Project cases - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

ColinTheAmpMan1 · 17th Jan 2024, 3:38 pm

Hi,

Some time ago I got an isolation transformer on this forum (RS 504-307 which is roughly four inches square). To house it, I probably need, apart from the transformer, an outlet to a 13A plug to let the power in, and a socket to let the power out. A fuse in the secondary circuit would probably be nice, too. Trying to find a suitable case for this is proving tricky. I have looked at RS, Cricklewood, Digikey, ebay and Google with no luck.

Back in the day it was possible to buy what were referred to as "Project Cases". These came in a few different sizes and were fashioned from two aluminium pieces, one of which was nicely covered with a textured black material. It seems that these are no longer to be found. I am aware that there is a possibility to make my own cases, but if I could purchase an appropriate one it would save me a lot of effort (and even working in a cold workshop at present).

Does anyone have a solution to this quandary, or will I have to make my own box (and wait for the weather to get warmer)? What do people do if they want to make a largish case for something that they have made?

Colin.

John M0GLN · 17th Jan 2024, 3:56 pm

There's a selection at
https://www.esr.co.uk/electronics/pr...enclosures.htm

and these adaptable boxes at,
https://shop4electrical.co.uk/5-metal-adaptable-boxes

John

G6Tanuki · 17th Jan 2024, 3:58 pm

Get thyself to an electrical-contractors' supply-place; they have a vast range of boxes both metal [usually steel] and plastic (usually ABS).

Generally used for terminating SWA cable and the like. I have a plastic one here - IP65 rated, with an O-ring gasket for the lid - which houses a big 3.5 inch diameter 6-inch-long ceramic coil and a variable capacitor for an outdoor 80-Metre antenna matching network.

Some of them can be specified with internal aluminium chassis-plates or DIN-rail mounts as used for RCDs, arc-interrupters etc.

17th Jan 2024, 3:38 pm	#1
ColinTheAmpMan1 Octode Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Wimbledon, London, UK. Posts: 1,465	Project cases Hi, Some time ago I got an isolation transformer on this forum (RS 504-307 which is roughly four inches square). To house it, I probably need, apart from the transformer, an outlet to a 13A plug to let the power in, and a socket to let the power out. A fuse in the secondary circuit would probably be nice, too. Trying to find a suitable case for this is proving tricky. I have looked at RS, Cricklewood, Digikey, ebay and Google with no luck. Back in the day it was possible to buy what were referred to as "Project Cases". These came in a few different sizes and were fashioned from two aluminium pieces, one of which was nicely covered with a textured black material. It seems that these are no longer to be found. I am aware that there is a possibility to make my own cases, but if I could purchase an appropriate one it would save me a lot of effort (and even working in a cold workshop at present). Does anyone have a solution to this quandary, or will I have to make my own box (and wait for the weather to get warmer)? What do people do if they want to make a largish case for something that they have made? Colin.

17th Jan 2024, 3:56 pm	#2
John M0GLN Octode Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Southport, Merseyside, UK. Posts: 1,156	Re: Project cases There's a selection at https://www.esr.co.uk/electronics/pr...enclosures.htm and these adaptable boxes at, https://shop4electrical.co.uk/5-metal-adaptable-boxes John

17th Jan 2024, 3:58 pm	#3
G6Tanuki Dekatron Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Wiltshire, UK. Posts: 14,013	Re: Project cases Get thyself to an electrical-contractors' supply-place; they have a vast range of boxes both metal [usually steel] and plastic (usually ABS). Generally used for terminating SWA cable and the like. I have a plastic one here - IP65 rated, with an O-ring gasket for the lid - which houses a big 3.5 inch diameter 6-inch-long ceramic coil and a variable capacitor for an outdoor 80-Metre antenna matching network. Some of them can be specified with internal aluminium chassis-plates or DIN-rail mounts as used for RCDs, arc-interrupters etc. __________________ I'm the Operator of my Pocket Calculator. -Kraftwerk.