DEC frontpanel switch replica!

Well... I'm needing some of them for my PDP8/E. So I think this is a good idea. Regards Sergio 2017-03-16 1:30 GMT+01:00 Philipp Hachtmann via cctalk <cctalk at classiccmp.org>: > Hi folks, > > this might be quite interesting for the folks that miss front panel switch > handles! > > As some of you might know I'm currently working (a bit) on a new batch of > Omnibus USB boards. And I have announced that there will be a kind of handle > for the boards this time... I went to my neighbour and showed him some bits > and pieces. He has a nice little workshop for concrete artwork > (https://www.fritzundfranz.com/) and spent a lot of time into perfecting his > moulding skills. > I gave him a pdp8/e yellow switch handle with broken axle (usual problem) to > try what can be done. > Today I came home and he gave me the piece saying that he was unable to > replicate it. I took it (a bit frustrated) and stated that he has somehow > ruined the surface... Haha! It was the replica! > He told me that this was a first "fast" shot including a "rough" > approximation of the colour. > > I was stunned! > > Here you can see pictures. Even the defects of the original have been > replicated. > > https://www.dropbox.com/sh/sih4qrrw4o3zgbh/AACf7kY7MbGDLt5FYJgfI4kDa?dl=0 > > He told me that it was a bit difficult to get the holes at the side right. I > think that it would be no problem if they'd be more shallow or even gone. > > * His material is less translucent than the original. Won't probably change. > So a perfectionist could spot the difference. > > * He states that he can hit colors even better! (Think of the special > colors!!!) > > * The axle stubs would be omitted and made of steel (something I already > plan for repair of that weakest point) > > * He is able to produce flawless finish (remember: it's a raw prototype!) > > This is not my business. I told him that I'd ask around if there would be > serious interest. He is not in vintage computing and does not work for free. > So one piece would probably cost around 5-15 EUR each, depending on demand, > color etc. > > > Please give some feedback! > > > Philipp :-)