The Project is slowly winding down for the moment, because, you know, Life. It is also time for me to check out Mr. Duchette’s decals which has been lying about for weeks. This is also a good time for me to test my attempts with the InkScape v1.1 software. Sorry if the decals seemed a little crude because I forgot to change to a new blade. At the same time, I was also thinking about getting either a Cricut Maker3 as they will definitely affect the end results.
I have cut out most of the decals from the A4 sheet. I had to cut them from either two designs as the printer cut off about 5mm from both edges. Looking at the ID decal, I know I need to redo it as the final window size is very different from my assumed measurements.
I have modified the top left and right sections of the decals. Somehow, I just want to put in the GEO, MET and BIO buttons there. I will need to so a spare so that it can act as a cutting template for the three rectangular windows. I have labeled the four LEDs as ALPHA, BETA, GAMMA and DELTA, plus the EMRG button. I totally forgot to use the other design which has holes in the LIBRARY A & B area.
DECALS ON THE MAIN BODY AND MOCK-UP
I have cut out most of the decals for the Tr-595E and they are a good fit. I have to cut them accurately and not leave any additional edges because the indents are very tight fitting and exact.
This is the mock-up for the TR-595E. There is a small gap at the top of the main body’s sticker which I will have to check it out. When I did the decals for the MkVII, it has the same issue because of the bend in the Main Body. Notice the EMRG decal looked a little bigger, which is caused by my improper cutting. You will not see the white edge of the paper or decals in the Lower Interface’s deeper indent area.
Imagine if there is a Mylar later underneath these decals. Also, I can use a Laser Printer to create the stickers as I do not have to worry about light-blocking. Laser toned powders are not that effective when it comes to light-blocking. But if you have a printer that can put in several layers of toner, it might work. The caking toner might crack in the long run. Anyway, the Main Body acts as light-blockers so I will have to make sure the paints are effective.
Note that the decals have a dark background compared to the actual MkIX or MkX. I kinda like this as it is like a carry over form the MkVII and I do love MkVIIs. So, if the Main Body is light-blocked, you will not see so much of the ‘Halos’ around each LED.
LONG WAY TO COMPLETION
I have still a lot more to do, pending the usual budget and Life challenges. I need to complete the Lower Interface PCB design pending some components. Then I have to find a way to secure the flap when the hinges arrives, plus putting a magnet there. The battery system is on its way and so is the Raspberry Pi PICO. But the stickers. man, those are another level of headache. I so much wanted to get them printed, then pre-cut on both PVC paper and well, Mylar too.
So, until then, this is as good as it gets.
It feels so good to have the TR-595E in my hands. Once everything is inside, it would be much heavier.
