HOW TO WIRE IGNITION KEY + STARTER SWITCH SIM BUTTON BOX

How to wire a key ignition and start stop switch to a DIY simulator button box for a sim racing rig. Parts listed below...............
Parts
USB Joystick Encoder ebay.us/bCwAxN or BG bit.ly/387SYCE
Toggle switch Covers bit.ly/3znM9KC
Key Ignition ebay.us/5bPz29 or ebay.us/hjAnME
Start Button ebay.us/x9WarM
Carbon Wrapebay.us/BKDiwR
This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated
Tools
Heat proof solder mat BG bit.ly/3SonQ7Q
Soldering Iron bit.ly/3cWeEYh
Crimping tool bit.ly/3SoW3nO
Crimp ends bit.ly/3QevRKP
Wire cutters bit.ly/3Bz8acd
Wire strippers goo.gl/4PFXny
My Soldering Iron bit.ly/3cWeEYh
Solder bit.ly/3oQsyhe
Butane torch ebay.us/44ww4A
A3 cutting mat ebay.us/WEKZ7w
Scissors ebay.us/fKB3oZ
This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated
Thank you for watching, all questions are welcome.
Want a tutorial or project built, leave suggestions in the comments.
Share the video with a friend who would like this!
AMSTUDIO channel for other DIY projects.
/ @amstudioprojects
Copyright Amstudio | amstudioprojec...
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

[@moth.monster]

I love those little USB boards, super simple and cheap and no-fuss in the function.

[@rafee9442]

amstudio in the future: Add a real inline 6 engine in the front of your sim setup mod. XD

[@MrMaxer13]

You're giving him ideas. xD

[@ytcine1742]

Lol

[@nerdsurprise6753]

That would be insane but what about a v6 vtec

[@thiscivicguy]

HAHAHAHA

[@alexflosho]

Obviously not! It would be a V8.

[@ATK10155]

Thank you so much for saving me $100 on a pre built Button Box. Just finished mine today and it's perfect.

[@kylewilmes9259]

and with your teachings i can now build myself a nice sim setup that can be 100% custom. thank you good sir!

[@somedudebehindacomputer7392]

You can build a whole frcking car tbh

[@nonami_066xswqoqowiwl]

some dude behind a computer .

[@petarzagi2183]

I didn't know i've needed this. Awesome

[@crussell6533]

This channel is the only one I trust when it comes to: Custom wheel, custom shifter, Etc. they are so helpful!

[@TARVXP]

Not gonna lie if I had this as my power button for my pic that would be lit

[@J33_m140i]

That's what I want to do

[@xp3dx]

You could make it wireless with an Arduino Uno and wake on lan!

[@MrCrazyhollander]

I want this as a bower button for my gaming pc setup, anyone can help me with that?

[@xp3dx]

dennis smit wire it to an arduino with a wifi module and then make it wake on lan

[@mrcontroversy222]

dennis smit it’s really easy using arduino.

[@jbagri2305]

This makes me wish I had a farm sim simulator setup as that would be so cool

[@lidge1994]

JWB Agri Videos with an alen wrench for the ignition?

[@KutsugeMindUrmoks]

I mean just having this in general on your desk would be cool

[@vojtalev8350]

For everyone who have a problem with both button signals activating I have a simple solution. I've heard that white is negative and blue is positive. So if the current (or if you want to be precise the free electrons) flows from + to -, than you need to: 1. connect two blue wires to the battery terminal 2. connect one white wire to the ignition terminal 3. connect the second white wire to the start terminal (or in other words just flip the colors) The problem of connecting two white wires to the battery teminal is once you activate the ignition terminal the current flows from ingnition to battery terminal to which are both white wires connected. This results in completing the circuit on both connections which you can see on your computer as the activation of both buttons. So if you connect two blue wires to the battery terminal as I suggested the signal process should look like this: 1) When you activate ignition terminal the current flows only to the one white wire so only one button signal is activated 2) When you activate the start terminal the current in theory should flow to the start teminal which only activates the second button. However, insted you'll probably see both buttons activated. This happens because the ignition terminal is still activated even when you turn the key to the start position. This doesn't affect the gameplay, though. You've already activated the ignition so all you need to do is start the motor (in real car the ignition turns on the electronics which are needed during the whole drive while the starter is needed only in the begining, that's why the ignition is on even in the start position). When you want to turn off the motor you just turn the key again to the start position and than you turn it all the way back untill you can take it away. It's that simple. If you don't believe me (a high scholer who studies physics and chemistry) than you can try something else but I'm 100% sure this will work.

