Indicator lights for dashboard - what to use?

[PCC]

Anglais ??

[Just Dallas]

Removed

[PCC]

Used those gas lights to light the streets in London when I was a child.

Perhaps someone would volunteer to remain under the dash to fire up those warning lights as needed???

Oh, the images !!!

[belfert]

The indicator light with the symbol that looks like a couple of pullies with a belt is for don't shift the transmission.  The only time I ever see it come on is when the parking brake is on.

It doesn't make any sense at all to me.

[Tim Strommen]

Yeah that is a little misleading...  ISO's symbol for "Transmission" is a gear, so you'd expect a No-Shift light to have a symbol like this:

-T

[PCC]

Tim,

That symbol looks like the grinding wheel they tied slaves to in the days before TVs in jail.

I would like to talk with you about some custom electronics/system programing for my coach - Is that something you do?

Keith
PCC

[Nellie Wilson]

Keith -

If they put enough TVs in jail, there'd be no need for televisions .

Nellie

[PCC]

LOL, Nellie - You are funny  !!!   

[WEC4104]

Several years ago, I needed to update my 4104 dash and replace the backlit indicators that GM calls "tell tales". I wanted to move some of the stuff around, and I also wanted to add a few extra indicators (Engine block heater, extended TV antenna).   

I decided to make my own backlit labels using 35mm color slide film.  To start, I used my computer to layout the labels I wanted.  I used the program called CorelDraw!, but you could use PowerPoint or any of several other programs.  I created one screen image for each label I wanted. Virtually any combination of letters, fonts, symbols and colors can be used. 

Next, I loaded the slide film in my SLR and set it on a tripod pointed at the computer screen in a darkened room. The shutter speed has to be longer than 1/60th second to allow the full screen refresh. I shot the roll of film, playing with f-stops and exposure times.  Then I took the slide film to a store to have it developed.  When I got slides back, I simply removed the plastic frames from each one and had a high quality label I could use with a backlight. I was very pleased with the results.

[PCC]

Great idea (using film)

You reminded me that some computer printers can print transparencies (on clear sheets of plastic), and then they can be cut into the size needed for the 'tell-tale' indicator.

I learn so much here !!

[WEC4104]

I tried the transparency material in an ink jet printer, but could never get enough color saturation to make it look right. When I held the sheet up in the air, and looked at the room lighting passing through it, it looked okay. But with a dash light bulb placed real close to the back, the dark areas were not sufficiently obscured.  I was using a typical HP deskjet model and even played with all the ink and material settings.  Maybe a color laser printer could do better. I also considered seeing if a local office supply store with printing services could do better.  No doubt a sign store would have the right materials and equipment, but I never explored the cost.

[Tim Strommen]

...I would like to talk with you about some custom electronics/system programing for my coach...

I sent you a PM, since this is slightly off-topic.

-T