Front Panel Issues

[Tim Ressel]

I use .125" aluminum, machined with all the holes in the right places (after a
few tries). Then I make a layout with Visio and print it on regular paper. I use
spray adhesive to attach the paper to the aluminum. then a layer of clear
shelf-paper over the paper for protection. A rubber roller is good for smushing
the layers down. Then an Exacto knife is used to trim the paper out of the
holes. 


Tim Ressel--Compliance Engineer
Hewlett-Packard
Verifone Division
3755 Atherton Rd.
Rocklin, Cal
916-630-2541  
timothy_ressel at hp.com



-----Original Message-----
From: Synthmanic at aol.com [mailto:Synthmanic at aol.com]
Sent: Thursday, October 12, 2000 3:09 PM
To: efm at xavax.com; synth-diy at node12b53.a2000.nl
Subject: Front Panel Issues


 I'm curious to know what everybody is using to making their own panels and 
how they are making them.

I've been kicking around ideas for a long time and have been seriously 
considering a screened overlay on an unfinished aluminum panel. The overlay 
would be similar to the one that was used on the Moog Prodigy retrofits (I 
can privately e-mail a scan of it on request). The material, which looks like 
it's 1/64'' thick, is vinyl or some kind of plastic that's strong and 
textured. It has an adhesive backing and pop-out holes for the jacks. It's 
like a bumper sticker only much tougher. Is there anybody else considering 
this type of design?

 As far as the panels themselves, I am considering the blanks put out by 
Synthesizers.com (Moog type) because of the ample space provided. Frac-racs 
are okay if you want to use 1/8 inch jacks and the Synthesis Technology 
panels are expensive and a bit smaller than the Synthesizers.com panels. I 
would prefer unfinished panels if I'm going to use an overlay, then the 
quality of the finish is not an issue. I dunno, what do you all think?

Dave