Flight Simulator Switch Panel 2.0 DIY Project

Hey guys, in this video I will show you how I built my switch panel 2.0. I'm not a real pilot, this was a fun project and works very well with the new Microsoft Flight Simulator, X-plane, and FSX. The buttons and knobs can be assigned to any available function in the Simulator and not just the ones demonstrated in the video. It is also compatible with FSUIPC. For a list of the part and tools that I used, please see the links below.
Circuit Diagram: www.dropbox.co...
Code: www.dropbox.co...
Parts & Tools used:
Teensy 4.1 (Without Pins) - amzn.to/3k2yjH1
Male and Female Pin Headers - amzn.to/38Z74XD
SPDT 2 Position 3 Pin ON/ON Switch - amzn.to/3E9H0qX
Rocker Switch 6 Pins 2 Position ( for Master Batt) - amzn.to/3EaWz1S
Mini Toggle Switch - amzn.to/2XiT1dh
5 Way Rotary Switch - amzn.to/3z2P0qi
Momentary Toggle Switch - amzn.to/3A3V96V
Push Button Switch - amzn.to/2XcsIEZ
3 Position Toggle switch (for Taxi/Landing lights) - amzn.to/2X83Y0L
360 Degree Rotary Encoder with Push Button - amzn.to/3z19KOT
Dual Encoder kit with switch - www.propwashsi...
Digital Soldering Iron Station Kit - amzn.to/3z6dFKt
24 Gauge Silicone Electric Wire - amzn.to/2X7x4NO
Wire Stripper and Cutter - amzn.to/3lent0a
Clear Plastic Display Box - amzn.to/3E7L2QS
Fader Variable Resistors - amzn.to/3C5OGJk
82 Ohm Resistors - amzn.to/3nDd3tV
Green LEDs - amzn.to/3C1y05n
Yellow LEDs - amzn.to/3hrfrjh
Small PCB Board (for micro computer) - amzn.to/3C4M0eI
Large PCB Board (for components) - amzn.to/3AgwWtS
Plastic Dowel Rods - amzn.to/2VEAdV6
Step Drill Bit Set - amzn.to/3tG1Zgn
Solder Wick & Desoldering Pump - amzn.to/3C1ylVH
Black and Decker Power drill - amzn.to/2VzZpMr
Silhouette Portrait 3 - amzn.to/3C66ROH
Craft Vinyl Weeding Tools Set - amzn.to/3hpO7BV
Music by: www.epidemicso...
Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored video.
Instagram: @jno_builds_it
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#switchpanel #flightsimulator #flightsim #diyprojects #funprojects #aviation #aviationlovers #msfs2020 #microsoftflightsimulator #flightsimdiy #flightsimpanel #fsuipc #mobiflight #arduino #teensy #flightsimswitchpanel #diy

[@thomasinlondon2849]

Nice clear layout with good functionality. A very good design, thank you for sharing with everyone, you're a very kind gentleman.

[@banane7139]

Jno builds: „ cuts everything perfectly and make everything's perfect” me: uses old soldering iron to melt plastic from lunch box/ little plastic box and hot glue to glue it ”

[@jnobuildsit1177]

🤣🤣...hey what ever works right 👊🏽😎

[@banane7139]

@@jnobuildsit1177 yeah if it works 😅😅👊🏾

[@luxincognita]

I'm starting to build a very simple panel of my own, just to control some electrical stuff, lights and a simple autopilot system. I will definitely make use of some of your tips for my project. Congratulations, yours is just awesome!

[@jnobuildsit1177]

Thank you, Lucas 👊🏽😎. That sounds awesome.

[@Paradyski]

Excellent job. I am planning to do a simple panel with toggle switches for lights system. Wish me good luck lol

[@m.l.5284]

You are creating nice and clean panels. Definitely better looking then my DIY panels. However, I'd still recommend to look into designing your own PCBs and solder switches, LEDS and Arduino onto the PCB, avoiding a lot of cables, and getting a much thinner box. I mean, one large custom PCB, connecting everything, instead of many small PCBs, that need cables to connect to each other.

