Hello again....., I haven't been here for the summer, had to take a Flight Sim Building break. But, I'm back at it again.I want to share some pictures of my success in lighting my panel. Thanks to the help of Mike Powell (www.mikesflightdeck.com), he helped design a workable circuit (dimmer) for me to use to light up my panels using LED's. Each picture was taken setting the LED lights at about 50% brightness. Even with though with 34 LED's and the brightness set at 100% the panel is cool to the touch.The LED's are White/Water Clear T1 3/4, 3.6 Volts @ 20mA, the mcd@20mA is 3700.... that's BRIGHT!!

Looks awesome!...Can we have a few more details? I'm buidling an MCP and radio panel for 737NG and I'm looking for a good way to backlight it without using lamps due to the heat.Thanks!George DorkofikisAthens, Greece

Thanks for the kind words George. First of all the panel is a two layer panel, the printed side panel is a milk colored plexiglass, the seccond or the panel where the LED's are attached is a clear plexiglass. The reason I'm telling you this is, the LED's shine a hot spot. The milk colored plexiglass will spread the spot somewhat. If you are using a thin layered panel you need a way to spread the light on the panel.To attach the LED to the plexiglass I used a silicone clear based adhesive. Hope this helps.

What type of square switches are you using my friend?? Are those AML 22???THANKS.ROBERTO

With Mike Powell's permission and as he always so graciously shares his knowledge, the attached is the circuit schematic Mike designed for me.

Roberto, you are correct, all the overhead square switches are and will be the AML 22. I'm using JAY-EL's for the Glareshield and Mains.

Very nice work Matt congratulations on it, I hope you make some more updates on the page soon I like a lot your project cause of all the real parts!!Take care.Roberto

Very nice work Matt! You should be proud.

Thanks for the info!...Great!... That's exactly the way we are planning doing it. White milky and clear plexi behing it.George DorkofikisAthens, Greece

Hi Matt,As a frame of reference for the sim community...what kind of pricing are those white LED's you're using?Regards,Ken

Hi Ken, I got the LED's from JAMECO. I bought a 100 @ $2.95 each. This is not cheap and I am looking for a less expensive source. But still I don't think it's to bad of a price, considering I didn't have to get a Lamp Holder for each light, and I think they will last a lot longer the the incandescent lamps.

Matt,That's a bit hefty for one panel...At $2.95 ea. and counting 35 LED's...adds up to over $100. Whew!Have you considered EL panels? a 3" wide panel by about 1 ft long is about $20. Then add an inverter and transformer and you have a cost that is half that of the LED's. And the inverter and transformer can most likely handle a few panels at a time.The LED method would be a great way to go if the cost were lower.I've been considering the white LED's for use in Korry identical type switches that I'm developing, and my sourcing is a bit better than over the counter...but still working on it.Ken

Ken,Have you been successful in trimming EL panels and sealing the edges to stop early degradation?Mikewww.mikesflightdeck.com

Hi Mike,Yes...I am laminating the EL to the panels before cnc milling, which cuts real nice, then I use a clear lacquer on the edges which doesn't react to the mylar substrate materials.I'm still doing some life studies on the process though, so don't quote me yet as to the longevity.Ken

Ken, I did consider the EL, but was concerned wether I would get the brightness I would desire. I look forward towards you testing results.