Does anyone have the 737 Capt Side Dome Light Dimensions?

[MistyBlue]

Hi all, does anyone have a real dome light mounted above the 737 second observers seat?  If so, can you provide the dimensions of the main frame?  I'd like to create one in CAD to 3D print.  Thanks!

[sagrada737]

I too plan to 3D Print the Dome Light Flange/Housings.

This last week, we flew Southwest Airlines from El Paso to Denver on a 737-700 both ways.  On each flight, I spoke with the Captain, and he invited my into the cockpit to sit down, take photos/video, and measure things.  The folks at Soutwest are very friendly...

As I continue to build out the AFT part of the 737 Flight Deck for my Sim, being able to measure items in a real 737 cockpit is most helpful.

Regarding the Dome Lights...  Each of the upper aft dome lights are the same, except for the housing on the CA side.  The mounting flange of each dome light is 4" square.  With this dimension, you should be able to interpolate the other dimensions of the CA box-like housing.  This housing is angled inward by about 20 degrees.  See photos below...

Both Dome Lights are turned ON using the "Dome White" On-Off-Dim switch located on the Aft Overhead Panel.

For my Sim Dome Lights, I am using an LED dome light module that I bought at Home Depot.  It is approx. the same size at the real Dome Light.  Most of these little dome lights are "touch" to turn On and Off.  I took it apart and bypassed the chip control so it can be simply turned ON/Off with an external switch -- perfect for the 737 Dome Light function.

Another area of interest might be the Aft Entry into the Cockpit...  See photo below...   The height dimension from the cockpit floor to the rear of the Aft Overhead Panel is 5'6".  The  height of the Cockpit Door is 74".  Note the sectional slope of the ceiling panels.

Hope this helps you...

As a side note...  I apologize for not being too active on the Forum here.  Due medical issues over this last year, I have had to slow walk a lot of things in my life, including my Sim project.  I have had some rather extensive medical tests that determined I have a mild form of heart disease.  The good news is, I don't need surgery or any invasive procedures -- it can be treated with medicine, diet and exercise.  All part of the seasons of life...

I am now back to working on my Sim Project full-time, finishing out the Aft part of the Flight.  I hope to post some photos of this effort sometime soon.

Best Regards,
Mike

[N4208T]

Glad to hear you are on the mend.

Steve

[MistyBlue]

Thanks Mike.  Wishing all the best!

I created a rough initial 3D model based on eyeballing  what pictures I could find, and referencing Karl Clarke's DIYSim version for approximate dimensions.  Mine ended up being approximately 5" x 4.5" which sounds fairly close.  I fitted the real light housing I found on eBay and the rough first print looks about right.   Happy to share if needed.

Fortunately I'll be on a Southwest flight tomorrow so I may ask the pilots if they'll let me measure the housing more precisely.  I'm sure they'll think I'm out of my mind, lol.

I appreciate the info on the other dimensions.  I'm pretty close to those cockpit entry heights.  Cockpit side ceiling is right at 5' 6", and my cockpit door opening is 72", limited by my garage door opener rails.

[bernard S]

these now complete

[sagrada737]

Hi Tony,

Your 3-D printed Dome Light Housing looks great!

Depending on the 3-d printed wall thickness, you can sand smooth the corner radius for a nice finished look.

Your scaled cockpit entry looks nice as well.  Best wishes with your project.

Mike