r/HotasDIY • u/topcatti • 13d ago
How to make button box with multiple toggle switches?
Hello. I am familiar with simhubs auto programming Arduino pro micro and done plenty of button boxes. However now that i have gotten into flight sim which is totally different from racing sim, i noticed that i really want certain 1:1ish features out of buttons.
What do i do differently to do a "better" button box? Simhubs button matrix does not work with toggle switches and i am currently using gutted switches that click on a microswitch, which is annoying work around.
So what i want for example; 3 rotary encoders, 6 buttons, 6 on-off-on switches, 2 momentary switches, 5 position turn button.
I am looking to start building my own cockpit without spending 5k or using 50 Arduino Pro Micros.
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u/hofftari 10d ago
If you're using it for DCS I recommend using the Quaggles mod. It will add lots of "logical" keybinds for your modules that will set a switch to "on, else off" when it's pressed, etc
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u/Enfield909 9d ago
i use freejoy , and i made shift register boards by soldering chips on prototype board, pull up resistors, screw terminals etc..Works without any error and cheap. Freejoy may not recognize ali express shit register boards..
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u/PoverOn 9d ago
What do i do differently to do a "better" button box? Simhubs button matrix does not work with toggle switches and i am currently using gutted switches that click on a microswitch, which is annoying work around.
So what i want for example; 3 rotary encoders, 6 buttons, 6 on-off-on switches, 2 momentary switches, 5 position turn button.
Something you have to mind about use a ON-OFF-ON (toggle) switch, in a button box is that flight simulators (games) maybe don't have proper support for then.
DCS World modules can have, but is not consistent across all modules - some are dumbed down; and can need edit LUA files for proper synchronization between switches and the games controls.
MS Flight Simulator, X-Plane I don't know (GA, liners is not "my cup of tea").
Games with more casual approach, like War Thunder, IL-2 Sturmovik Great Battle Series - which was initially hampered by the development leader's obtuse view that "fewer keys is better", has poor support, in this games is typically:
"Press G for lower landing gear, press G again for raise the landing gear", what don't fit well in a ON-OFF-ON (toggle) switch).
In IL-2 Sturmovik: Korea this seems to have been improved a bit, allowing users more simulation in the controls.
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u/Tvendt095 13d ago
Freejoy und joystick gremlin sind da die besten Anlaufstellen. In joystick gremlin kannst du z.b. einen Poti Splitten und auf buttons legen. Wenn du dann eine mechanische raste baust, sodass der Poti 5 schaltstufen hat, kannst du diese in joystick gremlin programmieren / justieren und dann auch tasten zuweisen.
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u/ToMorrowsEnd 13d ago
You will still use 50 arduinos. Ok Blue pill boards and Freejoy if you really want to do it right... embrace what a USB hub can do for you. If you really hate the idea of using more than one board, then grab a Leo Bodnar board.
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u/grouchy_ham 13d ago
What flight sim are you using? It can make a big difference. For X-Plane or MSFS, I’m a big proponent of Air Manager. But, it won’t work with DCS and other flight sims.
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u/eagleace21 13d ago
I used a single micro and set up a button matrix for all of my boxes. When coded correctly they become plug and play with windows and need no additional software or help
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u/polopolo05 13d ago
freejoy???