Build a C-172 Flight Sim Switch Panel #23

Today we'll be constructing the Cessna 172 Switch Panel.
We'll be using a custom key/lock to rotary switch mechanism and a lot of 3D Printed Parts.
🛒Buy Kit: captainbobsim....
🛒Buy Assembled: captainbobsim....
Email me [e-mail] if you have any troubles!
THINGIVERSE FILES:
🔗Circuit Breakers: www.thingivers...
🔗Starter Key Assy: www.thingivers...
🔗ENGRAVE/2D/3D Switch Panel Files: www.thingivers...
🔗NEW!!! Steve's Dual Switch: www.thingivers...
🔗(CURRENTLY TAKEN DOWN) Jay737 Dual Switch: www.thingivers...
Unfortunately, Jay737 took down the dual switch as of now. Luckily I am licensed by him to sell it, so opened up a product here: captainbobsim....
🔗(Not Mine) AllanGlen Inspiration: www.thingivers...
⚠Notice burnt ABS can be toxic, use plexiglass instead⚠
📦Small Toggle Sw (cheaper, for Dual Switch): ebay.us/q8f5QZ or ebay.us/W2XtP8 or ebay.us/AcI5JU or ebay.us/RlFg9g
📦Real Aircraft Circuit Breakers: www.aircraftsp...
📦Defender Drawer Key: www.amazon.com...
📦12 Position Switch: ebay.us/BOdbsi or ebay.us/MilLSd
📦5 Position Switch: ebay.us/lDlOQF or ebay.us/4tdkWq
📦Spring (or get assortment): ebay.us/mI3bXk
📦M3 6mm Set Screws: ebay.us/jCj5la
📦Cessna Keychain: shopcessnagift...
📦Shipping "Paper Label": www.amazon.com...
📦Arduino Pro Micro: ebay.us/fYAflJ
📦Large Toggle Switches: ebay.us/aGA3zB or ebay.us/d21KEN
📦Rustoleum Dark Gray Paint: ebay.us/dPRTRG
📦White Paint Marker: ebay.us/hVT0A5
Always look for better deals
📌Link to Panel Reference Image (Not Mine): live.staticfli...
Fonts Used/Recommended:
🔡News Gothic Font: fontsgeek.com/...
🔡Helvetica Font: freefontsfamil...
🔡Bahnschrift Font: fontsgeek.com/...
​
Free downloads: ▶ github.com/Cap...
​👉Visit the Website: captainbobsim.com
Support the Cessna 172 Project/Channel on Patreon or PayPal:
▶ / captain_bob
▶ www.paypal.com...
▶ captain-bob.cr...
▶ www.amazon.com...
#Cessna172sdays #flightsim #simulator
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PATREON ▶ / captain_bob
STORE ▶ captainbobsim.c...
PODCAST ▶ captainbobsim.c...
MERCH ▶ captain-bob.cr...
THINGIVERSE ▶ www.thingivers...
RESOURCES ▶ captainbobsim.c...
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SUBSCRIBE ▶ / @captainbobsim
INSTAGRAM ▶ / captainbobsim
DISCORD ▶ / discord
EMAIL ▶ [e-mail]
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You can get a Laser Cut Altimeter Motives Panel Here: altimetermotiv...
(Note, at the time of writing, the panel only item is not compatible with the Cessna 172 Project)
💻PC Specs: AMD Ryzen 7 5800X 8 Core CPU, 32 GB RAM, 500GB SSD, 3 TB HDD, R9 290 GPU
Thank you to everyone who has helped support this project.
This week I got 1% better at not rushing releases. You'll notice it was 3 days late, but I personally think it got 8 days better.
* * * *
Disclaimer:
As an eBay Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. There is NO EXTRA COST to you.
I am but a wee human being. You are too! [usually] As a mortal, you are responsible for your safety. To avoid injury or death, do not attempt to match the time-lapse speed shown in the video.

[@noneNone-mw1px]

thank you capt. you are such an amazing person. teaching us without any mean. thank you again

[@CaptainBobSim]

You are very welcome, Happy Landings!!

[@noneNone-mw1px]

@@CaptainBobSim actually I just arrived from airport. for my renewal

[@CaptainBobSim]

@@noneNone-mw1px I hope it went well!

[@SimilAir]

Hey Cap I’m loved this video, totally amazing. I had no idea you could create stuff in fusion that had parameter adjustment. That takes it to a whole other level. Real clever work buddy.