[@K14gold]

I've build a similar but smaller box. Good job.😁

[@jnobuildsit1177]

Thx bro!!

[@Shawncapaine]

Bro, that is a solid build bro!

[@jnobuildsit1177]

Thanks bro! This one was fun and challenging.

[@tracer0017]

What is black removable vinyl? Is there any chance you could do a video on how to show more detail about doing the white and black layers? I watched your other video on this and have no idea how you did it. In this video the panel was off to the left side already cut out and the white lettering. Then you showed putting down the white back ground then you peeled something off. BUt if the white lettering was already on the panel why do it again? And what did you peel off? Thanks for the inspiration.

[@tomdchi12]

Lots of excellent elements and overall great build! Using the vinyl cutter to that great looking black-over-white layout looks great. Definitely interested to see how you did that! Particularly for a big sheet, I would be worried about how all the fine details would hold up as the backer came off and then how to get it down on the white layer without wrinkles. A video on how you did it so well would help! Thanks for sharing!

[@jnobuildsit1177]

Thank you Thamas! 👊🏽😎 It works great, and I use it every time I fly. The vinyl cutter saved me such time. I have a video on showing how I did it. Check out the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/boe2knqpnKp-ibM

[@marklazarus1356]

Отличная работа, аккуратно и с вкусом

[@ksp1278]

Excellent work. Very impressive

[@jnobuildsit1177]

Thank you! 👊🏽😎

[@danielmartinsson899]

Great build!

[@jnobuildsit1177]

Thank you! 👊🏽😎.

[@sizzla1976]

Cuz, you are a genius !!!!

[@jnobuildsit1177]

Thanks cuz, to God be the glory 👊🏽😎💯

[@braitebrina5148]

so cool, i would love to use a lot of switches panels to fly p51 mustang in dcs.

[@RBurwell]

Awesome build. I've always wanted to do something like this.

[@jnobuildsit1177]

Thank you! Let me know if you do.

[@WeekdayWeekend]

I'd love to see more detail on how to get things working with the microcomputer

[@jnobuildsit1177]

Check out some of my other videos.

[@Luis-TioZaoDoFS]

Wonderfull job, I love it! Congratulations!!!😁

[@tensevo]

brilliant

[@def4175]

Brilliant!!

[@jnobuildsit1177]

Thank you so much!!

[@toddrf4058]

That was great!

[@BekoPharm]

Very well done 👏. I had no idea that such a thing like a vinyl cutter exists. Looks like a good compromise between final looks and costs. Also kudos for the test flight. I read and played enough by now so I could follow what was going on and even make sense of the used aviation terms. Feeling a lil proud of myself now 😁

[@jnobuildsit1177]

@Beko Pharm thank you for the support! The vinyl cutter works wonders and always gives such a clean look. I enjoyed that flight test a lot. I use my box every time I fly and it add so much to the immersion. Kudos to you for taking the steps to learn more about aviation...happy flying 👊🏽😎.

[@BekoPharm]

@@jnobuildsit1177 That sure is another rabbit hole - alas I'll stick with my space pew pew :D With my own panel and head tracking, of course ;)

[@jnobuildsit1177]

@@BekoPharm lol 😆

[@Snugggg]

very surprised your vinyl cutter can do that fine detail lettering. can you do a video on just that part?

[@jnobuildsit1177]

I'm using a silhouette cutter and yes it is very accurate. I can certainly do a video on that part.

[@Snugggg]

@@jnobuildsit1177 Thanks! I've been trying to find a way of making nice clean panels like yours without having to get a laser cutter or CNC machine. I've looked at a few vinyl plotters but so many people saying they can't do small lettering, but you've proven they can! would love to know the model of cutter, software and settings you used. Thanks again! keep making videos!

