CMOY - mounting protoboard into case?

[Arjisme]

Hi all. I am soon to begin my first effort at building a CMOY amplifier. I am new to this kind of thing, but think it is pretty doable.

One question though: once all is built and tested on the protoboard, how do you secure the protoboard to the case (assume an Altoids tin)? Or do most folks let it sit in there loose?

TIA!

 

[xmokshax]

i built my first CMoy not long ago, and asked the same question. unless they're hell-bent on making their first CMoy ultra-professional, people tend to just leave the board loose in the case. the hook-up wire to the panel components will keep the board pretty stable, especially if you're using solid-core wire. also, if you choose to use 2x9V, the fit will be tight enough in an Altoids tin that everything will kind of hold everything else in place.

one note: if you do use an Altoids tin or similar, make sure you insulate the interior of the case, since it's metal and will short your circuit from the bottom of the board if left uncovered.

 

[Arjisme]

Thanks for the reply. The potential shorting was the reason I thought there must be a way to mount it securely. Any advice on how and with what to insulate the case then?

 

[xmokshax]

the advice i received (and followed) doesn't necessarily result in a pretty case interior, but it certainly works: if you've ordered parts from Digi-Key, they attach an adhesive label to each parts bag. these labels are almost exactly the same size and shape as the bottom of an Altoids tin, so i just put a label on the bottom and the top of the case's interior, then cut up a couple of other labels to insulate the sides of the bottom part of the case.

 

[Eokboy]

I duct taped the bottom of the board.

Double sided foam tape or a blob of hot glue on the board's edges also helps.

 

[fortney]

If the perfboard is loose in the case I will stablize it by inserting a shipping peanut or piece of one in the case to anchor it. I would only do this in amps that run "cold" like the Cmoy.

F