[Premium-Rx] R-390a Front panel

[Jack Smith]

Dave:

I'll give you an off-the-wall solution if you don't mind it not looking 
like the original.

Have a vinyl sign printed with the labeling, shading, etc.  Apply it to 
the front panel with spray-on adhesive. The applique is the same size as 
the front panel. You can use whatever colors you want, add grouping 
boxes, etc. Let you imagination be your guide.

I've used this for some home brew projects and the results have been 
quite good.

I prepared the layout with a computer drawing tool, Visio, but most 
anything can be used. Then saved this as a PDF file and sent it to 
Kinko's, a print chain (I know they have offices in the UK) but most any 
sign shop can do this.

They printed it on a large specialist inkjet printer and the cost was 
next to trivial. My last project was 19" rack panel size wide, 3.5 
inches tall and I think it cost something like $10.00. But that was a 
while ago and prices have likely increased.

There are various types of material these signs can be printed on, as 
well as various inks. The material and ink used on my panels is 
waterproof so it can be cleaned and it holds up reasonably well to daily 
use. Ideally one would laminate with thin polycarbonate for wear 
resistance but that will increase the cost.

You have to cut the holes with a hobby knife or razor blade, but that's 
not too hard to do. I add the cutout as a graphic element to the print.

I can send you a photo or two directly if you care to see how it turned 
out.

A similar approach is used by Watkins Johnson for the 8711A/HF1000 
receiver and that's where I got the idea. They use a proper adhesive 
backed substrate instead of sign vinyl and it's thinner, but the results 
can be quite satisfactory.

Jack


On 3/4/2012 2:27 PM, Dave Schofield wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> I've finally got round to refurbishing my spare R-390a, their's not a great deal wrong with it electronically but it's a dog to look at....
> What it really needs is a replacement front panel.
> It as a painted rather than an engraved panel, and has suffered from what looks like being exposed to sea eater for many years.
> Although the panel is not warped or deformed in any way it will need stripping and re-painting to sort it out.
> The trouble is, as it's not an engraved panel it would need the text re doing by s professional sign writer.
> To that end, i'm looking to replace it rather than attempt a respray.
>
> What I'm looking for is a replacement front panel idealy from a UK / European source, although a US source eould be ok at a push.
>
> Failing that, does anyone know someone in the UK who can refurbish one of these panels?
> Whilst I can strip and respray it their is no way I have the skills to re apply the text.
>
> Thanks;
> Dave. S.
>
> Sent from Samsung Galaxy on O2
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