Doug Bannard wrote:
"Ian Thompson-Bell" wrote in message
...
I am building a tube based mic pre into a 19inch rack case which is painted
black. I want to label the inputs, outputs and controls. What options are
open to a hobbyist?

Cheers

Ian

There are a number of options open to you:

1) The old way. Letraset (or similar) dry transfer letters. These require
some skill and patience to apply, and if you do decide to go this route,
make certain that the stock that you buy is fresh. If the transfers have
been sitting around for five years, it's a crap shoot whether they'll
transfer nicely to your panel or not. You'll also need to clear coat your
panel after applying the letters so that they don't get rubbed off with use.


I remember when I was at Neve, the designs for module front panels were
done twice full size using Letraset then sent to the silk screeners..

2) P-Touch label maker (made by Brother) or similar. These print self
adhesive plastic labels, and the deluxe versions handle multiple fonts and
character sizes. If you use the laminated tapes that are available, you can
print black or white characters on a clear tape background, or, for your
application, white characters on a black background would probably be
satisfactory as well.


That is probably my best/easiest bet. I have a Dymo electronic label
printer and I think they do transparent stock.

See: http://www.brother-usa.com/ptouch/

3) If you like playing computer a lot you can print a transfer on clear
self adhesive stock to cover your entire front panel, using a laser printer.
This can look great if everything is scaled correctly and you get the
transfer applied straight.


That sounds interesting - only problem is how do you make hole for the
post and switches?

Thanks Doug

"Ian Thompson-Bell" wrote in
message

3) If you like playing computer a lot you can print a
transfer on clear self adhesive stock to cover your
entire front panel, using a laser printer.

Or, you use an inkjet.

In either case you probably want to put a transparent layer over it by
several possible means.

This can look
great if everything is scaled correctly and you get the
transfer applied straight.

That sounds interesting - only problem is how do you make
hole for the post and switches?

You attach the adhesive stock to the pre-punched front panel, and then trim
the holes from the inside out with something sharp like an X-acto knife.

Or, if you are in a hurry, you make a cross-cut in the middle of the holes
and just push the pot or switch into the hole, using its threads to cut the
plastic stock to size.