Cessna 182 Panel | Almost Aviation

brantleycmd
Aviator

Posts: 57

Cessna 182 Panel Mar 21, 2017 9:58:17 GMT via mobile

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Post by brantleycmd on Mar 21, 2017 9:58:17 GMT

So I am about to build the ignition/power/lights panel for a Cessna 182, which is fairly straight forward. However what I am currently faced with is a large amount of trouble finding a Keylock switch.

I'll need a 5 position switch (off, right, left, both, start) and it just seems impossible to find. I did find one in Desktop Aviator for $39, but when I factor in all the other parts and the IO board it comes out to almost as much as just paying desktop aviator $92 for their pre-made Cessna panel. So I'm conflicted. Really want to find a way to do this myself, so any clever tricks or sites you guys know would be a great help!

I could just use a 5 position rotary switch but I have my heart set on carrying a key to my sim with me. Mayne I could figure out a way to link a cabinet lock to a rotary switch to get the same effect. I don't know.

MarkH
Administrator

Posts: 572

Cessna 182 Panel Mar 21, 2017 18:17:30 GMT

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Post by MarkH on Mar 21, 2017 18:17:30 GMT

Just did a google and came up with lots of stuff but it's all industrial suppliers so expensive (£40) or you have to order 100 or more

. Check here though, maybe a few possibilities. Personally if I was going to do it I would probably settle for an ON/OFF key switch, then toggle switches for the mags and a push-button for the starter. I know it's not authentic to the Cessnas but I'd get over it

MarkH

brantleycmd
Aviator

Posts: 57

Cessna 182 Panel Mar 22, 2017 0:42:27 GMT

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Post by brantleycmd on Mar 22, 2017 0:42:27 GMT

Mar 21, 2017 18:17:30 GMT MarkH said:

Just did a google and came up with lots of stuff but it's all industrial suppliers so expensive (£40) or you have to order 100 or more

. Check here though, maybe a few possibilities. Personally if I was going to do it I would probably settle for an ON/OFF key switch, then toggle switches for the mags and a push-button for the starter. I know it's not authentic to the Cessnas but I'd get over it

The idea for a push button for the starter is one that I did consider. I also found that buying in bulk was pretty much all there was. I actually contacted a manufacturer and they gave me a list of suppliers with the key im looking for. So that helped. I found a similar key with 5 positions for $12 USD, but when I factored in all of the other parts, it's still not much cheaper than buying the pre-made one from Desktop Aviator. Which is what I am about to do. Now I am comparing it to the Saitek Switch Panel for roughly the same price, which adds Landing Gear with indicators, De-ice, and Cowl control. The C182 doesn't have retractable gear, however, this would make my cockpit more generic and useful for other planes.