Cheap DIY Button Box for ATS & ETS2

Hello everyone welcome back. I hope all is well. I really enjoy American Truck Simulator and Euro Truck Simulator 2. I spend just as much time on my rig as I do actually playing sims. I'm always at odds as to which is more fun. I wanted to build a new button box and I felt that the USB encoder would be the easiest route. So stick around and see how you can build your own button box for cheap. I spent just a little over $30 on amazon and I was able to create this slick and functional button box that can be used with all kinds of sims. You even end up with an ignition switch to step up your immersion.
The following links below are affiliate links. Using these links helps me a earn a small commission and are of no cost to you. These small contributions are what helps me keep my channel going so I can provide videos like this. Thank you.
20 pack momentary push buttons
amzn.to/3S2i2l7
USB Encoder
amzn.to/3IsHKek
2 wire ignition switch
amzn.to/48yGP7G
Make sure to pick up American Truck Simulator
store.steampowered.com/app/27...
Make sure to pick up Euro Truck Simulator
store.steampowered.com/app/22...
Subscribe to for the latest updates and news on ATS and ETS2
I use Opentrack for my headtracking
github.com/opentrack/opentrack
Web cam for Opentrack
Logitech C270 HD 720p Webcam - amzn.to/3SFoDnf
The following links below are affiliate links. Using these links helps me a earn a small commission and are of no cost to you. These small contributions are what helps me keep my channel going so I can provide videos like this. Thank you.
PC
3x Sceptre 24" Curved LED monitors - amzn.to/3O4syra
Gigabyte A320M - amzn.to/3O6Fs7K
Ryzen 5 1600 - amzn.to/3U3ISvW
Corsair Vengeance 16gb ddr4 - amzn.to/3SlZZb8
XFX RX 580 8gb - amzn.to/3u19jba
Western Digital Black NVME SSD - amzn.to/48Yyudb
Kindle Fire HD 7" for SimHub Dashboards - amzn.to/49lMoX7
2 x DIY Button box
G29 Wheel & Shifter - amzn.to/4blYPUA
American Truck Simulator setup
American Truck Simulator DIY
Euro Truck Simulator Setup
Euro Truck Simulator DIY
#trucksimulator #americantrucksimulator #eurotrucksimulator2 #logitechg29 #scssoftware #trucksim #diysim #kenworth #peterbuilt #westernstar #macktrucks #ats #ets2 #k100e #diysim

[@christian-yg9vy]

This is epic! Im Gonna do this too! Im too Broke for a super button box to drive a truck!

[@CRaySimTrucking]

This is a great affordable option for any driving sim. Send me a picture when you build yours. I would love to see it.

[@abelmendoza9980]

This is great, just ordered supplies and working on this over the weekend

[@luisrodriguez6609]

I just ordered everything. Going to give it a try

[@CRaySimTrucking]

Have fun if you have any questions feel free to ask. I'm happy to help.

[@luisrodriguez6609]

@@CRaySimTrucking thank you. I’ll send you what it looks like once I’m done. Says all the items arrive on Saturday the 17th so I’m hoping I can get it done by the following day. Thank you for this video and tutorial.

[@CRaySimTrucking]

@@luisrodriguez6609 Absolutely buddy. I look forward to seeing it. Happy Trucking!

[@ryanlawrence1764]

I wanna build one but I want 30+ functions.... Don't see the point of having numerous boxes and then also don't wanna have to still use the key board aswell.

[@CRaySimTrucking]

@@ryanlawrence1764 They make all kinds of encoders. If you look into the Leo Bodnar boards they provide what you are looking for. The BBI-32 would be right up your alley.

[@pinoydiy8384]

Nice cockpit❤❤❤

[@CRaySimTrucking]

Thank you for those kind words. i appreciate it

[@BekoPharm]

Like these. I've two similar ones that register as "CY-822A". They can be tweaked for some potentiometer (4 axes at least) with a very easy hardware hack. Also team OpenTrack 🤝

[@CRaySimTrucking]

opentrack all the way. I really enjoy all the peripherals. Ill have to look into the potentiometers.

[@BekoPharm]

@@CRaySimTrucking wrote about that on my blog some time ago. There may even be video on the channel but my memory may play tricks on me 😅

[@RaysSim]

nice video bud

[@CRaySimTrucking]

Thanks brother.

[@thesimguy9898]

thinking of making one for Farming Sim 22

[@user-pg7mf9of5g]

How did you set up your video to display across 3 monitors. That is cool. Great video\

[@CRaySimTrucking]

You can edit the configuration file to allow multi monitor gaming.

