Blue enclosure for my BITX40v3 (work in progress) #bitx40 #images
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Rasmus Bondesson SA5RJS
Hello!
Some years ago I bought my BITX40v3 kit. I'm in the process of giving it a proper enclosure. Until now it has been mounted "al fresco" style on a MDF board. I want to test it outdoors with different antennas, so I need it to be more portable. I've been on the look-out for a suitable case and now I found the one: a "Bahar BDA 40004-A6(W200)". Seeing other's pictures of their projects have always been an inspiration for me, so now it's my turn to return the favor. There is a write-up on my build so far on my blog: https://blog.raek.se/2023/03/09/new-case-for-my-bitx40-radio/ I'll attach the pictures in this groups.io message too. Enjoy! 73 SA5RJS Rasmus Bondesson          
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Chris van den Berg
Very nice!
With a black front panel maybe difficult to add screening? I use toner, see https://youtu.be/coUkLfbU8dk but for white screening maybe 'rub letters' from the old days will do the job? Or you make an additional front layer or so? Chris PA3CRX |
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Rasmus Bondesson SA5RJS
I think I've seen that video in this group before. Thanks for introducing me to this method!
The three options I've considered have been:
/Rasmus |
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Chris van den Berg
I was not sure if 'rub letters' was the correct expression but after searching it was even offered on Aliexpress. In the 80s, we did this professionally on electronic equipment :-) We sprayed it with some transparent plastic spray afterwards. My left overs are really old and as you could see: used a lot :-)
 The transparent lacquer could also help to protect your option 1. Alternatives for the spray:
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Dymo has transparent tape with white or black letters…. And many other options.
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Dave K8WPE David J. Wilcox’s iPad On Mar 16, 2023, at 3:36 AM, Rasmus Bondesson SA5RJS <raekmannen@...> wrote:
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We printed the faceplate on photo paper and used an Xacto knife to cut the opening for the display and controls and then glued it to the front panel. After the glue set, we used Krylon clear lacquer to protect it. It still looks pretty good after two years of use.  Jack, W8TEE
On Thursday, March 16, 2023 at 06:31:35 AM EDT, Chris van den Berg <aar-dig@...> wrote:
I was not sure if 'rub letters' was the correct expression but after searching it was even offered on Aliexpress. In the 80s, we did this professionally on electronic equipment :-) We sprayed it with some transparent plastic spray afterwards. My left overs are really old and as you could see: used a lot :-)
 The transparent lacquer could also help to protect your option 1. Alternatives for the spray:
-- Jack, W8TEE |
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Bob Brown
I used clear Avery mailing labels. Printed them, then cut to fit. Your scissors skills need to be good;) Jack: how did you find the t41 build experience?
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The hardest part was getting the parts during the pandemic. Assembling it is pretty easy because there are 7 small PCBs that you can work on one-by-one. Buying parts one at a time is inefficient. We have a builders club here and can share costs. The 4 States QRP Group semi-kit is also a good bet. (Semi-kit means all the SMDs are already on the PCBs.) This is the Beta prototype we received last year:  The final version might be different; won't know for about a month. The kit includes everything except the Teensy 4.1, the display (5" assumed), and the PJRC audio hat. I think the price will be below $350. Jack, W8TEE
On Thursday, March 16, 2023 at 08:31:45 AM EDT, Bob Brown <robert.brown14@...> wrote:
I used clear Avery mailing labels. Printed them, then cut to fit. Your scissors skills need to be good;) Jack: how did you find the t41 build experience?
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Jack, W8TEE |
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Lawrence Galea
I believe they were called transfers On Thu, Mar 16, 2023 at 11:31 AM Chris van den Berg <aar-dig@...> wrote:
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