Basic switch board

[EJ316]

Right, as I'm now free of the deadly grip of full time education (for a while at least) I have decided to return my attention to building a Simpit. However, a quick scan of the forum reminded me how little I know and how overwhelmed I would be by this project, so I decided I should start small.

I was thinking about making just a small switch board probably not much bigger than a keyboard with essentials on it like gear, airlock etc. so that I can learn how to set it all up, and move on from there.

My knowledge on this subject is absolutely zero, so my question to the veteran simpit builders is; is that too much too soon, or do you think it is a good approach to take?

Thanks guys
EJ

 

[yagni01]

Don't take this the wrong way, but when you say absolutely zero, are you familiar with wiring switches at all? Car, boat, anything like that? If not, do you have any friends with any electronics/electrical experience?

After a joystick and throttle, a keyboard encoder wired to some switches mounted to a piece of hardboard seems a common next step. So I suggest reading up about them and decide if it sounds like you and a friend could handle it.

 

[EJ316]

Don't take this the wrong way, but when you say absolutely zero, are you familiar with wiring switches at all? Car, boat, anything like that? If not, do you have any friends with any electronics/electrical experience?

After a joystick and throttle, a keyboard encoder wired to some switches mounted to a piece of hardboard seems a common next step. So I suggest reading up about them and decide if it sounds like you and a friend could handle it.

I am not familiar with it whatsoever, but everyone has to start somewhere right?

I have a few friends who will have some knowledge, but possibly not when it comes to connecting it all to a pc. I will start reading up, any good books you would suggest?

 

[yagni01]

I am not familiar with it whatsoever, but everyone has to start somewhere right?

I have a few friends who will have some knowledge, but possibly not when it comes to connecting it all to a pc. I will start reading up, any good books you would suggest?

Exactly.

Connecting a keyboard encoder to the PC is the easy part. It just plugs into the keyboard/USB port and acts just like the keyboard. The thing to remember is you have to use momentary type switches (push and its on, let go and its off). We talked some on the Orbiterwiki about keyboard encoders (also known as keyboard emulators), but the best place to find information about them is the Web.

Given your level of knowledge, I suggest you avoid those that are "matrixed", but look for something having "discrete inputs". Also look for one that has a header strip, or better yet, screw terminals so you don't have to do any soldering. Here's one example with screw terminals:

http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=76_80&products_id=303

and here are others with a header strip:
http://www.vetra.com/312txt.html

You'll probably find many references to encoders by Hagstrom Electronics. They're very well known, used by many flight deck builders, and more powerful in their cababilities; but also more expensive. Keep that in mind

 

[Hielor]

If you're on a budget, you could also pick up a $5 keyboard and pull the control board out of it. It's a lot more work though, and you'd be limited into how many things you could press at once...

 

[EJ316]

If you're on a budget, you could also pick up a $5 keyboard and pull the control board out of it. It's a lot more work though, and you'd be limited into how many things you could press at once...

Yeah I was looking at how to do this, but then I thought it would be better to learn how to wire up the switches and stuff otherwise I'll be surrounded by deconstructed keyboards

Exactly.

Connecting a keyboard encoder to the PC is the easy part. It just plugs into the keyboard/USB port and acts just like the keyboard. The thing to remember is you have to use momentary type switches (push and its on, let go and its off). We talked some on the Orbiterwiki about keyboard encoders (also known as keyboard emulators), but the best place to find information about them is the Web.

Given your level of knowledge, I suggest you avoid those that are "matrixed", but look for something having "discrete inputs". Also look for one that has a header strip, or better yet, screw terminals so you don't have to do any soldering. Here's one example with screw terminals:

http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/i...roducts_id=303

and here are others with a header strip:
http://www.vetra.com/312txt.html

You'll probably find many references to encoders by Hagstrom Electronics. They're very well known, used by many flight deck builders, and more powerful in their cababilities; but also more expensive. Keep that in mind

Right I'll research all of this stuff when I get home from work. Just quickly, are momentary type switches the only ones you can use for a simpit, or are they just the easiest to start with?

Thanks
EJ

 

[yagni01]

Right I'll research all of this stuff when I get home from work. Just quickly, are momentary type switches the only ones you can use for a simpit, or are they just the easiest to start with?

Thanks
EJ

No, but that is the type you want to use with a keyboard encoder, unless you want a latching shift or ctrl key. To use regular toggle or rocker type switches you need different hardware, and then would need to write software as well.

 

[scuba_steve]

I'm also looking at building something similar as a stating point... here's a few beginner articles i found that i think may help you. Theres some info on using toggle switches with keyboard encoders too. Again, as Yagni mentioned, its a bit more advanced because you need to wire up some electronics, but theses articles are seem geared towards beginners.

http://www.flightsim.com/main/howto/toggle.htm
http://www.flightsim.com/main/howto/hagstrom.htm
http://www.flightsim.com/main/howto/switches.htm

Also check out their main list of articles...

http://www.flightsim.com/main/m-howto.htm

they're all about MS flightsim, but the control/cockpit articles are pretty universal to any sim including orbiter.

Cheers

 

[EJ316]

Thanks for all that info Steve, I've been browsing it and it's very helpful.

Right, I'm probably going to buy an MDF panel that is 60cm X 30cm. I'll need wire right? Is there any particular type that is best suited for this?

Cheers

 

[yagni01]

I'll need wire right? Is there any particular type that is best suited for this?

It all depends on your situation. Usually the maker of the encoder will recommend wire sizes. If they give you a range, just choose the middle size. I prefer stranded wire to solid because its more flexible making it easier to manage.