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#214655 - 27/04/2004 13:06 Alpha version of my FACE (Looking for Feedback)
belezeebub
addict

Registered: 11/01/2001
Posts: 579


I swung by the machine shop at lunch and snapped a photo of the Alpha version of the face plate, its still needs the bevels on the edge, the bottom button hole needs to be larger and it still needs the lip on the back that the lens sits on but other then that it looks pretty good.

I was planning to offer them at my cost plus shipping, still trying to iron out that part with the machine shop remember this is just an Alpha version it is not the proto-type I will have on Friday.

I made enough minor changes to keep from being sued by RIO for copy write infringements so I feel pretty safe.

I was planning to offer them in three different flavors 1, Unfinished, 2. Electro-polished, 3. Black anodized. After talking to the platter I found out that “Anodize can be any color” I am not saying I will pantone match any color you want I am saying the company will make colored version for a small fee. Under no circumstances will I refund money on a custom color that is “too red or not green enough” so keep that in mind if you decide you want something custom.

All faces will come with a matching handle (During the plating process it is possible that some of the plating compound will find its way into the screw holes making it slightly harder to get the screws started)

I hope you like it, so with out any more delay here is a photo of the Alpha version snapped by my cell phone. (Yes those are my feet in the photo)






Attachments
213527-alpha.jpg (228 downloads)

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#214656 - 27/04/2004 13:12 Re: Alpha version of my FACE (Looking for Feedback) [Re: belezeebub]
belezeebub
addict

Registered: 11/01/2001
Posts: 579
Dang that Photo looked alot better on my cell phone, I guess I better dust of my digital camera.
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______________________________________ Do not meddle in the affairs of Network Administrators, for they are subtle and quick to anger. ______________________________________ Worlds Lamest Wb Site (mine) http://home.comcast.net/~jlipchitz/

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#214657 - 27/04/2004 14:20 Re: Alpha version of my FACE (Looking for Feedback) [Re: belezeebub]
BartDG
carpal tunnel

Registered: 20/05/2001
Posts: 2616
Loc: Bruges, Belgium
Looks pretty good, even if it is only a "cell phone quality photo"!

I especially like the way how you opted to keep the original buttons shape, but did enlarge the viewable area. This will enable us to keep using our current transparent casted buttons. I never came to like the buttons 303 used for his fascia, and that's why I never bought one. I liked my transparent buttons better!
This fascia will also finally enable us, left-hand drivers, to read the entire display.

In short : looking VERY good! Keep us updated !
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Riocar 80gig S/N : 010101580 red
Riocar 80gig (010102106) - backup

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#214658 - 27/04/2004 15:11 Re: Alpha version of my FACE (Looking for Feedback) [Re: BartDG]
belezeebub
addict

Registered: 11/01/2001
Posts: 579
Thank you, it was my plan all along to use the stock buttons, I'll have the finish proto-type on friday and I'll use my Digital camera for the photos so you can get a good look.
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______________________________________ Do not meddle in the affairs of Network Administrators, for they are subtle and quick to anger. ______________________________________ Worlds Lamest Wb Site (mine) http://home.comcast.net/~jlipchitz/

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#214659 - 27/04/2004 15:51 Re: Alpha version of my FACE (Looking for Feedback) [Re: belezeebub]
Mach
old hand

Registered: 15/07/2002
Posts: 828
Loc: Texas, USA
Pictures a little tough to tell but I also like the use of the old style buttons. One thing that you might consider is doubling the size of the lip on the back side of the fascia. In other words make it deeper for thicker plastic. The current lenses are 1/16" thick but the thinnest that most colors are stocked in is 1/8". I'm anxious to see the finished product. Good work!

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#214660 - 27/04/2004 16:13 Re: Alpha version of my FACE (Looking for Feedback) [Re: belezeebub]
BartDG
carpal tunnel

Registered: 20/05/2001
Posts: 2616
Loc: Bruges, Belgium
Great! Looking forward to it !
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Riocar 80gig S/N : 010101580 red
Riocar 80gig (010102106) - backup

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#214661 - 27/04/2004 16:39 Re: Alpha version of my FACE (Looking for Feedback) [Re: BartDG]
mandiola
enthusiast

Registered: 26/12/2001
Posts: 386
Loc: Miami, FL - Sioux Falls, SD
Anyway to get a brushed aluminum look? I have a sony cd deck underneath my empeg that has a a brushed look and it would be cool to get them matched.

