

COMM PANEL
OpenHornet 1:1 F/A-18C Simulator Repository
- Size
- 177.7 × 144.5 mm
- Copper layers
- 2
- Thickness
- 1.6 mm
- Parts
- 275
- Nets
- 113
- Pads
- 711
- Tracks, vias
- 839, 126
- Pours
- 2
- Routed
- Yes
- KiCad
- KiCad 7 (file 20221018)
- Created
- 6 Oct 2019
- Updated
- 25 Oct 2026
Overview
COMM PANEL is an open-source printed circuit board by jrsteensen, from the jrsteensen/OpenHornet repository on GitHub. It is a 2-layer board of 177.7 × 144.5 mm with 275 parts on 113 nets, routed with 839 tracks and 126 vias.
It is built around the WS2812B. Its parts include 110 diodes, 109 capacitors, 2 connectors and 1 resistor.
Main components
1README
README.mdREADME
[TOC]

The OpenHornet Project is a F/A-18C OFP 13C Lot 20 1:1 Replica Simulator, consisting of a physical structure and electrical/software interfaces to a PC to be driven by Digital Combat Simulator (DCS).
- If you have any questions, visit our Discord server and ask questions. The Discord server will be an invaluable resource for you as your progress through the journey of your build.
Looking for Software?
Design Software Requirements
- Mechanical CAD Software Required: Fusion360
- Electrical CAD Software Required: KiCad 10
- Microsoft Office (or compatible)
Contributing
Want to contribute? Let's discuss what you want to work on in Discord or in an issue!
References, Information, and How-Tos
GitHub Repository File Structure
OpenHornet
├── .github (Contains issue templates, funding info, and GitHub actions.)
├── artwork (Subdivided into end items, contains stickers, placards, etc.)
├── ECAD (All PCBs and electrical design files. See folder README file for details.)
├── images (Contains images for use in the wiki or other OH documentation.)
├── reference (Contains reference models or geometry.)
├── release (Contains all files that makeup the release package. See folder README file for details.)
├── utils (Contains fonts or other similar required resources for development)
├── .gitignore (File that instructs the git repository to ignore certain file types.)
├── CODE_OF_CONDUCT.md (Our contributor code of conduct.)
├── CONTRIBUTING.md (Repository contribution and issue-reporting guidance.)
├── LICENSE.md (License file for the OpenHornet repository)
├── PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md (The repository pull request template.)
└── README.md (This file)Important Links
- OpenHornet Start Here Page - Seriously. Start here.
- OpenHornet FAQ - You guessed it! The FAQ!
- OpenHornet GitHub - OpenHornet's GitHub repository for everything other than MCAD. Where you can find the latest under-development files.
- OpenHornet Hardware Documentation - Generated hardware documentation, tutorials, and reference material.
- OpenHornet Tutorials - Tutorials for OpenHornet.
- OpenHornet Issues - Go here to file a bug, enhancement, obsolescence, or maintenance issue.
- OpenHornet Authorized Vendors - These are vendors who are licensed to sell OpenHornet parts and assemblies. By purchasing from them, you also support OpenHornet as well!
OpenHornet MCAD Model
These links will allow you to download a local copy of the OH MCAD model, for reference or so you can modify things for your personal pit. If you would like to contribute to the raw MCAD, talk to Noctum in the OH Discord. You will need to prove a basic level of proficiency and be known within the discord community before access will be granted.
[!NOTE] These links will download the latest & greatest (most likely in development and unstable) MCAD. Always verify fusion parts against release package manufacturing files prior to use, and they are used at the user's own risk.
- Top Level - This is HUGE. Consider downloading individual consoles instead.
- Upper Instrument Panel (UIP)
- Lower Instrument Panel (LIP)
- Left Console (LC)
- Right Console (RC)
- Center Tub (CT)
Branches
masterbranch is the stable release branch which represents the last release.developis the latest working branch that will become the next release. It may or may not be functional as is.
