Some newbie questions

[Mt5_Roie]

Just before we start, I did watch the videos in the sticky. I've actually build a panel before for Xplane, but since the USB controller I was using at the time used a matrix method it didn't work too well (had to resort to everything being push button).

 

So here's what I'd like to do to start to get me some more experience. I'm going to order a couple of those controller from groovy games like the videos mentioned and start building. I recently bought the thrustmaser MFD's and I have a USB monitor behind one running the image (got the second on order). So here's my plan for a panel (non-realistic from A-10):

 

Make the panel about one feet high by three feet wide. I'd mount the left and right MFD on each side and mount the USB monitor behind them. In the middle area (I estimate about 20 inches of play room) I'd like to replicate the CDU (the panel one, not the front one). If there is wiggle room below the MFD I'd like to add many the arming switches and a couple other switches which get used in flight often. I'm going to work on a visio diagram next week when I have access to visio at work.

 

So my first question is, looking at the CDU, all the push button have the letters nicely painted on them. Is that something I do myself or is there a place I can order buttons with the letters already on them? I'd like to have it look as close as possible to the actual CDU panel. I figure with that in the middle and the right MFD next to it I can save on having another USB monitor for it seperatly.

 

Any help or links to places that sell buttons with writing would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[PlainSight]

I'd just build the arming switches and use 7 or 8 inch touchscreen for CDU with helios profile. I think that's the least complicated, but fully functional product. Plus you can use that touchscreen for ICP panel in F16 sims, for example.

[Mt5_Roie]

That would be functional, but I really would like to use this as a learning step to eventually building my own pit. So I would like to learn where others get their buttons from and if there are companies that cell them with labels on them.