Chris_Zahn Posted February 11, 2018 Share Posted February 11, 2018 Everyone likes the end result first, so here is a pic or the board standing up. (Sorry about my lollipop photography skills) So I've been looking at the Helix a bit over the last couple of days and one thing that stuck out to me was a lack of guides for the I/O when standing up looking at the pedal. In a dark setting and at a show most of the time I'm leaning over my board to look at connections upside down and then having to combat faint text to work out where I'm at. I noticed that the design of the Helix has an angled section near the top. I thought it was a bit odd that this wasn't potentially used for ease of use with respect to the back panel. So I got to thinking. I used a label maker I had lying around at home and purchased some neon green fluorescent cartridges for it. Then, I printed a few copies of each section (adjusting the spacing if need). The method behind this was to be able to separate each section so that the 'boarder line' were in line with where the input/outputs would roughly be. Once all of them were done it as just a matter of sticking them in the order I preferred and now its much easier to deal with plugging everything I need in. Here are some photos in a dark and light setting. I hope it helps or inspires someone. - Zahn 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpdennis Posted February 11, 2018 Share Posted February 11, 2018 This is a great idea. I am bending over and lifting my HELIX as well during dark setups trying not to fumble. Thanks for the idea!! Dennis 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris_Zahn Posted February 12, 2018 Author Share Posted February 12, 2018 No worries at all Dennis! I also have Luminlay's in the bass; so the little UV torch works great on the markings :) This is a great idea. I am bending over and lifting my HELIX as well during dark setups trying not to fumble. Thanks for the idea!! Dennis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
klangmaler Posted February 12, 2018 Share Posted February 12, 2018 Thank you, nice DIY lifehack for helix - including a picture template: So I have to find my scissors again ;) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris_Zahn Posted February 12, 2018 Author Share Posted February 12, 2018 Thank you, nice DIY lifehack for helix - including a picture template: So I have to find my scissors again ;) No worries at all Klang! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mileskb Posted February 12, 2018 Share Posted February 12, 2018 I went for a subtle approach a while back. I figured I just needed To be able to read it without having to pick up the unit. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris_Zahn Posted February 12, 2018 Author Share Posted February 12, 2018 I went for a subtle approach a while back. I figured I just needed To be able to read it without having to pick up the unit. 20180212_124338.jpg I like that heaps Miles! I wanted to do the same but I couldnt find any clear cartridges for my laber maker :( Id love it if Line 6 maybe released something that looked in line with the boards asthetics. Would be cool if they also made the lines/font glow in the dark but im just clutching straws here now hahahah! Thanks for the pic bro <3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TRENDKILLCFH333 Posted February 12, 2018 Share Posted February 12, 2018 I use the same method on my analog board - never thought to apply it to the Helix. Thanks for posting! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris_Zahn Posted February 12, 2018 Author Share Posted February 12, 2018 I use the same method on my analog board - never thought to apply it to the Helix. Thanks for posting! You're welcome Trend. The angled lip on the top is perfect for it and the design options are left to you imagination. An example: When i go on tour I work out my I/O routing before I leave and then Ill swap the green tabs for fluro pink (like the power). That way there is less confusion :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mileskb Posted February 12, 2018 Share Posted February 12, 2018 I like that heaps Miles! I wanted to do the same but I couldnt find any clear cartridges for my laber maker :( Id love it if Line 6 maybe released something that looked in line with the boards asthetics. Would be cool if they also made the lines/font glow in the dark but im just clutching straws here now hahahah! Thanks for the pic bro <3 It's actually White Text on Black Tape. I believe they do make glow in the dark too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TRENDKILLCFH333 Posted February 13, 2018 Share Posted February 13, 2018 You're welcome Trend. The angled lip on the top is perfect for it and the design options are left to you imagination. An example: When i go on tour I work out my I/O routing before I leave and then Ill swap the green tabs for fluro pink (like the power). That way there is less confusion :) That's a great idea to be prepared with the I/O routing before a tour. Probably makes setups a whole lot easier! I work for a graphics/printing company.......thinking I might design a one piece, low tac adhesive decal and run it with the next available job. Pics to follow only if it turns out nice. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coleman48 Posted February 13, 2018 Share Posted February 13, 2018 I started doing this yesterday. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris_Zahn Posted February 13, 2018 Author Share Posted February 13, 2018 That's a great idea to be prepared with the I/O routing before a tour. Probably makes setups a whole lot easier! I work for a graphics/printing company.......thinking I might design a one piece, low tac adhesive decal and run it with the next available job. Pics to follow only if it turns out nice. :) I'd be so keen to see that! You can also donate any 'not quite right' versions ;) I started doing this yesterday. What are you going to do for your board, dude? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coleman48 Posted February 13, 2018 Share Posted February 13, 2018 I'd be so keen to see that! You can also donate any 'not quite right' versions ;) What are you going to do for your board, dude? The Helix LT is going to be mounted in a flight case w/ couple of external pedals. Everything will stay in place & connected except the outputs which is really where the labels will help. Still piecing it together. I'll post pics when it's done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plumber Posted February 13, 2018 Share Posted February 13, 2018 I put pink tape directly over the in/outs I use - makes everything easier - your idea takes it a step further so I'm on that now Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HonestOpinion Posted February 13, 2018 Share Posted February 13, 2018 That's a great idea to be prepared with the I/O routing before a tour. Probably makes setups a whole lot easier! I work for a graphics/printing company.......thinking I might design a one piece, low tac adhesive decal and run it with the next available job. Pics to follow only if it turns out nice. :) If it turns out well you could probably sell these online. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TRENDKILLCFH333 Posted February 13, 2018 Share Posted February 13, 2018 If it turns out well you could probably sell these online. That would be cool - the profits would fund the next Helix. :D Now I'm thinking about how I should make it - I can print white ink on clear vinyl. But the Helix and Line 6 logos would interfere. So maybe black background with white ink - certain parts (Guitar in, Send and Return 1, Mono 1/4 out, Midi Out, Mic In and XLR Mono out) would probably have color coded backgrounds since they are the most used I/O's for me. Too bad I can't print fluorescent colors. Should be a fun project! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris_Zahn Posted February 14, 2018 Author Share Posted February 14, 2018 That actually sounds awesome mate! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
p8guitar Posted February 14, 2018 Share Posted February 14, 2018 I don't understand why Line6 didn't put extra labelling there where you can read it without lying on the floor. The pod HD500 has this extra labelling. But maybe the thought it doesn't look nice... :rolleyes: 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brue58ski Posted February 14, 2018 Share Posted February 14, 2018 I do this too. Black tape with white letters. The angle is perfect. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MusicLaw Posted February 14, 2018 Share Posted February 14, 2018 Great labeling ideas! Time to bust out the Brother P-Touch Label machine and put it to good use. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris_Zahn Posted February 15, 2018 Author Share Posted February 15, 2018 I don't understand why Line6 didn't put extra labelling there where you can read it without lying on the floor. The pod HD500 has this extra labelling. But maybe the thought it doesn't look nice... :rolleyes: I guess if Line 6 did something that looked original it would suit nicely. Beggar's cant be choosers though, I guess :P I do this too. Black tape with white letters. The angle is perfect. I'd be keen to see your results! :) Great labeling ideas! Time to bust out the Brother P-Touch Label machine and put it to good use. 'Brother P-Touch' sounds like a great preset name :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.