Opus 90W: PCB module or Open frame?

dormouse · 09-30-2003, 12:36 PM

Hi everyone, this is my first post here.

I've got a typical project, mounting an EPIA in the trunk of my BMW to play mp3's, and I'm wondering about the power supply. From the sound of previous posts, it sounds like Opus is the way to go, and I'm trying to decide between the two 90W units they offer.

DCX3.1209 - 90W DC-DC PCB module w/ Cable kit
DCX3.1209U - 90W DC-DC Open frame w/ Cable kit

Does anyone have pictures or drawings of either of these units? I can picture a PCB module I guess but what's an "open frame," and why would I want one?

I'm probably going to make my own case out of acrylic so I could mount another PCB in it easily enough, but do I have to worry about electromagnetic interference from the power supply to the motherboard's analog output signal? If so, would the open frame help me solve that? Thanks in advance.

-greg.

orangewhip · 09-30-2003, 05:01 PM

Not sure about the interference, but the open frame is just a U shaped aluminum frame that surrounds the bottom and 2 sides of the board. The board is physically mounted to the bottom of the frame with screws and the 2 sides of the frame has screw holes so it can be mounted somewhere.

dormouse · 09-30-2003, 06:00 PM

Thanks orangewhip. I just got an email from Kris with pictures of both models, too. I'll post them here if he gives me permission. I'm going to buy the open-frame one, and as for interference I'll cross that bridge when I come to it I guess.

orangewhip · 09-30-2003, 06:46 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by dormouse

Thanks orangewhip. I just got an email from Kris with pictures of both models, too. I'll post them here if he gives me permission. I'm going to buy the open-frame one, and as for interference I'll cross that bridge when I come to it I guess.

Yeah I got the open frame one as well, but ended up not needing the frame so now I have a $10 frame sitting here doing nothing! hahaha

phc · 09-30-2003, 10:47 PM

FYI, I talked to Opus today, its a 4 week leadtime on the 90W. They do have the 150W in stock. The initial run of 90W was 100 units, they sold fast. The sheetmetal enclosure is only $8 more. Add another $12 for remote start output.

I've been waiting 3 weeks already for 2 Lilliput screens from Armen, the website keeps saying they will ship the week of 9/22.

What's next?

Maybe I'll get everything together before Thanksgiving! Ugh.

orangewhip · 09-30-2003, 11:06 PM

4 week leadtime?? Are you serious?? Argggggghhh, I had mine sent to me and I ordered the remote option and he never sent me the cables. So I waited and he sent me the cables in a 2nd shipment. I go to install my system and there was nowhere on the board to plug the cables into....he sent me the wrong board!!

So I sent my board back to him on Friday and it should be there by tomorrow. Now I am going to have to wait 4 weeks before they get any more???

This is fricken NUTS! It should be FREE, not only is it a fairly expensive to begin with, but for me to exchange it into Canadian dollars and duties and taxes at the boarder this thing was VERY expensive. And my money is gone for like 2 months and I STILL don't have the product!

phc · 10-01-2003, 11:20 AM

I imagine that the board is the same, its just needs a connector installed and maybe a couple of components. You might get lucky and they can send it back to you fairly quick.

orangewhip · 10-01-2003, 01:59 PM

From what I understand, there is quite a few components that are on the board, not just simply the plug... This is what I gathered from other peoples comments...

I sent Kris an email, asking about the time, and the $ and stuff, hopefully will hear back from him soon.

dormouse · 10-01-2003, 02:04 PM

I just talked to Kris, and he confirmed that there aren't any 90W units for at least about 4 weeks. Bummer. I've gone ahead and ordered the 150W unit because I'm impatient. For those of you who have more patience than me, though, here are some photos to whet your appetite:

DCX3.1209 - 90W DC-DC PCB module w/ Cable kit

DCX3.1209U - 90W DC-DC Open frame w/ Cable kit