helm control panel redo

[Crave1957]

Hello all,

Soon I am going to work on my helm control panel. I have been thinking it might be very easy to use the current to panels as a pattern to build the panel out of teak. What I am hung up on is lighting. Since I can't really backlight….or can I? How would you use light/leds to light the panel? Everyones impute is appreciated

Thx Mike

 

[manny4608]

Hey Mike, I have been thinking of replacing mine as well and I'm leaning toward using stainless steel due to a contact that I have in metal fabrication. I think the teak would look awesome and fit right in with the classic look, as to lighting up the panel, would it be possible to add a cap/trim above the switches and tuck a miniature LED string of light wired to a existing switch? A few weeks ago another poster was also discussing the same issue and posted this link to a manufacture of identification plates for his switches.

http://www.bereng.com/custom.htm

Hopefully someone will have some better ideas for you.
Good luck and keep us in the loop.

 

[Crave1957]

Thanks Manny,
thats sort of what I was thinking or maybe some kind of small clam shell lights on either side of the switches but I haven't found them yet. That link was very helpful I will need those for sure
MIke

 

[Rick K]

Hey Mike, I have been thinking of replacing mine as well and I'm leaning toward using stainless steel due to a contact that I have in metal fabrication. I think the teak would look awesome and fit right in with the classic look, as to lighting up the panel, would it be possible to add a cap/trim above the switches and tuck a miniature LED string of light wired to a existing switch? A few weeks ago another poster was also discussing the same issue and posted this link to a manufacture of identification plates for his switches.

http://www.bereng.com/custom.htm

Hopefully someone will have some better ideas for you.
Good luck and keep us in the loop.

I actually gave those led strip lights a try and they worked pretty good. I have a little bit of an "overhang" on my helm, so I just put a 6" strip of white in, and ran the wires/switch. Didn't last long in a marine environment but just wanted to give a try. As for the identification plates, I posted that up, but noticed one thing: The inside diameter is 15/32" and the switches are 1/2". I know 1/32" is inconsequential, but I wonder if they'll easily fit on the switch, or if it's gonna be something you have to use a little bit of force on. Would hate to crack one as they're pretty expensive.