BOEING 737NG COMM RADIO.

Knowing the panel dimensions, we are ready to design our COMM radio. But, what is each button for? To know this, nothing better than an original Boeing 737 manual (you can find it in the net). Studying it, we can know the specific function for each real switch, button...

For our COMM:

Element	Qty.	Notes
Paint	-	RAL 7043
7-segments displays	12	Kingbright SC36-11YWA
Tactile switches	2	Omrom B3F-4050
Encoders	1	CTS 288

 

Graphic design.

The panel consists on several layers. I'm going to engrave and cut the panels with a CO2 laser engraver.

Here is the final result (from front to back):

 

Plate for components.

I fix the tactile switch on a methacrylate auxiliary piece.

 

Panel assembly.

The first step is to glue the buttons, and to paint their edges. So we place back and front pieces of the panel as shown, including the back pieces for the buttons in their positions (picture corresponds with NAV radio).

Then, from the front, we glue the other piece of the button well centered. Once glued we have to paint the edges with black paint (pictures correspond with NAV radio).

   

   

We paint the auxiliary panel as shown (contour and lateral areas for displays), to avoid light scaping from those areas (picture corresponds to ADF).

and in the case of the front panel, we paint the edges for displays and switches windows.

When the paint is dry, we can place a filter behind the displays windows.

When everything is dry, we can put together front and back panels, using PCB separator (M3, 30 mm) and allen screws (M3).

   

Now is easy to handle the panel to paint the complete contour. The final aspect is:

Now let's place the displays in their position. We place the displays on the PCB WITHOUT welding first, then this group on its position in the auxiliary panels and then we can weld (pictures correspond to NAV radio).

   

Now is time to place the tactile switches. Tactile switches and buttons can be linked with a wood or plastic bar.

   

  

And the last step is to place the knob and its encoder:

  

The COMM radio ready to be installed on the pedestal:

 

Last edition: 15.07.2007