Frequently Asked Questions

What is "IBL" ? IBL stands for "Integrated Backlighting". Like the real aircraft panels we emulate, we have created a proprietary approach to illuminating our panels. Over 6 years of design and testing we have acheived what we believe the best possible way to have lighting built into our panel sets. The "IBL" panels have a PC Board and series of bulbs placed strategically to guarantee a seamless transition across the lettering and lines of the panels. The end result is actually "Integrated" lighting as opposed to a light source simply mounted behind and "hoping" to achieve the perfect result. 5 Volts is added, panels are illuminated. We use Metal backers as per the real aircraft designs to take it to the level of realism our serious customers require.

What is "IM" ? We have always pushed to have realistic looking hardware. This is the "icing on the cake" so to speak. Realism demands it. IM = Injection Molding In order to have keys and knobs that appear as the real thing we originally had to create molds in-house and from there hand cast and produce. While the end result is close, there are production issues and alignment problems that occur when the human hand is involved. The answer lies in Injection Molding. By investing in proper tooling we can have parts injection molded. This means mounting, surface appearance, consistency between parts.. all perfected. When you see "IM" on our parts that means that you have Injection Molded items available. Our IM series molded keys and knobs are used across all of the product line. B737/747/767/777 MCP, EFIS knobs were the second major investment. The A320/330/340 FCU and RMP/XPNDR was the third. We will continue to invest in this area when possible. Cost is very high and in order to recoup we need to sell alot of items as you can imagine.

What is a FDS-G2? The FDS-G2. The "G" stands for GLARE. The FDS-G2 is designed as an interface card that aligns with our new IBL Plug and Play Glare items. The new B737NG FDS-MCP-NG unit will plug directly into the FDS-G2 with two provided ribbon cables. Minutes to connect and have running. The FDS-G2 is designe to communicate directly with Project Magenta MCP or FCU software. The FDS-G2 is designed to work with the A320/A330/A340 as well as the B737/B747/B767/B777. USB connection. Super simple and no wiring or programming required. MAted with our IBL series Glare parts you have the direct path to your goals of a realistic setup.

What is FDS-G1? The FDS-G1 is a very unique item. The "G" stands for Glare. When we originally started making parts there was no PC Board design in place that allowed connectors or ribbon cables. All of the builders were using raw interface cards and wiring/programming manually. No choice really as there was no standard and no preset configuration.

The FDS-G1 actually changed that and became the first dedicated interface that could allow you to wire directly to a pre-configured setup. Simple Wire-by-number charts allow you to simplifiy the procedure and there is absolutely no coding required. The FDS-G1 talks directly with Project Magenta MCP and FCU software meaning all aircraft types are possible.

Do you keep stock? One day... I hope we can! Problem for us is that we are very small team here. Smaller than most people can imagine. Usually when we have visitors they are surprised that we have been supplying so many builders and corporate customers with such a small team. In order to have stock we nee dto dedicate production time to specific items. Problem for us is that we need to supply a very wide range of items. Challenge. With the new Plug and Play items and IBL type panels we will be doing "production runs". This is going to help create stock. We are looking at a warehouse over seas for the Fall of 2006. This will allow faster delivery to our customers.