Adhesive/tabbed overlays - C47 & WP43 (DM42), WP3xS, DB48X, newRPL variants!

[spiff72]

UPDATE 11/2/24: PRICE INCREASE NOW IMPLEMENTED
As I mentioned earlier this month, the new pricing has now gone into effect (as of yesterday)...
This will be the new pricing structure:
WP31S/WP34S: $7
newRPL 50g/Prime/39gs/40gs: $7
C47 (all variants - tabbed/adhesive and original/big-alpha): $7
DB48x/DB50x (all variants - tabbed/adhesive): $9
WP43 (all variants - tabbed/adhesive): $9
R47 Beta (all variants - tabbed/adhesive): $9

Starting shipping costs are still $2 for USA and $4 for International, but I quote these as they are ordered depending on the quantities/types of overlays ordered (I have estimated values for all the weights of each style so I can estimate how heavy the envelope will be).

UPDATE 10/19/24: POSSIBLE CHANGES COMING TO DB48x/DB50x
Christophe has notified me (and everyone) that there will likely be a layout change coming to the DB48x/DB50x overlays. My intent right now is to change over to the new version once it's ready, but that time is still unknown. Users of the current overlays will still be supported on future firmware releases, so those won't become obsolete when the changeover happens. I am continuing to offer the current version for sale because they won't be rendered useless when the new one is implemented...

UPDATE 10/06/24: FUTURE PRICE INCREASE COMING ON 11/1/24
I posted this at the end of the thread, but thought I should add it in the first post as well...

What started as a "hobby" for me has started eating up a lot of my time, so I am going to be raising prices across the board starting on Nov 1, 2024. I apologize for the inconvenience, but this had to be done eventually.

My plan is to increase the prices by $2 for all overlays, with the exception of the WP34S, which I had raised by $1 a while ago because of decreased yields on that overlay. I have gone back to my previously used setup on that one with better luck so yields are better for that one now.

This will be the new pricing structure:
WP31S/WP34S: $7
newRPL 50g/Prime/39gs/40gs: $7
C47 (all variants - tabbed/adhesive and original/big-alpha): $7
DB48x/DB50x (all variants - tabbed/adhesive): $9
WP43 (all variants - tabbed/adhesive): $9
R47 Beta (all variants - tabbed/adhesive): $9

Starting shipping costs are still $2 for USA and $4 for International, but I quote these as they are ordered depending on the quantities/types of overlays ordered (I have estimated values for all the weights of each style so I can estimate how heavy the envelope will be).

Any orders placed before Nov 1st 2024 will use the current pricing.

UPDATE 09/24/24:
I have added another overlay to the catalog -- R47 (variant of C47 with different layout) in both adhesive and tabbed. This is a "pre-release", since the final layout hasn't yet been determined. This version includes some extra keylabels to use on the SIN key instead of the default DRG label. Those optional labels are: BLANK, PI, TRI, and HOME. The layout is still subject to change, so these may become obsolete in the future, so purchase at your own risk. Here's a photo of the tabbed layout for reference:
https://imgur.com/uVecvEk

Here is the latest list of overlays and pricing:

WP31S: $5
WP34S: $6

newRPL:
50g: $5
39gs: $5
40gs: $5
Prime (G1): $5

C47 (all variants -- tabbed and adhesive): $5
R47 (all variants -- tabbed and adhesive): $7 (new addition on 9/24/24 - see Updates at top of this post)
DB48x/DB50x (all variants -- tabbed and adhesive): $7
WP43S (all variants -- tabbed and adhesive): $7

UPDATE 07/25/24:
Sorry to do this, but I have to bump up the cost of shipping because the USPS keeps increasing the cost of stamps.

Moving forward, I am increasing the "base" shipping cost for US orders to $2 (from $1), and for international (anywhere outside the US) it is increasing to $4 (from $3).

I generally adjust shipping cost based on the size and expected weight of the mailing envelope, so at the time of ordering I always state what the assumed mailing cost will be. The costs stated above are a baseline and may be higher for larger quantities (and some overlays are a lot heavier than others).

UPDATE 07/12/24:
Quick update - I recently worked with Walter to make some tweaks/corrections to the WP43 overlay.

There was a minor error in the printing where the alternate alpha characters in the second row of keys were the wrong color (blue instead of orange). These were the underscore A character and the left and right parenthesis keys.

The other changes were visual updates for better printing consistency.

Any orders from now moving forward will be the updated version.


