How can I make the back lighted letters in a plexiglass panel?

[Per Alm]

I also find the building and planning part very stimulating. But I´m also eager to do that maiden flight!!
I guess as things develops there will be plenty of opportunities for enhancements further on. I´m thinking of the outside projections, there are some limitations at the moment in this area. Our plan is to focus on the flightdeck at first. Hopefully when the cockpit is finished it will be as good as we can do it and be good enough to use for several years and through several FS editions. I actually made some generic/custom/additional panels for our cockpit so that we can incorporate new FS functions/systems in our flightdeck as FS evolves without having to build new panels all the time.

Hopefully there will be enhancements, new ways to project the outside view. It´s difficult to solve this problem in a satisfying way at the moment.
More work to come!!

/ Per Alm

[DonaldMacintyre]

For panels not available from other sources try MDI at www.mdisplay.com. This is a source of both instruments and panels for most platforms. There are both high fidelity instruments and panels for commercial simulator manufacturers and a low cost home enthusiast line of instruments and panels. Most are not shown on the web site so email www.sales@mdisplay.com with your requirements and ask for the home enthusiast product line.

[panda180]

Guys, although its an old thread, I'd like to share with you a method that is used by a VERY large real world company. It's labor intensive, but do find the results are better than etching with the laser (after all, real panels are NOT laser engraved).

Start off with clear plexi, cut with laser (if available). Cover front part with white vinyl. Using a 6 degree blade on a plotter, have your letters cut out and place on top of panel. (Recommend low adhesive ORAMask (google) ). All you should see now are letters and white vinyl. Apply paint to not allow any light to bleed. Let dry, soak in warm water for 10-15 min. Remove the letters exposing the white vinyl. PERFECT backlighting and about 60% more of it by using clear over white plastic.

Hope this helps!

All the best,

Jorge

[mirrage]

Guys, although its an old thread, I'd like to share with you a method that is used by a VERY large real world company. It's labor intensive, but do find the results are better than etching with the laser (after all, real panels are NOT laser engraved).

Start off with clear plexi, cut with laser (if available). Cover front part with white vinyl. Using a 6 degree blade on a plotter, have your letters cut out and place on top of panel. (Recommend low adhesive ORAMask (google) ). All you should see now are letters and white vinyl. Apply paint to not allow any light to bleed. Let dry, soak in warm water for 10-15 min. Remove the letters exposing the white vinyl. PERFECT backlighting and about 60% more of it by using clear over white plastic.

Hope this helps!

All the best,

Jorge

It's been a long time indeed but it's nice to see a good idea like this.
It actually seems like the best way to go.Do you know what is the
real proccess used by instrument/panel manufacturers?

[panda180]

It's been a long time indeed but it's nice to see a good idea like this.
It actually seems like the best way to go.Do you know what is the
real proccess used by instrument/panel manufacturers?

Many methods are used - The one I described and an etching process using specific wavelengths (gets too involved) ...

All the best,

Jorge

[Nukem]

PERFECT backlighting and about 60% more of it by using clear over white plastic.

Hope this helps!

All the best,

Jorge

Such a good idea! I have a couple of questions. Do you mean clear plexi with a white plastic reflective layer behind? Also what type of paint would you suggest?

[panda180]

Such a good idea! I have a couple of questions. Do you mean clear plexi with a white plastic reflective layer behind? Also what type of paint would you suggest?

Hi Nukem,

You'd want the white on the front side. Yes, clear plexi. Recommend automotive paint, it is what was used to be used on panels before regulations required them to be painted with water based colors.

Regards,

Jorge