Cessna 172 Annunciator Panel

[cessna57]

Hi Guys,
I am in the process of building a sim' cockpit based loosly on a Cessna 172.
I would like to hear from anyone that knows how I could build an annunciator panel similar to the simkits annunciator.
http://www.simkits.com/product.php?prodid=1618


I don't mind if it's not exactly like this one but I would like to know how to go about making one.
Hope you can help.
Kindest Regards
Brian

[Tom_G_2010]

Hi Guys,
I am in the process of building a sim' cockpit based loosly on a Cessna 172.
I would like to hear from anyone that knows how I could build an annunciator panel similar to the simkits annunciator.
http://www.simkits.com/product.php?prodid=1618


I don't mind if it's not exactly like this one but I would like to know how to go about making one.
Hope you can help.
Kindest Regards
Brian

Interesting timing. I'm just about to start designing mine. I haven't worked out all the details yet but have a concept I'll be drawing up soon. It'll be interesting to see how we each approach this as compared to other builders. I have a couple small pieces of light aluminum channel that I'm thinking of drilling out to receive LED's. I'll place small separators between each LED and then make the face plate from a couple layers of clear plastic with the lettering printed on one of the middle layers. I already have a phidgets 64 board to drive the LEDs and a script created via FS2Phidgfet V5.

It sounds great when I talk through it and in my minds eye looks perfect. Next comes reality . . .

[AK Mongo]

I also have all of the LEDs working via phidgets and fsuipc. Have not got the display system completely dialed in. Phase 1 used square plastic grid like us used to diffuse flourescent lights. In the meantime, I have laid hands on a simkits unit that I am hacking to use with my system. Never really figured out how to make the face of phase 1 look good.

I also laid hands on a non-operational real annunciator panel. When time permits, I will probably tear it apart to see if it is usable.

Reid

[cessna57]

Thanks guys,
I am hoping, if it's possible to route my annunciator panel through my opencockpits inputs'outputs card if it's possible that is.
I am hoping someone has already done this and can let me know how.
Good luck with your respective builds,
regards
Brian

[Tom_G_2010]

I also have all of the LEDs working via phidgets and fsuipc. Have not got the display system completely dialed in. Phase 1 used square plastic grid like us used to diffuse flourescent lights. In the meantime, I have laid hands on a simkits unit that I am hacking to use with my system. Never really figured out how to make the face of phase 1 look good.

I also laid hands on a non-operational real annunciator panel. When time permits, I will probably tear it apart to see if it is usable.

Reid

Reid, Is that real annunciator out of a Cessna? It would be great to get the face plate dimensions if that were possible.

[AK Mongo]

It is. It is a Heads Up Technology model # csewca-01.

I would be happy to give you the measurements, but give me a day or so.

Also, please look at your pm's Tom.

Reid

[AK Mongo]

Tom,

Are you looking for the whole faceplate, just the clear part, or what.

If you want the whole thing I will do my best to do a drawing, but I am no drafter.

[Tom_G_2010]

Tom,

Are you looking for the whole faceplate, just the clear part, or what.

If you want the whole thing I will do my best to do a drawing, but I am no drafter.

Just the face plate would be great. Thanks!!!

I have an LED frame designed using some aluminum channel but need to finalize LED positions to best resemble the real thing.

annunciator panel.jpg

So knowing the face plate dimensions and label positions would be very helpful.

Again, Thanks!
Tom G.

[AK Mongo]

I will get that done for you today or tomorrow. I may have an easier way to do that though based on what I learned from the real tear down.

Rather than doing it grid style, you could duplicate how the real thing works by starting with a solid piece of material(plastic, wood, metal), and drilling through the back in the right places to make the right hole pattern. A drill press and small piece of scrap wood would suit nicely.

Picture of the back of the real thing.jpg

The dimensions of the back are: .68"h x 3.38"w x.69"d.

Reid

[AK Mongo]

Front plate dimensions of the plate are:

3.52"wide
.788" tall

outer edge of plate to outer edge of bezel opening .26"

Bezel exterior measurement:
2.95" wide
.788" tall

Bezel interior measurement
2.767" wide
.618" tall


Bezel thickness .088"
Bezel depth to plate .088"
Bezel depth to annunciator face.112"

I am using a fairly cheap micrometer, so the measurements may be off by a few thousandths, but this should be good enough for starters I would think.

Here are some pictures of the front from the top, side and face on:
Top

Side

Face

Do you think it would be most helpful to get dimensions from the back to show where the openings are for the lights for each indicator, or do you want me to guestimate lateral distances on the front for each label?

Please ask questions if you want more info. Happy to help as much as I can.

Reid