I’ve made several improvements which will bump the price up slightly, these include 6 extra studs and 4 threaded holes to secure the front panel, the latter M2 grub screws are optional. Everything is nicely symmetrical and even functions as a visual guide. Also my idea of mounting the rubber feet through the bottom nuts didn’t work because the actual screw threads are too short to get past 3.2 mm aluminium and into the integral nut. So there are 4 more there and these are the reasons for extra cost.
I think you’ll be very happy with the cases though, they’re sturdy and stylish.
Another point: Mouser have gotten back to me about the button pads. While they are listed as “non-stocked”, apparently the delivery time is 1-2 weeks. The pricing is fair, but there will only be about $10 difference in a larger bulk order, so it’s easier for everyone to just get theirs directly. This is a great way to get almost everything in one order, especially for Europeans who will even get free shipping.
You’ve got to love buying from Mouser, the last order I placed with them about a month ago had over 1000 components on it. I ordered on a Tuesday evening and it was delivered from the U.S. to the UK by Friday morning with free shipping and no import taxes!
About the Mouser ordering: people keep forgetting that there will be a brokerage fee, e.g. from UPS or whoever handles the transportation. This fee includes the VAT plus the money they want for paying the VAT upfront for you. The bill usually arrives a few weeks later. So, take that into account as well you Europeans!
UPS slaps on a brokerage fee and VAT later for Mouser orders. using FedEx lets you pay VAT straight away on the Mouser order, and there is nothing extra to deal with. At least, it’s been that way for me lately.
Schmitt triggers on SC, RC and SO lines (keeps clock signals at Vcc to avoid latch-up)
Start up delay for /output enable EDIT: can also be controlled by a spare PIC pin if available/if there’s code space left (e.g. port B currently allocated to the LCD)
Base-emitter resistors, might help with the very faint ghosting. Also necessary when tri-stating the 595 outputs at start up
Discrete components are easy 1206, in fact the most fiddly thing will probably be the 289 THT diodes!
Diode bending jig added to a corner (experimental)
