OpenCockpits control panel

[SeaQuark]

I just discovered opencockpits.com, and noticed they have some impressive plug&play USB control panels like this:

 

http://www.opencockpits.com/catalog/general-simulation-panel-p-137.html?cPath=22_64

 

I imagine all the buttons will function properly, but what about the landing gear and flaps LEDs? How can I get DCS to send input to this? Specifically, DCS P-51, since that is the only module I play currently.

 

Edited August 20, 2014 by SeaQuark

[cefs]

You would need to know how the device communicates with PC, by serial to usb or as usb hid device. If usb hid device then will also need product and vendor id's. Then you will need to know how data is formatted between device and PC as you will need some custom software to communicate with device. The device communicates with flight sim through fsuipc so does not look like it generates key strokes, so I doubt whether you will get any plug and play functionality with it. Contact the vendor and see if they will supply the info and then post the details.

[TigersharkBAS]

If you want to start going down your own path, it's not that hard. You can visit the wiki in my signature to gain an understanding of how to build a simple panel.

[SeaQuark]

You would need to know how the device communicates with PC, by serial to usb or as usb hid device. If usb hid device then will also need product and vendor id's. Then you will need to know how data is formatted between device and PC as you will need some custom software to communicate with device. The device communicates with flight sim through fsuipc so does not look like it generates key strokes, so I doubt whether you will get any plug and play functionality with it. Contact the vendor and see if they will supply the info and then post the details.

 

Hmmm. OK, good to know. That'd be a shame, I'd probably get it even if just the switches worked.

 

I emailed them, I'll post here if I hear back from them.

 

Re: building my own, I realize that's an option, but I really just want some small, simple units I can use on my desk, no plans to make a serious pit or fully custom board. If I had a switchboard like the one above, between my joystick and throttle I'd have all my plane's key functions without ever needing to use a keyboard.

[TigersharkBAS]

Read the thread in my signature!!!!

[Duckling]

I just discovered opencockpits.com, and noticed they have some impressive plug&play USB control panels like this:

 

http://www.opencockpits.com/catalog/general-simulation-panel-p-137.html?cPath=22_64

 

I imagine all the buttons will function properly, but what about the landing gear and flaps LEDs? How can I get DCS to send input to this? Specifically, DCS P-51, since that is the only module I play currently.

 

 

Hi SeaQuark

Getting the Generic OC's devices work with DCS can be made but an overkill for an entry panel to DCS. Have none of their plug-n-play modules but I suspect the SIOC (Open Cockpits event driven database) is required and uses OC's generic prococol to connect SIOC and the PNP modules. SIOC in turn then use FSUIPC to connect to MS Flightsim but can be made to work with DCS with Oakes script base (search this forum) but the setup is a bit complex.

 

There are some diffrent options to connect DCS and different hardware.

You be up and running with a working panel in less time and cost following Tigers advice.

 

If the process seems overwhelming at first, hang in there and read through some of the guides here a few times.

 

Cheers

Gus

[SeaQuark]

Hi SeaQuark

Getting the Generic OC's devices work with DCS can be made but an overkill for an entry panel to DCS. Have none of their plug-n-play modules but I suspect the SIOC (Open Cockpits event driven database) is required and uses OC's generic prococol to connect SIOC and the PNP modules. SIOC in turn then use FSUIPC to connect to MS Flightsim but can be made to work with DCS with Oakes script base (search this forum) but the setup is a bit complex.

 

There are some diffrent options to connect DCS and different hardware.

You be up and running with a working panel in less time and cost following Tigers advice.

 

Cheers

Gus

 

Thanks, yeah, I did read those links and it's just too beyond my skill level / desired time commitment right now. Like I said I just need something that looks nice with 5 or more switches and I'm good to go.

 

Desktop Aviator makes a simple cheap one I was considering:

http://www.desktopaviator.com/Products/Panel/Model_2100/

All I'd need to do is re-label the switches. Saitek makes a panel too, I just wasn't crazy about its aesthetics.

 

I liked the OC one 'cause it looked super cool, but if it's too crazy to connect I'll pass. Thanks for the warning. Open to other plug-and-play recommendations.

[cefs]

You could then try some of the car racing sim button boxes, there are quite a few of those around.

[TigersharkBAS]

Thanks, yeah, I did read those links and it's just too beyond my skill level / desired time commitment right now. Like I said I just need something that looks nice with 5 or more switches and I'm good to go.

 

Desktop Aviator makes a simple cheap one I was considering:

http://www.desktopaviator.com/Products/Panel/Model_2100/

All I'd need to do is re-label the switches. Saitek makes a panel too, I just wasn't crazy about its aesthetics.

 

I liked the OC one 'cause it looked super cool, but if it's too crazy to connect I'll pass. Thanks for the warning. Open to other plug-and-play recommendations.

 

 

So I gotta ask...what kind of switches you hoping for? A single panel? Which one? How much would you be willing to pay?

[SeaQuark]

So I gotta ask...what kind of switches you hoping for? A single panel? Which one? How much would you be willing to pay?

 

I think the ones I mentioned above give a good indication:

 

Desktop Aviator Cessna panel

 

Saitek Pro Flight Switch Panel

 

I found a place called GoFlight that makes very nice ones but they're quite expensive.

GoFlight Single Engine Start module

 

My goal is to have all engine-start-up and most-used flight functions at my command on physical toggles. My joystick and throttle have most of that covered, just need one more small panel with 5 or more switches. Any of these would do the trick. One rotary switch in addition to on/offs is ideal.

 

I'd like to spend under 100, but am willing to go over that for something that looks awesome and/or has lots more switches.

 

I'll probably go with the DA cessna, but stumbling on that OC panel made me wonder if there are other cool ones out there.

[TigersharkBAS]

 

This is an electrical power panel. You'd need this, 4 fuel flow switches and an apu switch to start the engine. Is this what you had in mind or too basic?

[SeaQuark]

This is an electrical power panel. You'd need this, 4 fuel flow switches and an apu switch to start the engine. Is this what you had in mind or too basic?

 

That's definitely badass, but yeah, without a rotary switch or additional toggles the Cessna is more useful for my purposes. Very cool, though. Is it yours?

[TigersharkBAS]

It is...the electronics are not hard. Hard part is the getting the faceplates made.

[Deadman]

Accurate back lit plates and Aluminum back plates are no problem if there was enough interest.

[TigersharkBAS]

Meaning deadman...you won't take individual orders but a group order only?

[Deadman]

I seamed to have missed this question.You are correct .