Review: With the Trolley Bus, Befaco provides a super powerful plug-and-play power solution for small and large Eurorack systems.
Every adventure has a beginning. That of a modular Synthesizer in the Eurorack format begins with the case. There are two options: with or without a built-in power supply. The latter offers more flexibility to the user in terms of the size of the case and the power system.
If the case-only choice has been made, the next step is to find the right power solution. The selection is huge. There is something for every budget. Befaco has released an intriguing product with the Trolley Bus. A system from the mid-price segment ($249,99) with high specs. Here is my full review.
Befaco Trolley Bus Review
I was in exactly this situation five months ago. In November 2023, I bundled several of my small Eurorack systems into one large one. My choice fell on the Ginko Synthese DIY Eurorack Case. It is a beautifully hand-crafted large case with plenty of space (114HP), made in the EU, and at a fair price (285€).
As a power solution, I went the path with two Befaco Trolley Bus systems. Disclaimer: I paid for the products, but Befaco kindly gave me a discount.
Unboxing
The trolley bus is delivered in an elongated cardboard box. This contains the bus board, the 4HP ON/OFF module, a connection cable, Knurlies, adhesive PCB fasteners, and a 135W power brick. Very positive!
The bus board can be installed either with classic screws or with the adhesive plastic screws. I decided on the latter, and it went smoothly and easily. The same applies to the connection between the module and the baseboard. It’s super fast and plug-and-play.
However, after three months, I noticed the PCB fasteners had come loose in the case. Both trolley buses were hanging crooked. I haven’t been able to figure out the reason for this. I didn’t initially have enough stickers in the box, so it may not have been enough to sit it solid.
When I asked Befaco, they couldn’t give a potential reason for it either. So I finally bought a new set of adhesive screws and redid the whole thing. Let’s see how long it lasts this time. Otherwise, I have to switch to classic screws
ON/OFF Module
The control center of the Trolley Bus system is a dedicated 4HP ON/OFF module. A concept that we know from other manufacturers. For example, Arturia also uses this in its Rackbrute series.
It starts with the 2.5mm power brick connector socket in the first third of the module. Then, you get two USB-A charging ports, which are handy for connecting simple things like a USB lamp or powering a controller or other gadgets.
In practice, I connected the Arturia Keystep 37 to one of its ports, and the ON/OFF module powered the controller without any problems.
Below, you get visual feedback about the power distribution: the two 12A sections (top, bottom – A/B), -12A, and +5V. And you can turn the power supply on and off with the simple push of a button. A beautifully designed ON/OFF module. The USB ports, in particular, are excellent additions
Super Powerful
Befaco has given its Trolley Bus system 5A on the +12V line, 2.5A on the- 12V line, and 4A on the 5V. The -12V and 5V rails are common for the entire bus board and provide up to 2500mA and 4000mA, respectively.
These high-power specs give each case enough juice to fire all your modules. Also, systems with power-heavy modules.
In my case—oh yes, double meaning—the 24 modules from the first Trolley draws 2317mA on the +12V, 1181mA (-12V), and 0 mA (5V) from Befaco’s power solution. So it’s not even half full. 5V is not needed at all. Okay, that’s normal, too. Very few new modules use 5V these days.
The test shows a single bus board is sufficient for a beginner’s 2-row case. Larger cases like mine with 15U and five rows require two Trolleys. Then, you have tons of power you probably can’t fully utilize unless you only use old modules that draw a lot.
Not to forget. The system is super quiet and noise-free. I didn’t hear any interference in my setup. Top quality!
Eurorack Case Setup With The Befaco Trolley Bus
Befaco Trolley Bus Review Conclusion
When I built the new DIY case in November, I had a big choice. I decided on the Befaco Trolley Bus because its specs and price were very competitive. Other systems, such as those from Doepfer and Konstant Lab, were also available.
All in all, I am super happy with my choice. After five months of use, I can only recommend the Befaco Trolley Bus System. Plug-and-play installation, no electronic knowledge required, super low noise, and plenty of power for many modules. What more do you want?
In my case, a downer was that there weren’t enough adhesive PCB fasteners in the box. This could be the reason why the bus boards came loose from the case back wall after five months. But who knows?
Pro
- super powerful: +12V (5A), -12V (2.5A) and 5V (4A)
- plug-and-play installation
- fair price ($249,99/260,15€)
- two USB-B charging ports
- power brick included
- a drill-free alternative
Neutral
- the strength of the adhesive PCB fasteners?!
Befaco Trolley Bus is available now for $249,99/260,15€
More information here: Befaco
Available at my partner
I have two of them powering a 9HE 104TE Case each, can’t recommend them enough. No more worries about power, even if you have a lot of digital power hungry modules.