Back in 2022, when I modified my engine to the -C3B6/-EXP119 version, I added a wire with a fuse directly from the battery to behind the firewall. I wanted to use that wire in the future to add some internal lighting for nighttime when on the ground and before startup. The future ended up being today.
I snagged a Buyers Products 5623755 LED strip and adhered it under the panel to illuminate the footwell. Then I added a small SPST toggle switch on the right side of the panel. Though I wanted the switch on the left side, it was easier to place it on the right given the available real estate on the panel and the location of the wire.
To be sure, the original bi-color LED light strip under the glare shield is more than sufficient for nighttime flying (using the red lights on the PWM dimmer during flight and the white lights on the ground). However, this new footwell light lets me see things before turning on the master. Eventually, I'd like to put a light near the canopy handle that can also be turned on with the master off.
Here's what it looks like when it's on and it's pitch black outside. It functions as I desired.
