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LED backlit rocker switches

 
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CJohnston(at)popsound.com
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PostPosted: Thu Dec 07, 2006 8:22 am    Post subject: LED backlit rocker switches Reply with quote

Hey all -

I've been monitoring this list for awhile now - I'm building an RV-10 -
and I wondered if any of the electron whizzes could help me. I'm trying
to find a good source for custom legend LED backlit rocker switches for
my project.

I've historically done quite a bit of night flying, and after I got my
instrument rating, which I did 100% at night (with the one exception of
the checkride!) I vowed that I would not accept anything less than
complete readability of all controls and switches at night in the
cockpit. It just seemed so crazy that I had to juggle 3 flashlights in
the cockpit - one red led flash attached to my headset, a small red
maglite for cocpit instruments farther away from the pilot position, and
one more large one to look for ice on the airframe (yikes!). then I'd
get into my car after a long night of flying, turn on the lights, and
have no trouble reading any of the controls or switches. This is how I
want my aircraft to be! All controls self illuminating, and a
flashlight for emergency use only! Seems so simple, but I've been
confounded at every turn. Anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks in advance!

cj
#40410
fuse
www.perfectlygoodairplane.net


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sales(at)6440autoparts.co
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PostPosted: Thu Dec 07, 2006 8:55 am    Post subject: LED backlit rocker switches Reply with quote

I agree looking for a switch that is always lit and readable not just
when in the on position is like looking for a needle in a haystack. I
fianally decided to go with the cheap EL light strips under the panel. But I
don't do much night flying anyway.

Randy

---


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echristley(at)nc.rr.com
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PostPosted: Thu Dec 07, 2006 10:16 am    Post subject: LED backlit rocker switches Reply with quote

Chris Johnston wrote:

Quote:


Hey all -

I've been monitoring this list for awhile now - I'm building an RV-10 -
and I wondered if any of the electron whizzes could help me. I'm trying
to find a good source for custom legend LED backlit rocker switches for
my project.

I've historically done quite a bit of night flying, and after I got my
instrument rating, which I did 100% at night (with the one exception of
the checkride!) I vowed that I would not accept anything less than
complete readability of all controls and switches at night in the
cockpit. It just seemed so crazy that I had to juggle 3 flashlights in
the cockpit - one red led flash attached to my headset, a small red
maglite for cocpit instruments farther away from the pilot position, and
one more large one to look for ice on the airframe (yikes!). then I'd
get into my car after a long night of flying, turn on the lights, and
have no trouble reading any of the controls or switches. This is how I
want my aircraft to be! All controls self illuminating, and a
flashlight for emergency use only! Seems so simple, but I've been
confounded at every turn. Anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks in advance!


I compromised. Digikey has toggle switches with LEDs in the handles. I

used different colors for various items. Water pumps are blue. Fuel
pumps are red. Engine controls are green. All lighting is yellow.
They're all rated at 30A 12VDC, and cost right at $5 each...except for
the blue which I was surprised to find cost $9. (I didn't look that
closely until after I had the order placed).

I daisey chained them all the LED ground tabs together and brought a
single wire to an MPJA motor controller for dimming. They do dim, but I
would like quite a bit more range. I don't think I have the controller
calibrated correctly. The blues are harshly bright, but everything else
glows nice and softly.

This doesn't completely solve what you're looking for, but with an
intimate knowledge of the switch placement and color patterns, I think
it is an improvement.

--
,|"|"|, Ernest Christley |
----===<{{(oQo)}}>===---- Dyke Delta Builder |
o| d |o http://ernest.isa-geek.org |


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Mark Phillips in TN



Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 431
Location: Columbia, TN

PostPosted: Thu Dec 07, 2006 11:40 am    Post subject: LED backlit rocker switches Reply with quote

In a message dated 12/07/2006 12:21:33 PM Central Standard Time, echristley(at)nc.rr.com writes:
Quote:
The blues are harshly bright, but everything else
glows nice and softly.

HI Ed-

Used the same dimmer with similar rockers and had to add about 1000 ohm resistors (maybe 2000, IIRC) to choke down the blue LEDS. Resistors were added to the ground faston tabs on the switch for the LED ground.

Now back to the original question, which was WHERE TO GET LED BACKLIT ROCKER SWITCHES:

I have also spent much time looking for same. Best I've come up with so far are not LED, but found these from Aerocraft:

http://www.aerocraftparts.com/Categories.aspx?Category=38940ec0-b260-4e9f-a23c-b80ff8e89c67 (or go to www.aerocraftparts.com/ and look for Electrical\Switches\Rocker Switches). These are incandescent.

