I have a chassis I bought for a preamp, it needs some work, faceplate engraving, a hole with lens for an IR receiver, venting in top panel, and 16 holes in back plane for rca jacks. I have used Front Panel Express once before and was happy with the work, I had sent them a sketch and instructions as they had told me via the phone that was adequate. Well, today I spoke with them, and was told I have to use the free to use cad designer which I am apparently too stupid to use to full effect. Unintuitive and frustrating, I don't really have proper measuring tools either (I'm sure it's gotta be dead on) not for the casual user. Sooo, I found a local machine shop, I will be seeing them tomorrow, and we'll how it goes. If all goes well, I will post there info, friendly over the phone, it seemed as though the gentleman I spoke with was trying to be helpful. Front Panel Express was not helpful at all, and actually pretty curt (go away). I would like this thing to look like a purchased piece of equipment when done.
Attachments
I recently had dealings with Front Panel Express and found them pleasant and efficient. I use a Mac, so used Microspot's MacDraft to draw what I wanted, carefully measured, and exported it as a DXF file. I loaded that into their app quite painlessly, made my selections regarding materials, etc. That gave me a quote and I sent it off. I got a phone call questioning my address as their FedEx app couldn't find me (I live outside of a city). I gave them an alternate address, asked if my file looked good, and a week and a half later I got my items. They were very well packed and exactly what I ordered. I would, and will, do business with them again.
I had a go with their CAD and found it very difficult.
Otherwise I might have used them.
I already use LTSPICE and PCBCAD720 (which I wrote myself) and having to learn yet another CAD system fills me with dread !
If they took in Gerber and drill files it would be easier.
Otherwise I might have used them.
I already use LTSPICE and PCBCAD720 (which I wrote myself) and having to learn yet another CAD system fills me with dread !
If they took in Gerber and drill files it would be easier.
I find CAD programs like text books. The authors of some books leave you frustrated and confused, while other authors on the same subject make everything simple. I've tried most of the open source apps available and my logic, or lack of, just doesn't fit with how they want things done. So, I paid for the upgrade (forced by several OS upgrades) and am comfortable. If you haven't tried various CAD apps, do so - there are major differences.
Dread is good word for how I feel about that program. Honestly, to me it is like math, which I may as well be dyslexic with. I'm starting off with a piece that has work already, indicator holes arced around one of the knobs, and want two more added to that arc, and all larger than they are now, so mapping them accurately seems impossible (to me). Also need several other things done. I used FPE once before, sent a sketch, got a call, the gentleman was helpful and advised me it wasn't a problem, and the faceplate for the F6 amp turned out perfect. This time, maybe I caught someone on a bad day, but apparently a sketch and instructions are no longer acceptable.
"Design and order customized front panels without any prior knowledge or experience. Get started today!" I find this statement to be dubious!
I went to a local machine shop after speaking with someone on the phone, very friendly, two guys looked at what I wanted to do, and could do most of it, no engraving. It would be silkscreened instead (meh), but the price was prohibitive ($1200 to $1500). The silk screen (2 panels) alone they said would be around $600! They were interested though, something different I suppose, but I didn't want to waste their time any further after hearing the price. But if I needed machine work on something else I would keep them mind. Quest Machine in Holbrook N.Y.
So I'm buying a small (bench mount) drill press and some bits and will do some work myself, and hopefully not destroy anything, and then send it to FPE for engraving and re anodizing after. Kind of disappointed though, I do want this to look professional.
I have downloaded FreeCAD, but, it feels like self flagellation, Aaaarrrrgh!
I know many of the people on the forum are engineers, and so are likely well versed with CAD, god bless, it's certainly not for boobs like me. It's like learning a language I have no interest in! Greek 101?
"Design and order customized front panels without any prior knowledge or experience. Get started today!" I find this statement to be dubious!
I went to a local machine shop after speaking with someone on the phone, very friendly, two guys looked at what I wanted to do, and could do most of it, no engraving. It would be silkscreened instead (meh), but the price was prohibitive ($1200 to $1500). The silk screen (2 panels) alone they said would be around $600! They were interested though, something different I suppose, but I didn't want to waste their time any further after hearing the price. But if I needed machine work on something else I would keep them mind. Quest Machine in Holbrook N.Y.
So I'm buying a small (bench mount) drill press and some bits and will do some work myself, and hopefully not destroy anything, and then send it to FPE for engraving and re anodizing after. Kind of disappointed though, I do want this to look professional.
I have downloaded FreeCAD, but, it feels like self flagellation, Aaaarrrrgh!
I know many of the people on the forum are engineers, and so are likely well versed with CAD, god bless, it's certainly not for boobs like me. It's like learning a language I have no interest in! Greek 101?
Pat,
If you send me a sketch of what you would like us to do I may be able to help. I would just need dimensions and position of the holes you would like us to drill and you would end up paying a lot less and 1.2 to 1.5 k 🙂
If you send me a sketch of what you would like us to do I may be able to help. I would just need dimensions and position of the holes you would like us to drill and you would end up paying a lot less and 1.2 to 1.5 k 🙂