Overhead lights

[AviatorJ]

I do quite a bit of night flying and would like to avoid wearing a headlamp in the RV-10. I'm working on the overhead console from Aerosport and am about ready to glue and glass it in.

From some research it seems you can attach lighting to the overhead access panels fairly easily. Then does the wiring go out the front of the overhead console and down the center cabin brace?

Also what are some lights that people have been successful with? Initially I'm thinking 4 of those white LEDs from Vans and then in the front two Red positional map lights. Is that the typical route?

[clutch22]

I have my wiring for the overhead light going forward through small grommets and into the center post. Doing this will show about 2" of exposed wiring. To make it look not quite as bad as bare wires, I used black heat shrink in the exposed area. Looks fine to me. For a completely hidden method, you can get some idea's by looking at Ed's website on how he integrated his console to the center post.

I have the Aveo Eyebeam Touch. It's pretty neat, but I haven't put it to the test yet. I have it installed between the two vent locations. It fits nicely in the space there.

[rleffler]

Either way works just fine.

Mine are wired through the aft end of the overhead.

[AviatorJ]

I'm not overly worried about the exposed wire out the front. Since I'm going with a VPX I would think that would be the easiest as opposed to running out the back and then up front. Should probably see how those connections to that would work.

I looked at those Aveo Eyebeams, someone on Spruce mentioned theirs quit working after short use.

[jwilbur]

I used the following and though not flying yet, it seems to light up the panel and cabin very nicely. Ran all wires out the front of the console and down the center post. I'm going to have my wife use her crafty powers to make some kind of velcro-attachable fabric cover for the exposed area.

Red light strip along the underside of the glare shield:
http://www.aircraftspruce.com/pages/...cockpitred.php

Red/white aim-able LEDs over pilot and co-pilot. White is switched from panel. Red is switched individually.
http://aircraftproducts.wicksaircraf...-r12?plpver=10

Two white LEDs over rear passenger area and two white in baggage area switched from panel. And 1 Blue LED individually switched over each rear passenger.
http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalo...ickkey=3007988


Last few pics show my installation with the lights on.
https://520lw.wordpress.com/2016/09/...d-other-stuff/

[AviatorJ]

Joe- Thanks for the input and links. My plan is to have all black-lite switches so going to forego anything under the glare shield. However I'm going to go with those 4 white LEDs for the cabin and 2 of those red post lights you linked. This should be enough illumination when I need it.

I'm going cheap in the baggage area and just going to get a battery powered stick on LED light for the times I need it.

Thanks again

[aerhed]

You do get a lot of light from the EFIS panels. The black swivel eyeballs work okay too. Suggest one bright interior light also (no dimmer), for baggage rummaging and finding dropped stuff.

[NovaBandit]

Originally Posted by AviatorJ

I'm not overly worried about the exposed wire out the front. Since I'm going with a VPX I would think that would be the easiest as opposed to running out the back and then up front. Should probably see how those connections to that would work.

I looked at those Aveo Eyebeams, someone on Spruce mentioned theirs quit working after short use.

For wiring runs, I glassed conduit into the "A pillars" of the cabin top, and ran all my overhead wiring down those. Worked great. The only thing in my centerpost is antenna coax. If your cabin top isn't mounted yet, it might be something to consider (although I have a lot of stuff in my overhead)

For lighting, I have a little of everything. For my main overhead lights, I have the LED panels from PlaneAround. They are fantastic, but I don't think Sean is making them anymore.

I have a pair of the Aveo Eyebeams (the Touch ones). I wouldn't buy them again. They are overpriced, and are only "OK". I don't think they are any better than some of the MUCH cheaper solutions.

I also have a number of the small cheap "4 led" lights that Stein and Spruce sells. Like these: http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalo...ickkey=3007988
I also do NOT recommend these, as I have a few of them with one or two of the LEDs burned out already

[DRMA]

Ed,

Thanks for the info. What problems other than price do you have with the Aveo Eyebeams? I am looking for eyeball type lights similar to these to go into my overhead console and the Aveo are the closest I have found so far. I like the idea of both red and white LEDs in a single unit, but I could do without the touch dimmer.

Any other overhead lights you would recommend?

Thanks
Dave M.

[AviatorJ]

Originally Posted by NovaBandit

I also have a number of the small cheap "4 led" lights that Stein and Spruce sells. Like these: http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalo...ickkey=3007988
I also do NOT recommend these, as I have a few of them with one or two of the LEDs burned out already

Well there goes that idea then. The thought of LEDs burning out that quick doesn't sit well with me. I may end up just with those post type lights then. I can do the 4 led white in the back and the 6 led white/black in the front and have the switch and dimmer on the panel.

I may try to glass in some conduit like you did. I have some extra and I want to bulk out that area a bit. We'll see.