Mockup (pics)

[kvb]

Here is a cardboard mockup of the enclosure this multifunctional circuit will have. The purpose of the mockup is to double check the fit of switches and the length of wires, etc.
I have to re-do some of the boards that are mounted directly on the switches because they don't fit next to each other.  I originally had drawn a boring couple of rows for the switches where everything fit, but I like the present look enough to re-do the switches.

On the mockup you can see two holes where the LEDs will be. The top hole is where a switch should be. The pots above the stomps are for each circuit's volume; the center pot is for blend/mix level. When the knobs are installed these controls could be easily tweeked with a foot.

The enclosure will be about 6 1/2" X 8". It will be 2 1/2" high in the back and 1"+ high in the front.

The mockup allowed me to test the function of the switching and make changes easily without having to disassemble anything. I'll also be able to spend some time figuring out where I should be putting the 'names' for the switches and knobs.

If you look close you can see that there are four jacks on the back. Two are in/out. Two are send/return. One side of the effect is clean with a 'twist'. The other side is a fuzz.  While the effect is engaged you can switch between the 'contained' fuzz and an external effect and retain the clean blend.

[frankclarke]

The cardboard mockup is such a good idea for something complicated. Good prototyping!

[darron]

since most people do the pcb on the computer anyway, i decide to take it on further. i start with the enclosure dimensions, then work out the inside workable area, then layout the parts etc. the pcb is designed around it so i know which things will be sitting over/under what and how close i can run things near each other without the risk of getting shorts.

[Incubus]

It'll never fly

[sixstringphil]

Darron,
What software do you use for your graphics? They always look top notch!!

[trendyironicname]

I tell you what, the cardboard idea is super.  Especially for an effect with alot of variables going on with it. 

[kvb]

Thanks for the friendly comments gents.

This method might not be needed for a simple circuit. This thing is bigger than I thought it would end up being.

Some other good things about the card board: You can draw and erase ; It's super easy to put holes in - I used a center punch and a few big pencils. I get to use the thing (while working out kinks) without stressing all of the wires. And when the enclosure is ready everything should drop right in.

[darron]

Darron,
What software do you use for your graphics? They always look top notch!!

i do it in adobe flash. not the most suited application since it's more for interactive/video/programming stuff, but i like that you can make components to make global changes through all of my designs. it's good for pcbs. you are able to show/hide layers like in just about every design app too. thanks for the kind words (:

[moritz]

since most people do the pcb on the computer anyway, i decide to take it on further. i start with the enclosure dimensions, then work out the inside workable area, then layout the parts etc. the pcb is designed around it so i know which things will be sitting over/under what and how close i can run things near each other without the risk of getting shorts.

I like how you've got the PCB mounting directly to the stomp switch... cool mock-up.


That cardboard mock-up is a very cool idea too. Sometimes it helps to just have the thing in front of you when deciding where everything goes.

[Paul Marossy]

Great idea!