New Panel PA30

[Andrew Burton]

New panel on my PA30 was just completed with LED post lights. Very pretty, but much too bright and would ruin my night vision on a dark VFR night flight. Right now, when I turn on the panel lights, the landing gear down light is dimmed, the overhead panel light is lit and brightness is controlled by the rheostat. The post lights light up, but are not controlled in brightness by the rheostat. Has anyone ever used the Cessna rheostat with a inner and outer ring with two pots to control the two types of dissimilar lights?

[Matthew Sawhill]

I think LED lights require a current controller to modulate brightness. I've seen such things discussed in the experimental community, but don't know what the options are in the certified world.

M

[Charles Schefer]

I recently added dimable LED strip lighting under the little overhang so as to illuminate all the switches on my PA30B. The kit is advertised on Spruce and is from Superior Panel Technology. They do sell approved kits.

Here's a link ->

Not the best pic but here's one taken in the hangar with the panel lighting on. Notice the row of switches are illuminated. I ran a second section on the right side to illuminate a few switches over there and the heater controls. They dim from barely on right up to so bright they light up the whole floor and whatever is in your lap.

- Charles