Front Panel/Chassis Design Software (FOC!) - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

David G4EBT · 24th Jun 2009, 8:58 am

I'm not sure whether this really ought to be posted in the Homebrew section - if so, maybe a moderator might kindly move it there.

I came across a neat bit of simple to use software which is ideal for designing front panels and chassis layouts. It even has a starter template for a front panel, to add other cut-outs to. You just choose where you want to place holes, and what size you want them.

In contrast to a lot of CAD packages, its simple to use, and basically, is provided free of charge to enable potential customers to design machined components for the company to quote to make them as a one-off, or batch production - a useful service in itself.

If all you want to do is to use the software for DIY purposes, that's fine.

I've only had a quick look at it, but already grasped the basics.

It has tutorials to walk you through the attributes.

You can find it here - it's about 12MB and only takes a minute or so to dpwnload and install:

http://www.emachineshop.com/machine-...re/page17.html

Good eh?

Hope that helps.

David,
G4EBT

Paul Stenning · 24th Jun 2009, 11:34 am

I have moved this to Homebrew as it is probably a better place for it.

ppppenguin · 24th Jun 2009, 11:37 am

We've already had 2 threads referring to emachineshop. This is one of them:
https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/...&highlight=pcb

Pamphonica · 24th Jun 2009, 6:32 pm

For simple stuff you can use this freeware, again from a manufacturer, but of front panels:
http://www.frontpanelexpress.com/
No nice scales, but a good range of holes and text options.
Print your front panel on whatever material you want, then spray with fine laquer to fix it.
Not the most comprehensive, but it helped me get layouts right.
Jeremy

dseymo1 · 24th Jun 2009, 7:27 pm

Quote:

No nice scales

But there is a fairly decent looking scale generator as a separate download from the 'tips' section of the site.

Pamphonica · 24th Jun 2009, 7:53 pm

I missed that. Now it starts to look pretty smart! If only there was a freeware meter scale program. http://www.tonnesoftware.com/meter.html is superb but is >£20. Can't justify that for only one or two meter scales.
Resolution: I must make my homebrew stuff look more professional.

24th Jun 2009, 8:58 am	#1
David G4EBT Dekatron Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Cottingham, East Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 5,761	Front Panel/Chassis Design Software (FOC!) I'm not sure whether this really ought to be posted in the Homebrew section - if so, maybe a moderator might kindly move it there. I came across a neat bit of simple to use software which is ideal for designing front panels and chassis layouts. It even has a starter template for a front panel, to add other cut-outs to. You just choose where you want to place holes, and what size you want them. In contrast to a lot of CAD packages, its simple to use, and basically, is provided free of charge to enable potential customers to design machined components for the company to quote to make them as a one-off, or batch production - a useful service in itself. If all you want to do is to use the software for DIY purposes, that's fine. I've only had a quick look at it, but already grasped the basics. It has tutorials to walk you through the attributes. You can find it here - it's about 12MB and only takes a minute or so to dpwnload and install: http://www.emachineshop.com/machine-...re/page17.html Good eh? Hope that helps. David, G4EBT

24th Jun 2009, 11:34 am	#2
Paul Stenning Administrator Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Cardiff Posts: 9,071	Re: Front Panel/Chassis Design Software (FOC!) I have moved this to Homebrew as it is probably a better place for it. __________________ Paul Stenning Forum Admin/Owner and BVWS Webmaster

24th Jun 2009, 11:37 am	#3
ppppenguin Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: North London, UK. Posts: 6,168	Re: Front Panel/Chassis Design Software (FOC!) We've already had 2 threads referring to emachineshop. This is one of them: https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/...&highlight=pcb

24th Jun 2009, 6:32 pm	#4
Pamphonica Nonode Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Virginia Water, Surrey, UK. Posts: 2,877	Re: Front Panel/Chassis Design Software (FOC!) For simple stuff you can use this freeware, again from a manufacturer, but of front panels: http://www.frontpanelexpress.com/ No nice scales, but a good range of holes and text options. Print your front panel on whatever material you want, then spray with fine laquer to fix it. Not the most comprehensive, but it helped me get layouts right. Jeremy

24th Jun 2009, 7:53 pm	#6
Pamphonica Nonode Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Virginia Water, Surrey, UK. Posts: 2,877	Re: Front Panel/Chassis Design Software (FOC!) I missed that. Now it starts to look pretty smart! If only there was a freeware meter scale program. http://www.tonnesoftware.com/meter.html is superb but is >£20. Can't justify that for only one or two meter scales. Resolution: I must make my homebrew stuff look more professional.