I'm almost finished with my physical pit so now I'm thinking my next project would be some switches and buttons. For a very long time now, I've wanted a physical ICP for my Falcon simming, but I'm too poor to buy pre-built ICPs and I don't know very much about electronics outside of elementary-school battery-switch-lightbulb projects.

So, what do I need to get started? I have come to realize that proper tools are very important. For a long while, I agonized with a jig saw and I could not get clean cuts then I bought a router and problem solved! I struggled with with a small mouse sander and it blew it's motor so I bought a more-expensive orbital sander with a built-in dust box and now, sanding is so much easier! So I want to get proper tools for this electronics project.

I'm planning to start with a proof-of-concept build, so just a small MDF board with a few buttons, switches, and hopefully some rotaries. I think I can source these from my local Maplins and buy the more expensive ones once I know what I'm doing. However, I'd like some recommendations for:

1. What to look for in a soldering iron/gun? Is any off-the-shelf one good enough? I know there are plug-and-go types and there are ones where a specific temperature could be set, but those can be quite expensive and I don't even know if I need that sort of "precision"?

2. What other stuff do I need? A soldering iron holder? Sponge?

3. What types of wires should I look at for something like this?

On top of my list would be a 3rd hand tool...something like this http://www.ebay.com/itm/Third-Hand-Solde...l-/261635275272

I'm using this soldering iron with good results https://www.conrad.de/de/loetkolben-230-v-15-w-ersa-multitip-bleistiftform-350-c-max-810436.html
You can exchange the tips on it if needed. You propably don't need a Soldering station where you can adjust temperatures. Good ones are expensive.
Just make sure you use good solder, 1mm diameter should be enough.
To clean the tip of the soldering iron you can use something like this https://www.conrad.de/de/trockenreiniger-2teilig-toolcraft-at-a900-588819.html. If you use a sponge with water everytime you clean the tip the temperature drops quickly. This may wear out the tip faster.
And of course a holder for the Soldering Iron is a good idea.

Some links (mostly Arduino based):

Sparkfun Starters kit comes with all parts and tools you need to get started: https://www.sparkfun.com/products/12060

Also AdaFruit has some excellent tutorials (>400!!)
Adafruit Arduino tutorial: https://learn.adafruit.com/lesson-0-getting-started/overview

I spent a lot of time in audio forums, and found a particular soldering iron made by Solomon that guys has been using for years of daily heavy duty soldering/desoldering repair work (from high temp silver solder to fine micro connections) reliably and bought the same one those guys had, which has worked great for me for years as well.

It has all the features of expensive soldering irons, like ceramic heating element and variable heat control (very important) and real rubber cord on the iron, but costs a fraction of what Weller etc equivalent models do and is more than adequate for your purposes and because it's a 'station' and not just an 'iron' it already has a holder/sponge etc.

https://www.circuitspecialists.com/Auto-Temp-Soloman-50-Watt-Soldering-Station.html

Important thing to remember: solder follows the heat and flux

Thanks for the tips guys!

That 3rd hand item... I had that ages ago but never really appreciated it. Thanks for reminding me of it! The arduino stuff always made me curious, but not knowing what it does, I never appreciated it. If the kit can teach me new things and increase my confidence in working in this area, well, $99 sounds steep at first but I guess the knowledge and confidence gained would be priceless.

LocNar, thanks for pointing out that iron. If it comes with such high recommendations, I'm not shy about buying slightly more expensive tools that will last longer than the cheap ones and work way better than cheap ones. I bought a cheap £18 drill and never knew what I was missing until I bought a slightly more expensive £30 Black & Decker drill that was on sale. The cheap one was just an on-off thing whereas the B&D would go slower or faster depending on how much I depressed the trigger. Anyway, I'll see if I can source that iron here in the UK. Thanks!

Add this, to avoid overheat components, potentiometers.

http://www.robotshop.com/en/soldering-heat-sink.html

Pincer format.

https://toolsntoolsuk.co.uk/product/fibe...-soldering-etc/

While the learning kit Lausbub78 linked seems to be quite good for learning the basics, the board that is supplied with it is as far as I know probably not useful for building something to connect via USB to your computer, as the used Microcontroller (ATmega328) has no native USB-interface. You would need a Board with a ATmega32u4 such as the Pro Micro (also available cheaply from Ebay or Aliexpress).
You will see that programming with the Arduino-software is quite easy (We all started at one time with the Blink-Example ), although if you use the MMJoy-Software of Mega_Mozg you would probably not need to code at all.
I would say that the ability to set the temperature of the soldering iron is important for electronics. Also I use leaded soldier, it is easier to handle.
For the wire you can use quite thin ones (i.e. 0.14mm²) as you won't have much current. It also good to use stranded wire if you don't fix everything on prototyping boards as it is far more flexible than solid wire.
I hope I could help a bit.
Greetings, Bernd

Can someone give me example of how Arduino stuff can be used for flight sims?