[@jnobuildsit1177]

@@Snugggg you're very welcome. I used the Silhouette Portrait 2. The link is in the video description.

[@SVSunnyJim]

Incredible work, I would really enjoy a project like that.

[@jnobuildsit1177]

@SVSunnyJim thank you!

[@_jonesdesigns_]

Flawless work 🙌🏾

[@jnobuildsit1177]

👊🏽😎 thank you!!

[@SunnySunGER]

Awesome work! I wonder why you keep the fuel pump ON (9:51). Actually and AFAIK you need it just for a few seconds before ignition. It is crying for mercy all the time ;-)

[@jnobuildsit1177]

@SunnySunGER thank you for the support. Lol, still in the learning process. I have noticed that some people wait until after take off to turn off the fuel pump and then turn it back on when on final. Thanks for the knowledge. 👍🏽

[@SunnySunGER]

@@jnobuildsit1177 Many 172s like the modern with G1000 are fuel injected. On a carbureted model, you prime by pumping the primer between 2 and 5 times. On a fuel injected model, you prime by running the fuel pump for about 3 to 5 seconds with the mixture open. Keep up the great work man, love it.

[@jnobuildsit1177]

@@SunnySunGER thank you for the advice 💯 👊🏽😎

[@andrewhardie8138]

Awesome :)

[@ichthusstudios3585]

Great Job!

[@jnobuildsit1177]

Thank you and thanks for watching 👊🏽😎

[@emmanueljesus8053]

The next one you can build is the complet vc pannel and buttons and roratories

[@charliemancuso5690]

Really enjoyed the video. great work. Leo Bodnar boards?

[@jnobuildsit1177]

Thank you @Charlie Mancuso 👊🏽😎. I used a Teensy board and electro cookie breadboards.

[@franciscocasimir422]

Amazing !!!

[@jnobuildsit1177]

Thanks cuz!!

[@TospolFoto]

Good work 👍😀👍😀

[@jnobuildsit1177]

Thank you @Tospol HP

[@nathangehman7018]

Btw leaded solder does sound scary, and you definitely don't want to breathe it in or ingest it (which you already shouldn't be ingesting it and should be soldering in a well ventilated area), but other than that it's not really dangerous. And it typically is of a much higher quality, making better joints. Obviously you don't have to and maybe you would rather not risk it, especially if you don't have access to the level of ventilation you would like, but a lot of people think leaded solder is a lot more dangerous than it actually is. Look into it more if you are hesitant; I don't like to blindly trust safety info from the internet without looking into it further either so no offense would be taken lol. But yeah this looks like an awesome project! I've been wanting to do something similar for a while now but have been scared I won't be able to finish the project... Mostly because I want to 3d print my button box and my 3d printer is a bit temperamental when it comes to needing any amount of precision lol... But now I'm realizing I can just make it out of wood, which will also make it look a lot nicer too!

[@jnobuildsit1177]

Thank for info. I agree that in either case the soldering should be done in a well ventilated area. I do have lead solder, but prefer to use lead free for smaller projects. Thank you for checking out the vid. I think you should go ahead and build your box, it is totally worth it. 👊🏽😎

[@nathangehman7018]

@@jnobuildsit1177 Yeah sadly I can't start one right now because I'm at college and dorm rooms don't exactly have ventilation haha but definitely I'm going to start on a button box when I get back for winter break! I can't wait to get started!

[@Flyingchef1]

Amazing work Jno!! Looks great! you gave me inspiration to make one of my own but nowhere near as good. Do you have a link of the script you used on the Teensy as iv tried the library ones and not working as good. Also do you have a clearer diagram of you wiring set up? please can you help? thanks

[@jnobuildsit1177]

Hello Joe, here is the link to the Teensy file that I use. You may have to edit it to suit your Switch Panel. www.dropbox.com/s/xuyhd37be6jp9a4/sketch_panel_2.0.ino?dl=0 I am working a wiring diagram that is more comprehensive and much clearer.