[@AmillionCo]

How do you light up the LED without having to Sorder ? Is there a way like the other methods ?

[@96Last1]

@@AmillionCoyeah theres a couple 5v ports on the board, theyre red. just use the whiten blue wires and plug it in. you'll have to connect the wires to your led tho, and if thats not possible then you may be out of ur depth. good luck.

[@rockman1942]

Thanks a lot, but I found out I have to disconnect one of the cable to config the correct setting each of the time for engine start / power on even I filpped the blue and white

[@rockman1942]

Anyway just want to say a big thank you for solving my issue😚( I didn’t think of the flow of electro)

[@TheBlue028]

I've been thinking about installing a key ignition on my fanatec wheel and put some led lights inside the wheelbase, so when I turn the key to ACC on the led's light up inside then when I hit the ignition the wheel will power up and calibrate. You've inspired me to get it done

[@seanharvey1250]

You know what im doing during quarantine this lol I’m sitting at my kitchen counter doing it as I write it!

[@SillyGoose778]

How did it go?

[@LogiForce86]

I would have wired the engine start button through either the toggle switch or the ACC terminal on the ignition key for extra realism, plus you'd have a way to visually check with a glance if the ignition was physically on or off.

[@MondoRockable]

Doesn't it though? With the toggle switch and start button at the beginning of the vid, you see him flip the toggle and then hit the start.

[@OBiFLYGAMiNG]

i did this without watching your videos and somehow youtube is now showing me your videos. maybe they must have caught me searching switches on google. now, i'm stuck here watching all your videos cos they are interesting. good job

[@tubelghostwood]

this might be the clearest DIY button box video ever. Good job and thank you! Also thank you for resisting the temptation to waffle on for 15 minutes about nothing and just getting on with it!

[@sk3lecreeper193]

if anyone who is making this right now or in the future and you are having issues with both button inputs being triggered when you turn the key to the ignition position here is how I managed to fix it: 1. Separate the two white wires, don't crimp them together. 2. Give both white wires their own connectors. 3. Place one white wire on the start terminal, and the other on the battery terminal. 4. Place one of the blue wires(or both, I didn't notice a difference) on the ignition terminal. You should now be able to have the ignition toggle on, with the start momentary. If you are curious as to why this works/the problem exists, it's something to do with having the two white wires joined as a negative in the circuit. Blue is positive out of the board and white is negative, and the board only checks for a 5v signal going into the negative side. So, when you have the ignition activated in the video's wiring configuration, current is sent into the negative for the ignition, but, it is joined with the momentary start, and as such that gets toggled as well. If you separate the wires onto different terminals and also reverse where the power is coming from, you are able to control what power goes into the negative lines. My configuration works because both terminals in the switch connect to the battery terminal for power, which is what powers it in a real vehicle. And, the ignition stays active when you enter the momentary start position. So what happens is that you have the power going from the ignition terminal out to the battery terminal in the ignition position, and when momentary start is engaged it is connected to the battery terminal as well, so power flows through it from the ignition terminal, out both battery and starter terminals, and the starter will cease sending power when you go out of that position, such that you now have a working key switch.

[@bricknplay]

Thank you very much. I searched for that comment 😁

[@vojtalev8350]