[@CaptainBobSim]

Glad you liked it! Parameters have blown the simulator out of the water, I really want to increase my use of them, so anyone can fit the sim to their needs. Happy Landings, SimilAir!!

[@sprint955st]

I made one then realised it was far too small. This has been super helpful…thanks

[@CaptainBobSim]

Good to hear it helped

[@CessSim]

Great stuff mate. Love it...

[@CaptainBobSim]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@davidjh7]

Hey, Trevor---saw a good deal on the pushbutton thermal circuit breakers---all 15A, like the one you have, but it would be a fairly simple matter to wipe off the inked numbering, then print the appropriate label on decal stock (decals, like model airplane type). If you want, I'll even be willing to buy you seven of them for your panel. Message me if you are interested. I'm always impressed with how professionally you approach, and truly engineer your project, and have a plan, and good methodology. You are definitely going far in life!

[@CaptainBobSim]

Hello David!! I'd love to try it :) Send me an email at [e-mail] - Thank you for your kind words!

[@WAppels-sc6wy]

Hey capt, could you be able to give me a model number on that black switch please. Great job.

[@CaptainBobSim]

The rotary switch is a SP12T rotary switch, it's a pretty generic part so match the images to the video The dual switches are here: captainbobsim.com/product/master-avionics-switch/

[@WAppels-sc6wy]

@@CaptainBobSim thank you I did find the rotary switch in a 5 pos 30⁰ config I just couldnt find those toggle switches but I got similar ones that I will just adjust for, Thank you! Have a nice day.

[@natervaternone2020]

Literally can do all this with a tablet and sim dashboard or touch portal if physical space is an issue or money is tight If you want to make a physical board, check out your library. Most have 3d printers you can use. Most electrical stores sell these switches for super cheap or in bulk. His layout is nice and the key is creative for sure but for those of us who are more fiscally minded, you can easily source all this for super cheap. Also, Etsy sellers have decals you can get for super easy labeling that look awesome

[@CaptainBobSim]

You are correct! You can use a tablet if you are fine without having the feel. The main idea with these videos is to show you how to build them so you can make your own, and if you prefer to have my kit that has everything just right that is an option for those who value convenience. Profit from switch panels goes into developing simulator parts and support my endeavor in making flight simulator plans accessible/free for everyone! I am curious what your etsy sources are, I would be interested in trying them out.

[@natervaternone2020]

@@CaptainBobSim my.comment keeps getting deleted but hit me up and I can send you a link to the decals I bought for mine

[@CaptainBobSim]

​@@natervaternone2020That's weird it's getting deleted, I've heard of people having problems with my comment section for some reason. My email is [e-mail] if you want to send the link. Cheers!!

[@alexgal7817]

You are amazing! Very cool ideas!

[@CaptainBobSim]

I'm glad you like them Alex!

[@alexgal7817]

@@CaptainBobSim Can this also work on Xbox one?

[@CaptainBobSim]

@@alexgal7817 Unfortunately not as far as I know because X-Box is a more locked down system.

[@Unknown-on3vy]

Thats so cool.! And you explain everything you do which is really good 👍 can’t wait for next week.. cya

[@CaptainBobSim]

Thanks Bosse! You're the best :)

[@Jarbas15]

Very Nice!! 👍👍👍

[@CaptainBobSim]

Thank you :)

[@MostlyPosative-nj5ex]

I would have just used a rotary encoder for the key switch. I like that you’re going for a genuine feel though.

[@CaptainBobSim]

That's true! You could use a rotary encoder I was just worried about losing the zero position. A potentiometer also works if you wantt to keep the zero position and don't mind there not being clicks.

[@cflin4637]

I do mind. I can't imagine being satisfied without clicks. Haha

Amazing! TKS captain Bob.

[@CaptainBobSim]

Glad you like it!

[@cesarojopi6658]

NICE WORK

[@CaptainBobSim]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@cesarojopi6658]

@@CaptainBobSim hope we could talk some day, i try to make the same work you do here on my city.

[@CaptainBobSim]

I'd love to chat with you cesar! You can email [e-mail] if you'd like

[@Greazer]

Good job captain

[@CaptainBobSim]

Thank you!