[@jnobuildsit1177]

I have added the link for the circuit diagram to the video description. Thank you for checking out my video and I'm glad to hear that I have inspired you to build your own. Let me know how it works out when yours is completed.

[@kurtjohnson8947]

Good work

[@jnobuildsit1177]

Thx bro!

[@corisco7590]

Very cool project, and nice panel layout. ...May I ask how you get to access some of the MSFS variables such as the FMS flight plan fields (the ones with the rotary encoders)? In the MSFS "controls" menu there doesn't seem to be specific variables to access those (or maybe I missed them).

[@jnobuildsit1177]

Thank you 👊🏽😎. I used the MobiFlight event files in FSUIPC. I may decide to make a video on it.

[@corisco7590]

@@jnobuildsit1177 Please, please do! :-)

[@unclealig]

how do u programm all the switches? is the Teensy controller acting as a game controller within windows, by which you can directly assig all the switches to their functions inside the flight simulator? (so no additonal software needed for programming?)

[@jnobuildsit1177]

Check out my other video where I give instructions on how to do it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5OthXiIiMt4p7csi=XZPQ_1rCipZsD-n2

[@zoeyzhang9866]

Coool!!!

[@jnobuildsit1177]

Thank you, Zoey!

[@speedbird8326]

Can you explain how you attached the vinyl with cut out lettering to the white surface on the box ?

[@jnobuildsit1177]

Yes, I used vinyl transfer paper. Step 1: Cut a piece of transfer paper about 1/2 inch larger than the removable vinyl that you want to transfer. Step 2: Remove the backing from the transfer paper, exposing the sticky side. Step 3: Carefully place the transfer paper (sticky side down) onto the removable vinyl and smooth out any air bubbles. Step 4: Remove the backing from the removable vinyl. Step 5: Place the removable vinyl onto the box sticky side down. Step 6: Remove the transfer paper. Step 7: Smooth out any excess air bubbles Here is a link to the type of transfer paper that I used: www.amazon.com/Clear-Vinyl-Transfer-Paper-Alignment/dp/B07KPC4K7W/ref=sr_1_5?crid=1K4T2AARVNO7M&dchild=1&keywords=vital+transfer+paper&qid=1633105527&sprefix=vinal+trans%2Caps%2C205&sr=8-5

[@speedbird8326]

@@jnobuildsit1177 Do you think the vinyl cutter can do very small lettering down to a size 6 font ? Thanks very much and a great project.

[@jnobuildsit1177]

@@speedbird8326 I have not tried a font that small. However, I know that the Silhouette Portrait cutter is very precise. The biggest issue with cutting letters that small is that they might peel off in the process. If you haven't already, please check out my tutorial video where I show how I cut the vinyl for my box. kzbin.info/www/bejne/boe2knqpnKp-ibM

[@servehim50]

Wow…this is incredible! What motivated you to build this?

[@jnobuildsit1177]

I have a passion for electronics, flight simulation, and building stuff. I build this switch box to enhance the experience.

[@servehim50]

@@jnobuildsit1177 that’s awesome!!!!

[@cammy9r]

I built mine as it is much easier to flip a labelled switch than to remember a keyboard combo that often requires 2 hand to press. I too have hobbies in electronics, wood/metal work and flight/space sims.

[@Ramses94420]

hello, well done, could you tell me which font do you have for write on your vinyl and keep inside letter "A" or "R" or "D"

[@jnobuildsit1177]

Hello, check out my other video kzbin.info/www/bejne/boe2knqpnKp-ibM I explain how to do it.

[@noahhellyer3186]

This is SO COOL! Can you do one for the mcdu sometime?

[@jnobuildsit1177]

Thank you Noah. I might give the a shot sometime.

[@noahhellyer3186]

@@jnobuildsit1177 ok!

