Backlighting overhead advice please

[stephenbalmer]

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

[RayS]

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.)

[Flying_Fox]

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.

[stephenbalmer]

Thanks guys!

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

Steve

[Flying_Fox]

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.

[Clearsim]

Hi guys,
I am using  painting for crystal
Is a good option and spending 3€ you can paint  3cockpits including all anunciators.
Available in green,orange,yellow,red and blue,perhaps more.
Regards

Jose

[Flying_Fox]

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

Nick

[Joe Lavery]

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.

[jackpilot]

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 .

[Flying_Fox]

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/

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

Nick

[Flying_Fox]

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

[Joe Lavery]

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


Cheers 
Joe.

[Caflyt]

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.

[stephenbalmer]

Thank you very much guys for the advice and examples of overhead and panel backlighting, very much appreciated.

Stephen.