I keep seeing these nice pits with CNC'ed panels and buttons, but what I'm really interested in seeing is how these devices look like UNDER the CNC surface. What buttons/switches/toggles do they use? I know it is called 2- or 3-way, SPST or DPST switches, but which ones?

Even more frustrating, they link to US-based sellers... anyone know of a UK source for these items?

I think you first need to work out what you are going to connect the switches to, what board or controller. And what software you will be using if any. If you are doing a specific sim you might choose controllers/software commonly used by that simming community (by reading Viperpits.org for Falcon or MyCockpit.org for others for example).

I have a list of the controllers I am aware of:
http://www.thommos.com/wiki/index.php?title=USB_controllers

For example, if you have a controller/software that doesn't handle held down switches (like toggle switches) you'll have to use momentary switches for everything, including momentary toggle switches. Maybe you want momentary toggle switches anyway to avoid having to get them in the right place all the time when starting the sim.

On the DPST (Double pole, single throw) and SPST (Single pole, single throw), you only need the double pole if you are running two circuits off one switch (eg running a LED light when a switch is thrown or pressed). You can get different switches eg ON-OFF-ON, ON-OFF, ON-ON-ON, ON-ON, so you need to make sure you are getting the one you need.

This is my little Falcon 4 BMS panel, I'm learning about switches too:


The toggle switches are ON-ON DPDT (which should be available from many electrical component places and I've wired them to a Desktop Aviator Single Pulse boards so they only send a single button press:

Nice pit! I'm guessing the right ICP is a touchscreen, the center panel hides a monitor behind it (19 inch?), and the left panel is your switches, correct?



Don't the software work with whatever controllers are available? In any case, I am considering using brydling's controller as it seems to be the one to handle the most number of switches. I have never come across discussion on software both in DCS A10 and Falcon 4 BMS so this is confusing me. In any case, brydling says his controller simply shows up as two joysticks so I guess no special software is needed?




The main reason I am opting for DPST or DPDT switches is for "future proofing." Unless these are significantly more expensive that SPST switches, I prefer to have DPST/DPDT so that in case I want to go fancy-schmancy later on, I have the switches for them. In any case, I am not married to the idea and can change easy. The hardest part is finding sources for them here in the UK, and actually figuring out which ones are the proper size.

What I would do to find a proper electrical store that stocks them and be able to walk in and physically examine the switches/buttons.

Ice, what I'd do is find a surplus electronics store close to you - that'll get you the best deals.

Using a double-pole switch really won't gain you anything. If you need the switch to do two things at once, you're better off implementing that change in software and stick with the less expensive switch.

g.

Gene, the double-pole switch was just because it was only a tad more expensive, sometimes priced even the same (Maplins). My problem with sourcing stuff in the UK is that I just moved to this country and with what limited "scouting around" that I've done, I can't seem to find even a decent electronics store. Sure, there's Maplins, but they don't have what I'm looking for in stock. They have fancy lights, alarms, bells and whistles, but limited selection of switches and buttons. The online store has more, but again I'm wary of buying stuff that might end up too small/short for my needs, even if they function perfectly alright.

One of the things you can do is dig up technical drawings for the switches you're looking at buying - the manufacturers often provide them in PDF format. A "full" sized switch will fit a 1/2" (7/16"?) mounting hole.

A quick way to find out where the electronic surplus places are would be to dig up the local ham radio club and ask there. I'm sure they'll bury you in good info.

You can always buy goodies from eBay.

g.

OT - Thommo,

Another two controllers for your list:

Joy.01 (DIY like Mjoy) - http://xtremeracers.info/forums/viewtopic.php?f=45&t=5696

L2 (DIY or ready for buy), options for IN and OUT, up to 440 buttons - http://www.sukhoi.ru/forum/showthread.php?t=64206

Sokol1

Hmmmm... eBay... never thought about that. Thanks!

Beware that if you ever go for a realistic switch layout (ie spaceing) then in some locations the size of a DP switch might cause problems.

Hi ICE,

I sources a lot of stuff on eBay as well. Also used:

www.cpc.co.uk

www.rapidonline.com

and of course good old RS (if you don't mind paying extra).

I'm sad to have to tell you that we don't seem to go in for surplus stores in this country anymore. Don't know why. Maybe they couldn't afford the rates or something.

My best buys were definately on eBay.

Cheers,

Andy