For basic things, from SimHQ "Flight Sim Pit Builders":


http://simhq.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/4266967/1

http://SimHQ.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/4295079/Re:_MMJoy/MMjoy2_-_Build_your_#Post4295079
http://SimHQ.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/4212785/Re:_MMJoy/MMjoy2_-_Build_your_#Post4212785
http://SimHQ.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/4205863/Re:_MMJoy_-_Build_your_own_USB#Post4205863
http://SimHQ.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/4074653/Re:_MMJoy_-_Build_your_own_USB#Post4074653

Avia-sim:

http://avia-sim.ru/forum/viewtopic.php?p=27224#p27224

From ED(DCSW) "Home Cockpits" forum:

https://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=117011
https://forums.eagle.ru/showpost.php?p=2701834&postcount=203

Think that using "DCS BIOS" can be achieved output (LED, LCD) functions.

BTW - The above linked "Arduino Starter Kits" have little value for this, better spend the money in more appropriated way.

Sorry, I should've been clearer...

How is Arduino stuff better than other options, say Leo Bodnar boards or similar? More keys? Can it do rotaries?



What exactly do you mean by this? What would you suggest?

I'm also trying to source the Solomon soldering statin here in the UK but no luck on my google searches. Can anyone help me with this? I think for something like this, soldering will be a very big part of the project, right?

Is not matter of better, basically will do the same things, but Arduino can be more a flexible option, as you can change the code accord your needs/knowledge, and generally result more cheap too (e.g. Arduino PRO Micro).

In terms of resolution for axis most of the available - at least at low cost - Arduino boards offer less than the PIC mc used in BU0836/DSD, 10 x 12 bits. But they can offer more buttons than BU0836, some code allow 128 (usable in DCSW), other create two joystick in one board, allowing 256.

Bu0836 (as coded in their name) allow 8 axis, 36 buttons - 4 these reserved for POV HAT, so 32 for switches/encoders, because this is a Windows limitation, and the project author don't want deal with keyboard emulation software when release this boards in ~2007/8, nor provide support for this kind of software, he want a "PnP" easy to use board.

DSD boards can allow more, through keypmapper.

The advantage of BU0836 or DSD boards is be a ready to use option, with the more expensive matrix less options for example, is just matter to snap connectors for plug wires, without need to do solder - in this side because pot, switches require solder.



That you don't need of most parts that came in this kits, so get only the Arduino board in the version* more suitable for the code that you plan use, and appropriated parts like pot, buttons, encoder, connectors,cables.

* Pay attention to this, "Arduino" is too generic term, don't mean that any card you buy will be suitable for HID joystick controller. First select the code that you want use, then buy the appropriated Arduino version.

Thanks for your help, Sokol1!

Can you give me an example, cite an Arduino board, how much it costs, and how many buttons/rotaries/axis it can do? You've already said that the Bodnar board can do 8 axis, 32 buttons, 4 POV and that is one limitation (number of buttons) that I may struggle with later on as I build more switches/panels...

Thanks for the info, Troll!

What I'm interested in is ease-of-use and number of buttons/switches a single board could handle. If I can get by with just one or two boards connected to the PC, that would be best. Rotaries are of secondary concern, I would only need a few for comms knobs and the wheels on the ICP. I don't mind learning a few things to get this done, but looking at the MMJoy2 thread, well, it may as well be in Greek!

Why would I need "powerful software" when all I need is something that can detect on/off or up/mid/down states on a switch?
Why would I need sensor manipulation if all I need is something that can detect 0-100 on a volume knob?

(I see the point for sensors on things like toe brakes or making a joystick but I don't need those, I have a TM WH and Saitek Rudders)

Interesting point.

One issue I have with Bodnar is the number of switches. 32 buttons and 4 POV may seem like a lot, but won't one switch need TWO "buttons"? I don't know if you're aware of how BMS works, but a cockpit switch will have a callback. For example, the Master Arm switch will have a Safe, Arm, and Sim state, so I'll need a ON-ON-ON switch and I'm assuming that will count as 3 "buttons"? If so, then the 32 button count of a Bodnar board gets used up really quick!

For customization.

