Making Custom LED Indicators for Control Panel

[@ProtoG42]

Links to Equipment Shown in Video: Neopixel LED: amzn.to/2ugZWkH Panel Indicator: amzn.to/2KSxWOC Red Toggle Switch: amzn.to/2MZ4Vy9 Toggle Switch: amzn.to/2KSLQjL Stainless Panel Button: amzn.to/2MYzi7J Dremel: amzn.to/2J3PAdp Project Tray: amzn.to/2J4UQNN

[@ProtoG42]

The flicker of the LEDs seen in the video are not seen in person. It's a nice solid color.

[@xmenxwk]

they are available in 2.54 pitch as well but darn expensive. And they also come in 3s.

[@ddegn]

Pololu sells them in packs of three for about $2.50 www.pololu.com/product/2492 Not too bad but still kind of pricey compared with a lot of other options.

[@IDAHOJAKE]

That be sick for my truck.

[@AThreeDogNight]

That's a real nice panel, also the indicators look real good compared to some other styles. Good choice.

[@silviustro1]

Very cool video and control panel! I wanted to ask, how did you achieve the brushed aluminum effect on the front of the panel?

[@ProtoG42]

Thank you! The control panel is made with 0.180" stainless steel. I used a large drum sander as seen in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iKqrpYaCacqof80

[@silviustro1]

Thanks for your reply!

[@JeremyCook]

Very clever. Got to love NeoPixels and screw terminals!

[@ProtoG42]

Thanks Jeremy!

[@JeremyCook]

NP. Nice music, btw - where'd you find that?

[@ProtoG42]

Thanks, I pay $15/month for an epidemic sound subscription. You keep the rights to the music on your videos even if you cancel. I think you can do a free trial or even pay per track instead of a subscription.

[@JeremyCook]

Ah, thanks. I'll have to check them out.

[@trollcraft09]

Nice vid. Can't wait to see the finished product :)

[@ProtoG42]

Thanks!

[@xavimourelo]

I like your videos! Btw what does the delta robot going to do?

[@Steve_Just_Steve]

What diffuser material did you use Proto?

[@ProtoG42]

It was a little diffuser cap that falls out when taking apart the original.

[@Steve_Just_Steve]

Oh sorry I didn't catch that for some reason. Thanks for reply

[@ignormies]

Hey Proto G, Where did you pick up your lab benches? I'm trying to find some online but everything is targeted towards companies using quotes and whatnot.

[@ProtoG42]

My lab bench consists of three of these 48"x18"x82" racks: amzn.to/2m1aMaB Two full assembled racks on the back wall and two half assembled racks in the front. I added this 3' wide ESD mat: amzn.to/2m0lIW5

[@ignormies]

Thanks. That's remarkably simpler and cheaper than I expected.

[@ignormies]

Did you have to purchase extra casters for one of the half racks?

[@ProtoG42]

I just put the included stationary pegs on the back two racks. I only put casters on the front two racks and I used a ton of cable ties to connect all the racks together.

[@hassiaschbi]

@proto G What is the best method to prevent those lines above and below the bends?

[@ProtoG42]

Good question! You can use "Tuff Brake Film" or a similar film which will protect the metal but it is harder to prevent the tool marks as the material thickness gets much larger. The material I used is 0.134" stainless steel which is quite strong. Thin metal is much easier for two reasons. One is that there is less force required to bend it and two is that you can use a much smaller V die opening so the tool marks become much closer to the bend line and are less noticeable. If you really need to not see the marks at all, you can use a thin sacrificial piece of metal that gets tossed in the scrap bin after every bend. You can always buff the tool marks out as well.

[@HMPirates]

You can get those screw terminals in groups of three.

[@ProtoG42]

I have several on hand in groups of three but none of them are 3mm pitch besides the ones I used in the video. Where have you found 3mm pitch screw terminals in groups of three? I looked briefly but settled on mutilating the terminals I had on hand. Most screw terminals are 3.5mm and 5mm pitch which will not work here.

[@HMPirates]

Proto G These match the PCB you were using(2.54mm): 10Pcs PCB Universal Screw Terminal Blocks Connector 2.54MM Pitch PCB Mount Screws 2P-10P s.aliexpress.com/fArQj6vq?fromSns

[@ProtoG42]

Thanks, I still would have used the ones I have because I can't always wait 20 days for shipping. I'll order some for future use though.

[@HMPirates]

Proto G yeah! Shipping's a pain, I usually stock up on various connectors also 😋