B Series FAQ December 2004

Over the years we have received many requests for 1/4" jack versions of the A series Modcan modules.
The newly introduced B Series attempts to addresses these requests and hopefully add to the selection of 1/4" jack modulars available.
Below are some answers to frequently asked questions regarding the new B series.
Please feel free to inquire with any questions you feel are not adequately covered below.

Q: Does the introduction of the new B series mean you will be discontinuing the banana jack versions of these modules?
A: Absolutely not. The B series is another model in the Modcan line. Not a replacement, but an addition.
The same way that Ford has numerous car models and yet they are all Fords.

Q: Are the B series modules in production yet ?
A: Yes the Bs have begun shipping to customers now and orders are being accepted for the first quarter of 2005.

Q: Will you be converting the entire A series to the B.
A: See the B Series page for modules converted and currently available.
All the current A series modules will be converted over the course of the coming year.
For now there are 30 modules available including a new MULTIPLE 48B module and ATTENUATE 49B and 3x1 VCA 09B, with the rest to follow in 2005.

Q: Are the new series going to be offered with the option of banana jacks
A: Not for now. There are a number of situations were switching jacks have been used on the B series to add functionality.
Banana jacks are not available in a switching form.

Q: What colour are the panels. I can't tell if they are white or gray in the photos?
A: They best way to describe the colour is an off-white gray greenish tint.
It is an unusual colour and it appears differently with changing light conditions.
In natural light it is a predominantly gray and under fluorescent it becomes more greenish.
We were after a vintage lab test equipment look when selecting the colour.

Q: Will the panels be available in black to match my other modules made by (insert company of choice)?
A: No this design is only available in the off-white gray greenish tint for the moment.
It would be too costly and logistically difficult to offer the series in a variety of colours.

Q: How do the B series panels differ from the A series besides the colour?
A: The panels are thinner 1/16th" aluminum, laser cut and formed with short bends on the vertical edges at 90 degrees from the front face
to provide a built in mounting bracket for the circuit boards.
Panels are 5U tall and 1 or 2U in width. (U=1-3/4")
The vertical edge bends provide extreme rigidity with zero flex. it also makes them very flat with no warping.
The A series are made from flat pieces of aluminum 1/8" thick, 9" tall and usually 2-21/4" wide.and are anodized black
with the text and graphics masked out to show clear in the aluminum colour.
The B series are coated with enamel paint and then baked at high temperatures to make durable.
The text and graphics are then silk screened on with an epoxy ink and further baked for maximum adhesion.

Q: Will the B series be converted to conform with the 10V pk-pk signal levels of (insert company of choice) ?
A: For the time being no. If it is seen to be a major disadvantage then consideration will be given to address this.
It is a big job to redesign 50 different modules to a new signal level.
For the most part the existing configurations will work fine in conjunction with 10V systems and for those
cases were the signal is too large most modules have attenuators that can be used to reduce the input level.

Q: What are the prices for the new series?
A: as an introductory offer to the new series the prices will remain the same as the A series for now.
The B series is more costly to produce as hardware and panel costs are higher than the A series.
Hence the cost of the modules will eventually be slightly higher to reflect this.

Q: Do you make cabinets for the new series and what kind of woods are available.
A: Yes the cabinet shown in the photos on the web site.
Cabinets are made from MDF board which is nicely lacquered to match the panels.
Other natural finished hardwoods could be made available depending on demand.
The strength of the cabinets comes from the internal Zinc plated steel rails which are drilled and tapped to hold the modules securely
in place. A vented aluminum rear panel holds the cabinets in square and provides mounting for power distribution boards
Cabinets are available in 12U or 24U width (most modules are 2U space) and being a modular design, can be any height required.
A 15 degree slope front bottom cabinet will be available in the new year.
Pricing will be supplied based on number of units required.

Q: Will the new series enhance my sexual pleasure?
A: Definitely

Regards
Bruce Duncan
Modcan