Support Forum
Front Panel Designer category
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Vector support?
Hello.
Why can't a user cannot generate a design in a vector program, such as Illustrator or Corel Draw for the cuts and import to Front Panel Designer? Some of us have fully-designed setups already in vector, so this would save a lot of time versus having to needlessly redraw them in your software.
Posted By: Jeremy B on Dec 08, 2008 06:36PM Category: Front Panel Designer
Hello Jeremy,
A vector import does not bring information of the z-axis. Everything with 'depth information' as countersinks, cavities or threaded holes would not be correctly defined.
We are working on an import option in Front Panel Designer to allow more complex shapes. This will be available with the next version. We will keep you informed about the release date.
Posted By: Diane Haensel on Dec 09, 2008 07:59PM
Reply -
Bulged Rectangle
Hi, just wanted to introduce myself and a problem that has me stuck. I'm Jeff and having a heck of a time trying to figure out how to make a bulged rectangle for the shape of my panel. The panel will fit in A Seahorse 520 case which has radiused sides and corners and is not a perfect rectangle. I've tried to used the curved slot tool to shape the rectangle but it's giving me fits and I just can't seem to get it right. I'm computer savy but not Cad savy so there is a bit of a learing curve. If I can get the basic panel shape down adding the rest of the data shouldn't be an issue. Below is a picture of the panel with dimensions and I am hoping that someone can help me figure out how to successfully draw the basic panel shape or give me some advice on what I need to do. I would be nice if there were a template for cases like these or if we could import a DXF file (I have this drawn in Autocad). ANy help would be appreciated:
Posted By: Jeff Schaber on Dec 02, 2008 08:45PM Category: Front Panel Designer
Hi Jeff,
You don't have to to design this shape in Front Panel Designer. The combination of several curved slots can be tricky especially when smooth arc-arc transitions are needed. We can import dxf files for 'complicated' outer shapes in our milling files so that panels aren't only restricted to rectangular or circular shapes.
In Detail:
Just design the panel in a rectangular shape (in your case 14.17" x 16.63").
Place all cutouts and engravings as wanted. Please add a note for us that you want the shape modified by dxf import and submit your order as usual. As soon as we receive your dxf file (please send to order@frontpanelexpress.com with the reference number of your order) we will let you know the additional cost for the modification, usually between $15 and $45.
It is also possible to provide just a pdf with the dimensions you want and let us do the rest.
Posted By: Diane Haensel on Dec 03, 2008 05:48AM
Reply -
Scale Generator
How do you install and run Scale Generator?
Posted By: Don Cleveland on Nov 07, 2008 08:05PM Category: Front Panel Designer
Scale Generator is based on java script, and requires the Java runtime to be installed to allow it to execute.
If you already have Java installed you should be able to double-click the jskala_english.jar file to launch it.
If you don't have Java installed, the simplest way to get it is to visit , click the 'Java Software Free Download' link in the top-left and follow the instructions there.
Posted By: Diane Haensel on Nov 08, 2008 10:38PM
ReplyI have downloaded and unziped, but I cannot find a
jskala_english.jar file.
Posted By: Don Cleveland on Nov 17, 2008 02:31PM
ReplyHi Don,
the download for the Scale Generator can be found in the Tips & Tricks section.
Here is the link for your convenience.
Posted By: Diane Haensel on Nov 17, 2008 04:44PM
ReplyI have down loaded, and unziped a second time, but I don't
find a jskala_english.jar file. I have Java 6 installed, I
can't figure out what I'm doing wrong.
I've searched, but cannot find jskala_english.jar, is it
part of the Zip file?
Posted By: Don Cleveland on Nov 21, 2008 05:41PM
ReplyIt looks like this problem only occurs when using Internet Explorer for the download.
Our IT department will have a look on it. I will let you know as soon as this problem is resolved.
I have sent the file directly to your email address, please let me know if it works for you this way.
