Front panel designer - crack template
- Thread starter kingsun
- Start date
Theye are mounted in the wooden base:
http://www.bottlehead.com/smf/index.php/topic,4104.msg37552.html#msg37552
So the template I uploaded has the correct measurements if anyone wants to use it, only thing missing are the Speedball and the ground mounting holes.
http://www.bottlehead.com/smf/index.php/topic,4104.msg37552.html#msg37552
So the template I uploaded has the correct measurements if anyone wants to use it, only thing missing are the Speedball and the ground mounting holes.
catfishstevens
New member
Does anybody have a copy of the template he used? The attachment isn't working for me and I'd be interested in this! If there's an updated one with the Speedball that'd be even better. Thanks!
simondadiamond@gmail.com
New member
I too am very curious about this. This is exactly what I'm looking for, did OP or find anything?
There is someone's template in the second post in this thread. We haven't ordered it, checked it, or tried it, so YMMV.simondadiamond said:
-PB
simondadiamond@gmail.com
New member
Thanks, the document seems corrupt though... 
catfishstevens
New member
I sent Doc an email asking if he could provide me with FPE files after I posted in this thread, and he was (perfectly understandably) reluctant to send me proprietary information.
I got out my calibrated measurement equipment and measured it relatively carefully, then drew it in the FPE software. I picked it up today and it is a nearly perfect match; I am very happy with the work that FPE did for $48. I didn't get fancy, I just wanted a gold anodized finish to match with my ebony base.
I'll post it here if Doc is okay with that. It sounds like PB would be okay with the file posted originally if it worked, but given his response to my email I'll defer to Doc.
In the event they don't want it posted, it isn't that hard to measure. You already have most of the SAE hole sizes from the screws, just a few odds and ends after that. Since it is less than 8.5x11 you can print it to scale in FPE on a regular printer and line that up with your original front panel to check yourself.
I got out my calibrated measurement equipment and measured it relatively carefully, then drew it in the FPE software. I picked it up today and it is a nearly perfect match; I am very happy with the work that FPE did for $48. I didn't get fancy, I just wanted a gold anodized finish to match with my ebony base.
I'll post it here if Doc is okay with that. It sounds like PB would be okay with the file posted originally if it worked, but given his response to my email I'll defer to Doc.
In the event they don't want it posted, it isn't that hard to measure. You already have most of the SAE hole sizes from the screws, just a few odds and ends after that. Since it is less than 8.5x11 you can print it to scale in FPE on a regular printer and line that up with your original front panel to check yourself.
catfishstevens
New member
No problem Doc. My copy won't show up anywhere else either. My favorite colors are black and gold and I'm terrible at using spray paint on aluminum, so since I already have all kinds of measurement equipment it was actually a fun little side project.
Anyone that wants this, it really isn't hard to do it yourself (and it is a DIY oriented product and community after all). I have an engineering background but I think with some patience, a machinist's 6" ruler, and calipers, most people could at least do the Crack with good enough accuracy. The software is almost too easy by CAD standards. You don't have to get top of the line calipers for this either, there are some pretty decent calipers for as low as $30 or so on Amazon. Besides, if you didn't already have calipers you'll never know how you got along without them anyway!
Anyway sorry to anyone that wants a copy but I won't share this publicly (or privately) per Doc's request.
Anyone that wants this, it really isn't hard to do it yourself (and it is a DIY oriented product and community after all). I have an engineering background but I think with some patience, a machinist's 6" ruler, and calipers, most people could at least do the Crack with good enough accuracy. The software is almost too easy by CAD standards. You don't have to get top of the line calipers for this either, there are some pretty decent calipers for as low as $30 or so on Amazon. Besides, if you didn't already have calipers you'll never know how you got along without them anyway!
Anyway sorry to anyone that wants a copy but I won't share this publicly (or privately) per Doc's request.
simondadiamond@gmail.com
New member
Doc B. said:
Sorry Doc, did not mean to overstep boundaries. From research, years ago you thought about releasing the file and someone from PanelExpress actually offered colored panels seemingly with your consent. I am looking for a panel without volume pot , jack, RCA's or IEC power jack. Would be nice to try to order it at the same time as the crack instead of waiting for the panel to get here, me to take measurements etc. If there is any way for you to help out it would be greatly appreciated, otherwise I will stop inquiring about it . Sorry for any trouble, I was led to believe this was acceptable.
Simon
I set this up when I worked at Front Panel Express as a way for Crack customers to get anodized plates in custom colors. Unfortunately, it ended up being the kind of thing where, much like you're asking, each order was far more complicated than just selecting the color and producing the plate.simondadiamond said:
There is absolutely nothing stopping any Crack customer from downloading Front Panel Designer, or Cam Expert's software, drawing up a duplicate of the Crack panel, and ordering what they need. This requires some basic understanding of how to take measurements, and maybe an hour or two of watching tutorials. This is the spirit of DIY, give it a shot!
