Okay, I've got some more info... First off,
here is an image of my redesigned panel (600dpi version
here). Granted, that's just a beta version of it, but it's pretty much what I want. Provided there are no alignment problems when I receive my actual panel, that's what I'm hoping to get printed.
If you would like to print off a copy for yourself as a test, a printable 600dpi copy of the panel is
here. That one there has all the stuff (knobs, LEDs, switches, etc) removed, no border, is a full 8.5" x 11" image, and has small marks which align with the center of each round through hole.
Now, I've been doing some research into having these professionally printed, and I would like to go with
BANNED Label, having the labels printed on the back side of clear, textured Lexan. I've received samples of these, and they are extremely high quality tough plastic labels, the kind one would find on the surface of any commercially manufactured synth. These are ideal, and the only problem with this is the cost. I've priced this out three ways so you all can see what these will run.
The first is to simply print the label at the size of the panel with all 81 through holes die cut. Costs are as follows:
- 1 - $103.74 ($103.74/ea)
5 - $201.53 ($40.31/ea)
10 - $323.75 ($32.38/ea)
20 - $568.20 ($28.41/ea)
Second method is to have the 41 through holes for the switches and knobs cut, and the LEDs left clear. Then one would have to mount the LEDs a bit deeper in the panel and they will shine through the clear window-like space. There will still be clear adhesive on the back side of each LED space, though.
- 1 - $97.74 ($97.74/ea)
5 - $171.52 ($34.30/ea)
10 - $263.75 ($26.38/ea)
20 - $448.20 ($22.41/ea)
The third method is the same as the second, except there will be no adhesive applied to the 40 LED windows. This adds a good bit to the cost, but would be the ideal way of adding windows.
- 1 - $127.74 ($127.74/ea)
5 - $321.52 ($64.30/ea)
10 - $563.75 ($56.38/ea)
20 - $1048.20 ($52.41/ea)
Also, there is one other method for printing of the labels which I have found. That is, there is a company called
ClassicArcadeGrafix Inc. who prints control panel overlays for arcade games. These panel overlays could be printed via ClassicArcadeGrafix for $35/ea in single piece quantities. While I have not seen the materials used here myself, they claim to be pretty good. The
FAQ states "Control Panels are made using a special textured polycarbonate that has the same look and feel of most original panels. We produce control panels for many major cabinet builders and arcade game companies."
So, I will personally probably give ClassicArcadeGrafix a go for some one-off printing, unless people are interested in some sort of bulk purchase from BANNED Labels.
Additionally, ClassicArcadeGrafix's price of $35 is good for a single sheet up to 18x29, so one could realistically get two front and rear panels printed for this price.
So, yeah. Sorry, that was a bit rambling, but that's what I've been working on. As soon as I get my x0xb0x kit I'll compare my overlay design to the actual panel to ensure that it lines up perfectly. If it does, or once I fix my design, I'll post the Adobe Illustrator file for everyone to use. It is both my design, a few other overlays that I've come across, and a bunch of random markup, groups, and layers which would be useful for designing your own panel from scratch.
-Steve
UPDATE: Most of the links in this broke as I shuffled things. Sorry. Check
this thread for more info.