Simulation switch / control panel

Forums › Home Workshop DIY › Simulation switch / control panel

kiwis

832 posts

Ultimate Geek

#296179 27-May-2022 12:02

I’m building a desktop switch control panel using an arduino board.

I’m not sure how to mount all the switches?

It needs to be sturdy so it doesn’t slide all over the desk when using it. Thin enough so I can mount various buttons and rotary encoders etc

Has anyone seen this done?

I’ve seen people make things with 3D printers but I don’t have one of these.

I’m all open to ideas.

MikeAqua

7773 posts

Uber Geek

#2919421 27-May-2022 13:12

I used to make switch enclosures out of Sistema boxes from the super market. Easy enough to cut the lid with a craft knife and easy to drill it too, strong enough to hold together.

Mike

mdf

3513 posts

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#2919442 27-May-2022 14:23

If you want something off the shelf, have a look on trademe, ebay etc. for "project box" - range of sizes and shapes.

Otherwise libraries and makerspaces often have 3d printers you can use/rent if you wanted to start a new hobby (plenty of other threads on here by geeks getting bitten by the 3d printing bug).

richms

28168 posts

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#2919445 27-May-2022 14:31

There are angles ones for countertop use as well, but you need to add weight to them for them to not slide around with every little push on the face.

Richard rich.ms

mdf

3513 posts

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#2919447 27-May-2022 14:34

You can also get the anti slide sticky feet from places like Bunnings.

mkissin

388 posts

Ultimate Geek

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#2919455 27-May-2022 14:55

Jaycar sells a bunch of enclosures for projects as well as feet and so forth. You could try there.

https://www.jaycar.co.nz/tools-test-equipment/enclosures-panel-hardware/c/7H

kiwis

832 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2919639 28-May-2022 08:22

Thanks for the ideas.

The plastic box idea is good. Only issues is shape, the sides are not always high enough and the lid will likely mean it won’t sit in its side nicely

Project boxes look too small.

Do people in here do 3D printing for others for a fee etc? Not sure where to even get started and aren’t the interested in learning it all. I just don’t have the time but this is probably the best option.

neb

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#2919790 28-May-2022 18:09

mdf:
If you want something off the shelf, have a look on trademe, ebay etc. for "project box" - range of sizes and shapes.

The specific search term is sloped console case or ... enclosure, there'll be a ton of them out there. Depending on how big it has to be, stomp box case will also get results.

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MarkM536

309 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2919811 28-May-2022 19:36

kiwis: Thanks for the ideas.

The plastic box idea is good. Only issues is shape, the sides are not always high enough and the lid will likely mean it won’t sit in its side nicely

Project boxes look too small.

Do people in here do 3D printing for others for a fee etc? Not sure where to even get started and aren’t the interested in learning it all. I just don’t have the time but this is probably the best option.

Project boxes come in many sizes, any size you can imagine.

Some Auckland library's have 3D printers avaliable for anyone to use. Just need a design made up and someone is usually able to help with setting up the 3D printer.

gzt

17104 posts

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#2919813 28-May-2022 19:44

RS Components have variety. Mouser is worth a look.

MikeAqua

7773 posts

Uber Geek

#2921335 1-Jun-2022 11:13

I forgot to mention earlier, but I've also made enclosures/panels/containers by chopping up cutting boards or thin plywood or even from epoxy resin and cardboard.

The latter was inspired by Steven K Roberts who made a bicycle trailer/electronics housing from glassed cardboard. Once it's filled faired and painted, you would never guess it has cardboard core. Cardboard Core Composites - Nomadic Research Labs (microship.com)

Clear polycarbonate ('Lexan') can also be very handy as it's heat bendable and glues easily, so you can layout a shape, cut it, fold it and glue it.

Mike