Part Sourcing Assistance/Advice Thread

[cetoole]

Looks like a Hammond 1550C.

[deepak]

Looks like a Hammond 1550C.

Thanks Colin

[spritzer]

Could also be a Velleman box.

[dsavitsk]

More assistance/advice than sourcing ...

Anybody tried tapping the mounting holes on the Neutrik PCB mount XLR connectors?

Does it work? And, what size tap did you try? The panel mounting holes are very difficult to reach, and when they are packed in on a PCB, the bottom one is, so far as I can tell, completely useless.

[n_maher]

More assistance/advice than sourcing ...

Anybody tried tapping the mounting holes on the Neutrik PCB mount XLR connectors?

http://mouser.com/images/neutrik/images/210_301911.jpg

Does it work? And, what size tap did you try? The panel mounting holes are very difficult to reach, and when they are packed in on a PCB, the bottom one is, so far as I can tell, completely useless.

I have a couple at home, I'll try 4-40 and 6-32 and report back.

[luvdunhill]

I don't understand what the problem is with the bottom hole... you mean that a nut won't fit?

Anyways, I use these all the time. I just grab a 4-40 or M3 socket head screw and torque them down.

[Fitz]

I think the problem is getting the nut there when they're close together on a PCB.

[luvdunhill]

I think the problem is getting the nut there when they're close together on a PCB.

That's what I figured.. But, they are not made to use a nut. There are two different versions (from the Neutrik website):

Standard: selftapping TAPTITE

[n_maher]

The versions that I have, which are whatever Marc sent me, are able to be tapped quite easily for a 4-40 screw. 6-32 would require redrilling, which seems like a waste of time.

[thrice]

Not sure if this is the best thread for this, but it doesn't seem like it's worth it's own thread.

I know a number of folks here use Cam-Expert for front panels, but Front Panel Express just sent out an email to newsletter subscribers indicating that the latest release of their software (due on April 12) will also include an OS X version.

[Nebby]

Not quite a part for a project, but I'm looking for a good magnifying lamp. Anyone have recommendations?

I know there was some discussion elsewhere on this board and I've searched but came up with nothing.

[n_maher]

http://www.head-case.org/forums/do-yourself/8027-good-inexpensive-desk-task-light.html

[Nebby]

Thanks for the link, my search-fu is weak.

[n_maher]

Thanks for the link, my search-fu is weak.

Indeed, all I searched for was "lamp", it was on the first page.

[Les_Garten]

Thanks for the link, my search-fu is weak.

I bought this setip with the Quasar Light System and the secondary Loops on each side called optiloups and it is awesome!

Quasar LS Lighting System for Optivisor: LEDs Surround Optivisor Lens Plate

[Nebby]

I bought this setip with the Quasar Light System and the secondary Loops on each side called optiloups and it is awesome!

Quasar LS Lighting System for Optivisor: LEDs Surround Optivisor Lens Plate

Very cool! What magnification did you get for the optivisor?

[Les_Garten]

I got 2.5. With the OptiLoupe I get 5x. The lenses are Glass I believe, they are very clear and sharp all the way to the edges.

The Quasar light system bathes a large area in intense White-Blueish light. Total pleasure to use.

[Nebby]

I got 2.5. With the OptiLoupe I get 5x. The lenses are Glass I believe, they are very clear and sharp all the way to the edges.

The Quasar light system bathes a large area in intense White-Blueish light. Total pleasure to use.

Thanks so much for the link and recommendation, I'm definitely picking up a set.

[Les_Garten]

Thanks so much for the link and recommendation, I'm definitely picking up a set.

When you get it, let us know what you think of it.

[dsavitsk]

Anybody know a good source for angle brackets like the one pictured? Basically, this one would be about perfect if the measurements were in cm, not inches.

Overall, I am looking for aluminum or stainless, 20mm to 40mm in length, and holes for 4x 4-40 screws.

[luvdunhill]

Anybody know a good source for angle brackets like the one pictured? Basically, this one would be about perfect if the measurements were in cm, not inches.

Overall, I am looking for aluminum or stainless, 20mm to 40mm in length, and holes for 4x 4-40 screws.

I'd source something like that locally if I needed them in great quantities... otherwise, I'd DIY.

[n_maher]

I'd source something like that locally if I needed them in great quantities... otherwise, I'd DIY.

Agreed, the mix of metric and standard (mm dims, 4-40 screws) doesn't seem likely to be found on a shelf.

[luvdunhill]

Doug, how many do you need anyways?

[dsavitsk]

I'd source something like that locally if I needed them in great quantities... otherwise, I'd DIY.

Unfortunately, I haven't found anything like it in the local hardware stores.

Agreed, the mix of metric and standard (mm dims, 4-40 screws) doesn't seem likely to be found on a shelf.

Sorry, I didn't mean to be that specific. One side will go into aluminum using a small machine screw, the other into wood using a small wood screw. It needs to fit in a space less than 50mm. But, whether those screws are M2.5, 4-40, #4, whatever -- doesn't really matter. I just need something that is overall small.

Doug, how many do you need anyways?

50, 100? Not sure yet, but more than 3.

[luvdunhill]

Unfortunately, I haven't found anything like it in the local hardware stores.

oops, I meant a local machinist