Custom IL2 1946 and Freelancer Control Panel

Hello all, I've been looking through this forum, and have seen some of the custom controllers you guys have build, and i must say that i'm in awe of them. Here's my contribution to the pile of them already out there.
When i built these panels, i didn't know anything about the A-PEC or BU0836 boards, so both of these controllers are actually built off of hacked keyboards. The first controller i made is the grey one (for an old space sim called Freelancer .... they have a really good newly released mod called Discovery) and then the latest creation in the green one for IL2 1946.
I have since purchased 2 boards from desktopaviator.com that generate a pulse (so i can start using toggle switches instead of push buttons) I have a few projects currently going as of the moment, another Freelancer controller, and a massive one for IL2 Cliffs of Dover. But now i might want to make another 1946 one as well, because you guys have lead me on to discover the other cheap pulse boards.
If you guys have any questions, or want to see more pictures of the construction process so you can get ideas, feel free to ask!

- Apache

IL 2 1946 Control Panel





Freelancer Control Panel (First control panel built)

Well done, Apache. Very clever dual use set up. Welcome to the ranks of the enviable. Hacking a keyboard is actually a bit more challenge than using ready made button boards. I tried but gave up. Phantom keys. Matrix mapping. You're a better man than I. Kudos.

And keeping posting your progress.

Cheers,

FC

Excellent first post, Apache! I can't imagine soldering those small contacts on the keyboard panel, very nice work. On the joystick for the Freelancer control panel; is that an arcade type control with the micro-switches?

Derek

@FC, The keyboard is pretty tough to work with, although i haven't had any phantom key problems. probably because of the prep work i've done figuring out what goes where (see pic). I traced all the leads with a multimeter first, but then confirmed it all with a keyboard testing program after i soldered a vero board to it.



@MudPuppy, the contacts for the keyboard was an interesting project, but thank the lord for the Dremel tool. That thing is worth its weight in gold.
The joystick is just an arcade micro switch style like you thought, you should be able to see it from one of the pictures on my first post. It just controls strafing movements of the spaceship in the game.

Been a while since i've put out any updates. Just thought i'd share my latest creation. It's for Freelancer again.
Hope you guys like it. Looking forward to starting panels for individual aircraft for IL2-CoD. The IL2-CoD boards won't be keyboard hacks, I've got some desktopaviator boards as well as a BU0836 board.
- Apache600

Apache that's a nice setup, well done. Reminds of the hack I did on the keyboard, tracing the keys on the film and making up a matrix, going cross eyed.

Nice work!