Custom Autopilot Panel

[gokhotit]

Actually it is 40v, all I had on hand.  All the power is bussed in parralel.  30v is the magic number because that is the max that the IO card can take.

[SilverFox441]

What are the specs on the power supply.? It might be 40V, but if it can't handle any current it's not going to be much use to you.

I think you might be better off modding an old computer power supply to get useable voltages and currents. Probably cheaper in the long run as well.

Check out this thread: http://www.simviation.com/cgi-bin/yabb2 ... 366444/0#0

[gokhotit]

It is a ac-dc adapter rated at 30v at 500mA, however it puts out 37-40v.  I have considered a modded comp power supply (thats what powers my main console), however it will be about $150 in just light bulbs to re-bulb everything.

[SilverFox441]

That adapter isn't going to do you any good at all... 500mA is hardly any current.

Take a look at the specs on an average 350W power supply:
http://www.ultraproducts.com/product_de ... ductID=657

What light bulbs are you using that require 30 volts?

[nemesis19]

gokhotit,

I'd use LEDs rather than bulbs,

[beaky]

I dont know how much "they" would charge.  I have about $150 invested in it (switches were free, and the I/O card that will be on it is a spare).

By "they" I meant the shop that cut the panel for you.

[gokhotit]

The panel cost about $40 from Front Panel Express.  Really good quality, just make sure you measure twice so you don't have to do any rework.

The switches are Milspec Aircraft switches, so they have aviation 28V bulbs in them.  Putting LEDs inside these switch housings will destroy the housing themselves, due to the way they are laid out.

If anyone knows where I can get 12v T-1 3/4 midget flange, and super tiny sub-midget flange bulbs for cheap, that would help.  Then I can run the whole thing off my main power supply (500W PSU).

So, the battle continues.. :-/

[SilverFox441]

What's the bulb number for the ones installed in the switches?

It may be possible to get conversion bulbs for 12V or even LEDS that just drop in.

Maybe even this page?

http://www.ledtronics.com/ds/FF200/

[gokhotit]

Those are perfect, but i need the blue and they are WAY WAY WAY out of my budget.  But I love it.

[gokhotit]

Just for fun, I put in an order (just in shopping cart), and it would be $400 in bulbs :-?.  Don't think the wife will let me get awa with that.

[SilverFox441]

http://www.1000bulbs.com/337-to--394-Indicator-Lamps/
382s what you need? Those are a drop-in replacement for the typical 387 28V indicator lamp.

[gokhotit]

Those will work, or the 394s.

[gokhotit]

Hooked up the pots to my card.  Works liek charm... 8-)  :o

[gokhotit]

got the switches and everything all hooked up.  The phidgets card is defective .  However, all the buttons do work, and all the lights work, just can't program it (says my 0/16/16 is a 0/64/64, I wish).

So, the quest continues.....

Anyone got a spare 0/16/16 phidget card they want to let go for cheap??

[gokhotit]

here is a picture of the completed wiring (with bad board in place)  and temporary labeling.  What do you think?