Napper Dappers Modular Pit

[napperdapper]

Hey there folks!

 

Currently going through plans to make my first attempt at a Simpit, I'm hoping to create something modular so that I am able to switch out the Consoles/Panels depending on the aircraft without too much hassle. (Essentially the Panels will be made from Project Boxes, and then placed into the frame or removed at will, at least this is how the L/R consoles will work. Centre may be more difficult to do this with but we will see.)

 

 

The main two aircraft that I'll be flying will probably be the AVB8 and the F18c, maybe the Mig 21 as well. Due to the fact I'm not devoted to only a single craft, I want to create something that is easy to change up whilst avoiding the difficulty that would come from creating a "Generic" pit. I'm not going for 1-1 Realism in my consoles, just something to make Start up etc a little more immersive.

 

I'm still in the learning phase at the moment, I am pretty sucky with Electronics and such so it'll take me some time too. So for now I'll just share the very rough design I am using that I made in Sketchup. Note if it looks rough, its because I havn't used sketchup since I was in school, so getting refamiliarized with it again. Also note it isn't really inscale, though its roughly the size I'm gunning for. )

 

Images below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Also as a sidenote: If anyone has any good resources for learning how to handle the Electronics in the Panels, I'd be grateful!

[BlacleyCole]

Check out Leo bodnar.com for his controller boards. You run a wire from a switch or encoder to the board his boards are usb plug n play. Then go in dcs contols and find the action/command add button and activate the switch nand save that easy.

[RightStuff]

For the sake of completeness, there are dozens of similar products like „LeoBodnar“:

X-Keys, Pokeys, Arkaze,... just to name a few of the well known.

Mileage may vary - depending on their pricing...

 

Or go „the hard“(but cheaper?) way and build a controller of your own:

DCS-BIOS: https://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=141096

MMJoy: https://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=120049

OverPro‘s Solution: https://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=117011

 

As you see: there are many ways to skin the cat. ;)

[BlacleyCole]

True the. Cat can be skinned manyway. I was based on the op comments that he wasn’t tech. Saves on building pc boards or soldering. Get the. Right board from Leo bodnar.com the one with the push in wire attachments and the right switches that either use screws to secure the wire then you at best crimp on a terminal before screwing it or find the slip on connectors for the switches that don’t have screws and rotary encoders terminals etc attach the connectors tor to the wire if not already attached then push it on the terminal run the other. End to the bodnar board push the wire in to your chosen terminal keep doing it for each control making sure the ground is in the ground terminal and the control in one of the switch terminals once all controls(switches,Toggles,And rotary encoders are connected make sure the back side of the board it. Free from shorting out plug the usb cable into the bodnar boards usb plug then plug the other end into your computer pull up dcs go into the controls. Setting for your aircraft select an itemyou want configure it just like you would any joystick button using the switch or rotary of your choice continue until all controls are assigned .go inaircraft and verify operation if working shut down everything unplug cable from. Bodner board. Mount board and switches however youlike then replug in cable once everything is secured the enjoy. Doesn’t require anything else o program the board orcontrols.

[RightStuff]

Pokeys, Arkaze have terminal screws as well.

Both can be configuried as DX-Devices or use Key-Commands.

Rotaries, Encoders are usuable as well.

No need to be an E-Techie to bring any device up & running.

 

Shipping costs may for all be a point to be considered.