Backlit Panel

[LevelWing]

I'm going to have my panel reconfigured into a standard 6 pack and was wondering what it would take to have the panel backlit and controlled by the current switch for the lighting. Currently it has the lights on top of the instruments but they're easy to break. I have a 68C. Looking for what kind of cost it will be for the backlights, not so much the panel itself. Does anybody have this already and if so, any pictures you could share?

[Bob_Belville]

I have "eyebrow" lights instead of the original old post lights. Of course many of the newer instruments are internally lit. 

[Ned Gravel]

Why not try Nulites? See http://www.nulite.net/nulite_website_002.htm.

 

Usual disclaimer.  Not associated with..... bla, bla, bla.

 

Just a user - but a satisfied one.

[The-sky-captain]

+1 for the Nulites. Great product

[scottfromiowa]

Nu-lies. Not exensive...work great. Cant tell they are there...

[Bennett]

Nullites and a luminescent strip under the glare shield.

[FlyDave]

I had NuLites in my Cherokee - they're excellent!!

[carusoam]

NuLites are good... But,......

If you have no dough...

Post lights with LEDs work better than the old post lights. On the same circuit, with the same circuit breaker.

Additional lights can be added because the LED amperage is so low.

Ability to dim is maintained by keeping at least one ordinary bulb in the circuit.

If I remember properly (huge task) they all get wired to a single point under the pilot side IP. That point is supplied by the IP dimmer knob.

As usual, check with your mechanic for proper details.

Magically low cost improvement,

-a-

[N601RX]

Nulites work very well and do a good job of lighting the complete instrument. Each one has 2 bulbs so you will still get some light if one blows. They have a slightly larger footprint than some instruments so plan the layout accordingly.

[LevelWing]

Thanks for the replies. I'll have a look at these and see if I can't have them installed when the panel is redone. Will I need a 337 to have the panel rearranged and the backlights installed?

[Bob_Belville]

I doubt it.

 

Thanks for the replies. I'll have a look at these and see if I can't have them installed when the panel is redone. Will I need a 337 to have the panel rearranged and the backlights installed?

 

Talk to the avionics shop but I doubt it.

[Andy95W]

Thanks for the replies. I'll have a look at these and see if I can't have them installed when the panel is redone.

Will I need a 337 to have the panel rearranged and the backlights installed?

20 years ago, some IAs considered a new panel as a major alteration (requiring a 337). Nowadays, most don't. The shop may choose to complete a 337 just as a record of the alteration, but that doesn't mean it will need to be an FAA required Field Approval.

The lighting could be another matter.