The TekInput Joystick USB Board

[tekadept]

Now for something completely different, I have wanted to create a USB Joystick Board Controller for a while so I figured it was time to get cracking.

 

This is aimed to be a perfect addition to those builing their own Flight Sim Cockpit who want an easier solution for wiring it all up.

 

The aim of this is a nice compact breakout board , that will interface with an Arduino Pro Micro. The idea of this is it will allow those who are knowledable to write their own code.

 

I plan on offering these as a breakout board only, or with a Pro micro configured to work as a HID Joystick (or possibility DCSBSIOS)

 

Coming in at 65mm x 80mm we have the below little beauty

 

 

This unit will allow 40Digital Inputs for switches buttons etc. The pins are aligned in rows of 4 so that you have

Input-GND-INPUT-GND This way you can have 2 way switches on each 4pin header, or its easy to have a 3way switch with the GND in the middle. Also the 9 Analog Inputs are broken out to a GND-INPUT-VCC.

 

I have also allowed for some Green SMD LEDS on it that can solder jumped to activate, and also there is an LED output header as well. This is controlled by ALOG9 input so we can use PWM to adjust brightness etc.

 

We also have 6 onboard digital pints broken out with a GND and VCC that you can use for Encoders, or Digital LED’s etc

 

Pic with Arduino mounted.

 

 

 

I will be writing the software initially for this as a pure HID device with no frills, but as time permits I will make a GUI so you can do some configuration.

This can even be used with the great MMJOY firmware if you wanted to install it yourself, I may even provide a guide as well to help with the pin mappings.

[Lobinjaevel]

For the right price, I'm up for a couple!

Great work!

[Thick8]

This would be great for the A10/Huey button box I have in the works.

When and how much?

[shu77]

Quite happy to see an Aussie offering these, Leobodnar seems hard to come by now

[D0rmicum]

As I'm a total noob when it comes to this stuff a (maybe dumb) question:

That means if I'd order your Board with an Arduino Pro micro configured to work as a HID Joystick, your F/A-18C Hornet HUD Controls Panel (and others) and get some switches, I'd be able to just plug in the switches, connect the Board via USB to my PC, configure everything in DCS and it works?

Or would I have to program some stuff on my own? Sounds too good as I'm not really into this stuff but would love to be able to extend my little pit slowly by adding additional panels.

[SnakePL88]

Definitely interested, as long as the shipping cost to US is reasonable :thumbup:

[tekadept]

Currently finalised testing on the units.

 

The way I'm going to offer them as below

Just the PCB with header pins unsoldered.

or unsoldered still but with a Pro micro with Code loaded. (D0rmicum this would be relatively plug and play I'll elaborate in a bit)

 

I'm not interested in offering soldered options at this stage, as my thinking is that for doing all the toggles you are already soldering anyway , and this allows me to keep the price down.

 

As mentioned these are just a breakout board so you can use your own Pro Micro if you wish and write your own code. I just tested with MMJOY as well and works perfectly fine.

 

With the promicro option, I have my basic code done where each button registers as a joystick press or an axis, so it is plug and play in that regard.

 

I am halfway through writing a more complex code for the unit that I will put out (and work on all units) will have a very basic GUI and allow you to set some parameters, ie make a button latching or non latching etc.

 

I've put a link up for the 2 options for pricing

https://www.tekcreations.space/product/tekinput-usb-controller/

 

With just the PCB Unsoldered 35au

With the PCB Unsoldered and Pro Micro loaded with basic joystick code 50au.

 

Snakepl88 At the moment shipping to the USA is a bit high as I am only sending via express due to COVID, but my store will calculate the options and should give you an idea.

If your interested subscribe to be notified when I open up the orders very soon. just want to finish of a pin map diagram etc before I start selling :)

[RustBelt]

Depending on shipping I'll definitely have one of them!

 

No chance of you putting an unpopulated version on OSH Park is there? They're US side and I can snot on my own shift registers.

Don't know how they pay out, or if they do at all like Shapeways does. If they don't then hell with them.

Edited June 12, 2020 by RustBelt

[tekadept]

Unfortunately I checked out OSH park they aren't offering any kind of payout so not on the table.

 

I have now opened up orders for the PCB only option. You will need to provide your own arduino and code / mmjoy setup. I can offer some very limited help if required.

 

In the future I will offer the preprogrammed pro micro with a gui for config, but I have had a few other projects take time away from me at this stage.

 

Shipping is a bit high at the moment as due to COVID eceonomy airmail has been cancelled as an option so it has to be standard airmail. Let me know if it seems to high with you country and I can double check.