[@granola9719]

not seen the video yet, but i think i will make one for my flight sim for DCS

[@CRaySimTrucking]

You flight sim cats have some of the coolest peripherals. I just found a full keyboard encoder that I may build a button box from. 88 buttons available.

[@SurfwidowBeaumont]

It is a fun project I actually would like to try. I have plywood and a tracksaw and buttons are important on Trucksims :) My only real gripe is a second hand streamdeck probably comes in at a similar price? And you do not have to do it nor worry about faulty goods? And it is useful when not 'trukin'' :) For looking around in the real world without (being disconnected from it say for streaming) VR get a TrackIR.

[@CRaySimTrucking]

I have thought about trackIR. I like opentrack and have been really curious how much better trackIR would be.

[@SurfwidowBeaumont]

@@CRaySimTrucking have had TrackIr for 12 years still going strong works with everything easy to use get that seriously! For a single monitor best investment you would ever make!

[@cgarzs]

Was this originally a live stream or something? Cool product, looks nice and easy to setup, but vid is like 10 times longer than ideal.

[@CRaySimTrucking]

Lol nope not a live stream. Just on the fly and posted just after it was finished. No real editing to show in real time the build from start to finish.

[@cgarzs]

@@CRaySimTrucking Nice, my kind of editing workload lol. Oh and thanks for introducing the device. I had no idea such simple and easy solutions were even an option. I can always use more buttons, but suck at soldering, so those will be ideal.

[@CRaySimTrucking]

@@cgarzs The encoders really make it simple. The added bonus is they are pretty cheap and just work. I hope to see your build one day. If you put one together shoot me a picture.

[@iam_ScarWolve]

About to say that. Need a label on bottom box

[@CRaySimTrucking]

I need to work on a template. Ill see if I can put something together that could be printed and either put behind plexi or glued over the top.

[@afterlife3515]

For the camera tracking, is that TrackIR?

[@CRaySimTrucking]

I'm using open track and a webcam

[@winteronice]

Me playing on the SteamDeck; Inneed this, but smaller, way smaller.

[@CRaySimTrucking]

you can find micro switches and buttons of all kinds of sizes. With the encoder you would make a button box pretty small

[@winteronice]

I'm going to try for sure.

[@CRaySimTrucking]

@@winteronice Awesome feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

[@send2artem]

what's all on the tablet on the right of the screen?

[@CRaySimTrucking]

That is a dashboard running on simhub. You can find it at racedepartment . It's called ATS/ETS2 Button Dash - THE ORIGINAL v2.1.1

[@martygenska8117]

I did not catch it, but what did you do to fix it so it recognized your new box?

[@CRaySimTrucking]

At the top of the controller screen you need to click one of the drop downs and make sure the device is selected. I hadn't done that.

[@martygenska8117]

Thanks. I think I had the same issue when I installed my 923 Wheel. I ordered parts to do my own box and they should be here sometime next week. Thanks for helping get started.

[@CRaySimTrucking]

@@martygenska8117 it's my pleasure. Enjoy the new project. If you have any questions feel free to shoot me a comment.

[@thesimguy9898]

What PC program do you need for windows please ???

[@CRaySimTrucking]

These encoders are plug and play. They will show as a USB joystick and should be recognized as a controller on your PC.

[@thesimguy9898]

thank you @@CRaySimTrucking

[@eh8462]

Are you using track ir?

[@CRaySimTrucking]

No I'm just using open track and my webcam.

[@alph4rdnk328]

If i buy a cheap controller can it hurt the pc

[@CRaySimTrucking]

Anything is possible but I'm my experience poorly made products are more likely to cause issues. With that being said cheap isn't always bad. A encoder can be had for pretty cheap. Game resale shops are a good place to look for older controllers. Xbox360 to current are compatible if they are USB. Same goes for PlayStation. Any generic USB controller like the cheap Logitech ones will work also. USB number pads are a popular option also.

[@ethankuijers1201]

Why do you sit in the middle of the truck and why are your do you have electricity and normal mirrors

[@CRaySimTrucking]

The t680 comes equiped that way. As far as the center of the truck that may be due to the prospective

[@SIMRIG412]

With all of this you think you would buy a real wheel and pedal setup. Just saying

[@CRaySimTrucking]

I'm pretty content with the g29 for now. I may get an adapter and add a real wheel but that's about it. I don't crank ffb I think I'm at maybe 55-60%. The moza setup looks good if I were to upgrade that would be one I would consider. I'm more diy driven so at the end of the day I may just make my own wheel.