I apologize for any inconvenience.
Posted By: Diane Haensel on Nov 22, 2008 03:31AM
ReplyThanks
I placed jskala_english.jar in the dir with the rest of files.
When I double click it I get a message saying Windows
can't open the file.
Posted By: Don Cleveland on Nov 24, 2008 08:01PM
ReplyI updated Java to V6 update 10, and now it is working.
Thanks.
Posted By: Don Cleveland on Nov 24, 2008 08:15PM
ReplyHi Don,
I'm glad you got it to work. The problem was a combination of the versions of Internet Explorer and Java. Not all versions work well together. We recommend to keep both IE and Java up to date to ensure Scale Generator is working on your computer.
Thank you for pointing that out for us.
Posted By: Diane Haensel on Nov 26, 2008 04:35PM
ReplyScale generator.
As well as Don, I’m unable to download “Jaskala_englis.jar” even if I update my Java runtime (6/16)and re-downloaded Front Panel Design as well as Scale gen from Tips and Tricks.
When I unzipped “Jaskala_english.zip”, no “ jaskala_english.jar” shows up.
Any turn-around?
If nothing else, could you please be so kind and e-mail it me?
Thank you
Andrea Daretti
Andar3@gmail.com
Posted By: Andrea Daretti on Sep 30, 2009 11:49AM
ReplyHi,
I can run the .jar file but when I hit the create button nothing happens, no *.plt file is created. :(
Help!
Jakester
Posted By: Robert Jacobson on Oct 04, 2009 04:03PM
ReplyHi Jakester,
Did you specify the target directory or did you just enter the file name? You also need to add the extension .plt to your file name.
An instruction about Scale Generator can be found here
I am sorry for the inconvenience. Please do not hesitate to call us in case you still have problems to get it to work. Our customer service would be more than happy to walk you through Scale Generator.
Diane
Posted By: Diane Haensel on Oct 06, 2009 07:49PM
ReplyJust started using Front Panel Express, am very impressed
with its capabilities especially for free. Have part of my
front panel designed but cannot use Scale Generator yet.
I have Java 10 - 18. Downloaded Scale Generator and unzipped but no file named jskala_english.jar is in the
directory. Apparently i need a copy sent to me also via
my email address.Would appreciate any help on this....
thank you.
Posted By: Phillip Criddle on Feb 23, 2010 12:25PM
ReplyHello,
I can see how people have this problem since java is a pain to manage. This is what I did (and worked from me):
1. Uninstall Java. I like to use the free version of revo uninstaller () since it deletes all registry entries as well as dlls and temp files. If you're going to use this program chose the advanced option.
2. Re-install Java. Go to and use the offline option. Please make sure to only install java and remember your file destination (which you can customize as well).
3. Go to and click on the "Scale Generator - Script for generating scales" link. If everything has gone right you should see a small window .
Posted By: P Neumann on Feb 26, 2010 12:40AM
Replyhi, scale generator doest work in my pc some help ?
thanks[/color]
Posted By: jorge lorenzo on Jun 01, 2010 07:28PM
ReplyHi Jorge,
I sent Scale Generator to your email address. Please let me know if you can start it from the file I sent you.
Posted By: Diane Haensel on Jun 14, 2010 07:12PM
ReplyWhen I downloaded Jaskala_english.zip it would not work either. I renamed it Jaskala_english.jar and it works just fine now. It is NOT a zip file.
Posted By: Randy Humbert on Jul 16, 2010 11:07PM
ReplyAlso having problems opening, tried all of the above. Can I get the file emailed directly?
(XPsp3, IE8, Java 6)
Posted By: Billy Cameron on Jul 20, 2010 08:03PM
ReplyThe center point of the scale is offset upwards. Could use advice in setting it right.
