Basic Components of Cockpit Building for Flight Simulator, X-Plane and Prepar3d

[@joshuamarius]

How a Citation Mustang Home Cockpit / Desktop Trainer Comes to Life: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qavcnXt4gK6Cqpo

[@Everything-Wii]

Can't appreciate how clear this tutorial was! I am not great with electronics, and you explained it perfectly. I now have enough knowledge to buy all the parts and encoder cards for the 737 overhead panel. It's a big project but know I now how to make it!

[@joshuamarius]

Thanks so much for the comment :)

[@JenniferinIllinois]

As someone who is currently building a cockpit, this information is very helpful (the different types of switches are a bit confusing to me, so learning which type to use for which function is definitely helpful). I'll be checking out your other videos. :)

[@joshuamarius]

Thanks for the comment. Best of Luck on your Cockpit, and any help you need don't hesitate to ask. Have fun!

[@75STARFISH]

Short and sweet. That you for the breakdown of basic components and the number of inputs needed. It will help with planning builds, not just for aviation but for other projects! Thanks again

[@joshuamarius]

Thanks for the comment and glad you found it helpful :)

[@darionarvaez5689]

Thanks for the message, greetings from Ecuador, South America

[@joshuamarius]

Gracias a ti! ✌️✌️

[@CaptainBobSim]

This video is so helpful! Thank you for making it!

[@joshuamarius]

Thanks for the comment :) More coming soon.

[@Simplay2022]

Hey Caps Bob 🖐🖐🖐

[@Simplay2022]

Hey caps a huge fan of your work

[@CaptainBobSim]

@@Simplay2022 Thank you Rudra! I am honored!!

[@Simplay2022]

@@CaptainBobSim Sir can you suggest me some ways to make a fighter style cyclic stick 😃😃

[@flyvr3054]

GREAT setup - super functional and very tidy !

[@joshuamarius]

Thanks so much for the comment :)

[@joshuamarius]

Thanks for the comment :)

[@livelandings747]

The best videos on this subject, thanking you!

[@joshuamarius]

Thank you so much for the comment. More to come soon. Please share and subscribe ✌️

[@michaelsd88]

Great video Josh, not many videos out there that cover so many switches in one go!

[@joshuamarius]

Thanks!

[@mxcollin95]

Great video man! Thanks for posting. 👍

[@joshuamarius]

Thanks for the comment ✌🏻

[@joshuamarius]

Useful Tips for a Better Flight Simulator Experience: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gHaYo6FvjNCLm5o

[@santiagoluib3]

any idea where I can find pre-made airbus a320 square buttons with leds? thanks!

[@joshuamarius]

Something like this: www.opencockpits.com/catalog/interruptor-tipo-korry-onoff-p-310.html?cPath=24_55 Is that what you were referring to?

[@santiagoluib3]

@@joshuamarius YES! Thank you! A little pricey though :)

[@joshuamarius]

@@santiagoluib3 Yes, unfortunately, but now you know what they are called and what to look for ;) Shop around. Have fun! 👍🏻✌🏻

[@santiagoluib3]

@@joshuamarius Indeed. thank you so much for the heads up. At the moment I am also trying to design a DIY button with two leds. The concept, wiring and how it's interfaces in MobiFlight is simple and working, but putting it altogether in a 18x18mm button is a nightmare :) So I might just separate the ON/OFF/AVAIL leds next to the button - not realistic but functionality the same.

[@Jacktherookie_]

OMG this video is so helpful that almost blow my mind 👍👍

[@joshuamarius]

Thanks for the comment. Please share :)

[@Lito_Sanchez]

Hello, what is the name of the 7-in-1 funky switch that Fanatec uses in its steering wheels? I'm looking for exactly that part. Can you help me please? I would appreciate it ^^

[@joshuamarius]

Which model? fanatec.com/us-en/steering-wheels/?p=1

[@Lito_Sanchez]

@@joshuamarius all the steering wheel models from $190 and up, there are only two that do not have that funky switch and have a normal joystick, I look for the one that has the 7 in 1, joystick plus rotator plus push button, for example my wheel is the formula v2 ,5X ^^

[@CApianoMichael]

Thank you so much, very usefull, looking at all your recents videos now. Perfect for my TBM project. Keep the videos coming :)

[@joshuamarius]

Checkout my other video on the Mustang panels. We will be developing stuff like that for the TBM soon :)

[@joshuamarius]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qavcnXt4gK6Cqpo

[@gemale]

Great Information: thanks for sharing. Pls keep it up

[@joshuamarius]

Thanks for the kind comment :)

[@uzairazizsuria1]

Great Video, thanks! Could you offer some advice regarding the type of switch used for electric trim?

[@joshuamarius]

I'm looking into this for you. Thanks.

