[sdiy] Panel hardware...

[Dave Peverley]

Hi all,

  I'm researching front panel stuff for my design I'm working on and was
wondering if anyone has good insight to share on locating hardware. I think
I'm settled on an LCD now, but looking into buttins and encoders.

  Button-wise I'd like to get both illuminated and non-illuminated,
preferably of the tactile/squidgy type, but I want to pay a reasonable amount
for the blasted things. Likewise, for encoders it seems like the ALPS ones
are rather expensive, but is there much loss in quality if using cheaper
ones? Anyone care to suggest parts that look like a good deal but should be
avoided?

 I've scoured the RS/Farnell/CPC/Maplin catalogs and nothing seems to have
jumped out at me as looking especially suitable...

Cheers,

~Pev