Hi all! I have been reading this forum for a while and desire some confirmation. Do I understand this correctly:1. If I use simkits instruments I use their CCU to control them.2. If I wish to use toggle switches and such, then I can use something like Hagstrom's Keyboard Encoder to integrate with the sim.3. These can be used in conjunction with commercial Joystick/Throttle units via one gameport/USB port?Your help is greatly and gratefully appreciated.Joe

1. Correct.2. Correct. You can also use FSBus, Leo's USB interfaces, an EPIC board, etc., etc.3. These units attach via the keyboard port, USB, serial, etc. I don't know of any that use the joystick port. For those that use USB, if you need to attach more than one USB device, you need more than one USB port or buy a USB hub.Peter http://bfu.avsim.net/sigpics/PeterR.gifBFU Forums ModeratorRenegade/Seawolf Design Group (RSDG)[table border=2 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=1][tr][td][table border=0 cellpadding=8 cellspacing=0][tr][td bgcolor=#6f0000]http://bfu.avsim.net/sigpics/logo75t.gif[/td][td align="center" bgcolor=#FFFFF6]Bush Flying Unlimited"At home in the wild"Looking for adventure? Come join us! * [link:bfu.avsim.net|Web Site] * [link:www.cafepress.com/bfu,bfu2,bfu3,bfu4|BFU Store] * [link:bfu.avsim.net/join.htm]Join!][/td][/tr][/table][/td][/tr][/table

>1. Correct.>>2. Correct. You can also use FSBus, Leo's USB interfaces, an>EPIC board, etc., etc.Simkits software supports switches too now I think (still havent upgraded ours at the club yet) A quote from their site:--- cut 8< ---Summary:Up to 21 new instruments are now supported:Elevator Trim ControlFlaps ControlFlaps IndicatorThrottle ControlMixture ControlPropeller ControlYoke Control (X and Y)Switches:- Magnetos (5 position, whereof 1 spring return)- Master Alternator- Master Battery- Fuel Pump- Bcn light- Land light- Taxi light- Nav light- Strobe light- Pitot Heat- Avionics Master- Alt Static Air- Fuel Tank Selector (3 position)- Fuel Tank Shutoff--- cut 8< ---So you dont necessarily need anything extra for a Cessna / GA setup.Of course you want something if you want to build radios yourself, theirs cost like crazy, although it probably works great. We are doing our radios ourselves with FSBUS at the club.Tuomas

Peter,Thank you very much for your reply. Being new to the simpit arena I just wanted to make sure . This old brain sometimes short circuits. I am pleased that there is so much helpful expertise out there for such as I. Thanks again.joe

Tuomas, Thanks for the information. It is great that this forum exists, as I have often thought of building but until I came here I had no idea that anything other than just a box to sit in was possible. I don't think that FSBUS is the way for me to go, I have problems with my hands doing very fine work. Onto more planning. Thanks again.Joe

Thanks for the update, Tuomas. Switches on Simkit duly noted.Peter http://bfu.avsim.net/sigpics/PeterR.gifBFU Forums ModeratorRenegade/Seawolf Design Group (RSDG)

Just a thought, you might be able to approach a small(ish) company that deal with PCB's and se if they can either print one for you (and get a friend to solder), or better yet put the components on for you. Depending on who you approach and how you ask, you may well find that it's cheaper than buying a pre-fab.Or just get a friend to solder onto a breadboard instead ;)CeawlinBSX029