltage input selector switch (110 or 220), and a 3AG fuse holder.

Normally, the Q102 AC Power Interface Module is used in conjunction with the Q101 Power Control Module.

Specifications
Panel Size:  Single width 2.125"w x 8.75"h.
Connector to AC power switch: 2 pin .093 Molex, 12" Cable.
Connector to Power Supply:  6 pin .093 Molex, 12" Cable.

Price
$69.00 US.

Click Image for Large View 


Click here to see a large image
     Q103 DC Power Interface Module
The Q103 DC Power Interface Module offers a DC power source for modules mounted in another cabinet which doesn't have its own power supply.  The two DC power connectors are connected together internally and can be used as inputs or outputs depending where the power supply resides.  DC power is supplied to or from the Q103 module via the cabinet's internal DC power harness.  LED voltage indicators are also provided.  The Q103 can be used on the rear of cabinets with rear panel openings to hide inter-cabinet wiring.

Specifications
Panel Size:  Single width 2.125"w x 8.75"h.
DC Power Connectors:  6 pin circular DIN.
Power Requirement for LEDs:  +15V@10ma, -15V@10ma, +5@10ma.

Price
$40.00 US.

Click Image for Large View 


Click here to see a large image
     Q137 Power Control & Interface Module
The Q137 Power Control & Interface Module provides most of the features of both Q101, Q102, Q103 modules while only consuming one module space.  This is sometimes important on systems with limited space or with no rear panel openings.  A standard IEC connector is provided for AC input, an AC voltage selector switch (110 or 220), a 3AG fuse holder, AC power switch, DC power output connector, and LED voltage indicators.

Specifications
Panel Size:  Single width 2.125"w x 8.75"h.
DC Power Connector:  6 pin circular DIN.
Connector to Power Supply:  6 pin .093 Molex, 12" Cable.
Power Requirement for LEDs:  +15V@10ma, -15V@10ma, +5V@10ma.

Price
$92.00 US.

Click Image for Large View 


Click here to see a large image
     QPS1 Power Supply
The QPS1 power supply provides the DC power to run the modules in a system.  There are two cables attached to the power supply:  One for the AC source, and one for the DC output.  The AC source cable connects directly to the Q102 or Q137 modules.  The DC output cable connects to the system's DC power harness which distributes DC voltages to the modules.

Determine the amount of power needed by your system by simply adding the current for each voltage needed by each module. Since most modules draw less than 30ma on the +/-15 volt rails, and some draw none, the QPS1 will power a system of 44-66 spaces depending on the types of modules in it. Use our Spreadsheet to automatically calculate these values.

Specifications
Size:  3.3"W x 11"L x 5"H.
DC Power Connector:  4 pin .093 Molex, 12" Cable.
AC Power Connector:  6 pin .093 Molex, 12" Cable.
DC Power Output:  +15V@1500ma, -15V@1500ma, +5V@6000ma.
AC Power Input:  110VAC or 220VAC
Mounting:  4) #8 Screws

Note: These specifications may vary depending on the the vendor we use.

Price
$175.00 US.


Click here to see a large image
     QPS2 Power Supply w/Cables
The QPS2 power supply provides a cost-effective solution for small systems of up to 8 modules. A built-in cable harness for 8 modules is provided, and no special power modules for control or interface are needed.

Determine the amount of power needed by simply adding the current for each voltage needed by each module. Use our Spreadsheet to automatically calculate these values.

Specifications
Size:  3"w x 4.25"l x 2.25"h.
DC Power Connectors to Modules:  6 pin .1 MTA (8 total)
DC Power Output:  +15V@250ma, -15V@250ma, +5V@750ma.
AC Power Input:  110VAC (220VAC Not Available)
Mounting:  Wall-Mount Adapter

Note: These specifications may vary depending on the the vendor we use.

Price
$95.00 US.


Click here to see a large image
     QPS3 Large Power Supply
The QPS3 power supply provides power needed for very large systems such as 66-space and 88-space systems.   There are two cables attached to the power supply:  One for the AC source, and one for the DC output.  The AC source cable connects directly to the Q102 or Q137 modules.  The DC output cable connects to the system's DC power harness which distributes DC voltages to the modules.

