Dieselpunk Stereophonic Amplifier

Step 5 Make: the Power Indicator

The power indicator is a bit unusual. It was fashioned to look like a sight fuel level gauge (think of commercial coffee pots). Yes, sight fuel level gauges are usually vertical but there wasn't an area available to do that.

The indicator consists of two brass elbows found at the hardware store, a red LED and a 3/8 inch OD acrylic tube. Bore out the ends of the elbows with a 3/8 inch bit. Cut about 1-1/4 inch long piece of acrylic tube. Seal one end of the tube with silicone sealer or equivalent. The other end will be "sealed" with the LED. This step takes a bit of tweaking. Trial fit everything, file, sand, repeat until it is perfect.

For final assembly of the power indicator cover the LED leads with shrink tubing to insulate it from the side walls of the brass elbow. Find some motor oil and add it to the tube. Clean the surfaces then glue the LED onto the end with silicone sealer. Once that has dried, attach the brass elbows and fill the ends with more silicone sealer.

Now that the power indicator is finished, mark a location on the box and drill the holes for it. Position it so that the box handle does not hit the acrylic part but instead hits the brass elbow. It would get very messy if the handle cracked the acrylic!

Now would be a good time to locate and fit the power switch. Find a location for the switch that also clears the handle. Also make sure it clears the speakers, amp and top layer/compartment divider inside of the box. Centerpunch and drill the hole for the switch.

Comments

[eschneck]

I think this is my favorite part of the whole build. :)

[garagemonkeysan]

Yes! I borrowed the idea from old school choppers. Thanks for the email!