NeXGen: Hacking a Processor Select Panel - Part 1

The Analysis: The Processor Select Panel, 7-F511F00121-1 (NSN: 1290-01-438-6575), is from an Apache Longbow AH-64D. The Panel is rather simple but it will work for my Navigation Computer Select and Fault Panel

Parts List Part Number Description 7-F511F00121-1 1290-01-438-6575 Assembly, Panel, Processor Select D38999/20JB35PND38999/20JB35PN Connector, Bulkhead: Male, MIL-DTL-38999 III, 13 pins (11-35 Arrangement) D38599/26JB35SN Connector, Mate: Female LTX6839 6240-00-143-6558 Lamp, T-1 Sub-Midget Flanged; 28 V, 0.024 A HS5932-04 5930-01-454-8277 Lamp, Housing - Korry 5/8" Type 427 Pokehome, Pin Configuration Type 2, Single Common Type 5 18651-014 Lamp, Lens 7-511F00022-1 1290-01-438-6570 Panel, Light plate 7-511F00023-5 Plate, Support, Front 7-511F00024-5 Plate, Support, Rear MS21347-A211 Switch Toggle, DPDT, MIL-S-8834  Lever Lock/IWTS Terminals

Photo of the panel in my test harness

I plan on installing it just forward of my side stick, on the right-hand side of the cockpit.  I have looked all over the Internet for an interconnection list or printouts but I can not seem to find one. So it seems that I am going to do this the old fashion way and create one myself. Luckily my panel had the mating connector and a pigtail on it.  So this is what you will need the following:

• Your favorite DVM
• Wire stripper (thermal is a must), as this is Teflon covered wire. you can find then on eBay about $99.00+ 

• A voltage source (5vdc)
• The connector's "Contact Arrangement"
• assorted screwdrivers and other tools
• notepaper, computer, etc.

The Plan:

1. First, grab my thermal stripper and strip the ends. Not only do I want to find where the wires go to but I want to also fill in the table on the left, for this the Connector's Contact Arrangement which is a must.
2. Remove the SP1/SP2 Displays Lens Cap
3. Remove the panel's light plate.
4. Identify the wire and its connector's position.
5. Flip the toggle switch from off to SP1
6. recheck #3sb:#4¹
7. Flip the toggle switch from off to SP2
8. recheck #3 sb:#4¹
   
9. Re-attach the panel's Light palate and Displays Lens Cap.

The Plan Phase 2:

First, attach the cable ends to a mini DB-15 connector (VGA connector).
Remember that I do not want my lighting circuits, anywhere near my logic so I will use three separate relays to drive them. Your processor selection will effect your build. At one end I have an Arduino Duemilanove (2009) or Mega and at the other end, I could use a TI Launchpad  (MSP‑EXP430FR5969) product. The only thing to remember is that you will need some I/O pins and a USB interface, and depending on the amount of I/O I²C might be helpful for an I/O expander if you were short on digital I/O pins.

Now let's get our hands dirty. According to the Analysis, we will need the following I/O pins:

Keep tuned in, More to Come!

Cris

NOTES:

1. Changed #3 to #4 Sept 14, 16
2. Changed the order of table (Parts List) July, 18 18

PART II

Phase 3: Hardware.

Phase 4: Protocols, Communications

Phase 4: Software.

ps I guess I really don't have time to finish this blog post as I have to start getting ready for Cockpit Fest US in Lancaster Texas. 

And you can also follow along on Facebook