Thanks,
-Greg

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#214662 - 27/04/2004 17:17 Re: Alpha version of my FACE (Looking for Feedback) [Re: mandiola]
belezeebub
addict

Registered: 11/01/2001
Posts: 579
I just knew someone would ask for brushed, it can be done by the platter but he is hard core against doing them one up, he won’t do brushed unless I order 25 units, so unless demand is higher then I think it will be your best bet is to get an “Unfinished“ and have it brushed.

The reason is it’s a small item and has to be done by hand.



I have been advised before that a good way to get that brushed look is to use scotchbrite (that rough, spongey material). You first get it pretty smooth and then scotchbrite in all the same direction if you want parallel lines, and if you want a random brushed look, just rub the scotchbrite in random directions as you are brushing.
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______________________________________ Do not meddle in the affairs of Network Administrators, for they are subtle and quick to anger. ______________________________________ Worlds Lamest Wb Site (mine) http://home.comcast.net/~jlipchitz/

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#214663 - 27/04/2004 21:46 Re: Alpha version of my FACE (Looking for Feedback) [Re: belezeebub]
FireFox31
pooh-bah

Registered: 19/09/2002
Posts: 2494
Loc: East Coast, USA
Nice design. It's a nice hybrid of 303 and stock empeg.

But I wonder, will our Darkstorm/Filener lenses work with it? Well, probably not Darkstorm since his have the raised oval center. But aren't (some of) Filener's flat? That'd be nice.
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FireFox31
110gig MKIIa (30+80), Eutronix lights, 32 meg stacked RAM, Filener orange gel lens, Greenlights Lit Buttons green set

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#214664 - 28/04/2004 01:20 Re: Alpha version of my FACE (Looking for Feedback) [Re: belezeebub]
speedy67
enthusiast

Registered: 18/12/2000
Posts: 342
Loc: South-West-Germany
Looks promising. It's most likely the design, i planned for the change from 303s design to one with original Buttons. So if you're successful, i'll drop this version and think of something other. (i still like the design, some CAD-Files were on here years ago) But thats still future... The first thing will be original 303 + handle.
Still have nothing in my hands yet.
_________________________
cheers, Thomas new owner of the MK1 00123 MK2 12GB 090000815 (my first one) MK2a 040103735 (from 303) and ???

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#214665 - 28/04/2004 01:22 Re: Alpha version of my FACE (Looking for Feedback) [Re: FireFox31]
speedy67
enthusiast

Registered: 18/12/2000
Posts: 342
Loc: South-West-Germany
Most of Darkstorms were flat, too. Only the neon-ones had the raised oval...
_________________________
cheers, Thomas new owner of the MK1 00123 MK2 12GB 090000815 (my first one) MK2a 040103735 (from 303) and ???

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#214666 - 28/04/2004 01:28 Re: Alpha version of my FACE (Looking for Feedback) [Re: Mach]
speedy67
enthusiast

Registered: 18/12/2000
Posts: 342
Loc: South-West-Germany
make it deeper for thicker plastic. The current lenses are 1/16" thick but the thinnest that most colors are stocked in is 1/8"

Wouldn't be the problem of loose original lenses if we make the lip for 1/8" ?
_________________________
cheers, Thomas new owner of the MK1 00123 MK2 12GB 090000815 (my first one) MK2a 040103735 (from 303) and ???

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#214667 - 28/04/2004 08:22 Re: Alpha version of my FACE (Looking for Feedback) [Re: speedy67]
belezeebub
addict

Registered: 11/01/2001
Posts: 579
I swung by and made a few changes,

1. Had the cut out for the lens changed to 1/8 to support the new lens

2. I had them start working on the handle

3. enlarged the bottom hole

Took a slighty better cell phone photo and I charged my digital camera and placed it in my car for next time.


Attachments
213615-face2.jpg (177 downloads)

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______________________________________ Do not meddle in the affairs of Network Administrators, for they are subtle and quick to anger. ______________________________________ Worlds Lamest Wb Site (mine) http://home.comcast.net/~jlipchitz/

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#214668 - 28/04/2004 11:37 Re: Alpha version of my FACE (Looking for Feedback) [Re: belezeebub]
Mach
old hand

Registered: 15/07/2002
Posts: 828
Loc: Texas, USA
Just to clarify, all current "standard" lenses are 1/16" thick. There are no lenses being made with 1/8" material other than the beveled lenses. Bruce at Filener (link above) can likely make ones that are 1/8" thick but there's no source yet.

