Why stop at just the front panel?
A complete case could be laid out with matching pads at the edges
to solder the boards together to make a complete box with custom
silkscreening for the proper labels on the front and back, uBITX
logos on the sides (is there an official logo?) and a board layout
graphic on the top with board sections labeled by function.
On 5/6/2018 11:44 AM, Reid Campbell
wrote:
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Hi,
I was wondering if anybody had consider designing a PCB which
could be used as a front panel for the uBITX? The PCB vendor would
be able to route the rectangle for the display and the holes for
the volume, encoder and audio connections. I know, what size to
pick would be a problem but make the design so it could be adapted
for several cases.
Silk screen could be used for the labels and it would look very
profession. Now, here the big advantage. On the reverse side you
could put SMD designs. There are lots of PCBs being done at the
minute, but many of them could be incorporated on the reverse of
the front panel.
In stead of rats nest wiring to all the controls, tracks could be
place to just beside the controls and short jumper wires from the
tracks to the control. As the audio would be available, there is
the possibility for DSP by adding a Teensy or a Red/Blue Pill
using surface mounted headers. I think you can see where I'm going
with this.
There are a lot of really talented designer who are already
producing PCBs and maybe it's a big ask to do this. Maybe it could
be a cooperative venture for a couple of designers?
Then, don't stop there - there always the back panel with SWR
bridges, tuners etc, and use the copper as a heat sink for the
finals in to the bargain.?
Cheers
Reid
Gi8TME/Mi0BOT
atouk