Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amplifier Forum

Amp Stuff => Tube Amp Building - Tweaks - Repairs => Topic started by: thud33 on June 27, 2023, 08:18:44 am

Title: Amp Rear Panel Labeling — Suggestions?
Post by: thud33 on June 27, 2023, 08:18:44 am

I have installed a rear panel rotary switch on a 1976 Marshall JMP 2204, replacing the original (and problematic) two pin plug & socket selector. I am very happy with the outcome, but I am thinking about a good way of labeling the impedance options. A simple “4”, “8” and “16” (going from 7 to 9 to 11 o’clock) would be fine. Ideas / best practices? Thanks!

{edit- title typo-- PRR}

Title: Re: Amp Real Panel Labeling — Suggestions?
Post by: sluckey on June 27, 2023, 09:22:52 am

I use a DYMO Label Maker with black type on a clear label. Very easy to use.

     https://www.amazon.com/DYMO-LabelManager-Label-Maker-1768960/dp/B00464E5P2/

Here's a sample...

(http://sluckeyamps.com/phoenix/p3.jpg)

Title: Re: Amp Real Panel Labeling — Suggestions?
Post by: thud33 on June 27, 2023, 09:39:12 am

Thanks sluckey! Any particular type of label stock that sticks best to brushed metal?

Title: Re: Amp Real Panel Labeling — Suggestions?
Post by: acheld on June 27, 2023, 09:52:35 am

I think the clear tapes are all polyester.   I've used both branded (Dymo Industrial) and knockoff, and they both work about the same. 

For brushed metal, I think the vinyl tape sticks better, but it is not clear, and I do like the clear tape better. 

For a professional appearance, nothing beats the look -- or the cost -- of Front Panel Express.   

Title: Re: Amp Real Panel Labeling — Suggestions?
Post by: thud33 on June 27, 2023, 09:57:45 am

Thanks for the details and for sharing your experience. Much appreciated!

Title: Re: Amp Real Panel Labeling — Suggestions?
Post by: sluckey on June 27, 2023, 10:01:37 am

Quote from: thud33 on June 27, 2023, 09:39:12 am

Thanks sluckey! Any particular type of label stock that sticks best to brushed metal?

You'll have to use the labels that are made for your printer. Clean the area where the label will go with alcohol. DYMO labels will stick to brushed metal finish.

Title: Re: Amp Rear Panel Labeling — Suggestions?
Post by: PRR on June 27, 2023, 01:34:15 pm

The BROTHER label makers work for me, for houselight switches and network cables. The latest and perhaps more expensive models will take PC-generated art. I now have three bought in yardsales that don't do PC and just print alpha-numbers and a few icons. Even in bathroom lightswitches (rubbed many times a day in damp room) I have not had trouble with rub-off.

"My latest" is a Brother P-touch D210 from 2001. Discontinued but the manual is still on Brother's site. Why a manual? I know my PT1830 very well, and have another, but turns out each model has different frills (for different price-points). The D210 has multiple fonts plus pages of icons. The 'electrical' could even be of use here.

Title: Re: Amp Rear Panel Labeling — Suggestions?
Post by: dwinstonwood on June 27, 2023, 02:56:13 pm

I use this old thing at work.

Title: Re: Amp Rear Panel Labeling — Suggestions?
Post by: thud33 on June 28, 2023, 06:06:49 am

Sluckey, PRR, dwinstonwood — many thanks for the suggestions!

Title: Re: Amp Rear Panel Labeling — Suggestions?
Post by: Bieworm on June 28, 2023, 11:56:21 am

There is standard stuff for that: https://www.tube-town.net/ttstore/label-impedance-round-black.html