I use a similar technique but I use my color laser printer to print a reverse image on an overhead transpareny. I then spray a light colored spray paint (usually white) over the toner on the back side of the label. When that's dry, I usually use 3M VHB (very high bond) double sided tape to make reverse printed labels that are completely waterproof and very professional, although I've used spray adhesive as well. The toner is completely encapsulated and is extremely durable. I installed Inkscape several years ago but never bothered to learn how to use it. Thanks for the mini demo. It looks easy to use. I'll give it a shot next time.
I don't know if anybody has told y'all yet or if you even already know. But you can go to Walmart and get a laminator for less than $30. And believe it or not. They are pretty good for being as cheap as it is, but like you said in the video, packing tape is just as good as long as it seals the paper in from the air to where it gets a good seal. Ain't nothing wrong with that. I think it's a good idea
Thanks you for a nicely done video. I have just downloaded Inkscape and will try it shortly. As an alternative to using lamination, I use clear Krylon spray paint. I put a few coats on each side. The Krylon seeps into the paper and pretty much water proofs it. Is there a downside. Well, one is that if you don't apply a fill color the paper becomes a bit translucent and will allow unused holes be seen, even if only dimly. One note, when spray painting more thin coats are better than just a couple of thick coats as there is less change of the paint running.
You're the only other person I've seen use packing tape for "laminating." Been doing it for years. Another option that I've only used 1 time is printing onto transparency paper. Trick is to print it in reverse so when applied, the print is correct. That's good for something that you want the color from the mount to show through.
Nice work Kevin. I did something similar but much more basic using DIPTRACE PCB layout, I had looked quickly at Inkscape but at the time never got on with it. Your tutorial is most helpful in filling in the bits (origins) that I had never actually appreciated. Your finished result gives a nice professional but simple touch to your project. 73's Mike G7GTN
I just left a detailed comment describing the reverse printed transparency labels. I have been doing that for years, even on some light industrial equipment I built for use in a cleanroom. The results are very professional and the labels are completely waterproof.
I'm a little to the party... but I have a question please. How did you manage to get your 0,0 XY coordinates at the bottom left of the page. Mein are always at the top left, so that the page is always hanging down below the 0,Y, instead of above it as yours does. Makes it impossible to place circles and rectangles as elegantly as you showed. Thank for any info.
I don't recall there being a setting for that in the software I used. If it's inverted as you describe, just put a minus sign in front of the y coordinate and make your measurements from the top instead of the bottom of the chassis.
There's an easier way to get the dimensions right: put in all the necessary holes then put the panel on a scanner. Once scanned you can process and add text. Easy peasy.
Hi Kevin, Nice way to make labels. Have you thought about using transparency film to print the labels? I have some sheets I can send you if you want to give it a try. 73 WBB3BJU
There is also a way of using packing tape to make labels. Print out, cover with tape, soak in hot water for a few minutes, scrape off the paper and the ink has transferred to the tape and makes a label that is seethrough.
I did a homebrew auto tuner like that. Printed backwards on the inside of the transparency. Then spray painted the inside over the print. on the outside you have a nice printed label and it's protected, as the printing is on the inside. . Glue it onto the panel, and it looks great.
I’ve used the transparency film before it works well. Another option is you can buy vinyl printable labels for laser and ink jets. Not as glossy but will last a long time. I’ve made labels that are used on aircraft and after five years in the sun they are just starting to fade. I’ve also used Ink Scape to make drill masks for switch panel layouts saves a lot of time doing layout before you start drilling.
HI! Maybe you should use some glossy hair spray. It gives nice surface and it is simple to use. Sometimes I use this for final touch in my works. Even beter results give spray enamel. 73 de SP5SIO
Hey Kevin just a thought for lamination. Use clear shelf liner, have used it before to protect documents, paper id cards etc.Nice video!also downloaded Inkscape.
Take a trip to your favorite auto supply store & get yourself a small Bondo squeegee to use to apply the packing tape to your labels. Great tutorial!!
I use a similar technique but I use my color laser printer to print a reverse image on an overhead transpareny. I then spray a light colored spray paint (usually white) over the toner on the back side of the label. When that's dry, I usually use 3M VHB (very high bond) double sided tape to make reverse printed labels that are completely waterproof and very professional, although I've used spray adhesive as well. The toner is completely encapsulated and is extremely durable.
I installed Inkscape several years ago but never bothered to learn how to use it. Thanks for the mini demo. It looks easy to use. I'll give it a shot next time.
I don't know if anybody has told y'all yet or if you even already know. But you can go to Walmart and get a laminator for less than $30. And believe it or not. They are pretty good for being as cheap as it is, but like you said in the video, packing tape is just as good as long as it seals the paper in from the air to where it gets a good seal. Ain't nothing wrong with that. I think it's a good idea
I ever would have thought about printing labels like this. Thanks.
