Marconi knob Яeverse Engineering

[Skylar]

This is a carry-over thread from a request in the Black Market for Red Marconi knobs.

http://www.groupdiy.com/index.php?topic=35070.0


I have reverse engineered a few original Marconi knobs (used on Classic Neve gear).

My original post:

Hey guys!


A few months ago, member ddt sent me some mint, original Marconi knobs to model in SolidWorks.

I took exacting measurements, invested several hours, and I now have complete models of the plastics, brass inserts, and aluminum (where applicable).

Here are some renders of the models (click for larger image):

               

           




               

       



Now, surely someone would be interested in manufacturing these.
Right?

I contacted Davies Moulding on June 20 (and actually sent them some SolidWorks files), asking if they would be interested in manufacturing these.
No reply.
So, I have kinda given up for now.


But, if anyone has a contact or wants to send an inquiry to a manufacturer about producing these knobs, you are more than welcome to have the SolidWorks files.
I'll probably need to be a contact person for the manufacturer so that I can answer questions about the solid models and manufacturing requirements if needed.


~Skylar

A few folks have made inquiries to various manufacturers about starting a production.

I will be sending the CAD files to the GDIY gmail account.


Now let's continue the discussion...

 

[SSLtech]

Skylar,

When you rock, you rock.
But when you roll, you RULE!

;D

Keef

 

[Di_Sousa]

Nice one,
this was deserving a new thread already!!!!

thanks Skylar

 

[SaMpLeGoD]

Awesome!!!!
Thanks Skylar!

Eddie

 

[buschfsu]

skylar.  did they not do one like the first pictures in grey? i was thinking of that for my ez1290 trim knob.

thanks

 

[Skylar]

I guess so yeah. I guess the drawing board maybe?

Have 2 local companies that say it's exactly what they do.  Can't harm to see what kind of quotes we can get. They've asked for iges files. I'm an autocad man myself so not sure if solidworks does iges files?

I've sent the IGES CAD files to the GroupDIY gmail account.

solidworks can export .dwg...dxf? or something like that.

SolidWorks models are 3D geometry.
DWG/DXF files are 2D drawings.

So, it's not as simple as just exporting a 3D Solid Model to a 2D drawing.
It takes a series of 2D DWG/DXF drawings, showing multiple views, in order to understand the geometry of a 3D object.
Usually, when people want 2D drawings, they will also need the full dimensions, which takes ages to do (compared to the time it takes to model the part).
This is why I prefer to not have to make dimensioned drawings!
The time it would take to produce dimensioned drawings of these knobs would probably be x10 the amount of time it took to measure and model the parts.

skylar.  did they not do one like the first pictures in grey? i was thinking of that for my ez1290 trim knob.

thanks

Yes, I've seen Neve units with blue/grey-colored "wing" knobs.
If someone can find a suitable manufacturer, we should be able to have these knobs in any colour we like!

 

[onlymeeee]

I guess so yeah. I guess the drawing board maybe?

Have 2 local companies that say it's exactly what they do.  Can't harm to see what kind of quotes we can get. They've asked for iges files. I'm an autocad man myself so not sure if solidworks does iges files?

I've sent SolidWorks and IGES files to the GroupDIY gmail account.

Great.  I'll get those sent and see what turns up.
I'll keep you posted

 

[desol]

Skylar,

When you rock, you rock.
But when you roll, you RULE!

;D

Keef

The bestest compliment!

 

[Ptownkid]

Cool, i am going to look into this...nice work.

 

[Ptownkid]

Your second and third links need a .zip removed from them

 

[Skylar]

Yes, of course, thanks for the compliments everyone!


I fixed the links (thank you, Ptown).
I guess I got a little overzealous in my zipping.

 

[SIXTYNINER]

ECCELLENT!
8)

 

[mata_haze]

Very very good indeed!

M.

 

[Neil]

I know diyfanatic was asking for a quote for these from Rogan. Any news on if they ever gave him one?

 

[diyfanatic]

no answers from Rogan, I emailed twice about customizing one of their products...

I asked for quote for the Skylar design to local French company but the price was insane (I won't tell you, taking care of your heart) so...

I can try other company in Europe this week...no much time between day job and music.

what about you guys?

Jr.

 

[MartyMart]

Skylar - beautiful modeling
Great job, I just hope that Neve/ Brent Averil don't go the route of API and stick a "Brand recognition"
patent on those knobs !!!

MM

 

[stitch-o]

 

[onlymeeee]

Hi, I got a couple of quotes so far.

red knob  moulding - £2380
1000 at 44p each.

skirt moulding - £1060
1000 at 33p each.

brass insert tbc

__

Another quote I got:

" Tooling costs for the Knob and clear skirt is £2350.00 with slides for the holes.
We can make tooling and drill holes for £0.10 per hole. Tooling this way is £1950.00.
Moulding costs are £0.15 for knob and £0.10 for skirt. (Minimum qty 1000 each or £60.00 set up charge applies)

We could make the brass part from a hard plastic.(glass filled nylon)
Tooling for this is £1550.00. Part cost £0.15 (un-tapped) £0.35 (holes tapped)."

__

I am waiting for someone else to get back to me also.

 

[Skylar]

Skylar - beautiful modeling
Great job, I just hope that Neve/ Brent Averil don't go the route of API and stick a "Brand recognition"
patent on those knobs !!!

MM

Nothing's keeping anyone from manufacturing/selling API knobs or even using them on commercial equipment.
API was awarded a design patent, which would prevent a commercial company from using the API knobs in their concentric configuration ONLY.

There's a thread in here somewhere about this.


Regarding the Marconi knobs:
There is no patent or trademark protecting them from use.
In order for someone to be awarded a patent or trademark on these knobs, they would need to prove that:
A) they were the first to use them
B) no other equipment can be recognized/identified by the use of these knobs

Neither BAE or Neve meet either of these requirements.

But Marconi used the knobs on their test equipment years before being used by Neve.
And, in the test equipment world, I bet Marconi would meet requirement B also.

So, if anyone could be awared a patent or trademark, it would be Marconi.
However, they have been closed for business since when?

I predict no troubles with intellectual property on this one.

 

[jsteiger]

API was awarded a design patent, which would prevent a commercial company from using the API knobs in their concentric configuration ONLY.

Hey Skylar,

I think API were awarded a trademark, not a design patent. Vemaline, who actually originally created the API style knobs, had the design patent, which has long expired. You are correct though, their trademark appears to be on the "dual concentric" config only.

I have not heard from them again. Knock on wood. 

Cheers, Jeff