So if you're saying that white is negative and blue is positive than there's simpler solution. You see, the current (or if you want to be precise the free electrons) flows from + to -. This means you need to: 1. connect two blue wires to the battery terminal 2. connect one white wire to the ignition terminal 3. connect the second white wire to the start terminal (or in other words just flip the colors) The problem of connecting two white wires to the battery teminal is once you activate the ignition terminal the current flows from ingnition to battery terminal to which are both white wires connected. This results in completing the circuit on both connections which you can see on your computer as the activation of both buttons. So if you connect two blue wires to the battery terminal as I suggested the signal process should look like this: 1) When you activate ignition terminal the current flows only to the one white wire so only one button signal is activated 2) When you activate the start terminal the current in theory should flow to the start teminal which only activates the second button. However, insted you'll probably see both buttons activated. This happens because the ignition terminal is still activated even when you turn the key to the start position. This doesn't affect the gameplay, though. You've already activated the ignition so all you need to do is start the motor (in real car the ignition turns on the electronics which are needed during the whole drive while the starter is needed only in the begining, that's why the ignition is on even in the start position). When you want to turn off the motor you just turn the key again to the start position and than you turn it all the way back untill you can take it away. It's that simple (well maybe because of the amount of the text it doesn't look like it but trust me, explaining what is really happening in Sk3leCreeper's case would be wayyy harder). If you don't believe me (a high scholer who studies physics and chemistry) than you can try Sk3leCreeper's method which might work but it's too complicated in my opinion. It also doesn't make really sense why it should work better than mine so that's why I don't trust his method.

[@gitaarmovies2003]

I'm definitly gonna make this.

[@Zoab3579]

Hi there I'm super thankful for this tutorial. it worked for me along with another wire from the Ign to Acc. keep up the good work 👍

[@ElliotL]

I like this diy because its no extra software and its also cheap and theres also no extra tools if you choose the key ignition

[@xandernick5878]

Next thing I know, he’s gonna make a video on how to wire a spaceship

[@thonkerpad]

i would 100% use this as my desk button box for powering on my pc and speakers and maybe a lamp

[@lokmanfreeman]

thank you for not wasting my time on youtube Best DiY sim-games channel Good luck for the next works bro

[@amstudioprojects]

Thanks!

[@williamm.3612]

really cool, I got to adapt the key switch as the main power start for my pc now. . . .

[@skippy6535]

Just got a Logitech G920 and pedals and I’m getting this just to mount to my desk to start cars and I am not a I racing guy but I love this stuff

[@marcoantonioritorosales9728]

hey man, did ypu buy it? In case of yes, which games is it compatible with?

[@Askari_X]

This would be cool to have as a startup for your pc. you could possibly fit it in the cd drive slot if you dont have one.

[@atomed2]

Hey, great idea.

[@CraigMansfield]

Askari I literally started my PC with a triangle. I put one wire from the "on switch" on the triangle, and the other wire (just one power cable that's been cut) on the striking stick. When I rang the triangle, my PC turned on 😂😂 I've also used a stapler. Honestly

[@atomed2]

Damn, that is awesome. @@CraigMansfield

[@CraigMansfield]

atomed2 Hahaha thanks mate 😂👍 you just need anything metal to close the circuit temporarily. But it must open again or you'll have a "forced shutdown". I was thinking of all sorts of funny things to use hehe It happened because my power button broke, I wondered what I could use as a button. The stapler came first hehe

[@atomed2]

@@CraigMansfield I can't think of anything cooler than a stapler to turn a computer on.

[@worstenbroodje6832]

With a spanner! Love the accent haha, and great video as always.

[@matsvanooijen833]

Ik hou ook van worstenbroodjes

[@MisterManFunny]

This is just what I was looking for, thank you for an awesome video as always! :D

[@LMontiel]

Use the switch and button for nitrous or suspension!!!

[@Swrvn]

LUIGY 99 ricer

[@mclaren5543]

Lil Kachowski How is he a ricer if he has nitrous?

[@benjohnson9552]

Nitrous isn’t a real thing

[@zavioncharles8972]

Wym nitrous isnt real?

[@benjohnson9552]

Nitrous isn’t a thing in real life it’s just in games

[@ThisCableGuy]

Ok. Second Video I have viewed. Just realised you do all simulator setup tutorials! You are just what I have been looking for. You have gained a sub from me!

[@Shepard_AU]

It's a coincidence that I've got that exact key barrel on my way, should be arriving tomorrow (after waiting 2 weeks on postage)

[@SticksAandstonesBozo]

Very helpful as I somehow bought the exact same ignition.

[@therealtobi04]

I love your videos they are simple explayned and easy to do.GREAT!

[@Nathan-rc2oi]

The quality of the videos and the gadgets you make for sim games is amazing. I know you subscriber count isn’t that low but you still deserve a higher sub and view count. Keep it up.👍🏻👌🏻

[@jackliddy4540]

I had done this a while ago but never thought about the push button start great video as always!! ☺️ edit; could you do a video of how to wire up 4 axis potentiometer joysticks.

