15 Mar
2017
15 Mar
'17
8:30 p.m.
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 :-)
15 Mar
15 Mar
10:19 p.m.
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 :-)
For a prototype that looks very nice indeed!
I agree that for this level of molding precision the pivot axle would be better
if done as a separate piece and press fitted. Steel would be fine, brass rod would
also be ok and softer to machine. A small jig could be made to cross-drill the
hole accurately. Same for the side holes just using the depression as the centre
point.
Your neighbour has done an excellent job there, well done. He ought to run off a few
different DEC paddle switch designs and flog them on eBay :)
Steve.
10:27 p.m.
On 16.03.2017 03:19, Steve Malikoff via cctalk wrote:
For a prototype that looks very nice indeed!
Yess :-)
I agree that for this level of molding precision the
pivot axle would be better
if done as a separate piece and press fitted.
Yes. Even if it is moulded perfectly
- the axle will still be THE point
of failure. So the replica will be better than the original. BTW I did
not manage to break the replica...
Steel would be fine, brass rod would
also be ok and softer to machine.
We'll see.
A small jig could be made to cross-drill the
hole accurately.
I already planned that as a repair measure.
Same for the side holes just using the depression as
the centre
point.
Side holes? What for? We'll make them without side holes I think. They
have no function and are nearly invisible.
Your neighbour has done an excellent job there, well
done. He ought to run off a few
different DEC paddle switch designs and flog them on eBay :)
Still have to get him
interested enough :-)
If there's enough demand, I'll probably manage the
distribution/shipping/ordering.
I think that he can make everything glossy. For matte finish, we'd need
a perfect original or see if we can somehow prepare the mould.
10:50 p.m.
On Wed, Mar 15, 2017 at 10:27 PM, Philipp Hachtmann via cctalk
<cctalk at classiccmp.org> wrote:
They aren't structurally functional and they aren't visible, *but*
they have a purpose... when making a large object, the side holes
ensure that the deepest point of the object is shallower than if the
hole weren't there. This accomplishes two things - the center of the
part cools and hardens faster, plus there's less overall plastic so
the shrinkage factor as it cools is less likely to put a
depression/flaw where it might be visible.
Negative space still has a function.
It's a common thing with injection-molded plastics to consider wall
thickness and body thickness. It's not about "saving a few cents in
plastic", but it is about less effort to get faithful parts.
On 16.03.2017 03:19, Steve Malikoff via cctalk wrote:
>
> For a prototype that looks very nice indeed!
They do indeed.
Same for the
side holes just using the depression as the centre
point.
Side holes? What for? We'll make them without side holes I think. They have
no function and are nearly invisible. If there's enough demand, I'll probably manage
the
distribution/shipping/ordering.
Cool. I don't know if folks would want to get 20-30 toggles at 15
Eur, but closer to 5 Eur is in striking range
What is the material, BTW?
I think that he can make everything glossy. For matte
finish, we'd need a
perfect original or see if we can somehow prepare the mould.
My memory of all the toggles I've handled (no pun intended) is that
they have a glossy finish, not a matte finish.
-ethan
10:56 p.m.
On 3/15/2017 8:50 PM, Ethan Dicks via cctalk wrote:
Nice and shinny from all that toggling?
I think that he can make everything glossy. For
matte finish, we'd need a
perfect original or see if we can somehow prepare the mould.
My memory of all the toggles I've handled (no pun intended) is that
they have a glossy finish, not a matte finish. -ethan
I was just thinking. Can one get new switches too?
Some swiches might be a little worn, and need to be
replaced.
Ben.
11:29 p.m.
Hi
They look pretty good to me. How's it done. The originals were
injection molded and of course needed a mold.
I'll be at the Munich VCF at the end of April.
Rod Smallwood
On 16/03/2017 00:30, Philipp Hachtmann via cctalk wrote:
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 :-)
--
There is no wrong or right
Nor black and white.
Just darknessand light
11:47 p.m.
On 2017-03-15 8:30 PM, Philipp Hachtmann via cctalk wrote:
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
...
Please give some feedback!
Alright, I will!
While obviously a first cut, this is amazing, you and your neighbour
should be complimented. This kind of creativity and hard work really
helps retrocomputing restorers. Kudos to you both.
--Toby
Philipp :-)
16 Mar
16 Mar
3:30 a.m.
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 :-)
6:09 a.m.
On 16/03/2017 07:30, SPC via cctalk wrote:
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 :-)
Ok having had a chance to think. Here are a few comments.
1. Rather than single items a full set to suit say a PDP-8/e might be
an idea.
2. This would prevent color mismatches where replaced.
3. Any chance of say 8/i rocker switches.
4. Whats the production method?
5. Whats the production rate?
6. Batch to batch color matching?
Rod Smallwood
--
There is no wrong or right
Nor black and white.
Just darkness and light
6:03 a.m.
On 16/03/2017 00:30, Philipp Hachtmann via cctalk wrote:
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.
Here you can see pictures. Even the defects of the
original have been
replicated.
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/sih4qrrw4o3zgbh/AACf7kY7MbGDLt5FYJgfI4kDa?dl=0
These are wonderful. At ?5 - ?15 I'm sure I could find a need for a
few, especially with a metal axle instead of the plastic stubs.
--
Pete
Pete Turnbull
2691
days inactive
2691
days old
9 comments
8 participants
participants (8)
-
bfranchuk＠jetnet.ab.ca -
ethan.dicks＠gmail.com -
hachti＠hachti.de -
pete＠dunnington.plus.com -
rodsmallwood52＠btinternet.com -
spedraja＠ono.com -
steven＠malikoff.com -
toby＠telegraphics.com.au