Front Panel Issues

[Grant Richter]

The original Serge series 76 kits used Xerox copies of the artwork affixed
to the panels by Laminating Sheets.

Here is a simple method. Use a draw program like Corel to layout the front
panel. Start by drawing the exact size panel and put it on a layer called
Outline. Use the smallest line size for the outline (hairline).

Then draw the exact size panel components and put them on a layer called
Parts. Make sure you have a little X in the center of any holes that need to
be drilled. Lasso and group the parts to make them easier to move. Push them
around on the panel until everything fits.

Create another layer called Graphics and add your text labels.

Print out all the layers and trim the sheet on two sides at the outline
lines. Align these two sides with the panel and center punch all the holes
on the little X's. Drill the panel and deburr it very well.

Now shut off the parts layer and print the text layer and outline onto a
full sheet of Avery label paper. 8165 is an Inkjet number but they also make
laser print full sheets.

Burnish a laminating sheet over the label paper and rub out any bubbles, it
helps to make a U shape with the laminating sheet, drop it in the center and
burnish from the center to the edges. You want to avoid trapped air bubbles.

Take an Xacto knife and cut around the panel outline. Remove the label paper
adhesive backing and align two edges to the panel. Stick the label paper to
the panel and burnish down. Cut out all the holes with an Xacto knife.

This is how most of the panels were done on this page.

http://www.musicsynthesizer.com/DIY/Grant/Borg.html

----------
>From: Synthmanic at aol.com
>To: efm at xavax.com, synth-diy at node12b53.a2000.nl
>Subject: Front Panel Issues
>Date: Thu, Oct 12, 2000, 5:08 PM
>

>  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
>
>