Backlight to panels?

[editusername]

Hi!

Thanks for the great replies I got here:
http://www.mycockpit.org/forums/showthread.php/20631-How-to-make-a-simple-switch-panel !
I've got my joystick controller to work, so on to the next question.

How do I make a backlighted panel?

Here's my plan: (Click for bigger)
http://i529.photobucket.com/albums/dd331/cnopicilin/PANEELIV2.png (http://s529.photobucket.com/albums/dd331/cnopicilin/?action=view&current=PANEELIV2.png)

I planned to print it on transparent, but then I realized that it won't work.
How could I possibly make the white parts glow as blue when I turn the switch?

Thanks,
Cnoppie.


EDIT: I don't have any fancy machines to cut metal or complex wooden stuff--

[Jordan Farmer]

Well, theres many tutorials around here, all over the place in fact, but to start, the easiest way, may not be th prettiest, is to get a sheet of acryilic/plexiglass or something, and put a transfer on top of it, and if its just the text you want backlit, get 2 transfers, one with the main writing and the fancy graphics, and one to place beneath it, with pure black print, and white lettering or blue or whatever colour you want it, then place lights behind, led's are probably the best! This is just a very rough guide, i dont know the best way as i havnt experimented but look around for tutorials!

Cheers, Jordan

[twisted8]

yeah you could just use blue leds to make the white text glow blue

[Mike.Powell]

Cnoppie,

There is some info here that might be of use: http://www.mikesflightdeck.com/center_pedestal_4.htm

[KLM077]

Hi there Cnoppie,

On this moment i'm prreparing a large print run in Illustrator to have it all crisp at the end. I have made some samples and fine tuned the process for a low cost but realistic panel with backlight:

Process:

1a. Layer clear perspex.
1b. Layer of clear blue plastic.
2. Layer Print with black background and white lettering (paper : plain 80gr).
3. Layer print with grey (visable layer) and white lettering (paper : plain 80gr).
4. Layer of non reflective matt plastic foil.

Cheers

Bas
KLM077

[Kennair]

Hi Cnoppie,

I've had great success providing colour backlighting by using white LED's and coloured lighting gel. You can pick this up on ebay and provides a very effective result. Using this method you could print on transparent film, stick onto clear perspex, then glue sheets of gel behind the lettering you wish. This method will also allow you to have different colour backlighting behind different sections. I used the same method outlined by Claude Keiffer HERE (http://www.simu320.fr/sommaire.htm#construire) (run it thru Google Translate if you don't speak French).

Ken.

[editusername]

thanks for the replies! I will check them when I get home, I'm now surfing with my phone.

[editusername]

Thanks! I think I'll do it with KLM's instructions.

[editusername]

OK, here is my plan:
1st: 2,5mm persplex
2nd:The mask (here: http://i529.photobucket.com/albums/dd331/cnopicilin/maski.jpg?t=1281252098 )
3rd: The visible part (here: http://i529.photobucket.com/albums/dd331/cnopicilin/paneeliv4.png?t=1281252098 )
4th: Matt plastic foil (the same used to cover the books)

[KLM077]

Hi There,

I'm just in the process of making the panels this week.

For more information here the thread about it:

http://www.mycockpit.org/forums/showthread.php/19295-Forward-Overhead-Panel-737-Interfacing

Cheers

Bas
KLM077

[editusername]

What do you think, would my plan work? Your panel looks great so far. I'm a newbie and you're a professinal, a small difference between parts and skills;)

[KLM077]

As long you first make some proto type samples the waste is minimal, just give it a try.

If you have any questions let me know.

Cheers

Bas
KLM077

[editusername]

OK, Now I'll just have to find a small part of plexiglass :)