Modular Synth Panels

Evan, I suppose the answer depends a lot on what you want your end
product to look like.  Certainly there are completely finished
options like the Schaeffer panels many in the group have purchased or
our Stooge panels if you insist on an exact MOTM paint / screen
match.  However, if you are certain you want to DIY some panels, I do
have some suggestions.

First, I am not certain I would start with one of Paul's painted
metal panels for DIY as they are quite expensive for that (unless you
are just dead nuts on having that exact paint.  I'm not sure you are
since you are talking about stickers for labels.

Actual metal panel alternatives are:
1.  Get a 1 U or 2U "aluminum" rack panel.  You can cut 2 MOTM sized
modules out of each just cutting across them.  Be sure not to get the
steel ones with the rolled edges.

2. I can sell you MOTM-sized blank panels unpainted for DIY work.  I
offer these about twice a year when I cut metal for our Stooge panel
production runs.  I sell them dirt cheap.  1U, 2U, or 3U wide for $3,
$4 and $5 respectively.  I will be ordering metal sometime in March
if you are interested. They are bare aluminum, scuff sanded to be
ready for paint or ?  I fact, when I order metal for my upcoming
panels I will probably start stocking this stuff.

Some printing your panel options

1. Many of the hand held portable printers available today offer a
variety of font sizes and tape color / print color options.  They are
made by Brother, Casio and others.  I have one I use for identifying
things in the studio.  I don't have any clear / white.  I'm not 100%
certain it is available.

2.  Print the entire panel on your printer, not just the labels.  I
have done this with paper, and glued it to bare metal with great
success.  I nice clear coat of laquer splattered over the top leaves
a nice look.  Here's a example:
http://www.wiseguysynth.com/larry/misc/fd.jpg

I had a little touble with the paper around the hex head screws used
to mount the PCB bracket.  But, since I dou't use those brackets any
longer, that is not an issue.

None of these are as nice as an engraved panel from Schaeffer or MOTM
matching screened panel from Stooge panels. But, they are certainly
some DIY options.

Larry Hendry


--- "raediem <info@...>" <info@...>
wrote:
> Hi Everyone,
> 
> I'm sure you've all gone thru this dilemma and I was hoping you
> might have some ideas.
> 
> I wouldn't mind buying blank motm panels from Paul and then doing
> the drilling myself - but i'm totally stuck on the silk screening
> point.
> 
> I saw a pic of a CGS Wave multiplier and it only had name labels on
> top no radial numbers silk screening.... I could live with only the
> different holes/knobs being labelled.
> 
> However I can't seem to find any alternative to silk screening
> using an inkjet/laser printer. 
> 
> All I want is to be able to print white lettering on clear adhesive
> paper. I got the idea of using my brother labelmate but they only
> have black lettering on clear... no white..
> 
> Anyone have some good suggestions?
> 
> Thanks!
> 
> -Evan


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