I need to be upfront and honest, I have very little interest or ability in electronics, hence why my currrent cockpit is full of pre-built panels. I have just bought the CPflight MCP/EFIS, Propwash Radio and AP panels and the RealSimGear GNS530 in readiness to build a new, redesigned generic MIP. However, I no longer want to use the Saitek panels which I already have, and would like to build a switch panel that has some simple switches which gives me functionality for things such as lights, wipers, landing gear etc. I also need to have an option for button pushes for AP reset/AT reset FMC reset etc for the NGX. I'd also like to have a knob to control instrument lighting in the NGX too. But, as I say, I have very, very limited knowledge of electronics and none of building switch panels. From what information I have gleaned from searching online and watching YT videos, it is a pretty straightforward process to wire up the buttons/switches to a board and then a USB to the PC. But I'm sure it really isn't that easy in practice. eg, what board do I need? what rotating switches do I need? What about the connections and different switches? Will they be recognised by FSUIPC or LINDA? I'm sure I'm coming across as a complete dullard, but if someone could point me towards some information that could help, or perhaps offer some personal advice, I'd be extremely grateful. Thanks fellas, appreciated.

Hi Howard, greetings from Oz. A great connection interface card for your project would the Leo Bodnar series of cards. He is in your country and has a website. He has two cards available that would suit your purpose: 1. A button card, and 2. A card with 8 analog inputs, and either 12 digital, or 32 if using a diode matrix (supplied by Leo.) The BU0836X 12-Bit Joystick Board, the BBI-64 Button Box Interface, and if required, the BU0836A Break out Matrix board.

I have used all of these and they work great, not too hard to connect, and no programming other than the flight sim you are using.

You can use any Push Button, switch or rotary switches. I would avoid rotary encoders if you are not familiar with these beasts!

This link will get you to Leo's site.

https://www.leobodnar.com/shop/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=94

Regards, George (Skyflyerblue).

On 12/9/2020 at 1:42 AM, skyflyerblue said:

Hi Howard, greetings from Oz. A great connection interface card for your project would the Leo Bodnar series of cards. He is in your country and has a website. He has two cards available that would suit your purpose: 1. A button card, and 2. A card with 8 analog inputs, and either 12 digital, or 32 if using a diode matrix (supplied by Leo.) The BU0836X 12-Bit Joystick Board, the BBI-64 Button Box Interface, and if required, the BU0836A Break out Matrix board.

I have used all of these and they work great, not too hard to connect, and no programming other than the flight sim you are using.

You can use any Push Button, switch or rotary switches. I would avoid rotary encoders if you are not familiar with these beasts!

This link will get you to Leo's site.

https://www.leobodnar.com/shop/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=94

Regards, George (Skyflyerblue).

Hiya George, that is so very kind of you. Thanks for the info. I have now almost completed my MIP, using a combination of Propwash radio/AP panels and Goflight button and switch panels. BUT, I am looking at building an overhead, so your links and advice is  very much welcome. Thanks again. 

Edited December 13, 20205 yr by Rockliffe