The DIY gainclone chassis thread.

[Spasticteapot]

Although I've yet to get a working gainclone (or even the parts), I figure I may as well make an enclosure. This is not as crazy as it sounds, as A. I'm in an art metal class, and B. I'm getting class credit for it.
Does anyone have any ideas for unusual designs? I was thinking of hacking a computer heatsink in half, and using it for the sides, and using a copper overlay on the top. (I can cast the knobs myself, so odd designs are not a problem. I've also got plenty of gears.)
Lastly, can someone get me the URL for CarlosFM's latest LM3886 and regulated PSU schematic? (They really ought to be stickied.)

[joecool85]

Computer heat sinks are small...like 3"x3" max. Why would you want half of one on a side?

[jimbo1968]

What manufacturing technologies do you have at your disposal?

You mentioned casting > up to what size?
CNC milling ?

With those 2 you could do almost anything you can dream up.

[Spasticteapot]

I've got a jewler's saw, and can cast stuff up to about 3" by 3". (I can cut some very small things, if necessary.)

[cjd]

You can cast bigger than that if your instructor is up for it.

Look into slipcasting. lotsa fun. I'm assuming you're talking lost wax process though?

You should be able to cast heat sinks in a good size though. And the possibilities are waaay out there for some truly unique and interesting work in this regard. You should be able to get a five or six inch long casting in most centrifuge machines - if you don't have the right size flask you can sometimes cheat, but that'll be up to your instructor.

I would stay away from computer heat-sinks unless you do plan to go forced-air.

Otherwise - you're the one taking the class. Dream big. Have fun.

12 years since I entered the metalshop - currently building my own up.

C

[Raoul]

You should be able to cast heat sinks in a good size though.

I think you might run into problems when casting a heatsink. My impression is that many cast aluminums have a lower density than the aluminum used is most heatsinks. Might not be the best material for heat dissipation.

[Spasticteapot]

Originally posted by Raoul


I think you might run into problems when casting a heatsink. My impression is that many cast aluminums have a lower density than the aluminum used is most heatsinks. Might not be the best material for heat dissipation.

I've got a few aluminum computer heatsinks availible. That said, if I'm casting, I'd use copper anyway. We've got loads of scrap, and copper casts very nicely with a cheap centrifuge.
Plus, I could solder on the fins, if necessary.

So, can anyone come up with a crazy idea? I was thinking something that looks like a metronome. I've got some very fine tools, and can cut things out of a sheet of copper with near-CNC precision. (I was thinking about cutting a dragon out of a sheet of copper, and using it as an overlay. Trite, but stylish nonetheless.)

Also, are the 2200uf and 100nf capacitors reccomended by CarlosFM in his regulated PSU design included in his v.4 chipamp design?
And should I go with the ordinary snubberized PSU, or the regulated PSU?

[lineup]

Originally posted by Spasticteapot
Although I've yet to get a working gainclone (or even the parts), I figure I may as well make an enclosure.
This is not as crazy as it sounds, as
- A. I'm in an art metal class, and
- B. I'm getting class credit for it.
Does anyone have any ideas for unusual designs?
I was thinking of hacking a computer heatsink in half, and using it for the sides,
and using a copper overlay on the top.
I can cast the knobs myself, so odd designs are not a problem.
I've also got plenty of gears.

DIY gainclone chassis thread -
I would have expected a lot of images here

[Jerry T.]

What's your goal here ?

I mean, do you want to build an artpiece that happens to be a chipamp, or do you want to build a chipamp that looks like a piece of art?

[jimbo1968]

Chipamps don't appear to be too fussy about heatsinking judging by the small size that many DIY'ers use. I'd say as long as you have a fair sized lump of copper or aluminum to screw the chip to you can't go far wrong.

You're the one doing the art class, so I think the design should be up to you