It was I while ago I had some updates here. This is because of several reasons; one of them I will tell about further down. The other reasons is that I had a hard time finding meters for a good price. I searched Ebay and other sites hoping for some nice looking meters to show up for a bargain. Finally I gave up and bought two brand new SIFAM meters. Althoug they look nice, they were also very expensive. The other reason for the delay has been my fear of making square holes! Back in the days I never succeeded, but this time I actually got it right! The secret? The right tools and patience!
Here is the front panel with almost all holes done. What is missing are three shaft holes for the tank capacitors and band switch. As you can see, I succeeded very well with the square holes. The meters are beautifully aligned and so are the rocker switches. The over all finnish of the front panel may look ugly in this phase. But you should understand that the grey surface with blue lines is a protective plastic film on the aluminum. Once taken off, I expect a shiny and bright aluminum surface. I plan to anodize and print labels on it. Does anyone know where I can get the sheet anodized in the Stockholm area? Another alternative is to order a custom made front panel from the guys at Front Panel Express. It is very easy, you draw your panel with their software and you get the price instantly. You then upload the file to there workshop in Germany and about a week later you get a beautiful anodized front panel with holes and prints for about €120. But, I don't think that will be necessary!
Of course the panel meters are back-lit! (I will customize the scales later).
Detail picture of the wiring. I only use teflon or silicon rubber insulated high temperature wire. It is wonderful to work with, no accidentally melted plastics while soldering. But more costly!
This is the 900 volt AC post. I could not find high voltage rated posts, so this is a 600 volt post that I elevated from the chassis by two pillars. Will I have a flash over between the connectors here? I don't think so. Here it is "only" 900 volts AC and about 8-9 mm between the cables. But I'd be happy for any comment on this. Also the teflon wire is only rated at 600 volts. To increase the insulation factor I have led the cable through a piece of teflon tubing. Maybe this is over-kill, but it feels good!
