More authentic looking knobs

[Michael Katzmann]

FYI -- I found some knobs which are a lot closer to the original PDP11 look than those supplied in Oscar's kit.

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806984060318.html

I originally 3D printed a pair because I didn't like the original knobs but if you don't want to go to that bother, these new ones are a good upgrade.

Michael

(pictures ... new knobs, 3D printed and an original 11/70 panel)

(Sorry, I have the original very reflective panel which makes getting a good photo challenging)

--

   |\      _,,,---,,_             Michael Katzmann
   /,`.-'`'    -.  ;-;;,_         NV3Z / VK2BEA / G4NYV
  |,4-  ) )-,_. ,\ (  `'-'
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[John Hudak]

Thanks for the pointer.  BTW, would you make the stl file available for the 3d printer? (on thingverse?)

Thanks

J

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[Steven A. Falco]

I also did a 3D print of better looking knobs. Here is my version:

https://github.com/stevefalco/PiDP11_knobs

Steve

On 6/16/25 04:54 PM, John Hudak wrote:
> Thanks for the pointer.  BTW, would you make the stl file available for the 3d printer? (on thingverse?)
> Thanks
> J
>
>
> On Mon, Jun 16, 2025 at 4:18 PM Michael Katzmann <vk2...@gmail.com <mailto:vk2...@gmail.com>> wrote:
>
> FYI -- I found some knobs which are a lot closer to the original PDP11 look than those supplied in Oscar's kit.
>

> https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806984060318.html <https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806984060318.html>

>
> I originally 3D printed a pair because I didn't like the original knobs but if you don't want to go to that bother, these new ones are a good upgrade.
>
> Michael
> (pictures ... new knobs, 3D printed and an original 11/70 panel)
> (Sorry, I have the original very reflective panel which makes getting a good photo challenging)
>

> IMG_20250616_160003.jpg
>
>
> IMG_20250616_160244.jpg

>
> pdp11-70-front.jpg
> --
>    |\      _,,,---,,_             Michael Katzmann
>    /,`.-'`'    -.  ;-;;,_         NV3Z / VK2BEA / G4NYV
>   |,4-  ) )-,_. ,\ (  `'-'
>  '---''(_/--'  `-'\_)
>
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>
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[Michael Katzmann]

Sorry, credit where credit is due ... I used the 3D files from here ... https://github.com/cbyrd01/3d-knob-for-pidp11

[terry-...@glaver.org]

Or, if you don't want to get involved with 3D printing at all, these: 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01F6XUK9G?th=1

They just need the round dimples filled with white where the stripe

ends on the face

[andrew....@gmail.com]

Here's my first attempt, made in 2 parts to 3D print without needing a colour printer. The photographs show a sample printed with a 0.4 mm nozzle and 0.1 mm layer height, and no hand-finishing attempted. Glue not required as it's a friction fit, and the screw head retains the shell in any case.

I used an m3x6 cap-head screw and square nut from my Prusa spares box to get a firm grip and avoid having to thread the plastic. 5 mm will be better as the head of the screw was just proud of the knob.

[andrew....@gmail.com]

Here's the exploded view.

[Andrew O'Neill]

Thanks for this Michael. Here is another comparison of the Ali Express ones with the ones in the kit.

Due to an ordering glitch, I seem to have a dozen or so spares of these. If anyone is having trouble finding them, for the cost of shipping I'll be very happy to forward them on. I'm UK based.

Best wishes

Andrew O'Neill 

[Doug Braun]

I just got ten of these knobs (from AliExpress).  They look nice on my PiDP-11.  If you are in the USA and you want a pair, let me know.

Doug

[Bert Driehuis]

Seems that I picked the same guitar shop! If you're in the Netherlands, or in the EU in a country that allows goods to be shipped through the mail, drop me a note. I've got eight unused knobs lying around that are surplus to requirement.

With kind regards,

Bert

[Doug Braun]

I already have paid-up claimants for all the extra knobs I have.

BTW, I recently ordered something from AliExpress, and it arrived quickly, without any extra customs charges.

Consider ordering the knobs from them - apparently they have figured out how to work around the current high tariffs.

Doug