What to put on my sim control panels?

[jrsteensen]

What buttons/functionality to do I need to put on my Sim Control Panel(s).

 

So you have every switch in the pit working, now you need a way to do those things that you can't do with the pit.

 

Here is my list so far:

 

SIM RELATED:

Pause

Freeze

Time Acceleration

View Controls

Toggle Labels

NVG

 

TRACKIR:

Pause

Center

 

MISC

Panel Mounted Trackball

 

SIM POWER

Master PWR

PC PWR

Elec Bus PWR

 

What am I not thinking of?

Edited May 24, 2013 by jrsteensen

[jrsteensen]

Did I cover everything then?

[JG14_Smil]

TIR pause and center needs to be at your finger tips as do some others. Use a panel for things that are used less often if you are not creating a replica panel .

[jrsteensen]

This will be a 90% replica pit. There are some functions that I need to get in there to eliminate a keyboard from the cockpit. I'm probably going to replace the IFF panel with this one due to a good location for a trackball, and the critical functions.

[Duckling]

Hi Jrsteensen. No real input but just some ideas

I plan to put some additional buttons, switches, rotaries etc on the fuse panel (front lower) to have'em in place for additional needed functions for the future. There's always some that pops up...

[jrsteensen]

Duckling, another great idea - there is a ton of unutilized panel space throughout the pit - I just didn't see sinking a bunch of cash into an IFF panel that would never have any functionality in the sim, plus it seems like a good location for controls you want near the throttle.

 

Now if only I could find a panel mount trackball for less than 200 bucks a pop.

[metalnwood]

I have a unit like this on my arcade machine.

 

http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=74&products_id=363

 

perhaps you can find a similar panel mount trackball like this that is a little smaller? This is a 3" diameter bal. You need to add another $30-$40 for the controller and it will behave like a mouse.

[jrsteensen]

I have a unit like this on my arcade machine.

 

http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=74&products_id=363

 

perhaps you can find a similar panel mount trackball like this that is a little smaller? This is a 3" diameter bal. You need to add another $30-$40 for the controller and it will behave like a mouse.

 

I'd seen that one. Just way to big like you said. I'd like to find a 1-2 inch (max) ball.

 

Or, find a 3D Printable base, and add my own ball and encoders.

[metalnwood]

yeah, I see what you mean when you search around for small trackballs, they are industrial and around $200

 

Thought about a trackpad? Thats what I had planned to put in mine, something like the apple on but others make them too now.

 

http://www.apple.com/magictrackpad/

[Avilator]

I replaced my mouse with one of these: http://www.logitech.com/en-us/product/wireless-trackball-m570Maybe you could integrate it into the pit? Or even use the electronics in your own design.

[MacFevre]

yeah, I see what you mean when you search around for small trackballs, they are industrial and around $200

 

Thought about a trackpad? Thats what I had planned to put in mine, something like the apple on but others make them too now.

 

http://www.apple.com/magictrackpad/

 

Agree. I've got an Apple Trackpad on mine as Bootcamp comes with the individual drivers for it. I think Logitech's would be just as good, plus it's black and would fit right in. In fact, I think I just talked myself into one! :doh: