At the moment for my own simpit under construction.... most of the control panels I have will not have backlighting for the control labels.  (The Goflight units don't have this ....so that is an issue right there.) It is simpler that way for the initial construction ....... at least for me.

But I did want to at least start experimenting with some backlit panels for the future.  So I have been looking for options.

The basic approach seems to be using milky white plastic for the main structure of the instrument panel, then masking the surface with an opaque material like paper or vinyl or paint ...... with the lettering that is to be backlit then cut out thru the opaque stuff in order to let light show through it.  Then you put small lightbulbs or white leds behind the panel to light the lettering.

All this consumes a bit of electricity and produces heat inside the panel structures.  Particularly the light bulb solution.  Even a single small 12V bulb gets pretty hot.

However........ there is also this wonderful stuff called electroluminescent foil and wire.  

Check out the following 3 websites for possibilities for backlighting individual panels or other simpit lighting issues.

http://www.cooltronics.com

http://www.elwirecheap.com

http://luminousfilm.com


Put a laminate of the el film on the panel structure where you want it to glow...... place an opaque mask over it with the "glowing" lettering cut out as a negative ........ and power up the foil with either 9V or 12V thru the little inverters.  Bingo.  Light and very little power consumption or heat.

This is the kind of stuff now used in "the real thing".

Hope someone finds this idea a good place to start.  I know I will have at least one test panel done this way soon.  My guess is that you could do a couple of panels this way for about $20....... with some power left over in the inverter for more later.


best,

..............john