[@chrisybradshaw8594]

Hi Captain Bob I've a a switch Saitek panel also 2x throttle quadrants amongst other gadgets s there anyway one can separate the start sequence so I can start one engine at a time ,instead of both starting when when turning the key on a twin engine sim ,thanks for your vids , there amazing

[@CaptainBobSim]

You should be able to use a "magneto 1" instead of just "magneto" event hubhop.mobiflight.com/presets/

[@chrisybradshaw8594]

its a pity Logitech dont make a two key switch panel, make it more realistic it would,i cant even contact them for there opinion as dont have an email it seems

[@CaptainBuzzBee]

Great project. I'm looking to make or buy a panel for the A2A Accusim Commanche

[@CaptainBobSim]

That sounds like a wonderful project! I do custom work over the summers if you are wanting a custom one, but let me know if you have any questions if you want to make your own!

[@letsdiyeverything8010]

Nice work man! Really looks great and would certainly add a much more realistic feel and look to any sim. I have the Logitech switch panel right now, but would honestly prefer to build something like this, as all my hours logged are in a 172. I’m currently working on a 100mm remix of Vince_prints throttle setup. (If you haven’t seen it it’s definitely worth a watch) plan to build a radio stack next! Love it, I hope you keep ‘em coming!

[@CaptainBobSim]

That sounds like an awesome plan! I like Vince's video, it seems like an awesome build!

[@effetspastresspeciaux1473]

Hello, great job, really AMAZING! but could you send the text file you burned please? Also, do you think I could print these texts with a vinyl cutter? (hope you understood me, I use a translator)

[@CaptainBobSim]

I already did, check the description, it's in the thingiverse link files

[@effetspastresspeciaux1473]

@@CaptainBobSim ok thank you 🙂👍

[@CaptainBobSim]

I have heard of some problems with compression, so let me know if the image quality is not good enough!

[@CaptainBobSim]

Using a vinyl cutter might be difficult with such small text. Probably not impossible :) Might consider doing a few test cuts.

[@XPlorePilots]

good job ;-)

[@CaptainBobSim]

Thank you!

[@Physics_Zone1]

Can you tell me what lock for the key are you using

[@michaelscott6669]

Im assuming all buttons have ground wires. How do you connect them to the arduino when the board only has 4?

[@officialspy4799]

Button Matrix, connect everything to one cable that feeds directly into a Ground port, I use the GRD on the analog side

[@EA3IUE]

Really a great job! About the laser cut ABS, with which equipment did you cut and engrave it (two different lasers?).

[@CaptainBobSim]

Hello Stefano! One laser engraver, with 2 different power settings and 2 different setups.

[@EA3IUE]

@@CaptainBobSim which model, if you can share? I am building a similar project, and I tried to make some experiments (just about engraving) with the laser from Creality Ender 3, but its power is way too low.

[@CaptainBobSim]

This video helped: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYjamneknc-EotE&ab_channel=TheWarthogProject You want a fairly powerful laser, at least enough to burn off the plastic from a 3D printed piece (I included the STLs and SVGs in the thingiverse link).

[@gaigesmith9674]

So what do you do as far as programming and getting it to work with X-Plane

[@CaptainBobSim]

Hello! I have the file here: captainbobsim.com/product/the-cessna-172-project-files/ in this folder: \The-Cessna-172-Project-V3\Section 2A - Analog Panel\Analog Switch Panel\MobiFlight & Wiring To do it yourself you'd just follow the instructions but do it in X-Plane DataRef not in FSUIPC

[@narmishanair]

Hi capt! May I know what is the length and height of the switch panel?

[@CaptainBobSim]

13.5ish by 3.5 ish inches Here's some more dimensions: github.com/CaptainBobSim/The-Cessna-172-Project-V3/blob/main/Section%202A%20-%20Analog%20Panel/Analog%20Switch%20Panel/Drawings%20and%20Templates/2A-3-000%20Switch%20Panel%20Assy%20Drawing%20v2.pdf

[@M4biz-g3d]

Hi. I'm very interested to your project but I havn't understood how you have printed white texts. May you explain to me ?

[@CaptainBobSim]

I assume you are talking about the lettering and not the decals? I paint a white piece of material gray then laser etch the letters off using a CO2 laser engraver.

[@FlightSim2703]

Brawo Captain,I'm glad you're still active on your projects, it looks awesome, and very much professional, I'm still thinking if I could build my compass one of these days, I'm using simvim for my order gauges, but can't giguere out abut compass wiring, and requirements for simvim 🤔

[@CaptainBobSim]

I'm not familiar with SimVim, but this might be of help? kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJS1eYSkm8aIoLc

[@jmlmo35]

Can anyone tell me where I can download for free, high resolution quadrant instrument gauges for printing ? As it is for decoration purposes, I would like a 60's or 70's cockpit panel (without screen avionics - just round intrument gauges). My panel Will have 70 cms length. There's an important detail: the instrument gauge cannot have the pointer. Just the layout or the raw quadrant.

