Yamaha DTXpress/DTXplorer/DTXtreme

--- In DTXpress@yahoogroups.com, "zapaxe" <a_zapelectric@h...> wrote:
> 
> Hi,
> 
> I'm expanding my DTXpress rack system. This is getting VERY 
> interesting and reminds me of playing with an erector set. The 
> possibilities seem endless...If ONLY I had MORE rack 
parts "he,he"...
> 
> I just bought a 2nd DTXpress rack (used) to accomodate all my extra 
> pads & modules. I've already merged the two racks together with 
most 
> of the rack parts... Very cool too! I now have a full extention 
with 
> 3rd base/leg which is rock stable for my 3 modules to sit on :)
> 
> In addition to my extention onto the left side of my rack - which 
is 
> similar to an older DTXtreme rack now (I think?) - with it's 3 
> base/legs, and a 2nd teir extention to the right...
> 
> ...I thought about extending the center section of the rack in 
> an 'upward' fasion. Actually I did 'somewhat' already by adding 
> the 'T' fitting on top of each left & right tall post/tubes. I set 
> the 'T' fitting half way on each side and used more taller tubes, 
> then placed another log tube at the top in the horizontal position.
> 
> After my 'upward' extention, I got to thinking...Hmmm...maybe this 
> is not the most stable, though it seems fairly stable...
> ...Being electrician for a living, I'm think that 1 1/2" 
> EMT 'thinwall' conduit/tubing has the same outside diameter as the 
> DTXpress rack. Though EMT conduit is steel not aluminum.
> 
> So!...I was thinking that 'instead' of having a hodge-podge of end 
> to end DTXpress tubes held together with my 'T' fittings used as 
> couplings, I could use TWO  vey long/tall tubes of EMT electrical 
> conduit in it's place.
> 
> I tried looking around at Home Depot for some long pieces of 
> Aluminum tubing but didn't find any.
> Any idea on WHERE I can find very long pieces of aluminum of the 
> same diameter?
> 
> Of course I'd paint the tube black :)
> 
> Steve

Hi Steve..

Would love to see a picture of what you are doing with your rack.
I did a similar upgrade myself, by merging my existing rack with a 
gibraltar rack.
When I ran out of tubing, here is what I did. I found out that 
the "Torchiere" FLOOR STANDING LIGHTS (hope I have spelt it right), 
has 3 pieces of tubing twisted together to make one long piece, makes 
an ideal substitute for the rack tubing. It is made of steel, sturdy 
and just about the same diameter as the rack tubing. It is also 
LIGHT. The LAMP I am talking about has a heavy round base in the 
bottom and a dish bowl type shade on the top with HALOGEN type bulb. 
It has a on-off rotational switch in the middle piece of the tube. 
The lamp is made in China and most probably sold in home 
depot/orchard supply...but why pay for a brand new one??? I found 
heaps of them at the local SALVATION ARMY of THRIFT used store 
outlets, or any place where they sell USED stuff. I paid $5.00 for a 
good working one, and in great condition. The tubing was also BLACK. 
Took it home and "gutted" all the unecessary stuff by cutting the 
wires and unscrewing the three metal pieces. The final 
product...about 6 feet of steel tubing. NOTE though, not ALL the 
floor standing lamps are simialr as to the one I have described 
above. Some have different types of stands....but when you spot one, 
you'll know thats the one....

GOOD LUCK!!
VAP.