A320 Overhead panels

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

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

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/atta...id=11302&stc=1
Flight control panel

http://www.mycockpit.org/forums/atta...id=11303&stc=1
Flight Control with backlighting


http://www.mycockpit.org/forums/atta...id=11304&stc=1
Side view showing layered structure

http://www.mycockpit.org/forums/atta...id=11305&stc=1
Lighting Panel

http://www.mycockpit.org/forums/atta...id=11306&stc=1
With Backlighting

http://www.mycockpit.org/forums/atta...id=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

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/atta...id=11308&stc=1
FLT CTRL Panel

http://www.mycockpit.org/forums/atta...id=11309&stc=1
From the side, showing layered structure


http://www.mycockpit.org/forums/atta...id=11310&stc=1
And backlit

http://www.mycockpit.org/forums/atta...id=11311&stc=1
Lighting Panel

http://www.mycockpit.org/forums/atta...id=11312&stc=1
Backlit

http://www.mycockpit.org/forums/atta...id=11313&stc=1
Closeup view of lights

Happy building

Jim

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

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/atta...id=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

Hi Les,

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

Happy building,

J

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

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. :)

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

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

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

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....

:)

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/atta...id=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

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