Hammond translucent enclosures - will a display be readable? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: 8086
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2011, 10:43:34 pm
content: I'm looking at this range of boxes by Hammond:http://www.hammondmfg.com/dwg2XXTBU.htmI need something transparent/translucent as I want to mount a PCB just under the surface with a LCD display. This means the PCB holes are also necessary (they're missing on the "crystal clear" range).So my question is this: if any of you have used these in real life at some point, could you let me know if, for example, a mono backlit 128x32 graphic display will be readable if mounted just below the plastic? I really can't tell from the pictures.Thanks

author: JuKu
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 14, 2011, 07:27:59 am
content: Ask them to place one in front of a monitor and take a picture!

author: PeterG
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 14, 2011, 08:04:50 am
content: I rate your chances as slim to non. You may get a result with a strongly backlit lcd.Regards

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 14, 2011, 09:23:08 am
content: The translucent ones have a textured surface, and you won't see an LCD through them.Missing PCB bosses on the clear version aren't necessarily a problem as you can make things be a close fit so it all gets held together when the box is closed.

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 14, 2011, 09:33:02 am
content: In the past, I did "fixed" similar problem by using a good and crystal clear adhesive tape, since the adhesive glue will even out the texture and made it totally transparent like a clear glass.But I'm not sure if this works at that particular surface, cause if the texture is too rough, it might not be optimal since the adhesive from the tape is too thin to even it out, but this trick definitely did some magic at a really fine texture.PS : This is a well known old trick to see thru a frosted glass.

author: david77
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 14, 2011, 10:09:40 am
content: I have a 1591CTBU in front of me here, the surfaces are not textured and the blue is relatively light in colour.I'd say it depends on the colour of your LCD's backlight. A white or blue one should be readable, green might work as well.I've used these enclosures with green 7 seg. LED displays, that works well.I'd say give it a shot and buy one to try it out, they're not that expensive.If you want I could rig up a MCU + LCD display and take some pictures tonight.

author: 8086
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 14, 2011, 05:40:30 pm
content: Thanks everyoneQuote from: david77 on November 14, 2011, 10:09:40 amThat would be extremely helpful if it's not too much botherThanks so much.

author: david77
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 14, 2011, 06:25:02 pm
content: No problem, will have to wait till tomorrow, though. I left the enclosure at work.

author: george graves
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 14, 2011, 08:02:39 pm
content: This is the outside against a LCD monitor. It does really well. But it doesn't work so well flipped over (as you would mount a LCD *INSIDE* the case.Orange LCD. No good. Filters too much light out:Blue LCD. Kinda works. You can see the texture really isn't too bad....but it's not too good:Reference:And you'll get some glare:Are you planning on manufacturing something? If it's just a one off you could sand the case down with 500 grit, then 1000, then 2000, then polish it with a fine rubbing compound.

author: codeboy2k
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 14, 2011, 08:08:28 pm
content: Quote from: george graves on November 14, 2011, 08:02:39 pmThe texturing is not too bad, as you said. It even adds a slight anti-aliasing effect to the pixels, based on the reference shot.The reference shot was very clear, by the way.. good pics.I'm not the OP, but I also appreciate that you took the time to make these pictures and show me too.--Cheers!

author: 8086
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 15, 2011, 05:45:51 pm
content: Quote from: george graves on November 14, 2011, 08:02:39 pmThanks so much for the picturesLooks like it will work okay for a prototype, will have to think about what to do when I make more if it doesnt work satisfactorily. The sanding/polishing isn't really an option as I was looking to mass produce.

author: david77
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 15, 2011, 06:47:59 pm
content: Here some pics I just took. As I said the case I have here has no textured surfaces and displays are clearly readable.The Maha's display is illuminated in white, but I have no doubt a green or yellow backlight will work just as well.

author: westfw
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 15, 2011, 08:41:17 pm
content: Have you talked to the people at Hammond? They have the "Ice blue" transparent plastic available in other styles, and they have the pcb standoff versions in other non-clear plastics, it may be a simple matter of combining a (standard) ice-blue lid with a (standard) translucent-blue box, or loading up a machine with different plastic stock (depending on how many you'll buy...)