Tips for designing the front panel

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DIY Front Panels with PCB

Hi folks, I figured I would document my experiences with using PCB fabrication sites like JLCPCB. First, i had no clue where to start, not having any CAD software or anything. I settled on using EasyEDA since it interfaces with these PCB sites directly, but you can use others. This CAD software will generate a Gerber file, which is uploaded to the site for them to make for you. Here is a screen cap of my finished VCO panel I made in the CAD program: [image] And here is a pic of the finishe…

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KiCAD Silkscreen, Soldermask, and Exposed Copper Help

As the title implies, I am seeking help with utilizing KiCad for designs on the solder mask, silk screen, and exposed copper, etc. I know how to make vectors in Inkscape and import them as footprints and all that, but I would like to make more intriguing designs on the panels that I am making like seen on a lot of eurorack modules, as well as Sam’s very own LMNC Panels. I did make a neat silkscreen tonight that I figured I would share. It’s an older picture of Sam with a bent Speak and Spell! …

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My build progress

Of course, this is also a good method. I wanted to do that with the laminating first, but the plexiglass made it unnecessary because it is transparent. And as @Bitnik already says, these graphics programs get me down. I have now tried 3 different ones just to get multiple designs on a single sheet. One exported the font incorrectly, the other incorrectly measured the dimensions … what a shit … But I need to get multiple designs on a single piece of adhesive because it’s expensive … well, we’ll…