Authors and Acknowledgment
Core Development Team
- Erik Scott (RandomTroubledMind): Project Founder, Mechanical Design (Retired from OH)
- John Steensen (Noctum): Co-Founder, Systems/Mechanical Design Lead
- Oscar Arias (Amanuense): Electrical/Software Design Lead (Retired from OH)
Contributor Team
- Exprezzo
- Sandra
- Ben-F111
- Lazarus
- Russell
- Arribe VCAW-1
- Stang
- [OCS] CrazyCanuck
- Ulikaii
Honorable Mentions
- Logo Design: NegativeONE
- Development Builders/Testers: Ajmilner, Arribe VCAW-1, Ben-F111, BlaBlaCZ, bnepethomas, Dave the boss 918, DG, DotDotDotBH, Exprezzo, Higgins, Krikeee, Lazarus, Otso, Rampage2010, Russell, Sandra, Splash, Thib-O, tonyg, TripRodriguez, Yannick,
- Ultimate Supporters: Sandra, Higgins, Chaps, [OCS] CrazyCanuck, Arribe VCAW-1, FL370Pilot, CorgiStyle, Swaney409, DenzilLee, ssgcline, Tyler | "Soapbox" - F-15E, RickH, AdamA, bob =), aesellars, Nick, PrivatePirate, Howling-Ape, papiplanes
- Elite Supporters: thib_o54, ChrisTiger#001, Nodar, Matt, Bill C, annerajb, Wargle T Eagle, Gnoni, Lefty, Reaper021, Murtle, gengispala, PatOPat, mattgw86, EinLama, Maddox, hunstone, Nodar, Ulukaii, Radek 41Sqn RAFAIR, mojito555
- Donators: AJMilner, bnepethomas, Carbine, Crosshairs, Exprezzo, Goutch, Higgins, hrnet940, hunstone, icemarkom, jcstreek, jkkicks, kika, Nik S, Rampage2010, Russell, Sandra, SrSosio, Swaney409, Tekadept + many more…
- Inactive Dev Contributors: Balz Reber (Balse), Magic_Man, Bullant, Gaberun24, Damien022, Baago, Caviar4, NegativeONE, Ravell
- Subject Matter Expert: FlyNavy75, Sixtigers, USMARINE108, Luft101, Lex
Parts
275| Qty | Value | Footprint | References |
|---|---|---|---|
| 109 | WS2812B | OH_Footprints:LED_WS2812B_PLCC4_5.0x5.0mm_P3.2mm | D10, D11, D12, D13, D14, D100, D101, D102, D103, D104, D105, D106, D107, D108, D109, D110 +93 |
| 108 | 0.1uF | OH_Footprints:C_0603_1608Metric | C10, C11, C12, C13, C14, C15, C100, C101, C102, C103, C104, C105, C106, C107, C108, C109 +92 |
| 13 | 6x32 / 4mm | OH_Footprints:MountingHole_6-32_PHS | MH1, MH2, MH3, MH4, MH5, MH6, MH7, MH8, MH9, MH10, MH11, MH12, MH13 |
| 8 | LOGO | OH_Footprints:BR10KPot | LOGO5, LOGO6, LOGO7, LOGO8, LOGO10, LOGO11, LOGO15, LOGO16 |
| 8 | Pot_B10K | OH_Footprints:BR10K_Pot_11mm_x_11mm | MH19, MH20, MH21, MH22, MH23, MH24, MH25, MH26 |
| 7 | Switch_NKK SxAL | OH_Footprints:SxAL_Toggle_13x13mm | MH27, MH28, MH29, MH30, MH31, MH32, MH33 |
| 5 | M3 / 3.2mm | OH_Footprints:MountingHole_3.2mm_M3_DIN965 | MH14, MH15, MH16, MH17, MH18 |
| 4 | LOGO | OH_Footprints:S3AL_Toggle_Silkscreen | LOGO3, LOGO4, LOGO12, LOGO13 |
| 4 | TestPoint | OH_Footprints:TestPoint_THTPad_D1.5mm_Drill0.7mm | TP1, TP2, TP3, TP4 |
| 2 | LOGO | OH_Footprints:S2AL_Toggle_Silkscreen | LOGO9, LOGO14 |
| 2 | Mini-Fit Jr. 2x02 | OH_Footprints:Molex_Mini-Fit_Jr_5566-04A_2x02_P4.20mm_Vertical | J1, J2 |
| 1 | 1000uF | OH_Footprints:CP_Elec_8x10 | C1 |
| 1 | 470 | OH_Footprints:R_0603_1608Metric | R1 |
| 1 | Green | OH_Footprints:LED_D3.0mm | D1 |
| 1 | LOGO | OH_Footprints:LOGO_CC-BY-NC-SA_Full_Small | LOGO2 |
| 1 | LOGO | OH_Footprints:LOGO_OH_Text_Large | LOGO1 |
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Questions
How big is the COMM PANEL PCB?
It measures 177.7 × 144.5 mm and has 2 copper layers, 1.6 mm thick.
What parts does the COMM PANEL use?
275 parts, built around the WS2812B. The full list of its parts is on this page, with links to each part's symbol and footprint where PCBKit's library has them.
Where can I download the COMM PANEL KiCad files?
From the jrsteensen/OpenHornet repository on GitHub, at the commit this page was made from: the board is ECAD/PCBs/Backlight PCBs/Backlighting_Type A/COMM PANEL/COMM PANEL.kicad_pcb. PCBKit opens the board in the browser, with nothing to install.
Can I use the COMM PANEL design in my own project?
Its repository states no licence, so its author keeps all rights: ask jrsteensen before reusing the design.