Flight Case Mods

[L2daGee]

Can someone please post a DIY for Technics flight case mods which include a recessed RCA and power supply panel? And if there's another solution for the ground besides grounding internally that would be awesome.

If anyone knows of solder-less solutions that would be ideal.

Parts lists also a plus.

[Paulie65m]

I forgot who made the flight case mod for TT, i was actually gonna start a thread looking for it too

[JohnXVI]

All credit goes to Soulsonica (who changed his nickname in DJF 1.0, but I can't remember it). I know you are asking about the recessed RCAs but this will give you an idea. I'm also gonna PM you another thread I saw with recessed RCAs.


Hey all - I've received a number of inquiries about the modification I did to my turntable flight cases, so here's a thread outlining what was done.

It was a real simple mod that has many advantages:
• Cables aren't wound up and kinked inside case were they can be damaged due to stress
• Power plug and RCA connectors aren't inside cases where they can move around and scratch TT's finish during transport
• External cables can be quickly swapped out in case one got damaged
• Since factory cables no longer drape over edge of case, lids can be quickly clamped on/off at a gig should area be needed during another DJs set (ie: CD decks)
• All cable lengths minimized
• Ground cables eliminated
• Decreased setup time
• Improved aesthetics

Before I did this mod, I upgraded the factory Technics RCA cables to high-grade cables, shortened length, and used high-grade female terminations instead of male. I chose female so that if I ever found myself in a situation where I had to use the TTs out of their cases or if the custom external cables couldn't be used, I would be able to simply plug on a set of standard RCA cables any length needed and run to a mixer. I also eliminated the pesky external ground wires by grounding them inside the TTs.

Power receptacle: Switchcraft EAC309
XLR receptacle: Switchcraft C3M

Inside the case, underneath the TTs, the power and XLR receptacles are each wired with short pigtails that plug into the TTs' cables via appropriate M/F terminations. This way TTs can quickly and easily be unplugged and removed from cases if ever required.

Lastly, I made a set of custom XLR to RCA cables that are just the right length for plugging into either my mixer or DVS interface.

Hope this helps for all who may be interested.

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w234/Soulsonica/TT_case_mod_1.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w234/Soulsonica/TT_case_mod_2.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w234/Soulsonica/TT_case_mod_3.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w234/Soulsonica/TT_case_mod_4.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w234/Soulsonica/TT_case_mod_5.jpg

[JohnXVI]

There is also a nice tutorial on youtube addressing this. Between both you should have all the tools to work on your project. Good luck!

rKySt4woUBs

[[O/][iii][O/]]

All credit goes to Soulsonica (who changed his nickname in DJF 1.0, but I can't remember it).

That was my old account here on DJF.

Original DIY complete with schematic can be found on my website: http://blackscience.com (under weblog section)

PS: Where did all the old threads go? Were they not archived? Would be a shame if not. Lot of info in them.

[[O/][iii][O/]]

Can someone please post a DIY for Technics flight case mods...

http://blackscience.com (under weblog section)


...recessed RCA and power supply panel?

http://www2.neutrik.com/us/en/audio/204_1386454248/Phono_(RCA)_Sockets_productlist.aspx

http://www2.neutrik.com/us/en/industry/203_1970434001/powerCON_group.aspx

http://switchcraft.com/productsummary.aspx?Parent=521



And if there's another solution for the ground besides grounding internally that would be awesome.

http://blackscience.com (under weblog section)


If anyone knows of solder-less solutions that would be ideal.

I advise avoiding the non-solder method. It is not ideal for this application, proper soldering and heatshrinking is.


Parts lists also a plus.

http://blackscience.com (under weblog section)

[JohnXVI]

^Thanks for the supplement. Black Science is Soulsonica! He's the subject matter expert on these mods.

[L2daGee]

[iii][O/];5185']That was my old account here on DJF.

Original DIY complete with schematic can be found on my website: http://blackscience.com (under weblog section)


Thanks for the info on the flight case mods. I have one question about the wiring schematics. Can I simply send the turntable ground to the earth post on the power supply receptacle?

Also can you recommend the heat shrink tubing sizes best used for this mod, and what type of connecter is that on the end of the coiled ground wire?**

**sorry for all the questions

[[O/][iii][O/]]

Thanks for the info on the flight case mods.

No sweat.


I have one question about the wiring schematics. Can I simply send the turntable ground to the earth post on the power supply receptacle?