[@Dj_Soundwave]

Legend. Thank you so mutch. I orderd my parts for my summer project button box yesterday. Using that usb encoder. I could find any good video's of conecting the wires. Thank you so much!

[@TurnwoodLPTLP]

Your videos are just the great greetings from Germany

[@minonkh]

TurnwoodLP weißt du wie man das mit der Box macht, ist das genauso wie bei der 32 Knöpfe Button Box?

[@TurnwoodLPTLP]

das ist ziemlich gleich LG

[@minonkh]

TurnwoodLP danke wollte hier das bauen mit ein paar Knöpfen dazu

[@Mc_Habsburger]

Der Kanal hier wird mich noch eine ganze menge Geld kosten ..

[@minonkh]

UnbegLueckt ich sag nur das neuste Video, die Handbremse, das hier zsm mit der Button box

[@Darkjesta168]

I don't know why but I love the idea of starting a pc with a key turn like that

[@iurabordei933]

I would never have thought about something like this! Really cool idea!

[@YourlocalslowZ28]

This is so cool im going to make this on my setup thanks!❤

[@fishhead420]

Here is my next project, thanx! Love all the mods, keep 'em commin'

[@tobiaskristensen2115]

im in project farming simulator and all you video can i use good job

[@ram89572]

It’s a nice setup, but you definitely need to get your ignition switch working where going from off to run turns on the electrIcity, then going from run to start cranks the vehicle, then going from run to off shuts the vehicle off. I don’t know how my Advanced Simulation Products button-box is made, but the keyed ignition on it works in the manner I described which makes it much more realistic than using the start position to activate the switch every time.

[@ingeaalbu]

I just made this and the game controller recognises it as two buttons, but if i put both as start stop motor in ets2 only the first turn of the key works. How did you do this?

[@111Sjaan]

excellent as always, thank you so much for sharing!

[@amstudioprojects]

Thank you!

[@coffeeloungeofficial2881]

i was watching this so i can build one for american truck simulator, i was wondering, is it possible to have it function like a normal ignition switch? i dont want to tap it twice just to start it, Acc for Acc, Spring action to start like normal car?

[@henckeltv3213]

Love your videos, good quality and easy to remember I just got my own Logitech g920, and soon I will make some of your mods Keep the good work going

[@OhItsThat]

Man.....you always impress me.

[@amstudioprojects]

Thanks!

[@SticksAandstonesBozo]

Pro tip. Do not go zero delay usb unless your using this for one thing only. And even then I wouldn’t recommend it. It’s an absolute nightmare to configure when you have multiple sims and wheels and multiple keyboards etc. Arduino is the way. I learned the hard way.

[@321rafwaf123]

So lit. And no software required :0

[@jm036]

“lit”

[@Alcosmos_]

@@jm036 Yes its lit

[@thqp]

I have to make this for my truck sim rig!

[@JayTee860]

How do you set it up in game cause I’m only getting one thing so I can’t put one with the electricity, and the next one on the start

[@chaosgaming4393]

Can you please make a video where you use the same motherboard for the other button box

[@Vilterleno]

Whats the ignition key tip please is link broken

[@bradlinsley8028]

This is actually really easy to do! Thanks for sharing! Great video :)

[@alcamerc9970]

Hey Amstudio, can you expand on the switch’s positions with the key and what they do actually? Thank you

[@Shelboooooo]

Am you kinda messed up. You use the blue connector on bigger wires and red on smaller, you had it backwards and could have the issue of the wire falling out. I can forgive you cause your the best!

