There are few places where the right lighting is more crucial than in a military aircraft. From the external lights that allow the pilot to navigate and be seen by others, to internal lighting that does not distract the eye, it’s vital to get cockpit lighting exactly right.

Electronic component makers offering lighted panel knobs for use inside the cockpit are rare. It’s an environment where each instrument and its switches must be illuminated sufficiently to be readable in very challenging environments.

Modern cockpit lighting is designed with our scientific knowledge of human eyesight in mind. For example, in recent years there has been a move from red-coloured lighting to low-intensity green/blue light, because the rods in our retinas are most sensitive to that wavelength.

A components supplier with a wide range of options such as Nexus Components partner EHC - which expanded its range of trans-illuminated knobs in recent years - is worth seeking out in order to find the best products.

EHC is currently manufacturing the largest variety of control knobs worldwide - supplying to airframe manufacturers, avionics equipment suppliers, the US Government and the Federal Aviation Administration.

In addition to military aircraft use, their trans-illuminated switches can be found in commercial aircraft, simulators, surface vessels, submarines, ground equipment, snow mobiles, theatres and many other applications.

The idea of projecting light through a knob or control has been developed since the 1930s, when pilots’ instruments were initially lighted via tiny post lights or spotlights around the pilot’s head. Some aircrafts even used flourescent paint markings to light up their panels.  While post lights and directional map lights are still in use, the development of backlight panels and knobs that light up (trans-illuminated) allow the instruments themselves to be lit and specifically seen.

The trans-illuminated knobs offered by EHC allow you to customise shaft depth, counter bore depth, diameter, set screw position, marking and colour. Night Vision Compatible Versions are available across the complete range, to meet NVIS 'Green A' requirements, with a range of differing heights, diameters, colours and legends for the avionic sector.

Electronic Hardware has been a manufacturer of transilluminated knobs for aircraft crew stations and related equipment for over 40 years. Their light testing for the knobs is exhaustive, and the company uses laser engraving, pad printing, and hot stamping to provide excellent definition of marking while maintaining a cost effectiveness for customers.

Manufactured in accordance with all relevant military standards, EHC’s range includes not just transilluminated knobs but also a huge range of nonilluminated versions made in a variety of materials. The varied nature of the company’s catalogue means you can design exactly the right environment for your particular needs.

Their range allows you to create a uniform, themed look and has options to give additional grip, solutions for small spaces, and products ideally suited to communication applications.

The materials that EHC uses are second to none. Using a transparent, fire retardant thermoplastic, and constantly evaluating new resins, their products can meet tough specifications for mechanical, thermal, electrical and impact demands.

Nexus Components and EHC offer just-in-time services to meet the on-going needs of customers. In addition, for both large and small production runs, custom design products are available.

For more information on Electronic Hardware Corporation’s products and services, call Nexus Components on 01524 770 777.

See the Trans Illuminated Knobs here:

http://www.nexuscomponents.co.uk/Products/Control-Knobs/Backlit-Control-Knobs