Pondering Making A Custom Switch Panel For VR

A2597 · October 11, 2018

So still just getting started in this game, and loving it.

One thing I'm looking at is ways to improve the VR interaction. Right now, it's the mouse. Currently we have headlook / zoom to look at the switch/dial you want, then scroll/left click/right click it.

And I got to thinking...why not create a custom panel that has these functions? Specifically, re-creating the mouse functionality with a custom controller that has the following:

A push button (mapped to left mouse button),
A Momentary Switch (mapped to left mouse button, a momentary switch stays centered, preventing any confusion while looking at a switch in VR, both up and down on the momentary switch is left mouse button)
A Dial (mapped to Mouse Wheel),
A Click Dial (mapped to left and right mouse buttons).

Thus covering all the functionality of the mouse, but with tactile options that can easily be identified by touch/muscle memory, and don't need to be mapped to a specific button in the cockpit. Possibly cheaply enough that you could build two, so you could even use whichever hand is available at that moment.

I suppose a small touchpad or trackball might be useful for making small adjustments so you don't have to look too closely at the exact button/switch you want. I'm pondering buying something like this to take apart, as it has all the inputs I need , then it's just a matter of building the control board and re-mapping the inputs from the mouse to that panel.https://www.amazon.com/EIGIIS-Trackball-Ergonomic-Handheld-Portable/dp/B07GQGXCRY/ref=sr_1_37?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1539281111&sr=1-37&keywords=trackball+wired

I found a similar project on indestructables, which should cover the majority of what would need to be done. (More actually, as we're looking at four inputs as opposed to 13).

https://www.instructables.com/id/Lets-make-a-game-controller/

So my first thought is...did I miss anything in my controls? Any other thoughts / ideas?

BaD CrC · October 11, 2018

Just get yourself a set of Saitek panels (this one, this one and these ones) , then install DCSFlightPanel.

That's it. 10 minutes work and you are all set. No need to re invent the wheel. Now if you want to go serious about pit building, there is a thread on the forum under Input and output.