DEC frontpanel switch replica!

[Rod Smallwood]

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