I was suggesting this because more color choices are readily available for lens plastic at the 1/8" thickness. You really should drop Bruce a note to order a test lens in 1/8" thickness if you are going to modify your design to fit a thicker lens. Can you offer the thicker lens recess as an option instead? I would be willing to pay for the extra CNC time.

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#214669 - 28/04/2004 11:42 Re: Alpha version of my FACE (Looking for Feedback) [Re: speedy67]
Mach
old hand

Registered: 15/07/2002
Posts: 828
Loc: Texas, USA
Yes, you would need to use a spacer between the lens and the player to keep it from rattling. There may also be a problem with shifting the knob forward 1/16". I'll try double stacking a lens this evening to see.

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#214670 - 28/04/2004 13:39 Re: Alpha version of my FACE (Looking for Feedback) [Re: speedy67]
CrackersMcCheese
pooh-bah

Registered: 14/01/2002
Posts: 2489
Was it Beaker's design? I loved that one it looked gorgeous.

I'd be happy with an identical 303 fascia (black anodised) with shorter knob and matching handle.

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#214671 - 28/04/2004 21:27 Re: Alpha version of my FACE (Looking for Feedback) [Re: speedy67]
hybrid8
carpal tunnel

Registered: 12/11/2001
Posts: 7738
Loc: Toronto, CANADA
Well, count me in for at least one (likely 2) reproductions for 303's NewFace. Likely one black and one clear brushed. Short knob or Alpine knobs would be great. The face needs modification to accomodate the Alpine knob. I'd really appreciate it if you would look into this. I think a lot of people may be interested in the Alpine knobs if a source can be found.

Bruno
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Bruno
Twisted Melon : Fine Mac OS Software

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#214672 - 29/04/2004 00:14 Re: Alpha version of my FACE (Looking for Feedback) [Re: hybrid8]
loren
carpal tunnel

Registered: 23/08/2000
Posts: 3826
Loc: SLC, UT, USA
Nice work! My critique would be that i'd rather the left side not be so "square". Any way to round it out somehow to match the right side more would be awesome. It's just not very balanced imho. Maybe have the cut routed out so that it follows the shape of the button but at half depth or something... ramping down to the lens. Still, good job getting it going and getting the original buttons in there! Oh, and ditto the alpine knob... i'd love one.
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#214673 - 29/04/2004 08:49 Re: Alpha version of my FACE (Looking for Feedback) [Re: loren]
belezeebub
addict

Registered: 11/01/2001
Posts: 579
I'll look into the "sqaureness" I am not a very artisy person but I'll try.

I think a black anoidized fact with dark Smoke buttons would be nice, (just wish I had some dark smoke buttons to demo it with)
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______________________________________ Do not meddle in the affairs of Network Administrators, for they are subtle and quick to anger. ______________________________________ Worlds Lamest Wb Site (mine) http://home.comcast.net/~jlipchitz/

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#214674 - 29/04/2004 09:58 Re: Alpha version of my FACE (Looking for Feedback [Re: belezeebub]
bjoern
member

Registered: 03/04/2002
Posts: 169
Loc: Regensburg, Germany
Cool! Is it possible to make that in wood, too?
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#214675 - 29/04/2004 10:43 Re: Alpha version of my FACE (Looking for Feedback [Re: belezeebub]
loren
carpal tunnel

Registered: 23/08/2000
Posts: 3826
Loc: SLC, UT, USA
One more little thing i just noticed... the space above the bottom right screw would look better if it was evenly spaced above and below... the same height. Hrm. Maybe i'll try and sketch up a face. Wish i had time to crank out a model!