Posted By: Randy Humbert on Jul 21, 2010 05:54PM
ReplyHello Randy,
When you generate the scale, the "Length" box determines the diameter of the inner circle from which the scale marks emanate. The overall object size then is dependent on not only that angle, but also the lengths of the segment marks, and which segment marks are at the largest extremes. As the segment marks have two available lengths the actual "size" that the scale becomes in Front Panel Designer is a fairly complicated size to calculate.
Given all of that information, I would make a temporary hole with the diameter of the length specified for the scale.
Place that hole over the hole where the scale will go. (Align/distribute makes this easier)
Be sure your grid is turned off, then drag the scale over that hole until the indexing marks line up so that they are all perpendicular to the temporary hole.
Delete the temporary hole, then group the original hole and the scale to keep them together.
I started to whip out a fancy formula for calculating the vertical displacement from the scale center, but it quickly became overly cumbersome.
-Paul
Posted By: Paul Birkeland on Jul 21, 2010 11:02PM
ReplySOLVED THE PROBLEM!
The issue of this problem lays in use of 7Zip program (or similar programs) that has an ANNOYING "helping" function in renaming files with the extention ".jar" to ".zip" .
Sollution! -> RENAME THE “Jaskala_english.ZIP” TO “ jaskala_english.JAR” (Used large letters only to ease the viewing of the matter. :wink: )
The other issue with "CANT FIND ANY PLT FILE!" is because YOU have to add the ".PLT" at the end of your file so that FrontPanelExpress will be able to se it. Either do this inside Scale Generator when naming your file or do it manualy in by marking the file, press F2 and place the cursor at the end of the filename and add .plt to it.
Happy Scaling!
/C.Bigstone
Posted By: Charles Bigstone on Aug 20, 2010 03:39PM
ReplySOLVED THE PROBLEM!
The issue of this problem lays in use of 7Zip program (or similar programs) that has an ANNOYING "helping" function in renaming files with the extention ".jar" to ".zip" .
Sollution! -> RENAME THE “Jaskala_english.ZIP” TO “ jaskala_english.JAR” (Used large letters only to ease the viewing of the matter. :wink: )
The other issue with "CANT FIND ANY PLT FILE!" is because YOU have to add the ".PLT" at the end of your file so that FrontPanelExpress will be able to se it. Either do this inside Scale Generator when naming your file or do it manualy in by marking the file, press F2 and place the cursor at the end of the filename and add .plt to it.
Happy Scaling!
/C.Bigstone
I want to add a little more information to this thought. A lot of customers still have this problem and I blame it mostly on Microsoft Internet Explorer! IE is trying to protect you by renaming .jar file as a .zip file. You can turn this feature off by:
1. In the upper-right corner of IE8, click on Tools to open the drop down menu;
2. At the bottom of the Tools menu, click Internet Options;
3. In the Internet Options dialog box, select the Security tab;
4. On the Security tab, select the Internet zone, then click the Custom Level button;
5. Scroll about 2/3 down the list to the option "Open file based on content, not file extension" and change the setting to Disable;
6. Click OK;
7. Repeat steps 4-6 for the Local Intranet zone and Trusted Sites zone;
I'm sure it's very similar for IE9 that went live just recently. Another suggestion would be to use a different browser.
I hope this helps!
Posted By: P Neumann on Jun 02, 2011 09:02PM
Reply -
Using other fonts
I would like to use fonts such as 'Times New Roman', and 'Vivaldi' on the panel.
Is there any easy way to do this?
I can convert the text to a path or shape via photoshop, but I do not have any software that supports HPGL formats.
Posted By: James Lee on Oct 19, 2008 03:44AM Category: Front Panel Designer
You can import engravings for non supported fonts by Front Panel Designer as hpgl file (file extension .plt).
The hpgl file needs to be created with a vector illustration program such as Corel Draw or Adobe Illustrator, just to name two. I am sure there is some freeware available on the Internet but can't really recommend something yet. I will do some research and let you know soon.
