Dummy HF COMM Control Panel

This dummy HF COMM Control Panel faceplate was made for a customer who didn't actually require an operational radio but wanted something that at least looked the part, and so this was what we came up with. 

As much as we can, we like to make provisions so that dummy items can be made functional at some stage in the future if this is required. For this reason, it was constructed using the same measurements that we would use if building a working radio - although there's obviously no circuit board or display fitted to this example. 

And because we don't know how it might be used in the future, we ensured that the paint is bleed-proof should backlighting ever be needed, and the three buttonheads are similarly constructed and can all be individually removed for re-use.

We've previously found that dummy items are just as susceptible to people trying to operate them as functional parts, so we made sure to fit some encoders behind the two knobs - this means that they can be freely turned without causing any physical damage. Dummy buttons are also likely to be pressed, meaning that it's a good idea to secure them in place to prevent frustrated pilots from pushing them through the panel in their efforts to force some reaction!

This particular radio was destined for a Cessna Citation simulator, but we've also seen photos of them being used in TBM-900's, which happens to be the next product range that we're currently working on ...

Custom Annunciator Panel

A few months ago we had a request for a custom annunciator panel that was to be based around the standard King Air Glareshield Annunciators that we sell. The basic aspect of the panel is determined by the footprint of the LED circuit board, although we altered the shape of the unit to suit our customer's need. We also removed the dimming potentiometer from the left-hand side of the panel.

Each annunciator is a completely separate piece and can be easily removed from the rear of panel and replaced with a new/different legend at a later stage if required.

As a comparison, below is a photo of our standard King Air Glareshield Annunciator Panel, with the LEDs powered.

Four different LED colours were used in the custom panel (red, yellow, blue, and cool white), and although it's not shown very well in the photos below, the blue was actually a nice deep colour and not quite as 'washed out' as it appears here.

Prior to manufacturing the actual panel, we also provided several previews of what it would eventually look like. This allowed us to alter a couple of details, such as the wording of FUEL CROSSFEED, which was changed to the more aesthetically-pleasing FUEL X FEED.

These previews also allowed us to show how the panel could be mounted, and we could also provide the exact dimensions of the cut-out required and the placement of the mounting holes.

Citation Mustang - Pedestal Panel

This is a Trim & Emergency Gear Release Panel that's destined for a Cessna Citation Mustang simulator.

The Aileron Trim Knob can be rotated to momentarily activate either L Wing Down or R Wing Down via a centre-spring mechansim and a couple of microswitches. You can see this being operated in the following short video clip ...

As seen in the clip above, unlike the real aircraft, the split switch for the Rudder Trim is only designed to 'look' like two separate switches; it's actually mounted on the same centre-biased switch.

As with the majority of our panels, it's fully backlit. The lighting on this particular panel is being run on 12V.

The following photos are of the Emergency Gear Release Pull Lever that the two arrows refer to on the lower portion of the panel itself.

The handle has been fitted to pull on/pull off switch, to allow some functionality.

And here's one of the images that we used as a reference for the design of the panel ...

B200 Central MIP Panel

This is the central section of a King Air B200 Main Instrument Panel that we supplied to a customer a year or so ago, complete with six of our dual radios, operational altitude alert, and an RNS530 unit.

Below is a better shot of the backlighting whilst the panel was still in the process of being populated ...

As with most of the parts that we supply, we fitted all of the hardware to the panel prior to sending it. This allows us to verify that everything fits correctly, and it also hopefully means that the installation once delivered will be a little more straight-forward.

Master Caution, Master Warning Buttons

Over the past week or so we've had a couple of requests for Master Caution/Warning Buttons that differ slightly from the glareshield versions that we typically offer through our website.

The first example is a little larger than our standard version, and measures 27mm (1.06 in.)  x 21mm (0.83 in.)

This button is held in place by a bracket that we also supply, and as all instrument panels and glareshields differ in thickness, we customise each bracket to ensure the correct fit.

The second set of Master Caution/Warning Buttons is more along the lines of our standard version, although the text has been altered and they're supplied without any surround.

Replica GMA340 Panel

This replica GMA340 audio unit was one of several components that we supplied for the pedestal unit that accompanied the AS350 job, which was previously written about here. 

As with all of our panels, the buttons are backlit.

Although there's no evidence of the dual encoders on the circuit board (shown below), these were both actually fitted directly to the main panel and wired directly from there. This isn't the ideal way of doing things of course, but there was a limited amount of space to work with - and so this was the solution.

The circuit board itself was designed to be as universal as possible - the wires were just taken away from the headers to the I/O controller that our customer was interfacing with. 

This audio panel could also be incorporated alongside one of our intercom systems.

Cabin Pressurisation Panel

This is another custom panel that we made for one of our good customers a couple of years ago.

The adjustable front on the Cabin Altitude gauge is connected to an encoder, and the gauge faceplate was engraved onto translucent material which allows it to be backlit.

Citation Mustang Oxygen Panels

These are a new addition to our range of backlit cockpit panels for the Cessna Citation Mustang.

Although they're not shown on our website yet (like a lot of items that we make), if you're interested in a set of these, you can contact us here.

The Captain's Oxygen Panel (fully backlit and populated with the hardware) is priced at US$195-00.

The F/O's Oxygen Panel (fully backlit and populated with the hardware) is US$156-00.

This particular set was configured for 12V lighting, although if you would prefer 5V instead, this is no problem to arrange.

The Oxygen Mask fitting is a dummy part - it is in no way functional.

And we've also recently updated our Citation Mustang Circuit Breaker Panels, which can now be supplied with riser plates that will allow them to sit forward of the cabin's structure slightly. Below are some photos ...

This is not a very good representation of the lighting unfortunately, which was far more subtle than it looks here!