Black with smoke buttons will look sweet.
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|| loren ||

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#214676 - 29/04/2004 13:11 Re: Alpha version of my FACE (Looking for Feedback [Re: loren]
belezeebub
addict

Registered: 11/01/2001
Posts: 579
Okay, I told the machine shop NOT to make the cut out 1/8 inch, .
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______________________________________ Do not meddle in the affairs of Network Administrators, for they are subtle and quick to anger. ______________________________________ Worlds Lamest Wb Site (mine) http://home.comcast.net/~jlipchitz/

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#214677 - 29/04/2004 22:50 Re: Alpha version of my FACE (Looking for Feedback) [Re: belezeebub]
hybrid8
carpal tunnel

Registered: 12/11/2001
Posts: 7738
Loc: Toronto, CANADA
You should be able to round the corners as Loren suggested without much difficulty - there is enough room. You should also be able to get rid of that little bump on the left side where the button ruins the vertical line of the main cut-out. There's room to kill there because the actual VFD is pretty small and will not be obscured.

You should also make sure to clean up the curves on the top right because right now there's something really funky happening up there.

Unfortunately compromises will always have to be made somewhere. The biggest one, IMO, is the fact you'll have to keep the same thickness as the stock face if you want to match the handle profile. Otherwise, getting the face closer to the VFD would be ideal. Also getting the lense closer to the front of the face. This would lessen he amount of VFD content obscured when viewing the empeg at an angle from the top left.

Bruno
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Bruno
Twisted Melon : Fine Mac OS Software

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#214678 - 30/04/2004 13:50 Re: Alpha version of my FACE (Looking for Feedback) [Re: hybrid8]
belezeebub
addict

Registered: 11/01/2001
Posts: 579
Stopped by today and had more adjustments made, machest wants to make all the button holes one big hole says it will save time, I am not keen on that idea what do you think?
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______________________________________ Do not meddle in the affairs of Network Administrators, for they are subtle and quick to anger. ______________________________________ Worlds Lamest Wb Site (mine) http://home.comcast.net/~jlipchitz/

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#214679 - 30/04/2004 13:52 Re: Alpha version of my FACE (Looking for Feedback) [Re: belezeebub]
RobotCaleb
pooh-bah

Registered: 15/01/2002
Posts: 1866
Loc: Austin
i would be extremely opposed to one big hole for the buttons
also, on the lower button, it looks like its just a triangle cut out. could he make it fit the button more?

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#214680 - 30/04/2004 14:11 Re: Alpha version of my FACE (Looking for Feedback) [Re: belezeebub]
tfabris
carpal tunnel

Registered: 20/12/1999
Posts: 31594
Loc: Seattle, WA
The faceplate holds the buttons in place. You can't make it one big hole or the buttons will fall out.
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Tony Fabris

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#214681 - 30/04/2004 15:41 Re: Alpha version of my FACE (Looking for Feedback) [Re: CrackersMcCheese]
speedy67
enthusiast

Registered: 18/12/2000
Posts: 342
Loc: South-West-Germany
Was it Beaker's design?

I think so, does anybody still have the files? I can't find them anymore.
And has Beaker ever put the design into the public domain?
He's not around anymore, isn't he?
_________________________
cheers, Thomas new owner of the MK1 00123 MK2 12GB 090000815 (my first one) MK2a 040103735 (from 303) and ???

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#214682 - 30/04/2004 15:48 Re: Alpha version of my FACE (Looking for Feedback) [Re: hybrid8]
speedy67
enthusiast

Registered: 18/12/2000
Posts: 342
Loc: South-West-Germany
There's nothing to count, yet...

About the Alpine-Knob, does anybody know the model of the Alpine-Unit, which uses the knob? I'd try to get one for testing. Unfortunately we have no qualified Alpine-Dealer here around, only big electronic-supermarkets, where every question in detail is doomed before asking...
_________________________
cheers, Thomas new owner of the MK1 00123 MK2 12GB 090000815 (my first one) MK2a 040103735 (from 303) and ???

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#214683 - 30/04/2004 18:54 Re: Alpha version of my FACE (Looking for Feedback) [Re: speedy67]
Mach
old hand

Registered: 15/07/2002
Posts: 828
Loc: Texas, USA
Looking back through Jets posts, I believe it was model CDA 7878. The knobs appear to be part number 36B40857Y01 for $US11.22 from Herman Panson or Pacific Coast but it appears that many of the Alpine players use similar knobs.

I believe that Sphengali had the CDA 7893.

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#214684 - 30/04/2004 19:41 Re: Alpha version of my FACE (Looking for Feedback) [Re: Mach]
ctcsoft
stranger

Registered: 10/03/2004
Posts: 39

Anyone want to do a group buy on these knobs? Maybe save some $$ ??


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