
Support Forum
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Sample circuit breaker files
Hi,
Do you have any sample files for panels using Carling a and c series circuit breakers?Posted By: Chris Witzgall on Apr 20, 2015 03:28PM Category: Front Panel Designer
I found a pdf with panel cutout details. It starts on page 17. I hope this helps.
www.carlingtech.com/sites/default/files/documents/Carling-HM-CB-C-Series_0.pdfPosted By: Diane Haensel on Apr 21, 2015 11:40PM
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Can you transfer a DXF file to FPD
Is there a way to transfer a Autocad DXF file over to Front Panel FPD
Attached File: Misc_Placards-ETI-G36-302.dxf
Posted By: JB on Apr 14, 2015 03:44PM Category: Front Panel Designer
Yes you can import dxf files into Front Panel Designer. Here is a tutorial how to do it https://youtu.be/eDFlho5XvBI?list=PL4F2CAADBCDDCAFEC
The tutorial shows the import of a single object but you can also import a group of objects. I have done this for your file. Here is what I did:
- I deleted everything that is not meant to be milled (dimensions, drawing notes, etc)
- I deleted the lettering (will be added later as hpgl import or in your case easily with FPD font)
- I moved the lower left corner of the part to position x=0 and y=0
- I deleted the perimeter lines
- I started a new project in FPD and set the part size to 5.8" x 9.8"
- I imported the dxf and chose "origin of dxf file" as reference
- I placed the dxf import at x=0 and y=0
- I eyeballed your lettering (can also be imported as hpgl)
This took me about 10 minutes. Attached is your fpd file for $51.00.
I hope this gives you an idea. Keep in mind that you only want to import what will be actually machined. Tapped holes and countersunk holes have to be adjusted in FPD since the import is limited to 2D.Attached File: Misc_Placards-ETI-G36-302.fpd
Posted By: Diane Haensel on Apr 14, 2015 09:49PM
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Protective film?
Would you consider an option for a protective film? Something we could "peel" off when we are totally done... it would keep the panel "brand new looking" until it's ready to go to the customer
Posted By: John M on Apr 08, 2015 08:04PM Category: Production
Thank you for suggesting protective film. I can see that this would be very useful too many of our customers. We will look into this.
Posted By: Diane Haensel on Apr 09, 2015 12:59AM
ReplyI think this is a great idea! I have ordered a number of panels from this company and I've always had to add my own protective film when assembling unts to keep them pristine for the customer.
Posted By: Freddy on Jun 13, 2015 10:31PM
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HPGL scale resolution
Hi, would it be possible to add one more digit to the HPGL resolution? Meaning, right now it will only do 48.8% or 75.1% instead of 48.85% or 75.12% etc... The extra resolution seems it would be easy to do and would save me a huge amount of time in fine tuning my engravings.
Posted By: John M on Apr 03, 2015 06:19PM Category: Whishes
Hello, I am not sure if an extra digit makes any difference to the engraving result. Would you mind emailing me your design to so that I can have a look?
Posted By: Diane Haensel on Apr 03, 2015 09:10PM
Reply1 extra digit in the HPGL scale resolution would allow me to fine tune the size of the HPGL file to make it match the holes etc. When I export from my grpahics software to frontpanel, I often have to adjust the HPGL scale to make it the right size. I often find that I could use finer resolution i.e. 34.5% is too big 34.4% is too small... 34.55% would be just right...
Posted By: John M on Apr 03, 2015 09:19PM
ReplyI understand that it makes the positioning easier. However it won't be noticeable in the result of the engravings.
Technically your hpgl size should be always 100% in Front Panel Designer and the fine tuning should be done with your graphic software. We were even discussing to remove the scaling option because it causes more confusion with the tool selection than it helps. I am more than happy to have a look at your design and make suggestions on how to position the hpgl.Posted By: Diane Haensel on Apr 03, 2015 09:40PM
ReplyPer frontpaneldesign instructions I'm enlarging the HPGL to then shrink down to "smooth" out the curves. The scaling down then needs fine tuning. To fit right. The initial size that I work with after being scaled down yields 25 thousandths steps at the current .1% resolution... which is certainly noticeable in alignment/size issues
Posted By: John M on Apr 03, 2015 09:51PM
I got your email with the file. Please give me a day or two to get back to you. Thank you and Happy Easter.
Posted By: Diane Haensel on Apr 03, 2015 10:36PM
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dialog boxes
I can't get FPE to open.
It says "the current instance of FPD is not reacting. Please close all dialog boxes and try again"
I've put the program in the trash and downloaded a new version but no luck. Months of work gone. Please help.Posted By: jon peters on Apr 03, 2015 05:02PM Category: Front Panel Designer
I am sorry you are experiencing this issue. The wording "current instance" got my attention. You probably just have to end the process in Windows Task Manager.
To do this:
1. Crtl + Alt + Del
2. select "start task manager"
3. click tab "processes"
4. select "FrontDesign.exe from the "image name" list
5. Click "end process"
You should be able to start Front Panel Designer. I hope this works. If not please attach a screenshot of the error message you will get.Posted By: Diane Haensel on Apr 03, 2015 09:03PM
ReplyHi,
I have the same problem on a Mac. I can't solve this by reinstalling. I had a similar problem with kicad which was solved by deleting a "lock" file. I must add that this was caused after an emergency shut down. (holding the power b***on on a macbook).
Best,
ZanderAttached File: Screenshot_2016-06-13_12.13.59.png
Posted By: Zander on Jun 13, 2016 12:14PM
ReplyHello Zander,
You just need to delete the lock file which is located here:
~/Library/Application Support/FrontDesign/FrontDesign
This happens after an emergency shutdown and is normal on a Mac. Lots of other software programs have shown the same issues.
Kind regards,
FabianPosted By: Fabian on Jun 18, 2016 12:33AM
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Order single panel
Can I order a single panel to fit a 2U 19 inch rack case, 2mm black anodised aluminium? How do I get a cost for this?
Posted By: Barrie Davis on Apr 01, 2015 07:04AM Category: Ordering
Of course, one-offs are our daily business. The pricing shows in Front Panel Designer. All you need to do is download the free software, design the part to your specifications and click on the pricing button in the tool bar.
Have a look at www.frontpanelexpress.com/front_panel_designer/the_idea/ and a couple of screenshots at www.frontpanelexpress.com/front_panel_designer/screenshots/Posted By: Diane Haensel on Apr 02, 2015 01:10AM
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