UPDATE 05/07/24:
No major updates - but since I haven't updated this post in a while, I thought I should clarify that these are all still available.

There was a minor update to the DB48x/DB50x overlays recently that changed the PRINT label to LIST. This was required because of a change by the developer that was implemented at version v0.7.4. This change isn't too major, but if you update to 0.7.4 or beyond, you will have to remember that the PRINT label is now a "boxed" LIST menu.

UPDATE 11/14/23:
Hello all - quick update on pricing...

Due to some changes I made recently to the WP34S overlays, I have to increase the price of that one because I only get two overlays per sheet of material. I am changing the price from $5 to $6 to account for this. (I was getting too many unusable overlays with the old method of embedding the key labels in the openings of the background overlay because the cutter had to make two cuts very close to each other and would often pull the label off the sheet).

The key labels are now printed and cut separately from the backgrounds, reducing the yield.

At some point in the future I may re-do the WP31S, but that one is lower volume and is a lower priority right now. (It involves a complete redesign of the source images and SVG file -- a lot of work!)

So pricing as of now is as follows:

WP31S: $5
WP34S: $6

newRPL:
50g: $5
39gs: $5
40gs: $5
Prime (G1): $5

C47 (all variants -- tabbed and adhesive): $5
DB48x/DB50x (all variants -- tabbed and adhesive): $7
WP43S (all variants -- tabbed and adhesive): $7


UPDATE 10/11/23:

DB48x/DB50x UPDATE:

Due to some changes that were included in the v0.4.6 release, I have had to make some adjustments to the DB48x overlays which will render any existing overlays provided prior to now obsolete. (I am sorry for this, but I did include a disclaimer stating that this project was still in very early development stages and that things were subject to change).

In addition to the layout changes, I have worked closely with @c3d to get thing tuned and cleaned up from the previous version. I think the changes were well worth it, and the resulting overlay is much better looking than the last version.

The new version is now available for orders (in both the tabbed and adhesive versions) at the same price as before ($7 each). Additionally, there is an additional "DB50x" overlay available for the DM32 variant. The background overlay is identical to the DB48x, with the exception of the logo at the bottom reading DB50x instead of DB48x. The DB50x overlay will include the additional key labels needed to account for the difference between the DM42 and DM32 hardware key labels. Pricing is the same at $7 each.

Here's a photo of the new tabbed DB48x on my own DM42:
https://imgur.com/gallery/Mfxjo7S


UPDATE 8/31/23:

I am keeping the option of ordering either the "Original" version of the overlay or the "Big Alpha" version due to popular demand. This is a comparison image showing them side-by-side (Original is on the left and Big Alpha on the right):
https://imgur.com/gallery/VAmO35O

When you order any C47 overlays, please specify which style you want! I include the same question in my standard email reply template to order inquiries when I provide payment option info.

MULTIPLE UPDATES 8/10/23:
The production pause is over and I am able to make overlays again now.

I am also adding 2 new overlays to the catalog:

DB48X (for DM42)
This project is still in the alpha/beta stage, but looks VERY interesting to me since I went through college with a 48SX (so it holds a warm spot in my heart). There are a LOT of features that are not yet implemented but a framework is in place with most of the basic functionality implemented. This overlay will be available as both a fully adhesive version or a "tabbed" version.

Both options will include the key labels for the keys that need new identifiers (printed and cut with the stronger adhesive vinyl), and the non-tabbed overlay background version will be printed from the weaker adhesive vinyl.

Keep in mind that this overlay may change in the future, so there could be changes needed over time. This could be a handy option for any devs who may be working on this project. I already sent a freebie to Christophe (the dev for the project).

Pricing for these will be slightly higher due to the extra labor and print/cut jobs required for multiple materials ($7 each instead of $5 plus shipping).

Overlay Pic (adhesive version):
https://imgur.com/gallery/NjO7IIv

Github Link:
https://github.com/c3d/DB48X-on-DM42

WP43 Overlay (for DM42)
I finally have a WP43 overlay sorted now. See images at the link below:
https://imgur.com/gallery/42Ny99f

Oops - there was an error in the above overlay images, but I have corrected it now. The Orange label on the Roll down key was mistakenly "CST". It is shown correctly in the image below:
https://imgur.com/gallery/c2E8JV0

The calculator photo in the link above represents the tabbed overlay kit. I installed that one because I am frequently switching between firmware on my DM42.

This one is a bit more complex because it has key labels (compared to the C47 which doesn't need them), and also includes a screen bezel adhesive label.

