Author Topic: Keithley old logo in good quality someone? (Read 6404 times)

LinuxHata · « **on:** June 17, 2022, 07:27:44 pm »

Hello, I decided to restore Keithley 179A, and front panel needs to be re-done, since old is all scratched, faded and cracked.
So I need some high quality image of their logo, so I can re-draw it in vector, or if someone has it in vector, I'll share complete panel stencil in exchange, when finished

Looking for this, in good quality.

capt bullshot · « **Reply #1 on:** June 17, 2022, 08:02:24 pm »

Here's a few attempts to photograph this logo from my old 179:

Don't know if they're useful to you, please check yourself

Fungus · « **Reply #2 on:** June 17, 2022, 08:36:25 pm »

Quote from: capt bullshot on June 17, 2022, 08:02:24 pm

Here's a few attempts to photograph this logo from my old 179:

Don't know if they're useful to you, please check yourself

Online font identifier says that's "Colt Regular"

Download here: https://fontsme.com/colt.font

TimFox · « **Reply #3 on:** June 17, 2022, 09:22:12 pm »

The second one above looks the closest (to me), however the K logo before the word Keithley is probably not to be found in a face.

Fungus · « **Reply #4 on:** June 17, 2022, 09:41:22 pm »

Quote from: TimFox on June 17, 2022, 09:22:12 pm

The second one above looks the closest (to me), however the K logo before the word Keithley is probably not to be found in a face.

Yep, I was also unsure if it was "regular" or "soft regular", that's why I posted the image.

It's definitely "colt" though, and it's gotta be easier than trying to trace it by hand.

metrologist · « **Reply #5 on:** June 17, 2022, 11:43:05 pm »

The fonts are not quite right. The serifs are rounded.

For a worthy restoration project, I would make it vector art. The fonts are a good starting point, which I would outline and continue from there.

LinuxHata · « **Reply #6 on:** June 18, 2022, 05:44:19 am »

Thanks!
I think Colt regular light - suits well. There are some subtle differences but I think, they don't matter that much.
I'm also planning an upgrade module for display, since old one has low brightness and I don't like red color that much anyways.
So I'll make a drop-in module, but have not decided what to do - either equip it with high brightness, modern 7 segment LEDs, or use some OLED display, which will be also capable of displaying say "Out of range" instead of flashing 0000s.

Fungus · « **Reply #7 on:** June 18, 2022, 07:37:53 am »

Quote from: metrologist on June 17, 2022, 11:43:05 pm

The fonts are not quite right. The serifs are rounded.

Yep, all the corners are rounder, eg. Look at the arms on the 'T'.

It could be because of the printing process, is it embossed/plastic-in-plastic?

_Wim_ · « **Reply #8 on:** June 18, 2022, 07:54:46 am »

My take (from a Keithley 1037 input transformer)

_Wim_ · « **Reply #9 on:** June 18, 2022, 08:04:06 am »

2nd try in 2 parts so I can get a little closer with the camera

Edit: added a third part for better "K" & "E"

AVGresponding · « **Reply #10 on:** June 18, 2022, 08:24:53 am »

Quote from: Fungus on June 18, 2022, 07:37:53 am

Quote from: metrologist on June 17, 2022, 11:43:05 pm
The fonts are not quite right. The serifs are rounded.

Yep, all the corners are rounder, eg. Look at the arms on the 'T'.

It could be because of the printing process, is it embossed/plastic-in-plastic?

Nope, it's because it's a different font.

This is from my 480, it's printed directly onto a shiny display filter, so it's a bit tricky to get an image without reflections.

LinuxHata · « **Reply #11 on:** June 18, 2022, 09:53:45 am »

Thanks everyone!
By the way, I was able to identify the another font, used for labels and model name, it is Univers Extended.

voltsandjolts · « **Reply #12 on:** June 18, 2022, 10:08:49 am »

You probably knew this already, but the free open-source program called Inkscape has a nice bitmap to vector converter (Path menu > Trace Bitmap). Might help with the 'K' part of the logo.

LinuxHata · « **Reply #13 on:** June 18, 2022, 10:18:53 am »

I'm using Corel Draw since 1994, so I will handle that with ease, thanks

voltsandjolts · « **Reply #14 on:** June 18, 2022, 10:35:20 am »

Ooof, not the same version I hope

Fungus · « **Reply #15 on:** June 18, 2022, 12:29:03 pm »

Quote from: AVGresponding on June 18, 2022, 08:24:53 am

Nope, it's because it's a different font.

Nah, it's definitely the same font.

You can probably round the corners off by fiddling with it in a vector program, eg. Draw text, do"object->path", make the stroke wider with rounded corners, then do "inset".

Fungus · « **Reply #16 on:** June 18, 2022, 12:30:28 pm »

Quote from: voltsandjolts on June 18, 2022, 10:35:20 am

Ooof, not the same version I hope

Those 1990s versions were the best. Corel went steadily downhill since then.

(Inkscape user here...)

AVGresponding · « **Reply #17 on:** June 18, 2022, 01:28:17 pm »

Quote from: Fungus on June 18, 2022, 12:29:03 pm

Quote from: AVGresponding on June 18, 2022, 08:24:53 am
Nope, it's because it's a different font.

