Tips and Techniques - Control Panels
(just beginning construction)Here are some photos to get started.
I build my control panels from a computer drawn image sandwiched between two layers of 3/32" plexiglas. Standard mini 1/4" mount switches fit nicely through this arrangemment if you remove the inner nut.
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| Front View - Nice and neat. |
Rear View - There is a lot of wiring for a simple track arrangement. |
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Note: In the above photo I had used CA glue to fasten the barrier strips to the back of the panel. The bond did not last. Five minute epoxy works better but still occasionally gives way. I finally settled on small bolts and nuts. (Below) Drill the holes somewhat oversized to allow for minor adjustments of the orientation of the strips. Mini toggle switches use 1/4" holse as do the ring mounts for LEDs. If you are using LEDs with no holders, make the holes smaller - about 3/16" (Test fit one in a piece of scrap.) I used green LEDs to indicate powered sections of track and bi-color LEDs to indicate switch position. |
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careful when drilling holes in plexiglas. If it is cold or your drill is
too large, it will crack or chip..Start with a small bit and work up by 1/16ths. It is also much safer to
drill at 80 degrees F than at 60 degrees F. This is how I know. |
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| The front of a larger panel early in construction. |
The rear of the same panel after installation of basic hardware. |