Back panel for a Dynaco PAT-5 preamp

[dotneck335]

I need to make a back panel for my Dynaco PAT-5 preamp that will accommodate 14 sets of Neutrik Stacked jacks. I am attempting to make my preamp balanced in & out. How can I get a steel panel made and drilled for this?

 

[duncan2]

Custom Sheet Metal Fabrication & Laser Cutting Service Online - MetalsCut4U


Being an ex engineer I have done this many times including making my own casings for equipment but I realize not everybody is handy with engineering tools and layout patterns .

 

[dotneck335]

Thanks for the link! What's the best (free) CAD program to draw what I want and send it to them? I'm somewhat familiar with CAD, as I've used AutoCad in the past and am currently struggling to learn KiCad.

 

[duncan2]

Have a look at-
SheetMetal Workbench - FreeCAD Documentation

 

[dotneck335]

Will 'MetalsCut4U' also drill and silkscreen the back plate?

 

[rayma]

I need to make a back panel for my Dynaco PAT-5 preamp that will accommodate 14 sets of Neutrik Stacked jacks.
I am attempting to make my preamp balanced in & out. How can I get a steel panel made and drilled for this?

You could cut out most of the back panel and bolt on a flat rectangular plate with all the holes needed.
That would be much less expensive. A place like this could make a laser cut panel cheaply.
Laser-cut metal parts Shipped Fast | Instant Quotes

 

[dotneck335]

Thanks! That's quite a good idea!

 

[dotneck335]

Now, how do I label my panel? Is it best to use water slide decals or??

 

[rayma]

Thanks! That's quite a good idea!

I've done it, just use a thick enough metal so it's good and rigid when installed. Maybe the same or slightly
thicker stock than the panel material itself. For uses where less strength is needed, you can make a pcb
for the connectors that bolts right into the rectangular opening that you cut in the panel. This is an easy way
to upgrade the original marginal Dynaco connectors.

 

[rayma]

Now, how do I label my panel? Is it best to use water slide decals or??

Cheapest way is a hand engraving tool. If you have the panel laser cut, they can laser engrave the legends on the
new panel. Otherwise, the usual DATAK dry transfer lettering sprayed with clear acrylic will work well enough.
http://www.philmore-datak.com/mc/Page 273.pdf

 

[dotneck335]

The Laser cut place has a minimum of 20 for engraving. I only need one. Is the dry transfer better or worse than the water slide decals?

 

[rayma]

I haven't used those, but dry transfer does require a fair amount of skill and patience in order to
line up each letter individually.

 

[dotneck335]

Yeah, I'm trying to find dry transfers that have typical audio labels---like Phone, Tuner, Mixer, etc. I found a Philmark K58WHT in a catalog, but I can't find where to purchase it!

 

[rayma]

Those may be discontinued due to not much use these days, because of computers.
It's possible to print labels on a clear page with adhesive like these, but there are many kinds.
Avery Easy Peel Laser/Inkjet Specialty Labels, 2" x 3", Glossy Clear, 8/Sheet, 10 Sheets/Pack (22822) | Google Shopping

 

[kevinahcc20]

Unless you plan to install the preamp with the back side facing out Dymo labels will tell you exactly which connector is which.

 

[dotneck335]

Thanks, but.....well, yes, I do intend for the back side facing out, so the Dymos are too ugly!

 

[hweb]

You can use something like PowerPoint and "draw" a rear panel on thick paper, cut out the holes for I/O, and then sandwich it between the metal rear panel and a thin polycarbonate cover. I've done this and it looks very nice.