Sheilding plastic enclosures.

[CodeMonk]

Now, I have read several articles on shielding plastic enclosures.
But one that I was (and can't seem to find it now) was using Magnetic paint.
Anyone know here the hell that is so I could take a look at it again.
I'm worried about the paint peeling off inside the enclosure.

And yes, I've thought (and read about) using foil, copper, etc. but the magnetic paint idea seems interesting.

Thanks

[earthtonesaudio]

http://www.muzique.com/lab/magpaint.htm

[MikeH]

Shielding isn't the real issue; making sure you have an enclosure that doesn't crumble under your foot when you step on it.   

[sean k]

Folding up a piece of aluminium or steel flat bar to carry the stomp switch will allow it to be strong enough, ground out the condusive paint and also be available to attach the bottom plate.

[CodeMonk]

Shielding isn't the real issue; making sure you have an enclosure that doesn't crumble under your foot when you step on it.   

Its not for a stompbox, and will be under no stress like one.

[Paul Perry (Frostwave)]

You have to distinguish between shielding from a magnetic field, and an electromagnetic (radio) field.
For magnetic shielding, you need a substantial slab of iron, or special alloy (eg the mu-metal used to sheild some CRO tubes - impossible to obtain, or work with).
For the shielding we stompboxers worry about, you need a conducting layer. magnetic paint won't hack it (it's full of iron filings, but they are isolated).
maybe the conductive paint some guitar shops sell (suspension of very fine graphite) would work, but I'd use adhesive backed copper foil. Don't forget to ground the shield.

[R.G.]

From geofex, 9/19/99:
http://geofex.com/Article_Folders/plasticbox.htm

Get yourself a can of spray adhesive and a roll of aluminum foil.

[axg20202]

...or just buy some adhesive-backed copper tape. It can be found cheaply in garden supply stores, sold as a slug barrier for flower pots.

[newfish]

Never thought of that!

Good idea.

<thinks>

If Slugs are stopped by copper (and they are!), and RF interference is also stopped by using copper, does this mean they're made of the same stuff?

Badum-cha....

I'm here all week.  Try the Veal.

[Arn C.]

I use aluminum tape.   I drill all my holes first, then put the tape all inside the box.  Then I push the jacks, pots  through the aluminum tape and tighten everything up.  Then the aluminum tape is grounded to the jacks.  I also use shielded wire from jacks to in/out footswitch.

Peace!
Arn C.

[Mark Hammer]

I bought a sheet of copper shim and just cut pieces to fit with scissors.  You can punch holes in it for pots and switches with the same $1 single-hole punch you buy at the bargain shop.  The cut-to-fit sheet is held in place against the chassis when you secure the switches and pots.  The nice thing about copper shim sheets is you can solder to them.

[axg20202]

Never thought of that!

Good idea.

<thinks>

If Slugs are stopped by copper (and they are!), and RF interference is also stopped by using copper, does this mean they're made of the same stuff?

Badum-cha....

I'm here all week.  Try the Veal.

There's a gag about earth in there somewhere too.  Strangely though, size 14 DM boots work on slugs but not RF interference. The reason is simple: DM boots aren't conductive.

[Pointless fact: apparently, copper tape gives slugs a small electric shock caused by the charge that builds up as they glide across it - they turn around and go the other way]

[sleepybrighteyez]

And think, if you use the magnetic paint that is also used to make chalkboards, you can doodle on the inside of your pedal while you wait for your slot at the gig. Woo!