I ordered a sample, but they are a bit bigger than I'd like, so I am now looking at these:

http://www.engravers.net/aircraft/rocker_switches.htm which are available with neon or incandescent bulbs. Will order a sample and see how they look. If anyone DOES know of some alternatives, particularly with LEDs I'd love to hear about them!

From The PossumWorks
Mark
[quote][b]


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mprather(at)spro.net
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PostPosted: Thu Dec 07, 2006 12:53 pm    Post subject: LED backlit rocker switches Reply with quote

Carling 632 series switches seem like they might fill the bill:

http://rocker-switches.carlingtech.com/illuminated-rocker-switch__37.asp#elibrary
Link to a descriptive pdf file:

http://www.carlingtech.com/pdf/CarlingSW_622_632.pdf
Then get them custom engraved.. Or engrave them yourself.. I suspect it
wouldn't be too difficult.
Matt-


Quote:

<CJohnston(at)popsound.com>

Hey all -

I've been monitoring this list for awhile now - I'm building an RV-10 -
and I wondered if any of the electron whizzes could help me. I'm trying
to find a good source for custom legend LED backlit rocker switches for
my project.

I've historically done quite a bit of night flying, and after I got my
instrument rating, which I did 100% at night (with the one exception of
the checkride!) I vowed that I would not accept anything less than
complete readability of all controls and switches at night in the
cockpit. It just seemed so crazy that I had to juggle 3 flashlights in
the cockpit - one red led flash attached to my headset, a small red
maglite for cocpit instruments farther away from the pilot position, and
one more large one to look for ice on the airframe (yikes!). then I'd
get into my car after a long night of flying, turn on the lights, and
have no trouble reading any of the controls or switches. This is how I
want my aircraft to be! All controls self illuminating, and a
flashlight for emergency use only! Seems so simple, but I've been
confounded at every turn. Anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks in advance!

cj
#40410
fuse
www.perfectlygoodairplane.net



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John Bolding



Joined: 23 May 2006
Posts: 281

PostPosted: Thu Dec 07, 2006 2:26 pm    Post subject: LED backlit rocker switches Reply with quote

If memory serves, Airpax.net has switch/breaker assys that have the lever illuminated, used them on my RV3 30 yrs ago. John
[quote] ---


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len.baxter(at)gm.com
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PostPosted: Fri Dec 08, 2006 5:17 am    Post subject: LED backlit rocker switches Reply with quote

These switches are rated for 125v AC ...... are they OK for 12v DC??? and will the neon backlight work on 12v DC??


Len


__________________


--> AeroElectric-List message posted by: "Matt Prather" <mprather(at)spro.net>

Carling 632 series switches seem like they might fill the bill:

http://rocker-switches.carlingtech.com/illuminated-rocker-switch__37.asp#elibrary


Link to a descriptive pdf file:

http://www.carlingtech.com/pdf/CarlingSW_622_632.pdf


Then get them custom engraved.. Or engrave them yourself.. I suspect it
wouldn't be too difficult.


Matt-




Quote:
--> AeroElectric-List message posted by: "Chris Johnston"
> <CJohnston(at)popsound.com>

>
> Hey all -
>
> I've been monitoring this list for awhile now - I'm building an RV-10 -
> and I wondered if any of the electron whizzes could help me. I'm trying
> to find a good source for custom legend LED backlit rocker switches for
> my project.
>
> I've historically done quite a bit of night flying, and after I got my
> instrument rating, which I did 100% at night (with the one exception of
> the checkride!) I vowed that I would not accept anything less than
> complete readability of all controls and switches at night in the
> cockpit. It just seemed so crazy that I had to juggle 3 flashlights in
> the cockpit - one red led flash attached to my headset, a small red
> maglite for cocpit instruments farther away from the pilot position, and
> one more large one to look for ice on the airframe (yikes!). then I'd
> get into my car after a long night of flying, turn on the lights, and
> have no trouble reading any of the controls or switches. This is how I
> want my aircraft to be! All controls self illuminating, and a
> flashlight for emergency use only! Seems so simple, but I've been
> confounded at every turn. Anyone have any suggestions?
>
> Thanks in advance!
>
> cj
> #40410
> fuse
> www.perfectlygoodairplane.net
>
>
>
>
>
>
>


-Matt Dralle, List Admin.
-


[quote][b]


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mprather(at)spro.net
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PostPosted: Fri Dec 08, 2006 7:50 am    Post subject: LED backlit rocker switches Reply with quote

They should work fine for many 12V DC applications. See:

http://www.aeroelectric.com/articles/swtchrat.pdf

The Neon backlight won't work on 12V DC, but LED is what was asked for..
The datasheet shows 6V, 12V, and 24V DC LED setups, plus one which
presumably lacks a dropping resistor (unbalasted).
Matt-