[@JuvenylAssassin]

This is just absolutely amazing

[@bladerunnerpeter]

Muchas gracias por enseñarnos hacer estas cosas,el mejor canal

[@AndrewR2130]

If u had added the accessory pin to the key switch also you wouldn't have to double pulse it to start the engine as first notch would be ignition second the momentary part would be starter that's what I did on the one I made made it muxh more realistic

[@johnalan4860]

My thoughts exactly. I'm planning on building a home cockpit for ATS in the near future, and in piecing together components, came to the same conclusion. I think the reason for his method lies in the joystick board he's using. With an arduino board, you would be able to program more specific functions. For example: Position 1: Off - Position 2: Electrical Supply - Position 3: Ignition (Momentary) When going from Position 1 to Position two, the script would output to the electrical supply. When going from Position 2 to Position 3, the script would output to the ignition toggle. When going back from Position 3 to Position 2, the script would output nothing, leaving the truck engine running. When going back from Position 2 to Position 1, the script would output to the electrical supply, thus killing the electrical supply and engine. With a joystick board, it only recognizes simple inputs. So, if he were to turn the key to accessory, it would toggle the electrical supply. Next, turning the key to the ignition position, would indeed work as intended. However, as soon as he would release the momentary ignition position, and the key returned to the accessory position, the joystick board would register this as an input and assume that he had intended to shut off the electrical supply. In ATS and ETS2, shutting off the truck is achieved by killing the electrical, not by the engine button. This is only the case if you do not have an electrical supply key assigned. Hope this helps anyone on the same path!

[@franjo345]

Andrew robinson so did you add a wire coming from accessory to ignition or the start?

[@cheezykey1139]

Do you think it would be possible to wire up the gauges from that bmw to the accessories spot? So that when u turn the key it like flashes all the lights n stuff like a real car?

[@oskarpolanski3152]

Yeah, its posible, ive done It (i know, late).pin 16 on blue middle socket is ignition pin :)

[@cheezykey1139]

@@oskarpolanski3152 lmao thanks

[@oskarpolanski3152]

No problem dude

[@Mistrals60]

Love your videos! Keep up the great work. Cheers!

[@H.EL-Othemany]

Now Ets2 and ATS have two separate buttons for Electricity and engine start

[@jaswantviews7353]

Hi can you please tell me how to assign this in a ets2 please

[@bhdevall]

I just did the same setup and was having a hell of a time figuring out how to make the "off" function work. Just as you see in the video, you gotta give the key a quick turn to the "start" position to turn it off.

[@bhdevall]

@@jaswantviews7353 I play ATS and if the menu is similar then you should be able to map it under Options, keys and buttons.

[@DizzyCream]

can u plz make a tutorial about how to convert a truck air handbreak(real thing) to work on pc for ETS2 or other sim game, cheers! Love your vids keep going

[@maddus_]

Soooo, how do you put this (I'm mainly focusing on the engine start/stop button, as I'm gonna use this for ETS2) into your 32 function button box?

[@Foldingblade]

Make more gauges I love those

[@Foldingblade]

A fuel gauge / speed gauge would be cool

[@PortuguesePirate99]

Low key want this to start my PC up

[@teimonkauppa1002]

I WAS LOOKING FOR THIS!!!!

[@nerdsurprise6753]

@amstudio can you make a video on how to make a keyed ignition for the side of a Logitech g920

[@nerdsurprise6753]

Kind of like in an old jeep

[@anthnylder8136]

im just gonna use the keyed switch as a power switch for the whole setup

[@johnsmyth1796]

Great video mate! I might have to do this one aswell, I made the tachometer one already. Quick question do your G29 pedal mods work on G27/G25 pedals? Specifically the Inverted Pedals mod and To USB mod, and if those two work the FFB pedals as well. I was thinking about picking up a pair of used G27 ones if they were able to be used. Great stuff! Would love to see a G29 shifter to USB video!

[@amstudioprojects]

Yes the inverted pedal and USB mod will work. The ShakeIt rumble can be added to any pedals.

[@johnsmyth1796]

Thanks! Ill pick up a pair of G27 pedals online then :)

[@redakaminekloc5167]

Now we need games to support the key ignition properly (ignition button has to be held all the time for it to work like with H-shift)

[@jpnrndr7983]

Tempted to combine the ignition system with the button panel

[@roddafromdaY]

Awesome. Wasnt aware sim racing had so many avenues. What game are you playing where you can use the start button please?

[@adityadharni5027]

I was thinking about this 5 minutes ago

[@AmillionCo]

How do you light up the LED without having to Sorder ? Is there a way like the other methods ?

[@Creeperboy099]

I would install this in my desk and hook it up to my tower as the power switch itself if I had a custom built stationary setup

[@wolfy4734]

You've earned yourself a subscriber, fu*$&ng legend.