[@budhwaniamit]

Can you please help me elaborate on the dual rocker switches? I have those switches and no matter what I try, I neither get the built in light nor the signal to Arduino. Appreciate any help / guidance you can provide.

[@njdnjdnjd]

Amazing project. What a great control box. Super impressed and inspired. I want to build something like this. Just wondering what is the max amount of buttons. Also want to add in throttle/mixture sliders, as I primarily fly the 152/172, in MSFS on Xbox series x. I see other use the teensy, which audrino do you recommend. Thx 🙏.

[@jnobuildsit1177]

Hello Nick, thank you for the support. I'm glad you like the video. I used a teensy 4.1 so I believe the max number of inputs are 54. However, if you use a grid pattern (not shown in this video) you can get up to 128 inputs. The number of inputs that you will need depends on the type of switches and knobs that you're using. I use my sliders for prop feather and engine mixture, but they can be assigned to whatever you want. I used the teensy because I wanted to see if it would work and to help others that already have a teensy board. I haven't tried the other Arduino boards, but I've seen videos where they work well also. I don't know which Arduino to recommend.

[@shadowtheimpure]

I wouldn't integrate my throttle quadrant into the panel, personally. You want the panel up higher and the throttle down at hand level for comfort.

[@mr.vaggelis146]

Hello Jon, I Wanna ask a question for flight simming projects like this. How do you pair led lights along with switches and not burn the usb board? and how does a breadboard help and what does it do

[@jnobuildsit1177]

Hello Mr. Vaggelis, great question. The USB (Teensy) board that I'm using has it's own 3.3VDC output which powers the LEDS and therefore will not burn out. The switches on are just simple conductors that interupt the path of current to the LEDs and do not affect thevoltage. The bread board is good for keeping your project organized and neat. It allows you to connect different components like switches, LEDs, Potentiometer (knobs) Teensy board, wires, and etc. together.

[@simtcr]

How do you integrate this with windows 10 via usb? Will this be detected as game controller ?

[@jnobuildsit1177]

I used a Teensy board and Arduino software. The links are in the description. Thank you for watching my video. 👊🏽😎

[@simtcr]

@@jnobuildsit1177 Can a esp8266 nodemcu be used instead? I know I can make it run arduino programs.

[@jnobuildsit1177]

@Simon George I have not tried using a esp8266, just the Teensy. However, since the esp8266 runs on Arduino it might work.

[@simtcr]

@@jnobuildsit1177 hope you don’t mind me asking lot of questions. To test it it works, if I simply load the program and run after connecting nodemcu to pc, should it be detected under game controller?

[@jnobuildsit1177]

@@simtcr to be honest, I do not know. I have not used the esp8266 nodemcu before. However, this link might be a good place to start. create.arduino.cc/projecthub/electropeak/getting-started-w-nodemcu-esp8266-on-arduino-ide-28184f

[@sanjithshyam]

Hello! I'm 15, and for a school project, wanna make something like this. Could I get in touch with you for more guidance because this video is kinda too fast for me?

[@banane7139]

What are the prices for the curcuit. i use mobiflight for the setups i just made some led that goes on if you active lights in the chessna 152 in msfs

[@jnobuildsit1177]

Check out this video, the link to the cutter is in the Bio. kzbin.info/www/bejne/boe2knqpnKp-ibM

[@Sou1Daddy]

Hello great project I am looking to build my own and have ordered parts I was looking at your diagram and I cannot work out what switches are what, I was wondering if yo could put the switch types in the diagram? also would an Arduino micro work instead of Teensy? thanks in advance.

[@fanflynorcal]

Thanks for posting this video! I am trying to follow along and have 2 questions 1, what dual encoder are you using? Can you share the link for purchase? 2, how did you map the buttons to G1000 in MSFS20? I cannot find any key bindings for g1000 in msfs20

[@jnobuildsit1177]

@fz_kpao thanks for watching my video. 1. The link to the Dual encoder kit is in the description. 2. Checkout my video on how to setup the key binding. kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5OthXiIiMt4p7c

[@No1sonuk]

300F on the soldering iron? I doubt that's F. You'd need at least 420F to use lead free solder. It's more likely 300 C that you used.