Quote:
These switches are rated for 125v AC ....... are they OK for 12v DC??? and
will the neon backlight work on 12v DC??
Len
__________________

<mprather(at)spro.net>

Carling 632 series switches seem like they might fill the bill:

http://rocker-switches.carlingtech.com/illuminated-rocker-switch__37.asp#elibrary
Link to a descriptive pdf file:

http://www.carlingtech.com/pdf/CarlingSW_622_632.pdf
Then get them custom engraved.. Or engrave them yourself.. I suspect it
wouldn't be too difficult.
Matt-


>
> <CJohnston(at)popsound.com>
>
> Hey all -
>
> I've been monitoring this list for awhile now - I'm building an RV-10 -
> and I wondered if any of the electron whizzes could help me. I'm trying
> to find a good source for custom legend LED backlit rocker switches for
> my project.
>
> I've historically done quite a bit of night flying, and after I got my
> instrument rating, which I did 100% at night (with the one exception of
> the checkride!) I vowed that I would not accept anything less than
> complete readability of all controls and switches at night in the
> cockpit. It just seemed so crazy that I had to juggle 3 flashlights in
> the cockpit - one red led flash attached to my headset, a small red
> maglite for cocpit instruments farther away from the pilot position, and
> one more large one to look for ice on the airframe (yikes!). then I'd
> get into my car after a long night of flying, turn on the lights, and
> have no trouble reading any of the controls or switches. This is how I
> want my aircraft to be! All controls self illuminating, and a
> flashlight for emergency use only! Seems so simple, but I've been
> confounded at every turn. Anyone have any suggestions?
>
> Thanks in advance!
>
> cj
> #40410
> fuse
> www.perfectlygoodairplane.net
>


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Mark Phillips in TN



Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 431
Location: Columbia, TN

PostPosted: Fri Dec 08, 2006 10:51 am    Post subject: LED backlit rocker switches Reply with quote

In a message dated 12/08/2006 7:22:38 AM Central Standard Time, len.baxter(at)gm.com writes:
Quote:
These switches are rated for 125v AC ....... are they OK for 12v DC??? and will the neon backlight work on 12v DC??

See:

http://aeroelectric.com/articles/swtchrat.pdf

One thing I don't like about the 622/632 series Carlings is that the lit rocker operators are clear colors (not translucent) so they may not be very easy to read if engraved. Take a look at these:

http://www.carlingtech.com/pdf/CarlingSW_LRG.pdf

Might be a better choice, and many operator colors, clear and translucent, but not LED- still 12v incandescent.

Mark
[quote][b]


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mprather(at)spro.net
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PostPosted: Fri Dec 08, 2006 11:47 am    Post subject: LED backlit rocker switches Reply with quote

Those are nice looking - probably better than the ones I proposed from a
readability standpoint. I wonder of the 632's could be frosted during the
engraving process. Seems like that would solve the issue.
Matt-
Quote:
In a message dated 12/08/2006 7:22:38 AM Central Standard Time,
len.baxter(at)gm.com writes:
These switches are rated for 125v AC ....... are they OK for 12v DC???
and
will the neon backlight work on 12v DC??
See:

http://aeroelectric.com/articles/swtchrat.pdf

One thing I don't like about the 622/632 series Carlings is that the lit
rocker operators are clear colors (not translucent) so they may not be
very easy
to read if engraved. Take a look at these:

http://www.carlingtech.com/pdf/CarlingSW_LRG.pdf

Might be a better choice, and many operator colors, clear and translucent,
but not LED- still 12v incandescent.

Mark



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mbanus(at)hotmail.com
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PostPosted: Fri Dec 08, 2006 12:41 pm    Post subject: LED backlit rocker switches Reply with quote

......I ordered a sample, but they are a bit bigger than I'd like, so I am now
looking at these:

http://www.engravers.net/aircraft/rocker_switches.htm which are available
with neon or incandescent bulbs. Will order a sample and see how they look. If

anyone DOES know of some alternatives, particularly with LEDs I'd love to hear

about them!..........


CAUTION: I ordered these AML switches for my Glasair and received the NEON bulbs (AML36). You do not want them as they will not light up with 14V. You will need the incandescent bulbs for 14v (AML-34).
[quote][b]


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stein(at)steinair.com
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PostPosted: Fri Dec 08, 2006 4:50 pm    Post subject: LED backlit rocker switches Reply with quote

BINGO! These are almost exclusively what all of us "in the business" use on panels. The Honeywell AML's are top quality, and you can get the rockers in a variety of colors. Best of all, the are nicely sized and egrave VERY nicely from Wayne at Engravers....

I would stay away from the Carlings. We've used them before and frankly they are kind of a crappy switch (both of the series mentioned previously in this string).