I would not recommend this because chances are that you'll never know what it is you're plugging into at gigs. Some places are 3-prong grounded, some aren't. The method I've shown always ground to the mixer — and in the extremely rare case where a mixer happens to not share grounding with its RCA shields you can simply detach TT ground leads with the flightcases and connect direct to mixer grounding post as normal. In 20 years of DJing I've never encounter a mixer like that though, but I hear there are a few mixers out there that are designed that way. Better safe than sorry which is why I handled grounding inside the flightcases rather inside the TT's chassis' themselves.


Also can you recommend the heat shrink tubing sizes best used for this mod.

Not without knowing what size conductors and jackets your using. Heatshrink varies in diameter and thickness depending on what its being applied to.


what type of connecter is that on the end of the coiled ground wire?

Alligator clip. This provides a secure connection inside the flightcases, yet permits quick removal if I ever run into a mixer somewhere that doesn't ground through the RCAs (see above).


**sorry for all the questions

No apologies needed. Questions and answers I presume are one of the functions these forums are intended to be used for.

[L2daGee]

^ Awesome, thanks a bunch. I can't wait to start.

[JohnXVI]

I got a bad habit of half reading threads lately. Didn't notice it was you. Welcome back [O/][iii][O/]

[[O/][iii][O/]]

:ninja:

[L2daGee]

[iii][O/];5487']

No apologies needed. Questions and answers I presume are one of the functions these forums are intended to be used for.

So I've decided against using RCA receptacles, and I'm going the way you've illustrated, but may use a power-con for the ac cord. I've got a few more questions about the ground though.

So I simply connect it to the 1 pin on the XLR receptacle, which will ground it to the RCA shield of the mixer when connected by using the custom XLR to RCAs cables? (I will be using a Rane 56 or 57, and a 62 when it comes out, so I don't think I'll have a problem grounding this way.)

What type of wire do you recommend to make the short connection from pin 1 to the turntable ground?

Also, I will be creating the exact same XLR to RCAs. Can you recommend the heat-shrink tubing size for those, since I'm going to copy your setup with the exact same parts to (try to) make it fool-proof?

[[O/][iii][O/]]

So I've decided against using RCA receptacles, and I'm going the way you've illustrated, but may use a power-con for the ac cord.

RCA or XLR is just personal preference. For this application they both do the same thing electrically since it's being used as an un-balanced connection. Obviously I prefer XLR for this application though for other reasons. Power-con and EIC also both do the same thing electrically, but I recommend EIC for the simple fact that most professional mixers use them so it's very easy to swap cords if needed on the fly during setup if the arrangement calls for it . Also, EIC is much more readily available in the field than Power-con should a cable go down, get lost, whatever and you need to grab one from some other piece of gear or your local Radio Shack. Power-con is pretty rare (at least it is everywhere I've been). Anyway, not a huge deal, but something to consider.


So I simply connect it to the 1 pin on the XLR receptacle, which will ground it to the RCA shield of the mixer when connected by using the custom XLR to RCAs cables? (I will be using a Rane 56 or 57, and a 62 when it comes out, so I don't think I'll have a problem grounding this way.)

Both the TT's ground wire AND the short female L+R RCA cables inside the flightcase solder together to the XLR's pin #1. My personal mixers are Rane as well (Empath rotary and MP/XP2016) and they are all RCA shield to ground so I imagine the SIXTY-TWO will be too.


What type of wire do you recommend to make the short connection from pin 1 to the turntable ground?

14-18 gauge multi-strand primary wire is fine. If memory serves correct, I think the TT's factory ground lead is something like 22 gauge.


Also, I will be creating the exact same XLR to RCAs. Can you recommend the heat-shrink tubing size for those, since I'm going to copy your setup with the exact same parts to (try to) make it fool-proof?

Again, the inner diameter of the heatshrink depends on what the outer diameter of your cable is (and the finished connection joint). I used Canare Star Quad (http://www.canare.com/ProductItemDisplay.aspx?productItemID=53) cable which has O.D.'s of 6mm and 4.8mm each. I don't remember exactly what the combined diameter came to at the joint, but it was probably about .5" (which of course shrinks down). I recommend just purchasing a variety pack of heatshrink because you're going to need multiple sizes anyway for all the other connections. That way your totally covered for when you go to do the job.

[L2daGee]

^Once again thanks-a-million. You have been very helpful. I'm no electrician or engineer so all your knowledge is greatly appreciated. Please post an update when your DIY Custom Console article gets posted on your website. That's my next project, but would prefer battle style. :tup:

[lovecitydjs]

i'd love to try one of these mods. looks super easy to setup.

