Relabeling Analog Panel Meters

[KB3DKS]

  The panel meter topic reminded me that awhile back I had wanted to print out some custom meter scales to overlay on some OEM analog meters of the correct ratings. Someone had software for building and printing the scales but it seemed a bit of a pain and did not have enough capability for labeling.

   I lost that bookmark but have been considering just scanning the original meter scale panel and then editing the text accordingly.

  Now that would mean sizing the printed image properly to fit and pasting the resulting paper overlay. I have a large collection of analog meters with enough of the same forms to make up a couple nice sets.

  The problem with using a paper printing is that it yellows out over time and the print just doesn't have a sharp edge contrast.

  So, has anyone used the transparency printing capability available with some printers?

I see this method as a more durable and cleaner way to make a face up since the original meter plate can be painted white, purple, or whatever color is your taste and the printed transparency then laid over it.

  With the quantity and variety of panel meters that are are in my collection these probably would provide a good library of usable templates that would require little if any editing for others to use as well.

  Any comments? Interest? What ranges, scales, types most needed?

Bill, KB3DKS in 1 Land

[K3ZS]

Try using a photo quality printer with glossy photo paper.  That usually is sharp and lasts a while.   Or, laser printer over transparency as you suggest.

[W2INR]

I have had great luck with this guys stuff

G

http://www.tonnesoftware.com/

[WBear2GCR]

acid free paper... doesn't yellow for many years...

i had an earlier version of his software, didn't put his logo in the corner... actually not sure the new version does or if it has a switch in the software or not... it works ok, has a few things it doesn't do that would be nice, or at least the earlier version didn't...

imagine that so many of those earlier meter faces were done by hand!

             _-_-bear

[Opcom]

I've seen some that had the numbers painted over and the new numbers done in india ink or the like by hand, very expertly. The OMs must have been very patient and skilled.

[KB3DKS]

Hello,
 I hadn't thought of photo paper. Good idea !

Yep, it was http://www.tonnesoftware.com/

But my issue is more about matching, say the 4th with a set of three, etc.

 I have a couple real old ones that on close inspection you can see that the work was done entirely with a drafting set by hand including the script.
Amazing precision skill !
 One is an about 8 inch round Marconi that was completely redrawn by hand.

Thanks,
 Bill KB3DKS in 1 Land

[Opcom]

Can you take the example scale out and scan it at high resolution?

[KB3DKS]

Can you take the example scale out and scan it at high resolution?

Yep, that is the idea. A little text insertion or editing, plate, screen, etc. And I think photo paper will give the best long term results.

 What I would like to do is scan or make up sets of the common scales and meter types to put up on my website or this one so anyone could do up a set themselves.
  I have a couple almost complete sets of the common types from B'Cast rigs and estate sales that would be easy to do. Some have faded, water damaged or otherwise less than perfect but the movements are fine.

  You have quite the collection yourself ! 

Bill, KB3DKS in 1 Land

[K3ZS]

After scanning meter faces, you can clean up yellowing and fading with Adobe Photoshop, or Photoshop Elements, the latter comes free with many digital cameras.    I have found that closeups with digital cameras work better than scanning and copy machines.    I have done some genealogy research and found that copying some 200 year old documents using a small Canon digital camera and deyellowing was the best solution for reproduction.

[Detroit47]

I have found that scanning on a flat bed scanner works good. The trick is to save it to the proper type of file. If you save the image when you scan it as a .tif (Tagged image file) the image will be large high resolution. There is also another benefit to this format. The image is exactly the same size as the original within .01 inch over 12 inches. I use this format for duplicating parts that are inconvenient to digitize.  The image is of a high enough quality that I can make programs off it for a NC mill. As the other gentleman stated the image can then be cleaned up on photo shop.

[K3ZS]

Yes, scan if you can, but not everything is flat enough.   A ham friend of mine had the same type of SWR meter I had, without the meter.     I photographed it and sent it to him, so he could reproduce it.    I did not want to dismantle my meter.   It is harder, but you can scale and crop it using Photoshop.