Regarding lights, don't waste your time on incandescents for the AML's. It's not a matter of IF they will burn out, but WHEN. In all the panels we build we put only LED's in them....plus the neat thing is the LED's are avaiable in a variety of colors, so if you put them behind the white rocker covers, you get a nice blue, orange, gree, etc.. color when they are turned on!

Anyway, they are not cheap but the switches are very high quality and professional looking. Believe me, we've used almost every rocker out there (Carling, Otto, Eaton, etc..) and as of today the only thing we really encourage is the Honeywell AML's.

Just my 2 cents as usual!

Cheers,
Stein.
[quote] --


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ulflyer(at)verizon.net
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PostPosted: Sat Dec 09, 2006 6:49 am    Post subject: LED backlit rocker switches Reply with quote

You may want to look into the light strips. Come in different
lengths and sizes. Low power consumption.
jerb

At 10:20 AM 12/7/2006, you wrote:
Quote:

<CJohnston(at)popsound.com>

Hey all -

I've been monitoring this list for awhile now - I'm building an RV-10 -
and I wondered if any of the electron whizzes could help me. I'm trying
to find a good source for custom legend LED backlit rocker switches for
my project.

I've historically done quite a bit of night flying, and after I got my
instrument rating, which I did 100% at night (with the one exception of
the checkride!) I vowed that I would not accept anything less than
complete readability of all controls and switches at night in the
cockpit. It just seemed so crazy that I had to juggle 3 flashlights in
the cockpit - one red led flash attached to my headset, a small red
maglite for cocpit instruments farther away from the pilot position, and
one more large one to look for ice on the airframe (yikes!). then I'd
get into my car after a long night of flying, turn on the lights, and
have no trouble reading any of the controls or switches. This is how I
want my aircraft to be! All controls self illuminating, and a
flashlight for emergency use only! Seems so simple, but I've been
confounded at every turn. Anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks in advance!

cj
#40410
fuse
www.perfectlygoodairplane.net



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klehman(at)albedo.net
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PostPosted: Sat Dec 09, 2006 8:48 am    Post subject: LED backlit rocker switches Reply with quote

In addition to a glareshield electrolumenescent strip (which I quite
like) and integral instrument lighting I wired a couple of $5. miniature
Home Depot LED gooseneck lights in series and put them on a dimmer. One
on each side of the cockpit above the doors. The gooseneck is about 3"
long. They originally contained little button cells and are intended to
clip onto a shirt pocket so that the little gooseneck LED can be pointed
where you need it. The light spreads out to about a 12" round beam by
the time it hits the panel. I have a separate overhead incandescent map
light so I don't normally leave the LED's on but they are sometimes
handy for illuminating specific switches and they are very low power
consumption in case of electrical problems or loss of other lighting.
They are wired to the battery bus. These are not ideal as I had to run
another ground wire down the gooseneck to isolate the ground wire from
the aluminum battery case. You could insulate the case from the airframe
I suppose. Seemed like a better idea than holding a flashlight in my
teeth though which I was determined not to do...

Switch lighting should really allow both identification AND being able
to see whether the switch is on or off at a glance. Heavy iron machines
often have backlit labeling and lighted 'on' indicators to achieve that.
Sometimes the 'on' indicator even confirms functionality such as nominal
current is flowing, or valve is open, rather than just indicating switch
position.

Ken

jerb wrote:

Quote:


You may want to look into the light strips. Come in different lengths
and sizes. Low power consumption.
jerb

At 10:20 AM 12/7/2006, you wrote:

>
> <CJohnston(at)popsound.com>
>
> Hey all -
>
> I've been monitoring this list for awhile now - I'm building an RV-10 -
> and I wondered if any of the electron whizzes could help me. I'm trying
> to find a good source for custom legend LED backlit rocker switches for
> my project.
>
> I've historically done quite a bit of night flying, and after I got my
> instrument rating, which I did 100% at night (with the one exception of
> the checkride!) I vowed that I would not accept anything less than
> complete readability of all controls and switches at night in the
> cockpit. It just seemed so crazy that I had to juggle 3 flashlights in
> the cockpit - one red led flash attached to my headset, a small red
> maglite for cocpit instruments farther away from the pilot position, and
> one more large one to look for ice on the airframe (yikes!). then I'd
> get into my car after a long night of flying, turn on the lights, and
> have no trouble reading any of the controls or switches. This is how I
> want my aircraft to be! All controls self illuminating, and a
> flashlight for emergency use only! Seems so simple, but I've been
> confounded at every turn. Anyone have any suggestions?
>
> Thanks in advance!
>
> cj
> #40410
> fuse
> www.perfectlygoodairplane.net



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