BU0836, DSD, Ardino+sketch is a finalized "joystick, MMJoy2 JoySetup software allow you set your "joystick" in the way you need/want.

From only 3 axis and 0 buttons for a rudder pedal to full 8 axis (Windows limitation) to 128 buttons (what depends on game support, eg. DCS=128, RoF/IL-2:Bo'=64) or use keymapper for buttons above #32 for old games, and more like Troll explain, even the "joystick" name for Windows is your choice.

BTW - This "customization" is saved in Arduino EPROM memory, JoySetup software is used once for set.

But for start use the KISSS principle, get a BU0836X - more expensive, but more "newbie" friendly - in your next project try MMJoy2 (cheap, can cost less than 10$) or Arduino+code, e.g. the one posted in DCSW, for two devices in one Arduino board with 128 buttons each.

For buttons/encoders only, a good start option (free shipping): http://www.derekspearedesigns.com/64-button-no-matrix-controller.html

Remember, buttons above 32 require keymapper for use games that don't use the latest Dinput version (128).

Read there: http://www.derekspearedesigns.com/technical-guide.html

For customization.

BU0836, DSD, Arduino+sketch is a finalized "joystick, MMJoy2 JoySetup software allow you set your "joystick" in the way you need/want.

From only 3 axis and 0 buttons for a rudder pedal to full 8 axis (Windows limitation) to 120 buttons (what depends on game support, eg. DCS=128, RoF/IL-2:Bo'=64) or use keymapper for buttons above #32 for old games, and more like Troll explain, even the "joystick" name for Windows is your choice.

BTW - This "customization" is saved in Arduino EPROM memory, JoySetup software is used once for set.

But for start use the KISSS principle, get a BU0836X - more expensive, but more "newbie" friendly - in your next project try MMJoy2 (cheap, can cost less than 10$) or Arduino+code, e.g. the one posted in DCSW, for two devices in one Arduino board with 128 buttons each.

For buttons/encoders only, a good start option (free shipping): http://www.derekspearedesigns.com/64-button-no-matrix-controller.html

Remember, buttons above 32 require keymapper for use games that don't use the latest Dinput version (128).

Tips there: http://www.derekspearedesigns.com/technical-guide.html

Seems that DSD give you better post sales help/support than BU0836.

Hello Ice,

you could also take a look at the Pokeys boards. They aren't much more expensive than the BU0836, but are much more flexible to use. The USB-board is called Pokeys57U. You could get them with or without terminals. With terminals you don't have to solder. I use the one without terminals, cause they are cheaper .

The Polabs Pokeys boards are fully configurable. You have 55 digital inputs (or you could use a 16x8 matrix for 128 inputs / DX or keyboard emulation is possible), 7 analog axis (12bit / also programmable) and many more...

But take a look by your self: https://www.poscope.com/product/pokeys57u/

I've searched a lot for my project and have started with the Arduino Megas, cause they are the cheapest alternative, but if you want to built a pit for anything other than the popular simulators, or want to be a bit more flexible, I found out that those cards are the best solution. They are not the cheapest (I paid about 65€ for one with VAT and shipping to Germany), but the cheapest solution for what they offer.

I'm also no millionaire and wanted to make things as cheap as possible, so I tried the Arduino way first, but there isn't much software other than for MSFS or X-Plane (Have them lying around here and also search for a way to use them for my project too). I also have the Arduino ATmega32u4 cards for the MMJoy project, but it's DirectX only. No keyboard emulation, respectively you have to use another third party software for that. It's o.k. for a HOTAS but for a homepit...

Here is a short list of all other I/O boards I know (includes also DX-Only solutions):

- http://xkeys.com/PIComponents/USBEncoderBoards.php
- https://www.ultimarc.com/ipac1.html
- https://simple-solutions.de/shop/product_info.php?products_id=13
- https://www.hagstromelectronics.com/products
- http://www.desktopaviator.com/Products/Model_2230/index.htm
- http://www.leobodnar.com/shop/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=94
- http://shop.codemercs.com/en/modules
- http://www.derekspearedesigns.com/64-button-no-matrix-controller.html
- http://www.opencockpits.com/catalog/electronic-cards-iocards-keyboard-emulator-c-21_35.html
- http://provisionell.de/index.php/de/sim-solutions/f-18-128-button-input-board (also smaller boards available)
- http://www.mindspring.com/~rrelect/prod.html (formerly R&R electronics / EPIC Card)

Hope I could help you a bit, cause I know that the beginning is hard and searching the web for hours to find the suitable hardware isn't really fun.


Regards Sven