Nah, it's definitely the same font.

You can probably round the corners off by fiddling with it in a vector program, eg. Draw text, do"object->path", make the stroke wider with rounded corners, then do "inset".

It clearly isn't. It's closer to Courier with the rounded serifs, the solo K especially. That would make some sense from a TE pov as that and the Univers fonts both had some connection to the same designer, and were made for IBM, way back when. The K in Keithley looks like a modified lower case Courier k.

There's a fair chance it's a modified version of a commercial font so that Keithley didn't have to pay for a license to use it, though as I understand it IBM didn't copyright the Courier font anyway.

It's probably superfluous to point out that the Colt font was designed for Adobe, so the Keithley use predates it by decades, but I'm sure you already knew that.

There's a version of Colt Soft that is probably the closest you'll get with a modern font: https://blogfonts.com/colt-soft-.font

LinuxHata · « **Reply #18 on:** June 18, 2022, 01:34:59 pm »

So here it is

voltsandjolts · « **Reply #19 on:** June 18, 2022, 01:57:12 pm »

Are we allowed the vector version?

Fungus · « **Reply #20 on:** June 18, 2022, 01:57:44 pm »

Quote from: AVGresponding on June 18, 2022, 01:28:17 pm

the solo K especially.

Forget the solo K, that's obviously been modified by hand for a trade mark. It won't be in the original font.

Quote from: AVGresponding on June 18, 2022, 01:28:17 pm

There's a version of Colt Soft that is probably the closest you'll get with a modern font: https://blogfonts.com/colt-soft-.font[/color][/size][/b]

Still nothing like the original though:

LinuxHata · « **Reply #21 on:** June 18, 2022, 02:48:08 pm »

This forum does not allows me to post vector file as an attachement. Send by email?

As it turns out, the "original" on my specimen, had developed due to excessive wiping

I was able to find a font that looks quite close to that "faded" version - it is variation of Century font.

Fungus · « **Reply #22 on:** June 18, 2022, 02:48:22 pm »

How about this?

Done by fiddling around with the path outline on that colt font.

nb. The spacing between letters isn't right, I leave that as an exercise for the reader.

Their 'I' is very narrow, too, what's up with that?

Fungus · « **Reply #23 on:** June 18, 2022, 02:49:37 pm »

Quote from: LinuxHata on June 18, 2022, 02:48:08 pm

This forum does not allows me to post vector file as an attachement. Send by email?

Put it in a zip, like I did above.

Fungus · « **Reply #24 on:** June 18, 2022, 02:57:29 pm »

I still think their printing process is a big part of the look.

eg. look the the difference between the center bar of the two 'E's. Compare the top of the 'I' to the top of the 'L'. Notice the asymmetry at the bottom of the 'T'...

LinuxHata · « **Reply #25 on:** June 18, 2022, 04:10:49 pm »

Ok here it is, vector logo, zipped.

LinuxHata · « **Reply #26 on:** July 01, 2022, 09:04:05 pm »

I almost finished making complete vector copy of that front panel, but I need better quality photos of the ohm sign and the lightning arrow, can anyone help?

AVGresponding · « **Reply #27 on:** July 02, 2022, 08:08:44 am »

These are from a 197, but it seems to be the same font.

AVGresponding · « **Reply #28 on:** July 02, 2022, 08:09:53 am »

Might need to retake this, looks out of focus on a bigger screen...

Had to use flash to get the phone camera to focus properly:

LinuxHata · « **Reply #29 on:** July 02, 2022, 11:59:10 am »

Wow thanks!
That definitely makes the sense.

mapleLC · « **Reply #30 on:** July 03, 2022, 01:23:35 am »

Has anyone done this with the modern logo?

Once the logo is finalized, what is done next to make it a decal?

Fungus · « **Reply #31 on:** July 03, 2022, 05:53:56 am »

Quote from: mapleLC on July 03, 2022, 01:23:35 am

Has anyone done this with the modern logo?

Here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keithley_Instruments

voltsandjolts · « **Reply #32 on:** July 03, 2022, 09:04:39 am »

Quote from: mapleLC on July 03, 2022, 01:23:35 am

Once the logo is finalized, what is done next to make it a decal?

Manufacturing decals is not the topic of this thread, we are just discussing the artwork. Please stay on topic.
The forum has a lot of info on making decals, have a look or start your own thread if you are stuck.

mapleLC · « **Reply #33 on:** July 03, 2022, 12:25:46 pm »

Quote from: voltsandjolts on July 03, 2022, 09:04:39 am

Manufacturing decals is not the topic of this thread, we are just discussing the artwork. Please stay on topic.
The forum has a lot of info on making decals, have a look or start your own thread if you are stuck.

Unless the OP wanted that logo to look at and appreciate as clip art, stands to reason that he wants to make some form of (gasp) decal. Take it easy there, mate

voltsandjolts · « **Reply #34 on:** July 03, 2022, 01:20:46 pm »

Don't fret, I am indeed taking it easy

mapleLC · « **Reply #35 on:** July 03, 2022, 03:57:15 pm »

Thanks so much. Often search is limited when you dont know the right words to search for yet.

