By P Cos

In the first installment of the Ovehead tutorial (Here)Section we showed our approach to making the frame assembly that would be used to hold al of the overhead parts. In this tutorial we want to show you some of the steps involved in preparing the NOVA panels. One of the biggest issues we face is legibility of the panels in all conditions. In daylight, we need to be able to see the lettering clearly. In dark conditions even more challenging. Backlighting the NOVA series panels is no problem at all. Viewing in daylight takes abit of work.

The above pic shows; The "Lighting" Overhead Nova panel, an exacto knife blade, White Vinyl adhesive sheets (AVERY Brand, available from your local Sign/Graphics store) as well as one of the Plexi backers from the overhead with AML switches and engraved caps!

First step is to cover the back of the NOVA panel with the White Avery Sheet. This can be done in several large pieces or in smaller sections. Depends really on how much of the lettering you ned to cover. Using the Exacto knife you will trim out the openings carefully from the front of the back. An exacto knife with a "Fine" point might be best for this job.

Here is a close up of of the panel after one side has been treated. The beauty of this AVERY material is that it works as a "Difuser". Meaning, it passes light evenly. Light does not have to be directly behind it in order for it to work. Originally we used a light coat of white paint. This works but is not as consistent as this material. Much easir to work with as well. When painting you spent more time covering the openings and protecting the panel!

Above, I have added one more large piece of vinyl and then used small bits to get the various lettering.

Here is the "treated" panel.

Here is the left side of the Overhead Panel section of the sim. The plexi backere is housing numerous AML type switches ( I am working on creating something to replace these, watch the page for that) also showing the rotary selector openings. Steve will do up the knobs and then we will mount those as well.

Here you can see the panel resting in its place on top of the plexi backer. The AMLs appear flush mounted just like in the real aircraft. More on this process soon! Watch for Part 3 as we add more hardware and mount on our overhead frame.