[@ryanchenoweth5673]

is it possible to make it so that you dont have to turn the key twice, just like a real car? Thanks mate!

[@ypk1580]

Ryan Chenoweth I won’t understand what you mean. You do have to turn the key twice like a real car. It’s actually three times. “Off, Acc, On, Start”

[@chisel316]

Great video! Thanks for sharing. What game is that? It's hard to find a racing sim that actually lets you cold start the engine.

[@amstudioprojects]

Assetto Corsa Competizione

[@chisel316]

@@amstudioprojects Thanks! I actually made my own button box over the weekend using this video as a guide. I got the ignition/starter working with ACC and RRRE. 😀

[@Arben_TV]

This is what i looking for 😁

[@beetlejuicefollower7398]

what could you possibly do with the accessories? just wondering so i can make use of it.

[@bhdevall]

You can map ACC to any input. If you use it, I'd suggest the radio menu if you play American Truck Simulator. Connect it the same as the other two functions. Power to batt, input to function.

[@nicholasgromowski1233]

@@bhdevall Can you use it to turn on the accessories in the truck like you would in real life, rather than using the run position for the accessories?

[@guido14860]

Could i buy one already assembled and ready to go?

[@user-ip9wi3uc4b]

you should do a video explaine how to wire the cables.

[@marcushesketh5822]

so clear really nice video

[@zdravkop]

I will make this thank you for idea!

[@davisnganga6266]

My 2007 Toyota fielder NZE 141G is giving me headaches. It's push start button. The motherboard to the remote control is messed up. Thanks for the information.

[@ChongqingXV]

Hi i have a doubt ¿i can use only one Joystick Encoder for make this sim button box and the mod for the logitech shifter mod 18 speeds?

[@miku0621]

i made this to start my pc and monitor

[@jrgenkorneliussen8647]

Can I make this with more Buttons with the same encoder? And without any software?

[@amstudioprojects]

Yes you can add more buttons, no software needed with these encoders

[@mrlaurobeatz]

i was doing the same project just found out that all u need is to wire BAT and IGN you don't need the extra 2

[@NightRiseMC]

Do you need to have the ring terminals for this or can you just wrap the wires around the screws?

[@nicholasgromowski1233]

It would probably work, make sure the connection is solid.

[@noneNone-mw1px]

Sir what kind of joystick board I can use? What do you suggest to be handy and good. Thanks

[@amstudioprojects]

Check the description links there for the board.

[@meeseeksbox6548]

Amazing video. Thanks for make dreams came true. :) I have just a question. When you turn on truck on ets steering wheel start shake really realistic. How you get that? Any mod? Sorry for my bad English regards

[@onedayfarming3769]

i think its becouse of his wheel

[@meeseeksbox6548]

im trying figure out how but i give up. :(

[@onedayfarming3769]

did you try letting it go

[@meeseeksbox6548]

OneDayFarming but how. I have the g29. I know that is not the best wheel out there. But even with sensibility at maximum I don't get that wheel vibrate like that

[@onedayfarming3769]

try going into the settings and search for force feedback in the game

[@shakhuskj9534]

It'd be pretty cool if I replace my pc power on button with this

[@MrCrazyhollander]

I would love that, do you know how bro?

[@shakhuskj9534]

@@MrCrazyhollander I've seen some people do similar stuff.I have to look into how the above ignition works first.I replaced my power button with a horn from a tuk tuk because my power button broke

[@zachster435]

Would be so cool how to wire a parking brake like in American trucks seems so complicated.

[@mattnev8625]

There’s a program called sv mapper I think. Let’s your toggle switches work how they would in a real car.

[@amstudioprojects]

Thanks Matt, I'll check it out.

[@rontourage7384]

Very nice!

[@szkielecik20]

Awesome but if I want to use accessories then I just need to use another blue cable right?

[@daemon3spade]

So the First position(latching before momentary) on the Key switch does not activate the electronics? You still have to 1st turn the momentary then 2nd turn to start engine?

[@merpmerp9590]

Niceeee vid otw to realism

[@mkperformance5353]

Good video ! 👋🏻👌🏻

[@georgekyle7906]

In most trucks its ignition with the key, then hold a button. At least the older petes