Easier way to I/O?

Hi Guys (& Gals?)

I do not wish to build an authentic cockpit, nor parts thereof - I'm just building a simple switch panel, to make inputting commands to FSX that much easier. I fly from the VC and spend most of my time in Air Hauler.

I do use voice control (using VAC) but it get's a tad boring, just speaking every command, not to mention feeling very unrealistic.

I've built the switch unit - it consists of an old metal box, once used for a homebrew 160m transmitter, fitted with 31 push-to-make switches and a single pot, which I intend to use for pitch trim control.

There is also an 'off-board' spring-loaded flip-switch (swiped from a Clansman throat mic :p ) for VoxATC PTT.

The intermediary between these controls and FSX is three 12 button, 4 axis (analogue) gamepad circuit boards.

I'm basically just going to solder in wires from the switches on my panel to the switches in the gamepad boards and then plug the 3 USB connectors into the PC, then assign them in FSX.

Bearing in mind that, as ever, cost must be kept low (I'm a war pensioner on 100 quid a week), I was just wondering if there was a simpler way to do the interfacing, that would reduce the amount of USB devices needed?


TiA
JD

My panel template:

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i5...JECTfinal1.jpg

My FSX blog

Hi JD,

I am sure everyone is getting tired of hearing me push it, but if you are inclined to do so (and the 160m transmitter comment makes me think you are) you build the MJOY16 to use as the interface with only one USB connector. If building a unit is not in the card I would suggest looking Leo Bodnar's card....it can do everything you need I think, again with only one USB connection. I have one and love it. It works very well and you configure it (and the MJoy16 as well) as a joystick.

Buddy

Thanks Buddy, I'll check those out.

JD

The BU0836 is perfect and exactly what I was hoping for - just ordered a few minutes ago. :)

Thanks again, Buddy.

JD

Glad to help. Many of us here have these cards and I am sure you will love it. It's a great design and implementaion. I LOVE the spring-loaded terminals. I have ordered them to put them on my DIY cards.

Buddy

I thought I'd just post as a follow-up. The project was successful and I am very pleased with it.

I know it isn't the sort of thing most of you here would consider, as it is totally fictional - but it does what I intended and, thanks to Leo, was much simpler than it might have been.

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i5...son/finart.jpg

not the tidiest of wiring work... :p

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i5...notneatest.jpg

but it got the job done :D

JD

It's a great project regardless of authenticity. I think our hobby is all about getting the experience we want from our sims. In my case I hardly ever fly other than to test interfaces and panels. I enjoy building the electronics and getting the software working as much or more than flying the planes. I'd say you did a great job!

Buddy

well done! from concept to completion! A good example of if there is a will there is a way