INTRODUCTION
Illuminated Control panels are used wherever there is a requirement for an operator to equiptment interface in subdued ambient lighting. From the simplest 'need to know' of the driver in his motor car, to the most sophisticated fighting machines operated by the worlds leading armed forces. We have attempted in our web site to explain the technologies available and the applications to which they are best suited, from the simplest to the most sophisticated. From the panel that needs only to impart minimal information day and night to the intelligent panel that has the ability to talk directly to system computers. The importance of the control panel is its presentation, function and reliability. It is the part of your system that your customer sees and operates. No matter how good your system is, a badly presented control panel leaves a lasting impression.

Lighting
Lighting definition is of the utmost importance. Typically, integrated technology is preferred. This is when light is transmitted through the panel rather than reflected onto its surface. Using this system uniform lighting across the panel can be acheived and a variety of colours presented. Lighting colour, intensity and evenness are controlled to the specified levels of MIL-STD 7788 or EL 1818.

Night Vision Equipment Compatibiliy
Compatibility with pilots night vision equiptment conforming to MIL-85762 is a common requirement. Primary build or modification to this standard is achieved by combining customised designed and filtered light sources.

Light Sources
Control panel illunination is generated mainly from the three different light source technologies: miniature filament lamp, light emitting diode and electro-luminescent lamp. When considering a panel design the choice of technology is governed by the environmental conditions, performance required and cost.

Special Features
Special features such as 'Attention Getting Indicators' may be designed into the control panels. This type of indicator will need to be hidden until lit and fully sunlight readable. A dimming facility must be available to avoid excessive glare and possible canopy reflection at night. Displays such as back lit liquid crystal and light emitting diode may also be contained within the control panel. They are mounted onto the rear PCB interfacing electrically with the connector. Display faces are protected by a window embodied in the panel.

Integrated Switch System
The stop-choc integrated switch system is fully life tested and in service. Designed to take up minimum space, the system can be contained within a panel thickness of 10mm. It is fully sealed to aerospace standards, illuminated and demonstrates positive tactile feedback. Activation force ranges from 400 to 900 grammes are available.

Panel Legend Marking
Photo-etching and machine engraving are the two methods of legend marking. Photo-etching is preferred. It does give an excellent clear result and is less expensive than the alternative. It also offers a much improved viewing angle.

Panel Materials
Illumination of panels and keyboards is acheived by the principles of internal reflection. Consequently the base material needs to be water clear. The material most conveniently suited for this purpose is Acrylic. This has the required clarity and is also lightweight, strong, easily machinable or mouldable. It is resistant to the common aircraft contaminants and fungus growth. The upper temperature limit of an acrylic panel is 80ºC. Panels likely to be subjected to temperatures above this level should be manufactured in polycarbonate. Aluminium support members can be introduced into a design to provide additional stiffness and strength. This approach is sometimes useful when a convenient heatsink is required. Stop-choc have designed, manufactured and have in service fully illuminated aluminium panels. The system was developed originally for the submarine inustry. Now the design has been refined, weight reduced and introduced into aircraft applications where the enviroment is particularly harsh.

Quality Assurance
Stop-choc's objective is to supply economically priced products that satisfy our customers performance and reliability requirements. To ensure this objective is met, working and process practices are controlled by operating procedures. These procedures are formulated from nationally approved standards and are defined in our internal quality control manual. Compliance with the quality systems is monitored continuously by the quality control organisation.

Applications

Naval
Surface ships and submarines
Weapons Control
Radar Bearing Scales
Propulsion Control Panels
Diving and safety Panels
Situation Display Panels
Fire Zone Panels

Commercial
Railways
Vehicle/Cab Controls
Marine
Process Control
Synoptics
Warning and Safety

Aircraft
Military and civil, fixed and rotary wing aircraft and avionic equipment.
Radar Displays
Weapons Control
Head up Displays
Navigation Equipment
Multi-function Display
Communications Equipment
Electronic Counter Measures
Simulator-Instructors Console
NVG Conversions
IFF Equipment

Military Vehicles
Main battle tanks, Tank recovery vehicles, Off-road armed personnel carriers, Wheeled Communications Vehicles and Hand Portable Equipment.
Main Drivers Panel
Gunners Control Panel
Loaders Control Panel
Ammunition Control Panel
Commanders Control Panel
Lifting Gear Control Panel
NBC Hard Data Entry Panel
Laser Warning Device