[djpenguin]

[iii][O/];5185']PS: Where did all the old threads go? Were they not archived? Would be a shame if not. Lot of info in them.

http://www.djforums.com/forums/showthread.php?123-The-quot-What-happened-quot-thread

[Rothgery]

all it takes is a little time and some ingenuity :tup:

[DJHoss]

[iii][O/];5185']Where did all the old threads go? Were they not archived? Would be a shame if not. Lot of info in them.

DJF went down due to server accounts mixups and the server admin wiped DJF's data completely due to bill mixups. Even backups were gone. So, there is nothing left of DJF 1.0, But I am happy that DJF 2.0 came up out of this.

[DJ Knowledge]

Here are pictures of my recessed power and RCA jacks for turntable flight cases.
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b247/DJKnowledge777/Turntable%20Case%20Mod/FlightCaseMod6.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b247/DJKnowledge777/Turntable%20Case%20Mod/FlightCaseMod7.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b247/DJKnowledge777/Turntable%20Case%20Mod/TurntableCaseMod5.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b247/DJKnowledge777/Turntable%20Case%20Mod/TurntableCaseMod4.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b247/DJKnowledge777/Turntable%20Case%20Mod/TurntableCaseMod3.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b247/DJKnowledge777/Turntable%20Case%20Mod/TurntableCaseMod2.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b247/DJKnowledge777/Turntable%20Case%20Mod/TurntableCaseMod1.jpg

[L2daGee]

Starting this mod today, along with a mod to install my SL3 into my mixer flight case. I'll post pics of the process.

[DJ Knowledge]

I added more RCA inputs and relocated the power receptacle. I will add pictures once I am finished in a couple of days.

[DJ Knowledge]

I finally finished one case. I have to go back to Radio Shack to buy some more plugs. Anyhow here is the end result. I will post more pictures later this week of everything setup.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b247/DJKnowledge777/Turntable%20Case%20Mod/FlightCaseMod9.jpg

[DJ Knowledge]

I finally finished the 2nd turntable. As prommised, here is the picture of both turns hooked up to the mixer. My next project will be to mod the mixer case with RCA jacks and a power receptacle.
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b247/DJKnowledge777/Turntable%20Case%20Mod/flightcasemod10.jpg

[DJdunn]

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e224/slamram99/terminal1of1.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e224/slamram99/tt1of1.jpg
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e224/slamram99/terminal1of1-2.jpg

i finished mine a couple days ago. What do y'all think?
powercon(for the locking feature)
all neutrik connectors
2 xlr males
1 1/4" female
1 4 way power splitter. soldered directly to the powercon connector.

[JamminDownJD]

Very nice mods here.

DJ Knowledge: Do you have part numbers for the RCA back to back connectors, and was there a lot of soldering involved?
DJ Dunn: Is that 1/4" port for the mic? I really like how you placed the ports on the side of your coffin. That should make for a really clean look in regards to cord management.

[[O/][iii][O/]]

I really like how you placed the ports on the side of your coffin. That should make for a really clean look in regards to cord management.

FWIW, just want to caution anyone who may be considering installing ports on the sides of flight cases rather than along the back. Here's why: Unless you are absolutely positive knowing exactly what else will be next to/around the left and right sides of where you place your flight case in every setup situation you have a real good chance of asking for problems with this jack location for obvious reasons. Positioning jacks along the back side however eliminates/minimizes potential problems with these unknowns and maximizes setup flexibility.

$0.02 and some pocket lint.

[JamminDownJD]

The front panel is almost always an option.

[dynamitedeluxe]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=0Yf5dS_m-mY

[NickJames]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Yf5dS_m-mY

I think that would drive me nuts... Does it make the mixer/CDJs difficult to see when it's pulsing?

[DJdunn]

Very nice mods here.

DJ Dunn: Is that 1/4" port for the mic? I really like how you placed the ports on the side of your coffin. That should make for a really clean look in regards to cord management.

the 1/4" is my monitor out. I thought about an xlr on the front for a shorter mic cable. but hopefully my wireless mic will not give out so i dont have to worry about it. and thank you. most of what i setup is on a table(weddings,private partys) so the side is perfect.