Determine the amount of power needed by your system by simply adding the current for each voltage needed by each module. Use our Spreadsheet to automatically calculate these values.

Specifications
Size:  4.6"W x 15"L x 5"H.
DC Power Connector:  4 pin .093 Molex, 12" Cable.
AC Power Connector:  6 pin .093 Molex, 12" Cable.
DC Power Output:  +15V@3000ma, -15V@3000ma, +5V@8000ma.
AC Power Input:  110VAC or 220VAC
Mounting:  4) #8 Screws

Note: These specifications may vary depending on the the vendor we use.

Price
$250.00 US.


Click here to see a large image
     DC Power Harnesses
The QDH20 and QDH40 DC power harnesses carry the DC power from the power supply to each module in your system. Voltages include +15v, -15v, and +5v. The connectors are female 6 pin .1 MTA style which mate to the male connector on the circuit board of each module and are keyed to prevent incorrect connections. One special leg of the cable has a male 4 pin Molex connector which attaches to the power supply source.

Remember that some modules are not single width and some modules don't require power. The QDH20 harness has 10) 24-inch cables, and 10) 36-inch cables which is normally enough for a 22 single-width-panel system. The QDH40 harness has 20) 24-inch cables, and 20) 36-inch cables which is normally enough for a 44 single-width-panel system. The cables are long enough to allow each module to be removed from the case and easily attach or remove the connector.

Using our Cable Harness with MOTM/Blacet Power Systems
The QDH cable harnesses are easily connected to MOTM-960 Power Distribution Boards by simply connecting the cable into the screw terminals. Adding Synthesizers.com modules to your MOTM/Blacet systems is easy!

Specifications
DC Power Connector to Supply:  4 pin .093 Molex, 24" Cable.
DC Power Connectors to Modules:  6 pin .1 MTA
Maximum Current:  2 amps

Price
QDH20 (20 module cables):  $55.00 US.
QDH40 (40 module cables):  $95.00 US.



     Inter-Cabinet DC Power Cables
These cables connect cabinets together using Q101, Q103, Q137 Power Interface Modules. Allows the power supply inside one cabinet to supply power to another. For portable cabinets next to each other, use the 16" cable.   For studio systems with greater distance between cabinets, use the 24" cable. For an upside-down tilted cabinet (results in the rear opening being on the opposite side) use the 48" cable. See this picture of 3 cabinets using a QIC-16 cable and a QIC-24 cable.

Specifications
Connectors:  6 pin male circular DIN with metal hood.
Cable:  4 conductor, 24awg stranded.
Maximum Current:  1 amp

Price
QIC-16  16" Inter-Cabinet Power Cable:  $18.00 US.
QIC-24  24" Inter-Cabinet Power Cable:  $18.00 US.
QIC-48  48" Inter-Cabinet Power Cable:  $18.00 US.


QMPSA Power Adapter
     QMPSA - MOTM/Blacet Power Supply Adapter
Use a Synthesizers.com module with a MOTM/Blacet power system -OR -a MOTM/Blacet module on a Synthesizers.com power system with this simple adapter. Connector types are converted and +5 volts is created which is needed for some Synthesizers.com modules including the Q106 Oscillator and the Q119 Sequencer. Mounting issues are dealt with in the FAQ.

Use Synthesizers.com modules on a Blacet/Motm system by simply wiring the QDH20 or QDH40 cable harness directly to the power distribution board.

Specifications
PCB Size:  1-3/8" x 7/8".
Synthesizers.com Side Cable: 2", 6 pin MTA F-F.
MOTM/Blacet Connector: 4 pin, .156 Amp MTA.
Synthesizers.com Connector: 6 pin, .1 Amp MTA.
Maximum current: +15V@1000ma, -15V@1000ma., +5V@200ma.

PCB Layout/Schematic
Click here to see the Images.

Price
$12.00 US.


See these: Power System Examples

Your synthesizer uses high voltages in some places! UNPLUG AC power BEFORE opening your system! High voltages can scare, hurt or kill people!

On rack-mount systems it is UP TO YOU to prevent access to dangerous voltages! High voltages can scare, hurt or kill people!

This is what can happen when you play with electricity.


See the Technical Information Page for details about connectors.