Adhesive Overlay Kit:
- Background overlay using my older, less sticky adhesive vinyl
- Key labels and screen bezel using my newer better adhesive vinyl (because the keys and the screen bezel can use the extra adhesion)

Tabbed Overlay Kit:
- Background tabbed overlay using 45# photo paper with lamination front/back
- Key labels and screen bezel using the newer better adhesive vinyl (because the keys and the screen bezel can use the extra adhesion)

These are a bit more labor intensive than the other and require two separate print/cut jobs for each kit (due to the different materials used), so I have to price these a bit higher - so cost for these is $7 instead of $5 (plus the usual shipping).

I am also opening up "standard" orders for the tabbed C47 overlay at normal $5/each pricing (instead of the 2/$5 pricing I offered as part of my trial run).

Most of the people reported they were able to install them after following my video demo of the installation process and some tips for making them work, but I had at least one person report that it just didn't fit. All is not lost in the rare case that the tabs don't fit. You can always cut off the tabs and apply your own 2-sided tape to hold the overlay card in place. The back is covered in a clear lamination sheet so it should be durable enough for this.

Keep in mind - the one downside to the tabbed overlays is that they aren't quite as uniform in appearance when laid side-by-side next to a vinyl adhesive overlay. There is something about the way the matte finish lamination sheets stick to the vinyl better and gives a smoother appearance. It's hard to describe without seeing the difference in person.

One last update is that I am going to implement a running change to the C47 overlay graphics.
I redesigned these overlays from scratch so I could better control position of labels, colors, etc. I tried to honor the design intent of the original as best I could, but I did adjust colors slightly for better readability, and I made the alpha characters larger - I call these the "big alpha" version now. Any C47 overlays ordered from today forward (8/10/23) will be the new "big alpha" version! The following image shows a tabbed "original" overlay next to a sheet with the new "big alpha" vinyl adhesive version:
https://imgur.com/gallery/WIWbb1z


UPDATE 8/05/23:
Thanks to a botched software update from Cricut for their DesignSpace software, I am now unable to make any more overlays. Their software automatically updates itself, and it has a bug that causes all of the cuts to misalign with the printed graphics by about 1.5mm in two directions! There are a lot of angry Cricut users out there unable to fill orders, and I am one of them. As a result, I am going to be putting a hold on accepting any more orders until this software is updated again to fix the issue. You can still email me at the link in this post to hold a place in line for future orders, but I won't be sending my PP/Venmo info in response so I won't have to hold your money while we wait for a fix.

Sorry for the inconvenience!

EDIT (7/28/23):
I am opening up for orders on the C47 overlay for the SwissMicros DM42 calculator!
The same pricing applies for this one as all the rest - $5 each plus shipping (see below for details on shipping). Construction is the same as all the others, with the exception of the vinyl used. For these C47 overlays, I will be using the older vinyl with the weaker adhesive. My reasoning is that the problem I was seeing with the material lifting was only on curved surfaces (namely the key tops of the HP30b calculator, which have a sharp chamfer/bevel on the front edges). Since the small labels had to wrap around the bevel, the weaker adhesive would let go on the sloped part and lift up. For the C47, the faceplate is perfectly flat, so this won't be an issue. I also recommend that if you need to peel one of these off (another reason for the lighter adhesive), to protect the stock faceplate from lifting away from the calculator frame, I recommend pushing the stock faceplate against the calculator as you peel. My DM42 only appears to have a line of adhesive on the top and bottom edges holding the stock faceplate in place. Pressing it down as you peel helps keep from pulling the stock faceplate free of this adhesive and causing any damage.

Picture link below (the "real" one is installed on the calc in this photo - the one that is on the left is an older trial with a different color scheme and is not available):
https://imgur.com/gallery/LYsnM0I

EDIT (6/28/23):

I am re-opening for orders on the updated vinyl overlays! I have enough confidence in the adhesive that I am comfortable moving forward once again.

I am NOT doing the glossy lamination sheet option - satin matte is the only option.

Variants available:
WP31S (I have ONLY tested this on the 30b calculator - not a 20b)
WP34S (I have ONLY tested this on the 30b calculator - not a 20b)
HP 50g newRPL
HP 39gs newRPL
HP Prime (G1) newRPL (*this KB layout is subject to change, so this overlay is too!)
HP 40gs newRPL (*new as of July 1, 2023)
C47 (for DM42) - both an adhesive and a "tabbed" overlay without adhesive
WP43 (for DM42) - both an adhesive and a "tabbed" overlay (includes key labels and a screen bezel label
DB48X (for DM42) - both an adhesive and a "tabbed" overlay (includes key labels)

Imgur Link to gallery of all variants.
- Note that some of these may differ slightly from the final product due to variation in cutting accuracy, and minor tweaks that take place over time.


