Replica panel dimensions

[pitbldr]

The attached file contains PDF's with the basic dimensions for the panels I am designing. Several people have asked about the dimensions and whether they would work with Dimebug's pit plans. I think they will, but here they are for those who'd like to verify. If you print these out 1:1, you can use them as guides for laying out any panels you get from me.

 

The drawings in the PDF's are for the panel backplate (or switchplate). These would mount to the consoles and the lightplates would then mount to these.

 

They are slighting oversized from the lightplates to allow some flexibility in mounting. The cutouts for switches and displays are based on the switches I have, so I've not included dimensions on all of those, but did throw in few. Also, a few panels like the UHF and VHF don't have display cutouts at present since I don't have a potential solution for those yet.

 

DISCLAIMER - these are not 100% accurate designs. They would most likely not mount onto DZUS rails. My goal is to reproduce the panels on a level that is close to the real thing, not exact copies. Making exact replicas would increase the time and cost of making these.

basic_panel_dims.zip

Edited August 26, 2011 by pitbldr

[HitchHikingFlatlander]

Thanks a bunch for this this is a huge help!

[shu77]

This does help quite a lot, thanks very much :)

[pitbldr]

Sure thing! :D

[Deadman]

Pitbldr its great that you doing all this work for every one, But with the availability for some people to get real panels just as you have. Why would you no cut your panels to the 5.75 spec? So people could mix and match for example with the availability of IFF transponder panels on eBay. It makes no sense to purchase a replica but now your panels will not fit with those? Just a thought.

Edited January 22, 2013 by Deadman

[brydling]

Thanks for sharing!

 

/Niclas

[pitbldr]

Pitbldr its great that you doing all this work for every one, But with the avaliblity for some people to get real panels just as you have. Why would you no cut your panels to the 5.75 spec? So people could mix and match for example with the availability of IFF transponder panels on eBay. It makes no sence to purchase a replica but now your panels will not fit with those? Just a thought.

 

The panels themselves are 5.75", these are only the backplates I am using with my pit. Also, since I don't have access to accurate dimensions for every single panel (I only have 5 real panels), I can't design them to that level of detail. I think most people are not going for 100% accuracy either, so it doesn't make sense for me to spend my *limited* time designing panels that are 100% accurate. That would increase the cost quite a bit I imagine and only help a very few going for that level of accuracy.

 

My goal from the start was to make a pit for myself. Then I saw that others might be interested in panels and since I have the equipment, I decided to offer them. My vision is to create parts that closely resemble the real thing but I wasn't (and can't at this time) going for mil-spec tolerances.

 

If I ever have a full set of real panels or someone sends me dimensions for them, then I'll certainly adjust my designs. Without that information though, I have to do as best I can.

 

Here's my design for fuel system panel. I didn't have the real panel to base this from, so I used pictures and information that you and others have provided to come up with this. Is it 100% accurate? Nope, but for me and most others (I think :D), it is close enough.

[DEChengst]

Close enough for me as well. Looking forward to buying the finished product.

[Deadman]

Hum I never said any thing about 100% accuracy. The aluminum back plates are 5.75 wide with the top back lit plate being a bit smaller ay 5.68 . My time is all so very limited with two jobs the main reason .I have turned down multiple requests from others for free measurements. Just an FYI with the additional size of the panels at 5.88 and the standard width of 5,75 you at approximately 0.13 wider than real panels or 1/8th of an inch

[pitbldr]

I never said any thing about 100% accuracy.

 

I felt you implied that by asking why I was not designing them to be interchangeable with the real panels. For that to happen, I think my designs would need to be 100% accurate.

 

Just an FYI with the additional size of the panels at 5.88 and the standard width of 5,75 you at approximately 0.13 wider than real panels or 1/8th of an inch

 

That was intentional since, as I mentioned, I designed these to worth with my project. I wanted a little "wiggle room" for switches and other devices that I may mount under the panels. If others can use and want my panels as designed, I am glad to help out.

