Elektor Formant Modular

Hi Mark,

I too looked at the Schaeffer system and decided it was too expensive for
me. I remember that Elektor had used pcbs and decided to give it a go
myself.

It certainly would make sense for someone to `archive' Schaeffer designs to
allow other users to purchase that design although I am sure someone will
argue that you would be getting a bargain because you didn't do all the
dirty work in the first place (!).

There is nothing clever about it and it exactly the same process as making
an ordinary pcb - just no tracks. I have created a set of `components' that
contain the overlay I want and then simply place them on my pcb layout
adding text and borders as required as you can see in the attached sample.

The pcb itself is a conventional pcb (although a thicker type can be used
for added strength). The manufacturer drills (larger) holes for the
components instead of (small) holes for resistors etc, etches away all of
the copper (!) and then silkscreens the overlay (panel design) and hey
presto a front-panel. There is now a choice of colours for both the pcb and
the overlay but White on Green works really well and looks great in a wooden
cabinet. Elector used to do White on Blue. If you want you can add a solid
plain on the (bottom layer) back of the panel to provide a ground plane.

I supply standard pcb files (Protel in my case) which the pcb manufacturer
process as normal, they just don't have to drill as many holes and don't
have to worry about shorts between tracks etc. As long as the silkscreen is
good and clean and the holes drilled in the right spot at the right size
then there is nothing to it.

For large panels like my ASMx-Genie, the pcb approach does not have enough
strength and so cannot be used. But for small panels like those in the
Formant they will be fine.

Best Regards

(Mr) Laurie Biddulph

Elby Designs
ABN: 70 022 727 605
http://www.elby-designs.com

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----- Original Message ----- 
From: "markfrancombe" <mark@...>
To: <ElektorFormant@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Saturday, April 09, 2005 6:40 PM
Subject: [ElektorFormant] Re: New Member, also here for repair and upgrade


>
>
> replying ON-list to a reply OFF-list. Maybe other list members want
> this info?
>
> > What about pcb front panels? The panels are small enough to not
> have any
> > flexing problems (could always go for extra thick pcbs if you
> wanted). The
> > pcbs come in a number of colours and you can get the silkscreen in
> a variety
> > of colours. They usually use laser quality printing so except for
> the finest
> > details you get good results. Elektor actually did do pcb front
> panels for a
> > number of years and I was quite pleased with the results - and that
> was over
> > 25 years ago!!!!!!!!!!
>
> That sounds like a plan! I would be happy to get together on the
> cost, but Im afraid I don't kow exactly what you are talking about. I
> have never made/had made pcbs before so Im not sure what process you
> are refering to.. are there companies that do this? if so what kind
> of artwork do you supply? ANd Im SURE that pcb's would be strong
> enough.
>
> (Aha.. Now I see, I followed your URL, this is what you DO...!!
> Cool!!!
>
> Has anyone used the Scaefffer method here? They do seem to have a
> VERY cool system. YOu download their panel designer program, it looks
> at your design and gives a quote (amount of engraved letters /holes
> drilled, that kinda thing) It does seem like a HELLUVA lot of work to
> enter all the details of all the panels into their prog in the first
> place. (One nifty feature that is lacking would be the ability to
> import a picture to use as a guide...) I am completelt terrible at
> measuring and would def get it one. The BIG advantage of this method
> is that once designed into their system, the files could be stored on
> the List FIles area, for ANYONE to order duplicates from Schaffer.
> BTW.... They AINT DIRT CHEAP!! But look good. USed by Oakely systems
> for his modulars...
>
> http://www.schaeffer-ag.de/index.php?
> &option=com_frontpage&Itemid=205&lang=en
>
> mark francombe
> www.markfrancombe.com
> mobile +47 98296008
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Laurie Biddulph" <elby_designs@...>
> To: <info@...>
> Sent: Saturday, April 09, 2005 3:56 AM
> Subject: From your web page - Elektor Formant panels
>
>
>
> > What about pcb front panels? The panels are small enough to not
> have any
> > flexing problems (could always go for extra thick pcbs if you
> wanted). The
> > pcbs come in a number of colours and you can get the silkscreen in
> a variety
> > of colours. They usually use laser quality printing so except for
> the finest
> > details you get good results. Elektor actually did do pcb front
> panels for a
> > number of years and I was quite pleased with the results - and that
> was over
> > 25 years ago!!!!!!!!!!
> >
> > I do most of my panel designs using Protel, meaning PCB options are
> dead
> > easy. I have toyed with the idea of doing Formant panels myself so
> if you
> > are interested maybe we could do a joint job to help reduce costs.
> >
> > Best Regards
> >
> > (Mr) Laurie Biddulph
> >
> > Elby Designs
> > ABN: 70 022 727 605
> > http://www.elby-designs.com
> >
>
>
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>
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