bypassing IEC connector and covering top plate

[simondadiamond]

Just purchased a Crack Kit and can't wait to try it out! I have a few questions about the build and about a couple mods I want to bring to it to remove clutter. Namely move some plugs to the front and back.

While I am at it, I was wondering 2 things

1) Is the IEC plug mandatory? Could I just solder in the wire directly and have a wire sticking out of a small hole in the back?
2) Could I cover the top plate with something like this a 0.03' brushed aluminum sheet or a brushed aluminum decal without problems (Heat or physically attaching other things like tubes and well everything but IEC, RCA, Volume Pot and headphone out.

Thank you

[Paul Birkeland]

Long ago, our kits came without IEC connectors and indeed had a hole drilled in one piece of the wood base.

It has been considered a large improvement to have the IEC power entry module, and I would strongly urge you to keep it around.  If you trip over the cord while it's plugged into the wall, you may rip the terminals right off the power transformer (while the cord might just pop right out of the socket otherwise).

-PB

[simondadiamond]

Thanks for the reply! That is very true, could help ensure less "accidents" hehe.

Any take on an extra sheet of metal of a decal over the top plate, and "holes" left from moving things up front and in the back?

Thanks for any input

[Paul Birkeland]

Thanks for the reply! That is very true, could help ensure less "accidents" hehe.

Any take on an extra sheet of metal of a decal over the top plate, and "holes" left from moving things up front and in the back?

Yes, you can download Front Panel Designer and draw up the panel you need.  Alternatively, you could go to a metal supply shop and get a blank panel, then drill and cut out what you need.  Modifying the stock plate with stickers to cover up unused holes is going to look pretty strange.
-PB