[@jnobuildsit1177]

@No1sonuk you're correct, the temperature is in Celsius. 300°C.

[@BekoPharm]

Yeah, that bit puzzled me too :D 300C is "danger zone" on mine - cuz this is where it starts melting the casing of the device itself 🤪

[@jnobuildsit1177]

@@BekoPharm yeah it was 300°C.🤣

[@Kevin-mb4xf]

Wow, amazing job! 1 question: why use the gloves?

[@jnobuildsit1177]

Hello, Kevin, I decided to use gloves for this project because I was working with electronic components.

[@stormriders3657]

Very nice DIY build! I built something similar using a teensy 3.2. All the switches and encoders work when testing using the windows joy.cpl app and arduino monitor (when i rotate clockwise, my code shows the rotation number and direction). However, i cant seem to have mfs recognize the encoders! The switches work. Its just the encoders that dont work. I have encoders i want to use to set heading bug, course, altitude etc. Help! :)

[@jnobuildsit1177]

Hey StormRiders, thank you for watching my video. I know how frustrating that can be that's for I created a video showing how I got mine to work. Here is the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5OthXiIiMt4p7c

[@JasonFrisbie]

Cool Project bro. I have a question tho. Can you assign buttons and dials to things not listed in the controls list? there has to be a way because it is being done but I have no clue how to do it. For example... the heading dial on my B777 is a push button with a dial, but that isn't assignable in the system controls settings. I have several button boxes but its not on the list so how do I assign it? Any help you can give is appreciated. Thx

[@jnobuildsit1177]

Hey, Jason, Thanks for subscribing to my channel, bro. Yes, you can assign the buttons and knobs/dials to things not listed in the MSFS control list. You need to use FSUIPC. Check out the video were I assigned the knobs for the GPS. Here is the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5OthXiIiMt4p7c if you do not have FSUIPC, check the video description. Let me know how it turns out.

[@hydratv8412]

nice work, what cost this build?

[@jnobuildsit1177]

Thank you! It cost about $150 for all the parts and tools.

[@Alex_avgeek]

how did you get FS to recognize the buttons please

[@jnobuildsit1177]

Checkout my other video where I explain it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5OthXiIiMt4p7csi=EDOaSxUj8ZSuhRXq

[@Alex_avgeek]

@@jnobuildsit1177 thx 🤝🤝👍

[@user-rj2pc3gv2k]

Cant we just buy it of you?

[@milospejchar7481]

Can I make it for you?

[@Peel123]

We are not worthy!! We are not worthy!!

[@jnobuildsit1177]

🤣🤣 Yes you are! You can do it 💪

[@Peel123]

@@jnobuildsit1177 Not this one!! You live in a different world from me. lol

[@jnobuildsit1177]

@@Peel123 🤣🤣

[@JasonFrisbie]

Ok. But I don’t know what that is. I’m gunna need more information. I’m a professional pilot trying to put together a real nice sim. Is there a way to discuss this ? On the phone possibly? Or WhatsApp?

[@jnobuildsit1177]

Hey, Jason, My apologies but I can't. I enjoy building stuff so decided to take a shot at building the switchbox and other flightsim stuff. Since you're looking to build a real nice sim, I would recommend checking out some of the Home Cockpit build videos on KZbin. Some of those guys might be your best starting point.

[@tommaso159]

How much did that cost you?

[@jnobuildsit1177]

A little over $100 for all the parts and components. There were multiple components is some packs and I did not use all of them. So the actual price is a bit less.

[@Jay-xe3cq]

Not bad but you missed an entire section on how to set up the micro computer. What pins do what and how to even run the thing in windows. Panels and switches are self-explanatory but I have no clue how you went from there to in game inputs.