7. How to swap the front panel#

Joulescope comes standard with a banana jack front panel. However, Joulescope is designed to be flexible and can support other connector types.

Joulescope JS110 with front panel removed

The front panel design is open source, and available on GitHub:

jetperch/joulescope_front_panels

To swap the front panel, you will need:

  • T15 Torx screwdriver

  • The new front panel

Swapping the panel is easy, but you do need to take proper precautions to avoid damaging your Joulescope. Joulescope can be damaged by static electricity that you don’t even notice. When you expose the Joulescope main board, be sure only to handle it by the board edges. Follow these steps carefully:

  • Completely disconnect the Joulescope, including IN, OUT, and USB ports.

  • Use the Torx screwdriver to remove the four screws at the corners of the existing front panel.

  • Gently push the Joulescope’s USB connector into the Joulescope body. This action will push the front panel out. Expose about ½” or 1 cm.

  • Grab the sides of the main board in one hand, being careful not to touch any other part of the board.

  • Grab the existing front panel by the sides and carefully pull it directly out.

  • Grab the new front panel by the sides, align the pins, and carefully push it in.

  • Fully seat the front panel in the black plastic bezel. You may need to gently guide the board to ensure that the USB connector fits in the back panel.

  • Use the Torx screwdriver to install the four screws at the corners of the existing front panel.