Otari MX-55T-M

[pederb]

Hi,

Can you make a MX-55T-M into a standup model w/o to much problem?

I got a M model but w/o the console so the amplifier section is now loose and on top and will not clear 10.5 reels.

Cheers

[Listens2tubes]

http://www.frameline.co.za/otari_mx-55.html Should be some threaded holes on the sides which will give clues to how a stand could be made/adapted.

[pederb]

I know about the stand, my question is if you make it from a console machine



to desktop like this



Cheers

[ironbut]

Hi Peder,

Welcome to the forum.
I'm sure you could convert just about any console but of course, the question is how much trouble and the costs.
If the machine in your picture (console) is the one in question, it already has rack mounts on the transport so you could get a small rack for it pretty cheaply.
The issue would be the overbridge.
I'm sure that when these machines were new, you could buy rack "ears" that would attach to it. Many radio/video stations would've probably used this machine in a floor standing rack.
These "ears" aren't exactly complex and you should be able to have a couple manufactured but you also may be able to find a pair used.
I would try asking on the Otari yahoo Tech group first. If you don't already belong to that group, it would be a good idea to join.

http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/otari_equipment/

Another place would be guys who work on these machines. I'd shoot BASE an email and tell Gorski exactly what you plan to do and see if he has the parts or what he'd suggest.

http://www.analogrules.com/

Good luck and be sure and post what you've found out.

[pederb]

Thank you, I will check that Yahoo group out.

Brought the MX-55 over to Gorski yesterday for a check up

Cheers

[pederb]

Got it back from Gorski and it sounds great.

Cheers

Peder

[phiba]

Here's what I did with mine. The aluminum channel (1 x 1/2 x 1/8 inch) came from McMaster. I think the screws are sockethead 3mm x 6mm or maybe 8mm. Parts were made with a belt grinder, drill press, and hand file. The top unit is spaced a bit back relative to the bottom so 10-1/2 reels clear its knobs by about 1/4 inch. 
Amazingly, I was able to order the bottom and back plastic feet (CY4108 and CY4109) from Otari's US rep, aheadtek.com in San Jose, CA, who had them shipped to me from Japan.
Phil

[pederb]

Hi Phil,

Looks exactly like my setup, but not as nice, did you find the side panel too?

Can you show me the feet you got?

Cheers

[phiba]

The feet look just like the ones in the brochure for the standard all-in-one version, 55N and 55T. I'll post a few more photos this weekend. The bottom feet, CY4109, give it better stability, but the back feet, CY4108, are kind of useless since they are for lying the unit flat, and the connectors coming out of the back of the meter bridge unit wouldn't clear unless you put it up on blocks.

I did not find any side panels for it. I was contemplating making some of my own out of some nice hardwood, or having some made, but have grown to like the cast aluminum "tech" look, so I think I'll leave it like this. I got some of those Darklab NAB hubs in matt silver that match well.

Do you have the manuals?

Photos to be posted as soon as I get a moment to take them.

Phil

[pederb]

Hi Phil,

They have CY4108 and CY4109 in stock, but you are saying that I should only get CY4109?

Yes, I have the manuals, thank you

Cheers

Peder

[phiba]

The CY4109 feet go on the bottom of the main chassis, extending out the front and back by an inch or so. The CY4108 feet mount on the rear upper corners of the main chassis so when you lay it down horizontally, the back of the bottom feet and the top feet hold it up off the surface by about an inch. If you are never going to lay it down, you don't need the upper feet. On the other hand, each pair of feet was well under $10, so we're not talking about a lot of money here.

One thing, the bottom of the chassis fits into a cut-out on the bottom feet. I don't know if it was due to shrinkage because of age or what, but the openings on the feet were too tight for the chassis to fit into. I opened them up with a file, as I was afraid if I forced them on the way they came, they might crack.

[phiba]

Here are some photos of my MX-55T-M showing the whole machine with meter bridge mounts and added feet.