Yamaha RX5: DIY enclosure for GliGli's RX5USB

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wsenges
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Real name:Wolfgang
Gear:ConductiveLabs The NDLR; FredLab's Buzzzy!; Korg M1/SQ-1/Volca Sample/Modular/Keys/Bass/FM; RedSound DarkStar/XP2/Elevata; Yamaha RX5 & GliGli RX5USB
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Yamaha RX5: DIY enclosure for GliGli's RX5USB

Post by wsenges » Tue Dec 15, 2020 3:53 pm

Hi there,

So... this is my first post!

Last year, my quest for controlling the much hated DarkStar by SysEx *almost* brought me here, now it's the RX5USB that finally did it.

The RX5USB has been around for some years, and it's well-known for extending the features of an RX5 drum machine by adding the option to upload your own samples via a cartridge.

Those who have a RX5USB unit (thanks @sfxgligli!) as sold by Pharmasonic are familiar with the vulnerability of the naked circuit board. That's why I thought that some of you might be interested in my little project. When I got one in August, I started to draft a 3D-printable model. With lots of patience, and some test-prints later, I've got a version that fits perfectly.

Actually, I have two versions: One for the older and larger Mk1 (112 x 80 mm), and one for the current Mk2 (80 x 80 mm). With no Mk1 available, I couldn't test that, although I have a test-print ready (see images). If there is someone in the forum with a Mk1, you might be able to help out.

If you are interested in a free 3D-printable file, please PM me (format: STL, method: FDM, layers: 0.2 mm, material: PLA). Each enclosure consists of three parts to be printed. Additionally required: flat- and cross-headed screws (6x M1.4 x 6mm, 1x M1.4 x 5mm). Warning: These screws are damn tiny.

Maybe you came across my postings in other groups. If not, here are some images:

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Sound shaping, code wrestling, lover of misfit gear.
Lost in trying to improve things...
... and talented in running into hopeless challenges.

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Vxster
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Re: Yamaha RX5: DIY enclosure for GliGli's RX5USB

Post by Vxster » Sat Dec 26, 2020 12:32 am

This looks excellent; I'd never even heard about these things. I might have to try one in my RX5...I haven't powered it up for a long time but this makes more use of it.

Nice work on the case. :drinks:

wsenges
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Posts:2
Joined:Tue Dec 15, 2020 9:06 am
Real name:Wolfgang
Gear:ConductiveLabs The NDLR; FredLab's Buzzzy!; Korg M1/SQ-1/Volca Sample/Modular/Keys/Bass/FM; RedSound DarkStar/XP2/Elevata; Yamaha RX5 & GliGli RX5USB
Location:Germany (Trier, Cologne, Berlin)
Contact:

Re: Yamaha RX5: DIY enclosure for GliGli's RX5USB

Post by wsenges » Sun Dec 27, 2020 10:32 am

Thanks, @Vxster!

As with the common cartridges, the sample management (loading & assigning) is somewhat tedious in the RX5 itself. However, with your own samples, and the built-in edit options, you're opening up a whole new world for this 33 y.o. dinosaur. The software for loading the banks is Win only. But, the board holds to *two* sets of samples.

Btw, the files for 3D-printing are now online for free:

https://www.contentsphere.de/mxt_dld/rx5usb-box.zip
(ContentSphere is my website)

The ZIP includes a detailed guide with hints for printing.

If you don't have access to a 3D-printer, try to get a quote. Here in Germany, the range starts at 15 EUR for a 3-part-print like that, if you find a private person doing it. The lowest (!) price for a professionally printed single unit is 50 EUR. Mind, there is no circuitry included. Also, you will need specific, tiny metric screws (which are kind of expensive).

If anyone's interested, about 10 guys from the Facebook Yamaha RX5 group and I are doing a one-off run for a few units (just the enclosure for the mk2 version by pharmasonic.jp). This set includes the screws.
Sound shaping, code wrestling, lover of misfit gear.
Lost in trying to improve things...
... and talented in running into hopeless challenges.

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