[iii][O/];40237']FWIW, just want to caution anyone who may be considering installing ports on the sides of flight cases rather than along the back. Here's why: Unless you are absolutely positive knowing exactly what else will be next to/around the left and right sides of where you place your flight case in every setup situation you have a real good chance of asking for problems with this jack location for obvious reasons. Positioning jacks along the back side however eliminates/minimizes potential problems with these unknowns and maximizes setup flexibility.

$0.02 and some pocket lint.

The side works in every bar i play at. and i do many weddings so on the back wouldn't be logical with people close to my setup. also, every bar im at with a booth, the depth is the problem so the back wouldnt work. but 9 times out of 10 the side would.

[dynamitedeluxe]

i think when the light remains constant, it could be a good help

[[O/][iii][O/]]

The side works in every bar i play at. and i do many weddings so on the back wouldn't be logical with people close to my setup. also, every bar im at with a booth, the depth is the problem so the back wouldnt work. but 9 times out of 10 the side would.

Good to hear, because 9 times out of 10 the side locations would be a problem for our applications.

That's why the caution was posted for those thinking about tackling these types of mods.

Golden Rule: Check twice, cut once ;-)

[[O/][iii][O/]]

I think that would drive me nuts.

Same here. Lights aimed into the eyes? No thanks. Darker the better IMO. Less distraction from what needs to be seen on the equipment.

[L2daGee]

[iii][O/];41585']Same here. Lights aimed into the eyes? No thanks. Darker the better IMO. Less distraction from what needs to be seen on the equipment.

I agree. This is the reason why I might get the Rane 61 over the 62. I don't like too many lights.

[DJ Knowledge]

Here is a closeup of the female rca to female rca part. You can find them at www.markertek.com. Do a search on "RCA Female to Female Chassis Mount" at their site.

The only soldering involved was for the power receptacle. Inside my t-table case looks exactly like DJDunn's. If need be, I can swap out a turntable with another one easily since the turntables RCA and power cord was not modded. I am also going to add in right angle RCA adapters on the inside of the case so the turntable is not resting on the RCA jack. I will take a picture tomorrow to show what the inside of the case looks like.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b247/DJKnowledge777/Turntable%20Case%20Mod/TurntableCaseMod4.jpg

[DJdunn]

[iii][O/];41582']Good to hear, because 9 times out of 10 the side locations would be a problem for our applications.

That's why the caution was posted for those thinking about tackling these types of mods.

Golden Rule: Check twice, cut once ;-)

also, the plugs make it easier for hookup. I can always hook up directly to the mixer like i did before the mod. so no functionality is lost at all. A LOT is gained though. It literally takes me 15 mins to setup my whole speakers/turntables from pulling up the trailer to completely setup. the plugs make it very easy. I recently Did a friends exactly the same way minus the monitor hookup

[DJ Knowledge]

Very nice mods here.

DJ Knowledge: Do you have part numbers for the RCA back to back connectors, and was there a lot of soldering involved?


No soldering involved at all with the female RCA to female RCA plug. I did solder the power connections though. Now I am about to remove the female RCA to female RCA plugs and install a board that has RCA built into it. Once I finish I will post up pictures.

[DJ Knowledge]

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b247/DJKnowledge777/Turntable%20Case%20Mod/TurntableCaseMod4.jpg

I had to take out the female to female RCA plugs shown above because the turntable was resting right onto the plug. So I replaced the plugs with the RCA plate shown below.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b247/DJKnowledge777/Turntable%20Case%20Mod/T-TableRCAmod2.jpg

Now I just have to solder some female RCA cables to the other side of the plate.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b247/DJKnowledge777/Turntable%20Case%20Mod/T-TableRCAmod3.jpg
Okay here is the plate with the wires that I soldered on underneath.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b247/DJKnowledge777/Turntable%20Case%20Mod/T-TableRCAmod.jpg
The end result!!!

[DJ Knowledge]

Very nice mods here.

DJ Knowledge: Do you have part numbers for the RCA back to back connectors, and was there a lot of soldering involved?

Jammin, the part number is PF-PFCM on the Markertek website. Are you planning on using these inside your turntable cases? If so, you may want to use something else. Reason being is that the connectors are too long. The turntable will end up hitting the inside of the connector. Eventually the turntable RCA jacks will bend and possibly break. I even tried 90 degree male to female rca plugs at the end of the connector but that did not work. The turntable still rested on the 90 degree male to female RCA plugs and the shaft on the 90 degree male to female RCA plug broke off. So I took out the female to female RCA jack and replaced them with a board that contained 2 RCA's (shown above). All I have to do is solder 2 RCA cables on the board.