Pricing:
WP43 and DB48X overlays: $7 each
WP34s: $6 each
All other overlays (newRPL, C47, WP31s, etc): $5

Shipping:
All orders are mailed via USPS First Class Mail service (no tracking).
Base pricing for domestically mailed orders: $2
Base pricing for internationally mailed orders: $4

I generally estimate how heavy an order will be based on the number and type of overlays and may adjust the above pricing for larger orders. I communicate this as part of the ordering email exchange.

I can accept payment via Paypal or Venmo (just pick the option for sending to a friend to avoid them taking out fees).

Ordering:
Send me an email at:
calc.overlays @ gmail.com. State "Overlay order" in the subject line, and specify how many of each overlay variant you want, and let me know your location (if not in the US). I will reply with Paypal and Venmo IDs to send payment. Once payment is received, I will make every effort to ship them within 2 business days - but special circumstances may extend timing occasionally.

Disclaimers:
- I can't accept returns, since these are very easy to apply incorrectly. The newRPL are probably the trickiest (since the overlay is larger and key cutouts are a bit less forgiving that the WP variants). If these eventually peel, I can't replace them (these are as good as I can get them!).
- My Cricut cutting machine isn't perfect, and there are occasional minor misalignments between the cuts and the printed content. As long as no text is cut off, I will still ship an overlay (but I do my best to keep this to a minimum). An example of a cosmetic defect might be a bit of color bleed onto the edge of a key label or the perimeter of a key cutout on an overlay. See the 39gs photo from the imgur link above for an example of slight alignment issues. This one was caused because I tried to salvage a vinyl sheet that partially printed, and when I ran it through printer a second time the registration marks were distorted and didn't scan accurately in the Cricut. I probably would have scrapped that one if it was not for my own calculator.
- These are mailed via first class USPS letter service (non-trackable). There is no insurance on this, and I can't be liable for lost mail (it's happened a couple of times so far, but is rare).
- Since the HP Prime newRPL KB layout is still in its infancy, I can only account for the current state of the layout. I can't be held repsonsible if this layout changes in the future, but I will update it as time goes on and the Prime newRPL firmware matures.
- The 40gs overlay for newRPL is considered a "beta" right now. I had someone request it, and to accommodate them, I took the 39gs layout and applied the 50g color scheme. So it is "beta" from a color-match perspective, only.
- If you are ordering the 50g/39gs/40gs overlays, I STRONGLY suggest ordering a spare at the same time. These are by far the trickiest to apply, and it's easy to mess them up (trust me - I know from experience). In some cases you can use a sharp x-acto knife to trim around key openings after application if the key doesn't "feel" right because of too much material of the overlay obstructing key movement.

Requests will be filled on a first paid, first shipped basis. My first shipments will be to replace prior requests after I found the issue with the adhesive (about 6 sheets worth).

Original post follows (with details on the construction). Photos of overlays are available in subsequent posts.

_________________________

Hello all,

I am staring a new thread for this in the hopes it will tidy things up a bit...

I shared some info in another thread, including the fact that I was pausing taking any orders for the templates until I am more comfortable with the adhesion of the overlays and especially the key labels. See here (and you can scroll up for more info):
https://www.hpmuseum.org/forum/thread-19...#pid174143

I was finding that some of the more recent overlays and labels that I had installed on my 31S and 34S had a tendency to start lifting at the bottom of the keys (and to some extent at the bottom edge of the overlay on the 31S/34S because of the curvature of the housing).

I have obtained some new vinyl sheet material that is supposed to be one of the best options out there, and I printed some more overlays for my 31S, 34S, HP Prime G1 (newRPL) to give them a trial. I plan to just leave them alone and not use them to see if the key labels start peeling away from the beveled front edges of the keys.

I will post updates in this thread in the future when I have some results. Initial impressions were quite good - they do seem to stick more than the others I recently made.

Attached are some photos of the overlays after installation. These are made with the new vinyl sheet material with a satin matte finish self-adhesive laminating sheet applied, and then they are loaded into my Cricut Maker to do the cutting.

If this all works, I expect to offer these up for members here - pricing is still TBD, but will likely be higher than the 4-overlay sheets I sold for a bit previously.

Thanks for your patience!