Using standard PT-10 panels for MB-6582 front panel?

[m00dawg]

Just curious as to if anyone has used the original PT-10 panels for the MB-6582 front panel? I was planning in shipping the panels to FrontPanel Express. Is there anything I need to be aware of in regards to the panels or construction?

[Labelwhore]

My only concern would be that it would probably be too thin if you want engraving done. If you're not getting engraving done it would probably be much much cheaper to find someone local to do the work for you.

[m00dawg]

Actually, if anything I thought the panel might be too thick as it looks like it is at least 1.5mm (which is what Wilba recommends) but might actually be 2mm. Getting it done locally might be an idea, but I don't know anyone in town that would do a one-off like that. And I did want it painted, etc.

[nILS]

Did you check the price? Usually for one-offs at that size shipping your own material is gonna be more expensive than getting the whole thing from them.

[Wilba]

Also the standard PT-10 panels are not anodized, very prone to scratching, and have holes in the corners which you may not need/want (if you can get the countersunk screw glued to the back). Load up the FPD file and look at the difference in cost... $108.74 vs. $96.39. Half that saving would be lost just in shipping the panel to FPE, so I gladly pay the extra $6 for black anodized aluminium :)

[m00dawg]

Oh hrmm didn't realize the panel wasn't anodized. Well that does change things a bit. I originally wanted to use it because of the screw holes. FPE may have allow me to create those types of holes, but basically my plan was to use black, flat, screws to mount the panel instead of going with the standard JB Weld option. I think it will be easier for me to work with, but actually, I think it will end up being a nice look :)

[Wilba]

You can get FPE to put the corner mount holes on one of their panels... either refer to the PT-10 drawing or I'll upload an FPD file with the corner mount holes. However, you'll have to work out the right size for the countersink... that's probably best done with your intended screws in-hand.

I actually used 1/8" ones since I couldn't find M3 in countersink head. Note also, it's easy to make any screw black if you have a Sharpie :)

[m00dawg]

Haha man I had no idea Sharpies were so versatile :) Thanks for the help Wilba! I guess I will try to hunt some of the hardware down first then. I had planned on sticking with the recommendations as much as possible for most everything, except, of course, using regular screws over JB Weld. Well, that and I was thinking about trying the 90 degree pin-headers since, eventually, I may stuff the mainboard into a C64 case.

[glitched]

I hope I don't derail this thread too much, but I, too, am going to send a design to FPE.  I'm new to the DIY front panel thing, so I was wondering if you could take a quick look at it?

Actually, everything tests pretty well (on paper), but wondered if my measurements and positions for the holes matched yours.

If you'd like to take a look, I've uploaded my .fpd to this thread:

http://www.midibox.org/forum/index.php/topic,13297.0.html

Direct link:

http://www.midibox.org/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=13297.0;attach=4893

Thanks.

Regards.