 

As time goes by and if I acquire more real panels/dimensions, I'll probably update my designs. I mean if I waited to get all the real data before I made my panels and built my own pit, I'd never get to fly the sim! :D

[pitbldr]

Responding to a couple inquires... I've attached a drawing with several panel lightplates and backplates to show how they would fit together. The backplates are in red and the panel lightplates are black.

 

You can see that the backplates are slighting larger than the panels. I did this on my project to add a little more surface area and strength for mounting them to the console rails. If I were able to make the backplates from aluminum, they'd be closer to the size of the panel.

 

I really want to be as clear as possible, that my designs are not exact copies of the real panels. Hope this helps clarify it. :D

left_inner.pdf

[TulsA-10]

Thank you for this info.. This is what i have been missing. I am going to be getting started building a pit as soon as i get my umc 2.0 from flim. I really want to pick up one of your caution panels if they become available. I already have the phidgets ready to go. Thanks again

Edited August 26, 2011 by TulsA-10

[pitbldr]

You're welcome! :)

 

I expect to have a couple CP's ready by next week and will open a thread in the For Sale forum to offer them up when they're ready.

[TulsA-10]

Perfect.. Hey just keep one to the side for me please.. just pm the paypal info to me when they are ready.. I'm ready to buy. I call first dibs..lol

[PanelBuilder]

I really want to be as clear as possible, that my designs are not exact copies of the real panels. Hope this helps clarify it. :D

Whatever. I have a distinct feeling that your definition of "exact" is a little more stringent than most of us.

 

Cheers,

Colin

[pitbldr]

Whatever. I have a distinct feeling that your definition of "exact" is a little more stringent than most of us.

 

Cheers,

Colin

 

Well, I have been accused of being a perfectionist before and never feel the stuff I am building is as good as it could be.... maybe I need some professional help!! :lol:

[brydling]

Well, I have been accused of being a perfectionist before and never feel the stuff I am building is as good as it could be.... maybe I need some professional help!! :lol:

 

If you ever get rid of that problem, tell me how you did it ;)

 

/Niclas

[pitbldr]

Here's a few of my panel drawings. I plan to release more soon.

 

If printed 1:1, you should have a panel width of 5.75". For those of you interested in getting panels from me, you'll be able to use these along with the backplates attached in the first post to start laying out your design or to use with other's like Dimebug's plans.

 

Standard disclaimer - these are not 100% accurate compared to the real panels and are subject to change as I gather more data or receive feedback. :D

Aux lighting panel.pdf

EFCP panel.pdf

Elec pwr panel.pdf

Fuel panel.pdf

Intercom panel.pdf

[pitbldr]

A few more drawings...

SAS panel.pdf

Lighting Control Panel.pdf

Stall Warning panel.pdf

[TulsA-10]

Very nice.. they look good

[avlolga]

Pitbldr,

Thanks for those Panels !!!

 

Thanks to you Pitbldr i can start cutting this weekend.

Edited November 1, 2011 by avlolga

[Cali]

Awesome work, even if it isn't 100% accurate who cares they look outstanding! I might use them just as paper mock-ups to give my pit a better look.

[pitbldr]

Thanks guys and you're welcome!

 

I've been meaning to get more posted, but work/life has kept me away from pit building for the last month and I don't expect to get back to it until after the New Year. I've also decided it was time to finish my original dream of being a professional pilot so I am gearing up resume flight training and work my way up to a CFI. Been a few years since I flew so I am having to re-learn some of the basics and get a few refresher flights in. :D

[Strix]

Nice panels!

 

And good luck with flying lessons!

[hog_driver111th]

Good luck Pit. I wish I could get back into flying, but it would cost way too much here in Germany. Is there any chance if you have a little time, to post the images for the Landing Gear, fuel, and anything else worth while on the front panel?