Software to help design a Control panel display

[JohnRob]

I'm looking to create a display/control panel for a smart home system. I've read some some folks have used some design software to make the panels look professional.

The only one I've found so far is Squareline Studio.

Has anyone had any experience using software to help design an interactive display? If so can you maybe provide your experience?

Thanks
John

[gilshultz]

@JohnRob

Squareline Studio

It may be possible with Pro_E but that is only a guess.

[JohnRob]

Pro-E like in Pro Engineer? Or is there another Pro-E?

[gilshultz]

Yes, I was using it about 20 years ago and it did a lot of stuff but I must admit I had a good group of engineers on those work stations.

[JohnRob]

But the per station cost is not exactly hobby friendly.

[LarryD]

• What kind of look are you needing ?

[JohnRob]

I'm mostly trying to have it not look like a 5th grader did the design.

[LarryD]

• These might spur some interest:

Share tips you have come across

Making a Reasonable looking Test Jig The following images show how to build a test jig. [A] Design your front panel layout. Print a 1:1 paper copy and add double stick tape. Laminate. [B] [C] [D] [E] [F] [G] Enlarge the holes for your LEDs switches etc. [H] [I] [J] [K] See this post for soldering the proto board components:

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CNC engraved panel

Share tips you have come across

Mounting Components in a Project Enclosure. The following discussion should help makers in placing and mounting components in a project enclosure. Refer to earlier posts on cutting and making holes for these components. A digital caliper is a must have tool when transferring component dimensions to your CAD drawing. [A] [B] [C] [D] [E] [F] [G] [H] [I] [J] [K]

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Share tips you have come across

Adding a Clear Acrylic Bezel to a Project Box The following images discuss the process for adding a display bezel to a project box/enclosure. The discussion assumes you have access to some tools. We are adding a SSD1306 OLED display to the cover of a Project Box. We use double stick tape to affix a laminated label to the surface of the box cover. There is a cutout in this label for viewing the display. This cutout is smaller than the bezel we are discussing. [A] [B] [C] [D] [E] […

• I use AutoCAD and Sketchup

[JohnRob]

Thanks for the links.

I was thinking more like this:

BTW: For custom panels you can have whatever you can draw, printed on plastic at any company that "wraps" cars.

[LarryD]

• Have you considered something like an iPad display with an ESP32 WEB server; then you can get really fancy.

[JohnRob]

I'm glad you mentioned that. I was think of going in that direction. And I'll also look into the ESP WEB server.
Up to now I've not been interested in the WEB trying to stay away from WiFi. This is mostly for sensors and controls in my home and I would rather keep my router out of the equation. But perhaps for my display the route you suggest if the best.

Thanks

John