Posted By: Diane Haensel on Oct 21, 2008 02:55AM
Reply -
Specifying smallest possible corner radius for rectangular hole
If I want to specify a rectangular through hole, approximately 12mm tall and wide, with the smallest possible corner radius (i.e. as nearly a true rectangle as possible), do I specify the 1.0mm Cutter tool and a radius of 0.5mm?
Thanks.
--Adam
Posted By: Adam Schabtach on Oct 12, 2008 11:06PM Category: Front Panel Designer
Hi Adam,
You can specify a corner radius of 0mm. Of course there will be still a small radius (0.5mm if you pick the 1mm cutter) but it will be outside the rectangular shape of the cutout. This allows a perfect fit for connectors.
Posted By: Diane Haensel on Oct 14, 2008 05:09AM
ReplyHi,
Thanks for your reply. The square cutout is for a pushbutton rather than a connector. I would prefer that the curve not be outside of the rectangular shape because I think it will look sort of strange if there are little curves near the corners of the button. (Does that make sense? It is sort of hard to describe.) So, if I want the curve to stay within the bounds of the rectangle, do I specify a corner radius of 0.5mm?
I realize that I am talking about very small details which are hardly visible, but I am designing a large panel with approximately 20 of these rectangular cutouts and an overall cost of around $200 so I would like to get it right on the first attempt. :)
Thanks--
--Adam
Posted By: Adam Schabtach on Oct 14, 2008 06:48AM
ReplyI understand your concern.
The little "ears" of the 0mm corner radius would be visible, if your push button doesn't cover the edges of the cutout.
I took a picture that hopefully shows how different radii turn out. The panel below has a cutout with a 0mm radius on the left and a combination of 0mm and 0.5mm radii on the right.
If you want to stay within the bounds of the rectangle, you need to specify a corner radius of 0.5mm which is determined by our smallest cutting tool.
I like to print my panel designs (tiled if necessary) and use the paper as template. In this way, I can ensure that everything fits and is on the right spot. Has saved me some redos in the past. :wink:
Posted By: Diane Haensel on Oct 15, 2008 03:57AM
ReplyHi,
Thanks very much for that photograph--it's very helpful. I will soon have samples of the pushbuttons I am going to use. Once I have those I will decide how to have the holes cut.
I do indeed print my panels on paper before submitting them for fabrication. I have used your excellent services for about six panels already, but they have all been relatively small and have had only circular holes. The panel I am currently designing is a 6U 19" rack panel with 128 circular holes, 20 small squares, and two large rectangles for LCDs. I will check it very carefully before placing the order. :D
Thanks again for your help.
--Adam
Posted By: Adam Schabtach on Oct 15, 2008 04:34AM
ReplyHello, I'm trying to figure out the corner radius size to use as well. Is it possible to see a picture of a .25 corner radius?
Thanks!
Posted By: Erik Dower on Jan 20, 2009 01:55AM
ReplyHi Erik,
Here is a screen shot of a .25 corner radius. Since the 1mm cutter is our smallest tool, there will always be a corner radius of at least .5mm.
The radius of .25 will give you little 'ears' as well but they aren't big enough to cut all the material out of the corner (see red area).
Best regards,
Diane
Posted By: Diane Haensel on Jan 20, 2009 07:28PM
Reply -
macro question and line art.
Is there a way to ungroup a macro object? The equliv. of 'explode' in autocad?
Also, where can I find step by step information on how to build lines around a hole for a stepped attenuator?
Posted By: Don B on Sep 29, 2008 03:18PM Category: Front Panel Designer
You can find 'ungroup' in the toolbar menu -> Selection or in the right-click menu.
We added a new program - Scale Generator - in our Tips & Tricks section. This script enables you to design both round and linear dials. Instead of designing engraved dials from scratch in Front Panel Designer, they can be created as a hpgl file with Scale Generator.
Posted By: Diane Haensel on Sep 30, 2008 02:31AM
Reply