Thanks you for a nicely done video. I have just downloaded Inkscape and will try it shortly.
As an alternative to using lamination, I use clear Krylon spray paint. I put a few coats on each side. The Krylon seeps into the paper and pretty much water proofs it.
Is there a downside. Well, one is that if you don't apply a fill color the paper becomes a bit translucent and will allow unused holes be seen, even if only dimly.
One note, when spray painting more thin coats are better than just a couple of thick coats as there is less change of the paint running.
You're the only other person I've seen use packing tape for "laminating." Been doing it for years.
Another option that I've only used 1 time is printing onto transparency paper. Trick is to print it in reverse so when applied, the print is correct. That's good for something that you want the color from the mount to show through.
Nice work Kevin. I did something similar but much more basic using DIPTRACE PCB layout, I had looked quickly at Inkscape but at the time never got on with it. Your tutorial is most helpful in filling in the bits (origins) that I had never actually appreciated. Your finished result gives a nice professional but simple touch to your project. 73's Mike G7GTN
Kevin have you ever considered a reverse printout on clear media and apply it to your box as to protect your panel labels from wear and smudging =)
I just left a detailed comment describing the reverse printed transparency labels. I have been doing that for years, even on some light industrial equipment I built for use in a cleanroom. The results are very professional and the labels are completely waterproof.
Good project ... don't know how you do all this building and editing everyday ... thanks my friend 😂
Sometimes it feels like overload. I'm about due to take a day off, but I have to document the transmitter now.
?
Nice work!
wouldn't photo paper followed by a few coats of clear acrylic work?
good idea for cheap and best work, thanks for sharing
Try using a printers line gauge, it measures in picas, a lot more accurate and you can set up rulers in picas in many software packages.
Great video Kevin, I got some good ideas from this.
I'm a little to the party... but I have a question please. How did you manage to get your 0,0 XY coordinates at the bottom left of the page. Mein are always at the top left, so that the page is always hanging down below the 0,Y, instead of above it as yours does. Makes it impossible to place circles and rectangles as elegantly as you showed. Thank for any info.
I don't recall there being a setting for that in the software I used.
If it's inverted as you describe, just put a minus sign in front of the y coordinate and make your measurements from the top instead of the bottom of the chassis.
@@loughkb Thanks for taking the time. :-)
There's an easier way to get the dimensions right: put in all the necessary holes then put the panel on a scanner. Once scanned you can process and add text. Easy peasy.
Thanks Kevin!
Great Video.
73
Hi Kevin,
Nice way to make labels. Have you thought about using transparency film to print the labels? I have some sheets I can send you if you want to give it a try. 73 WBB3BJU
Oh, I'm sure there are many ways to do it. This is just the way I do with what I have around the house. Thanks though.
There is also a way of using packing tape to make labels. Print out, cover with tape, soak in hot water for a few minutes, scrape off the paper and the ink has transferred to the tape and makes a label that is seethrough.
I did a homebrew auto tuner like that. Printed backwards on the inside of the transparency. Then spray painted the inside over the print. on the outside you have a nice printed label and it's protected, as the printing is on the inside. . Glue it onto the panel, and it looks great.
I’ve used the transparency film before it works well. Another option is you can buy vinyl printable labels for laser and ink jets. Not as glossy but will last a long time. I’ve made labels that are used on aircraft and after five years in the sun they are just starting to fade.
I’ve also used Ink Scape to make drill masks for switch panel layouts saves a lot of time doing layout before you start drilling.
Most any office supply store will do the lamination for a couple of dollars.
Two more bucks in my pocket.
Very nice sir.. Thank you
HI! Maybe you should use some glossy hair spray. It gives nice surface and it is simple to use. Sometimes I use this for final touch in my works. Even beter results give spray enamel.
73 de SP5SIO
Wow Excellent
hahahaah kevin you measured your knob lol
Shut up, Beavis! :)
heh heh, heh heheheheheh, heh.
Hey Kevin just a thought for lamination. Use clear shelf liner, have used it before to protect documents, paper id cards etc.Nice video!also downloaded Inkscape.
"Cubits"
Make a 1:1 picture from your panel and overlay the pictures with your labels ect 🤔
Or do what I do and put the printed front in a laminator. :)
There are lot's of ways to do it, no doubt. It will be interesting to see the ideas in the comments.
Use smaller text. Look at a commercial unit. The words aren't NEARLY that big. The whitespace makes it look more professional.
But then I'd have to squint. I knew I should have used Comic Sans, just for you. ;-)
I like the bigger text
The older I get, the bigger the text needs to be.
This is bad.
This is content free