A320 Overhead panels

[Hypnorm]

Hi Folks,
Longtime lurker .... new poster here.

I am working on an A320 cockpit and was looking for decent panels for laser cutting. When I couldn't find them, I decided to make my own. I have just uploaded a zip file containing the all the A320 overhead panels to the file library - it is in the moderation queue at present.

The panels are designed in Sketchup - and can easily be output to DXF and cut/engraved on a laser cutter. I use painted clear acrylic which engraves white and backlights beautifully.

As I complete the panels for the Glareshield and pedestal, I will upload them also.

I also have construction files for building the carcasses out of MDF - tabbed and ready to assemble - if anyone is interested.

Finally - I am prototyping a throttle and will post that when I am happy with the design :)

Cheers,

Jim

[OmniAtlas]

Hi Jim,

I would be interested in seeing your final cut Panels -- thanks for sharing!

If you need a pedestal let me know (wooden and metal).

Ben

[Hypnorm]

Hi Ben,
I've tried to upload some pics here - hope it works.

I will precis by saying these are prototypes and not the final panels. They are painted acrylic, cut and etched with a powerful laser cutter. Ignore my prototype Korry switches - I am working on a better solution. Also, I have now figured out how to get Sketchup to draw proper circles instead of polygons.

http://www.mycockpit.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=11302&stc=1
Flight control panel

http://www.mycockpit.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=11303&stc=1
Flight Control with backlighting


http://www.mycockpit.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=11304&stc=1
Side view showing layered structure

http://www.mycockpit.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=11305&stc=1
Lighting Panel

http://www.mycockpit.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=11306&stc=1
With Backlighting

http://www.mycockpit.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=11307&stc=1
Closeup view

I have already built my pedestal (I have Sketchup plans if anyone is interested) but thanks for the offer.

Happy building,

Jim

[Hypnorm]

Oops - I did a quick reply and it wasn't posted to the thread. Let's try that again. Apologies if it double-posts :)

These are still prototypes .... painted clear 3mm acrylic cut and etched with a laser cutter. Ignore my crappy Korry switches.


http://www.mycockpit.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=11308&stc=1
FLT CTRL Panel

http://www.mycockpit.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=11309&stc=1
From the side, showing layered structure


http://www.mycockpit.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=11310&stc=1
And backlit

http://www.mycockpit.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=11311&stc=1
Lighting Panel

http://www.mycockpit.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=11312&stc=1
Backlit

http://www.mycockpit.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=11313&stc=1
Closeup view of lights

Happy building

Jim

[iwik]

Hi Jim,
If you would upload construction files for building the carcasses out of MDF - tabbed and ready to assemble. I would appreciate it.
Thanks
Les

[Hypnorm]

Hmmm .... I replied to this thread a couple of days ago and included some pics of the panels, but it hasn't shown up here so I must have done something wrong ;)

I will try again with only 1 pic this time. If it works, I will post more.

http://www.mycockpit.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=11314&stc=1
Nice Backlighting

The panels are 3mm clear acrylic, painted and laser cut/etched. The engraved parts come up white and backlight really nicely. They are designed on Sketchup and exported as a DXF. This is still a prototype. I'm working on better Korry switches and have finally figured out how to get Sketchup to draw nice circles.

Cheers,

Jim

[Hypnorm]

Hi Les,

I have uploaded the construction files for the Pedestal - it is in the moderation queue - hope it is useful :)

Happy building,

J

[iwik]

Thanks Jim.
Those panels look great.
You have done such a great job, ive now been sucked in to go further than planned.
Would you upload the rest of your carcasse drawings, The pedestal was well done.
Thanks
Les

[Geremy Britton]

Well done on the panels Jim, looking forward to seeing them in your setup. Im sure there is lots of pride knowing these parts are made yourself. :)

[Hypnorm]

To be honest ...... I have been very surprised by how proud I am of my work so far :)

I have so enjoyed the problem-solving aspect of building a cockpit. I made a conscious decision very early on that I would try to design and fabricate everything myself. Being a member of a hackerspace with access to CNC, lathe and powerful laser cutters has been instrumental in this, as well a great group of geeks and tech-heads. I will shortly be entering the world of Arduino and Lua with almost no prior knowledge. Eek!!

Communities like this are fantastic too :)

Happy building.

J

[Hypnorm]

Hi again Les,

I have uploaded the files for constructing the MIP carcass. Again, it is sketchup files, (easily exported to DXF) and designed for 9mm MDF.

Note that is for a one man cockpit (captain side and ECAM) although it could be easily adapted for a 2 man cockpit by adding another centre and floor and extending the back and top.

Hope it's useful.

Happy building,

Jim

[iwik]

Thanks Jim,
That's Perfect as i can only accommodate a single man cockpit. Thought i was going to have to modify it.
Regards
Les

[Buddym]

great looking panels! what are you going to do for a throttle? If you have access to a 3d printer, I have throttle handle files....

:)

[Hypnorm]

Thanks Buddy ..... I may take you up on that :)

For the moment, I'm working on layered throttle levers that look like this

http://www.mycockpit.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=11324&stc=1
The prototype is in 6mm MDF but I will go to 6mm acrylic for the final. I haven't figured out the handle yet.

I am lucky in that I live a 10 minute drive from Westozy - the throttle king!!! I will be going over to see him soon and pick his brains :)

Cheers,

Jim

[Westozy]

Hi Jim, I've PMd my phone number to you, catch up soon! Cheers Gwyn