Tip: New Annunciator Panel

[AntiGravity]

...for those items that are switched (like master power, fuel pump, starter, primer, etc) would you have a rocker switch that is lit when 'on', or a toggle switch and a separate annunciator. For whichever answer, why?

[Ironflight]

Originally Posted by AntiGravity

...for those items that are switched (like master power, fuel pump, starter, primer, etc) would you have a rocker switch that is lit when 'on', or a toggle switch and a separate annunciator. For whichever answer, why?

A lighted rocker switch would be another easy way to jog your memory that you've left it on...."IF" it is in your normal field of view of course. Louise's old panel had a lighted rocker for the fuel pump, but it was low and to the pilot's right, and I kept leaving it on....

I just like the look and feel of regular toggle switches for my own panel.

Paul

[az_gila]

It might be more a question of light intensity - a lot of the lit rocker switches have a light level that is more of the "internal lighting" level that illuminates the text on the rocker.

I think your original question would refer to the lighting as a "warning" light level. I'm not sure that they are that bright.

gil A

PS lighting up the legends on your rocker switches at night does look cool...

[Mike S]

One potential issue with the lighted switches vs. indicator lights is what they are actually indicating.

A lighted switch tells you the switch is on------the accessory it controls may or may not actually be on.

An indicator light wired to the same lead as the accessory, will at least let you know that the accessory is getting power.

Minor difference, yes, but I have seen times in the past when this was an issue.

[gmcjetpilot]

I have Annunciator light panel envy. Nice work Gents.

[az_gila]

Originally Posted by Mike S

One potential issue with the lighted switches vs. indicator lights is what they are actually indicating.

A lighted switch tells you the switch is on------the accessory it controls may or may not actually be on.

An indicator light wired to the same lead as the accessory, will at least let you know that the accessory is getting power.

Minor difference, yes, but I have seen times in the past when this was an issue.

Mike.... it would be quite easy (and the recommended way) to connect the bulb/LED to the switched output power to make the rocker an indicating rocker.

But, per my previous quote, this negates the rocker legend text being illuminated as part of the panel illumination - it could be done, multiple bulbs, different colors, etc. - but with way more complexity.

gil A

[Mike S]

Gil, quite correct.

However, there are lighted switches where the light is internally controlled, with no provision to hood up as you suggest. These are typical in the automotive aftermarket industry, and Radio Shack et al.

Another way----not a real good way----is to use a double pole switch, and control the indicator lite, (separate unit or internal), using the second set of contacts.

Again, you will have an indicator, but you need to be aware of exactly what is being indicated.

I am just trying to get folks to think a bit, and not assume that a lit light means things are actually working.

[az_gila]

Originally Posted by Mike S

Gil, quite correct.
......
I am just trying to get folks to think a bit, and not assume that a lit light means things are actually working.

Definitely true!

gil A

[alpinelakespilot2000]

I think the annunciator light modules that are shown above look really nice.

At the same time, is there a risk of putting too many annunciator lights in your panel? For example, if there is always something lit up on the annunciator panel for normal flight operations, will the eye get so used to seeing lights on that it will begin to ignore the other lights that may come on and actually be critical to continued flight? (I realize different color lights can indicate differing levels of urgency, but I still wonder about the tendency to overlook lights simply because some are alwasy on.) Or, less severe, will the eye get so used to seeing lights on that you just stop looking at the individual annunciator lights to see what is on vs. what should be on? For the latter case, I find that a quick scan of my switch row will provide the same information as a light but without the clutter or distraction.

I'm not against annunciators as I have two annuciator lights in my panel: a green one for the master switch and an amber one for the aux. fuel pump. As much as possible, however, I've tried to avoid any other lights for the reasons above or simply for aesthetic reasons.

Just my .02. Again, nice job on making the annunciator lights look professionally done.

[rv8eh]

I am evaluating IDEC AL6Q, and AL6H models for this purpose.
Mine will be momentary/maintained for switching as well, right on the annunciator panel, and will include a lamp test (even though they are LEDs)

The indicators are electrically independent of the switch.

They make an indicator only version as well, in the same series.