How do I power my Oakley Modular system?
We recommend that you do one of two things:
Build one of our Oakley Low Voltage power supplies. We have two types available; one for larger systems here, and one for smaller systems here.
Or
Buy one of the ready made or kit built supplies from either Synthesis Technology or Blacet. If you are in the US, this is probably the best option. Both of these companies provide power supply units that are manufactured for musical purposes. Both come ready made or in kit form with easy to follow instructions. Both companies use the same four way power supply header that is used on the Oakley Modular boards.
The recommended Blacet supply is called the PS500. The recommended SynthTech one is the MOTM900.
The new style six way MTA header on the new 'big' MOTM950 supply carries additional +5V rail. The Oakley modules have no need for this, and no modules are planned that will require it either.
Both Blacet and SynthTech are based in the USA. They are reputable and easy to deal with. As to which one you should buy, we will leave that up to you. The SynthTech one comes with a 3U wide mounting panel and is best suited if you want your power supply to be seen. The Blacet one is a shielded metal box and is best used if you want to hide your power supply in the rear of the case.
What are the other options?
You could buy a power supply module from an electronic parts supplier. Most are obtained as open frame types. This is where the high and low voltage parts are accesible to misplaced fingers. Careful placement and assembly is essential for safe operation. Choosing linear types over switch modes should offer your lower noise. However, some of the newer switch modes are getting very good, but getting +/-15V ones is proving to be tricky.
There are many open frame linear types to chose from but the one I would recommend is the Power One HAA15-0.8A. This supplies 800mA per 15V rail so is good for about 15 modules.
However, wiring up these open frame supplies isn't quite as easy as might think. So before you buy one like this make sure you know what you are doing.
Sorry, we will not enter into any discussions regarding building your own power supply or modifying an existing one.
What is the Oakley Dizzy?
This is a power supply distribution board. It does not generate power, but simply allows you to connect many Oakley (or MOTM) modules to one power supply. If you are using either the SynthTech or Blacet power supply you may still use a Dizzy board to reduce the internal wiring of your modular. See the Dizzy page for more information.
Can I run Oakley Modules off +/-12V rails?
It depends.
All 5U Oakley modules are designed to run from +/-15V. However, some may run from +/-12V as they are (like all the 'Little' boards, SVF and the Equinoxe). Others will need modifications to run properly from the lower voltage (like the SuperLadder, ADSR/VCA). Some modules will not run on +/-12V at all (like the midiDAC).
All 3U Oakley modules are designed to run from either +/-15V or +/-12V.
Due to lack of time we are not able to answer any specific queries regarding the modification of the 5U modules so that they can be run on +/-12V rails. We strongly advise you to purchase a +/-15V power supply.
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