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Main => Builders Discussions => Topic started by: stephenbalmer on March 02, 2015, 02:23:24 PM

Title: Backlighting overhead advice please
Post by: stephenbalmer on March 02, 2015, 02:23:24 PM
Hi guys,

As I am nearing the end of my Simworld overhead panels build, I wonder if anyone could share some guidance on the best backlighting strategies.

I am thinking along the lines of warm white LED strips but advice most welcome.

Thanks a lot,

Steve
Title: Re: Backlighting overhead advice please
Post by: RayS on March 02, 2015, 02:52:54 PM
The warm LED Light strips are a good choice for a cheap, dim-able solution. I've used it successfully in the past on my KingAir, F-16, and 777. (Plus it rarely burns out and never gets hot.)
Title: Re: Backlighting overhead advice please
Post by: Flying_Fox on March 02, 2015, 07:04:34 PM
I use warm white LED strips with filters made from amber transparencies to match FDS IBL backlighting color. Could probably use amber LED strips, but I already did my MIP backlighting same way.

(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-tYrqmd4WGJs/VOLSvL3KeyI/AAAAAAAABYw/5RkN7HJOhak/w949-h712-no/P1180620.JPG)


(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-nCGsjsU-GZY/VOLSvDLlsYI/AAAAAAAABYk/cbx3D78cyes/w949-h712-no/P1180619.JPG)
Title: Re: Backlighting overhead advice please
Post by: stephenbalmer on March 03, 2015, 01:15:10 AM
Thanks guys!

Nick do you have any pics of the rear of your overhead showing how you placed the LED strips and transparencies?

Steve
Title: Re: Backlighting overhead advice please
Post by: Flying_Fox on March 03, 2015, 04:42:45 AM
Quote from: stephenbalmer on March 03, 2015, 01:15:10 AM
Thanks guys!

Nick do you have any pics of the rear of your overhead showing how you placed the LED strips and transparencies?

Steve

Hi Steve,

Yes, I have all the detailed pictures. I will post them today in my blog.
Title: Re: Backlighting overhead advice please
Post by: Clearsim on March 03, 2015, 09:41:37 AM
Hi guys,
I am using  painting for crystal
Is a good option and spending 3€ you can paint  3cockpits including all anunciators. ;D
Available in green,orange,yellow,red and blue,perhaps more.
Regards

Jose
Title: Re: Backlighting overhead advice please
Post by: Flying_Fox on March 03, 2015, 08:11:55 PM
Quote from: stephenbalmer on March 03, 2015, 01:15:10 AM
Thanks guys!

Nick do you have any pics of the rear of your overhead showing how you placed the LED strips and transparencies?

Steve

Hi Steve,

I posted the overhead backlighting details in my blog.
http://elephantair737.blogspot.ca/2015/03/overhead-backlighting.html (http://elephantair737.blogspot.ca/2015/03/overhead-backlighting.html)

Nick
Title: Re: Backlighting overhead advice please
Post by: Joe Lavery on March 04, 2015, 12:52:07 AM
Nice thorough job there Nick, the overall effect is great. Where did you get the amber film from, is it a specific colour?

Cheers
Joe.
Title: Re: Backlighting overhead advice please
Post by: jackpilot on March 04, 2015, 05:53:37 AM
Nick will confirm but I think it is acetate sheets used in artwork or as a film for projecting colored light. The closest to IBL color is orange.
I found some in an art supplies shop .
Title: Re: Backlighting overhead advice please
Post by: Flying_Fox on March 04, 2015, 06:00:54 AM
Thanks Joe,

It's just standard Amber color transparency sheet. Art stores should have them. At least ours do. ;)

Here is the link:
http://www.deserres.ca/en-ca/products/graphic-arts/acetates-and-polyester/coloured-85x11-in-acetates/111/GACETATE/ (http://www.deserres.ca/en-ca/products/graphic-arts/acetates-and-polyester/coloured-85x11-in-acetates/111/GACETATE/)

With proper "warm white" LEDs one layer might be enough, like in my MIP.

Nick
Title: Re: Backlighting overhead advice please
Post by: Flying_Fox on March 04, 2015, 06:17:33 AM
Quote from: jackpilot on March 04, 2015, 05:53:37 AM
Nick will confirm but I think it is acetate sheets used in artwork or as a film for projecting colored light. The closest to IBL color is orange.
I found some in an art supplies shop .

Jack is right - he actually sent me those sheets and then I found same ones in our local store. Thanks Jack! :)

Nick
Title: Re: Backlighting overhead advice please
Post by: Joe Lavery on March 04, 2015, 07:58:08 AM
Thanks Guys, I think I've found the right stuff. Apparently it's also used as gels to change the colour of studio lighting. So I imagine it will stand up very well to any heat.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/21-X-48-204-FULL-ORANGE-CTO-Lighting-Filter-Colour-Gel-Theatre-TV-Party-Lights-/150918678846?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item232374493e (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/21-X-48-204-FULL-ORANGE-CTO-Lighting-Filter-Colour-Gel-Theatre-TV-Party-Lights-/150918678846?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item232374493e)


Cheers  ;)
Joe.
Title: Re: Backlighting overhead advice please
Post by: Caflyt on March 04, 2015, 01:22:35 PM
I used the film when backlighting my MCP and EFIS. I also used Amber LED strips on the MIP so far. Both work well but the Amber LED strips were easier. I am still working on the rest of the MIP and using the strips there.
Title: Re: Backlighting overhead advice please
Post by: stephenbalmer on March 05, 2015, 05:27:42 AM
Thank you very much guys for the advice and examples of overhead and panel backlighting, very much appreciated.

Stephen.