Assembly Progress

Before adding any components to the control panel, I used it as a template to drill holes in the clear polycarbonate sheet. I took the same approach as I did with the plexiglass, removing the pilot bit from the hole saw.

I also put a piece of scrap wood under the polycarbonate to help prevent cracking.

Once the drilling was done, I started putting nuts in all the hexagonal holes. I found that the easiest way to get them in was to tap them in with a hammer.

Next, I added the standoffs for the large circuit board.

I made the control panel 6mm thick, because that is the length of the threaded portion of the standoffs. But when I put one of the standoffs in, it protruded a little through the other side. A small washer under each standoff fixed this problem.

Next, I installed the circuit board.

With the board installed, I can start soldering in the LCDs. I will have to remove the circuit board again to solder the wires that will attach to the relay bank, as well as the wires for the LEDs in the buttons.

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