Control panel repair - industrial printers?

[Balbas]

My engine control panel works absolutely fine, but has seen better days. Hopefully I've managed to attach a picture.

Vetus' UK agent haven't responded to emails and don't seem to want to answer their telephone, and anyway I have no desire to spend a whole tonne of money on a new panel so I was wondering how best to fix it.

Really it just needs a new facia stuck on it. It's already weatherproofed by a wooden and perspex hinged cover built by the last owner. I was thinking an industrial printer might be able to sort me out with something if I provide them with the dimensions and the correct caption symbols.

Does anyone have any other ideas for a fix, or has anyone had any experience of industrial printing for something like this?

 

[ghostlymoron]

I used to work for a small engineering firm which had an electrical control panel section. They could engrave Traffolite like your panel. Try seeking out a local electrical panel maker who might be prepared to do you one. You'll have to remove the switches and dials, then they could drill suitable holes for them. With a bit of luck they'll have coloured indicator lenses.

 

[rogerthebodger]

There a number of laser engravers in south Devon

https://www.google.co.za/search?ei=....1.64.psy-ab..0.1.304...33i10k1.0.cmE_9eCNaqs

like this

 

[ghostlymoron]

Doesn't need to be laser but sign writer is a good idea.

 

[pvb]

I don't think it's quite as easy as others have suggested, because you need a transparent panel with different coloured sections for the 6 warning lights. By the time that's been made as a one-off, the cost would probably be over a hundred quid. You can buy a new Vetus panel with a new tacho and new switch for £170 or less, then swap your voltmeter on to it. See https://www.vetus-shop.com/vetus-mp22-engine-panel-upgrade-p-2652.html

 

[Balbas]

I don't think it's quite as easy as others have suggested, because you need a transparent panel with different coloured sections for the 6 warning lights. By the time that's been made as a one-off, the cost would probably be over a hundred quid. You can buy a new Vetus panel with a new tacho and new switch for £170 or less, then swap your voltmeter on to it. See https://www.vetus-shop.com/vetus-mp22-engine-panel-upgrade-p-2652.html

Is it plug and play though? I've emailed Vetus 3 times now asking about the best way to fix it or whether I can buy a new control panel. I've also tried phoning them a couple of times and I've had no joy at all. Admittedly I've not tried one of the distributors (which I probably should do).

 

[rogerthebodger]

I don't think it's quite as easy as others have suggested, because you need a transparent panel with different coloured sections for the 6 warning lights. By the time that's been made as a one-off, the cost would probably be over a hundred quid. You can buy a new Vetus panel with a new tacho and new switch for £170 or less, then swap your voltmeter on to it. See https://www.vetus-shop.com/vetus-mp22-engine-panel-upgrade-p-2652.html

What I do is to have the indicator signs back engraved onto the panel and mount coloured LED's or lamps behind the panel

 

[matthewriches]

If you’re still looking, I can do this for you.

 

[Balbas]

If you’re still looking, I can do this for you.

You have a PM/DM

 

[matthewriches]

If you can get it in the post ASAP, I’ll get it turned around pretty much straight away as parts in stock.

 

[Balbas]

If you can get it in the post ASAP, I’ll get it turned around pretty much straight away as parts in stock.

Got your PM thanks. Price suggested seems very reasonable (posting this here rather than PM in case its useful to anyone else), but I can't send you the panel straight away as I'm still using the boat!

I may have to lift soon. Give me a week or so to get some other stuff squared away and I'll come back to you with some possible timelines.

 

[jwilson]

I don't think it's quite as easy as others have suggested, because you need a transparent panel with different coloured sections for the 6 warning lights. By the time that's been made as a one-off, the cost would probably be over a hundred quid. You can buy a new Vetus panel with a new tacho and new switch for £170 or less, then swap your voltmeter on to it. See https://www.vetus-shop.com/vetus-mp22-engine-panel-upgrade-p-2652.html

That is a sensible price - with Yanmar a whole new panel is about £800, and even a new thin stuck-on translucent-in-places front panel covering is £100+. As these front bits disintegrate I made a new one with two layers of sign acrylic printed with lettering and symbols created on computer. One piece white printed black with cuoouts marked for lights, one transparent with symols to match cutouts, registration marks outside printed areas. Fiddly to do but local sign shop made up for £10.