I found the word "waterslide" which describes the decal style I wanted to ask about. Those are helpful threads even beyond this need.

I hope this turns out well, I have a 616 with a scuffed up logo I wouldnt mind restoring.

LinuxHata · « **Reply #36 on:** July 03, 2022, 04:15:40 pm »

I will be ordering custom silkscreen printing. These replacement panels will be made from special, "instrument-grade" cast acrylic (original one is made from cast polystyrene), which will pass not only red, but green and orange colors too, in case owner decides to upgrade the built-in led module. Which I'm going to do - I'm currently developing an "drop-in" module, which will be plug and play, but house larger size, more bright led indicators, with several colors available (green-orange-red, have not decided which one yet) and with automatic brightness option.

LinuxHata · « **Reply #37 on:** July 03, 2022, 04:24:28 pm »

This is how it's going to look.
I'm not posting vector version yet, since I need to do some minor adjustments to distances/label locations, for more genuine look.

Oh by the way, the minimum order quantity for silk screening is 10 pcs, and since I don't need that much, I'll keep pair for me, and others will be available, for the cost I paid for them (don't know yet actual cost, since I'll be ordering a lot of different panels together, to save the silkscreening costs.

LinuxHata · « **Reply #38 on:** July 06, 2022, 08:18:22 pm »

I believe, I should reduce the outline, because with current settings, letters look too bold.
This is why I haven't cleaned fully - I'm going to re-make it with thinner letters and more darker acrylic.

metrologist · « **Reply #39 on:** July 08, 2022, 05:01:14 pm »

It looks like only the outline is printing. The VSG file had a thick outline when I opened it in illustrator. Just the fill looked correct (but the VSG looked better in a browser).

LinuxHata · « **Reply #40 on:** July 08, 2022, 07:36:46 pm »

Yes, this is done with laser engraver doing outline + paint filling later the groove.
Looks acceptable for me. Will re-do with more darker acrylic, when the PCBs for upgrade kit will arrive - there will be larger, and more brighter, green led indicators installed.
It is amazing, that this device, made back in 1982, is so accurate - tested it with resistor kit with 0.01% precision and it falls within range for both ohms and volts, but has little error on microamps, which gets worse, as device warms up - initially, instead of 1000ua, it shows 997ua, but after 1 hour of continuous use, it shows 992ua. Volts and Ohms do not show this behavior. While I will be using amps measurement very rarely, I don't care for that that much, but should I consider that things might get way worse with time?

And how to remove the buttons? they appear to be sitting very tight. This is disappointing, since I've ordered a pack of replacement ones, since original ones are way too yellow.

Old Printer · « **Reply #41 on:** July 08, 2022, 10:53:00 pm »

I built a HeathKit DMM about that time and it looked remarkably similar. Unfortunately at some point over the years it has disappeared. I manage the production department for a sign shop, we have lasers and flatbed UV printers. I was wondering how I might be able to help you out, but it seems you have a good handle on it. I got this job years ago because I was the only applicant that knew how to use CorelDraw. I have been using it since it came on 3-1/2” floppy’s

Nice work recreating that logo from the font

LinuxHata · « **Reply #42 on:** July 09, 2022, 05:11:23 am »

Thanks!

My knowledge in graphic and design is far better than my knowledge in electronics, which is my hobby. So I have laser cutter/engraver, some CNCs at my premises

Corel Draw is a great piece of software, except there are some bugs they haven't fixed from the period it was available on floppies

Here's my work - nixie tube clock, designed in Corel Draw, and later made using CNC. I made this to support Ukraine, and all income from sales were donated to Ukraine.

voltsandjolts · « **Reply #43 on:** July 09, 2022, 07:33:50 am »

Quote from: LinuxHata on July 09, 2022, 05:11:23 am

Here's my work - nixie tube clock, designed in Corel Draw, and later made using CNC.

That looks great! I wish I had the space for a cnc hobby, particularly using wood.

Quote

I made this to support Ukraine, and all income from sales were donated to Ukraine.

Double thumbs up from me

LinuxHata · « **Reply #44 on:** July 09, 2022, 07:42:22 am »

I bought a CNC 2020b kit from China - it's work area is 200x200mm, and it requires space on table of an average laser printer (but it is way too noisy for bedroom use, for sure

)

LinuxHata · « **Reply #45 on:** July 09, 2022, 09:27:30 pm »

And by the way, is there a hack to disable the flashing of zeroes, when resistance is infinity?
I know there's ICL7103 inside, but there's no clear datasheet for it, but I have seen some old DMMs, which display just ----- when out of range, instead of flashing zeros, which is very annoying....

Old Printer · « **Reply #46 on:** July 10, 2022, 01:01:14 am »

Very nice design👍 If you are not already a industrial designer, you should be!

LinuxHata · « **Reply #47 on:** July 10, 2022, 01:00:52 pm »

Thanks a lot!
I actually do industrial design - a lot of you, right now, are using phone chargers, bluetooth speakers and power banks, I've designed


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Author Topic: Keithley old logo in good quality someone? (Read 6404 times)

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