Hello!

I am looking at putting together my first simple switch panel and was hoping for some advice. To get started basically all I need are around 12 "buttons" to activate common functions. I was looking at using SPST Momentary (ON)OFF toggle switches for this as I prefer those to buttons purely for the tactile feel This is the board I was going to go with: http://www.desktopaviator.com/Products/Model_2040/index.htm

Here's my main question though. I would really love four rotary encoders on there. I understand you typically use a rotary encoder board like the BU0836 but I was hoping I could avoid this. I've heard on the grapevine there's a type of rotary encoder that you wire up just like two buttons and it works without any special circuitry. I've heard it is essentially a rotating, two way switch, but it feels and turns just like an encoder. Does anyone have any idea exactly where I could find this?

Thanks everyone for the help!

Sure.
They are often called "pulse" switches, or "knitter" switches.

I usually get mine from Mouser (mainly, because they don't have a minimum order requirement.).
HERE

Have fun!!!

I've heard of those pulse switches too. But how do you use them? I bought a few, but I find that when turning the shaft, the output pulse is so short, my computer can not "see" them. Do you have some sort of additional circuitry that is needed?

Hey maclean525, good luck with your board. What sim are you making it for? If you want to do rotary switches (say for a heading bug or something with an ~ amount of selections in one direction) i think this board may work

http://www.desktopaviator.com/Products/Model_2090/index.htm

here's an example of what you should be able to do with it.

http://desktopaviator2.tripod.com/Instructions/Model_2090/index.htm

I just purchased one of these boards and am looking forward to trying it out on a custom panel i want to make for IL2 CloD. Can't wait to get home, damn work keeps getting in the way.