The BusBuddy

!!!! ONLY WORKS WITH QUICKSWAP COMPATIBLE MODULES !!!!

Even though the AE modular format may be one of the greatest inventions since the voltage controlled oscillator one thing has remained a constant source of misery has been the ribbon cable used to connect and power the modules. Then comes the Quickswap Case developed by the great Kyaa and solves this issue in a very good robust and excellent way. But the Quickswap cases are compared to other AE things quite expensive and if you already have a rack you will find no salvation in the Quickswap case.

Enter BusBuddy!

The BusBuddy is a fixed busboard for the AE system which not only replaces the ribbon cable but also provides attachment points for the modules. With the BusBuddy you can transform any AE case into an approximation of the quick swap case and swap a module in tens of seconds with essentially zero hassle!

Usage

The BusBuddy is 10U wide but can be snapped to fit smaller cases and can be daisy chained to fit longer cases. The BusBuddy has breakaway tabs for easy snapping but some sanding/filing may be required to accommodate very snug fits. The ribbon cable for daisy chaining is not included.

The BusBuddy does not necessarily need to be attached to the case directly as the modules themselves will keep the BusBuddy in place and aligned. But there are M3 mounting holes placed 10mm above (center to center) every second module attachment holes can be used to attach the BusBuddy to your case for additional stability and ease of use, but you will have to drill or add the holes to the case yourself.

The 2x5 sockets provide a lot of mounting force to keep the module in place. But if there is nothing to stabilize the upper part of the module it will wobble a lot so at least one mounting screw per module will be required, a set of 10 nylon M3 thumb screws are included.

Expansion connection

One important thing to note is that the attachment point and ribbon cable used there may get in the way of some modules which have thing protruding on the back, so all conceivable module orderings may not be valid.

Soldering the 90° pin header

If you are assembling the BusBuddy yourself remember that the orientation of the is important, the plastic should be at a 90° angle to the board as in the picture below or the ribbon cable will not attach properly.

Shipping with Postnord against my better judgement for now.

Will attempt to send stuff within one week.

If your country is not listed as a shipping location, send me an email and I will see if shipping there is possible.

TAXES AND CUSTOMS/TOLLS/TARIFFS MAY BE ADDED FOR COUNTRIES OUTSIDE OF THE EU.