[@nextgameis1229]

I noticed your kit comes with 2 different toggle switches. How much smaller are the blues vs the ones you used in the video?

[@CaptainBobSim]

The blue ones are quite a bit smaller - I'd recommend using the two different types, it feels much more realistic to have the large toggles for the switches.

[@nextgameis1229]

@@CaptainBobSim copy that, thank you. Also, do you have an idea of what thickness of acrylic panel would be sturdy enough? Also, amazing work and documentation you've put into this.

[@CaptainBobSim]

@@nextgameis1229 Hi! I've used 3mm acrylic. You could go for something thicker (5mm maybe?) but you'd have to match the thickness with the rest of the panel. Also no guarantees the key will fit with thicker than 3mm acrylic.

[@nextgameis1229]

@@CaptainBobSim I tried 3mm and went ahead and cracked it a little haha. I'm going to keep working with this one for now, but I also ordered a panel from your shop for the future.

[@CaptainBobSim]

@@nextgameis1229 Awesome!! I'm actually shipping it out today :)

[@Gaming-OPA]

I am so amazed by your skills. Excellent job. How about a video on how you make these 3d parts. You keep saying you designed this and that. How the heck do you do that?

[@CaptainBobSim]

Great suggestion! I did a series about CADing the Simulator, and that shows a lot of my "Large scale techniques", perhaps a video on smaller objects would be good. As for how I design it- a rough sketch then a lot of trial and error :)

[@tuuta123]

Is there any way to 3D print the panel base?

[@CaptainBobSim]

I'll add it to the dev list - It'd need to be split down the middle.

[@skeletumart4498]

Просто галетный переключатель. это оказалось очень банально. Тем более такой очень редкий и сложно покупаемый.

[@CaptainBobSim]

I'm sorry to hear these are difficult to source! I tried to use the most common ones - maybe you could find some in an appliance/hardware store?

[@tuuta123]

where did you get the avionics and master switches covers

[@CaptainBobSim]

Unfortunately, Jay737 took down the dual switch as of now. I purchased the license to manufacture these, so opened up a product here: captainbobsim.com/product/master-avionics-switch/

[@tuuta123]

@@CaptainBobSim thank you

[@tomaszach]

Hello, what type of switch do you have

[@CaptainBobSim]

Hi! A community member made the dual switch - it is now in the GitHub: github.com/CaptainBobSim/The-Cessna-172-Project-V3 (Possibly under standalone)

[@russellparker6144]

What laser cutter did you use?

[@CaptainBobSim]

I used my schools Full Spectrum Laser - but I would not recommend it! This will just barely fit on a K40 laser, but make sure you do your research on ventilation to do so safely. thewarthogproject.com/k40-laser-engraver

[@Donity]

Ayo Cap, think I could find some company that'd laser cut for me? Hopefully kinda cheap :D

[@CaptainBobSim]

I'll do it - email me [e-mail] It's a fairly adnormal process, so some companies might not want to do it (or not get it right) If you don't like me 🤪 you can google "Laser cutters near me" and make sure to be clear about the process and what materials/paint you'd want (or even paint and buy the material yourself)

[@Donity]

@@CaptainBobSim Thank you! I would love to make custom parts but I can't afford to invest in laser cutters and 3d printers. Will consider options :)

[@widly4759]

How to connect this to my simulator?

[@CaptainBobSim]

There's a second video - check the video

[@widly4759]

@@CaptainBobSim link please

[@CaptainBobSim]

​@@widly4759KZbin search "Switch Panel Configuration Captain Bob" I'm too lazy to give a link

[@acirinelli]

I glued my key in so it doesn't get pulled out and lost

[@CaptainBobSim]

That's a great idea!

[@xxfranek]

how do i wire? how do i learn arduino )))):

[@CaptainBobSim]

Check out the next video in the series #24!

[@JarppaGuru]

2:02 im sad where my comment xD

[@CaptainBobSim]

Oops!! xD

[@quicklearner1454]

ARDUINO CODE ?

[@CaptainBobSim]

In a few days 👍 Ring the bell!

[@quicklearner1454]

ok 6 time watch this video

[@CaptainBobSim]

Here you go: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6C9d4uDh5aNh6s

[@yummy9731]

Hello this is a worker from KZbin and we must demonize this video due to your language at the beginning

[@CaptainBobSim]

🤑😨🤬

[@Jarbas15]

😂😂