[@Test-Pilot1194]

Great video. I have already ordered 50+ momentary push on(off) switches. Now watching this I think they are going to be the wrong kind. For an overhead panel, so these aren’t going to turn taxi lights on are they…?

[@Test-Pilot1194]

I could actually just set the to toggle, in xplane….? As a pose to turn on/turn off… so I think I’m safe. 2 BBI-64’s came today so just waiting on the Perspex sheet to come. 😁😁

[@joshuamarius]

Remember, if you are using Windows, you will only be able to get 32 inputs, even on the BBI-64.

[@Test-Pilot1194]

@@joshuamarius it really comes down to the flight simulator in use, Leo Bodnar claim with X-plane, all 64 will be available.

[@joshuamarius]

Unless they have updated the software to interface with the card, however by being a HID device the limitation will be on the operating system. In this case windows will not go over 32 buttons. I have the bbi-64 and I could only get 32.

[@Test-Pilot1194]

@@joshuamarius if this is the case, as Leo Bodnar claims it works like this for xplane, have you come up with a solution thus far?

[@scottl9660]

For those of us thinking of starting a home pit, this video start to focus our thinking.

[@joshuamarius]

That's the main goal of all my videos: to make people think and also enjoy what they make. Thanks for the comment :)

[@brandonwhite6421]

Thanks dude!

[@Snugggg]

great stuff. thanks for making these videos

[@joshuamarius]

Thanks for the comment :)

[@mr.vaggelis146]

I have a very important question. After designing a panel and putting like white strips onto it showing what a button does how do you paint/print them?

[@joshuamarius]

Do you have a picture of this setup? This would help me get you a better answer. Thanks.

[@joshuamarius]

Add cool 🔆LED Switches and Pushbuttons to your Simulator 🕹: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rmGtaYZ3oJaLb5I

[@bendustin7609]

Thanks, I was literally just thinking about this stuff!

[@joshuamarius]

You're welcome! Hope you enjoyed and please share ✌🏻

[@Linrox]

Love the video, Thank you for the upload. is it possible t use a mom switch to turn on-off a led to indicate the on-off state.

[@joshuamarius]

Yes. Please check out my other video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rmGtaYZ3oJaLb5I

[@Linrox]

@@joshuamarius Not exactly the path i was going to use. I was looking at using 5v switches with separate 3v led, connected to an Arduino to turn on the led when the switch is turned on. I know i will need to create some code in the arduino to sync the led to the switch state. with 10+ switches each with a separate led. But i am just in the planning stage, thing could change.

[@TheHeineken24]

Hey, great video! What kind of push buttons are used in the MCP or AutoPilot panel? Like when u press SPD or HDG

[@joshuamarius]

Those are usually tactile momentary push buttons that have a cap on them which can be squared, rounded, rectangular, and the material can be silicon, plastic, silica gel and other materials.

[@subseauk]

hi, I have a quick question. Is there a cable end ( awg24 ) that can be soldered or crimped on the wire but can be pushed over the pins on a PBS-110 type switch? my soldering is useless and I am killing switches more often than not when soldering!!!!!! thanks

[@joshuamarius]

Great question! There are kits on Amazon which also include the Crimper tool so you can easily terminate the ends, and these will easily slide in to the switch's connector: amzn.to/3JDKjd8 - This kit includes Spade connectors for multiple connector sizes.

[@wildelorme4409]

Josh how is a Mini Joystick hooked up to a Leo Bonnard board

[@joshuamarius]

That will depend on the joystick and how it expects to interface. If the mini-joystick has a "button" action for each one of the directions, you will have 1 cable per button going into an input on the Leo Bodnar. For example, Up is 1, Down is 2, Left is 3, etc, and then of course you will have a ground. If the mini joystick however expects an Arduino, then that changed things. You will have to program the Arduino board and then figure out which interfacing program (Example: MobiFlight) will talk to the Arduino and send the specified command to the simulator.

[@ksmuc3371]

Hey Joshua, great videos! Thanks! Could you make a video about wiring a panel with switches to a Interface and programming it on your pc? I wanna try to build some panels on my own, I’m at the very beginning.

[@joshuamarius]

Thank you for the comment. I will try my best to find time to make a video like this and include the basic components. Some of the other videos I have made are of great help though as they show the essentials. In many of them I walk you through the wiring and the connections.

[@joshuamarius]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qavcnXt4gK6Cqpo

[@robertfederhofer1593]

Any information on using digital numeric dispays in X-plane for radio (with rotaryswitch) would be helpful. I use Bodnar boards

[@joshuamarius]

Something like this? kzbin.info/www/bejne/mXTPaJetjaeGeKs

[@ThatGuysProject]

on the off chance this will be seen, do these switches also behave the same when interfacing with simulators? i.e an on-off switch will be detected in which state it in and send it to the sim. so off is off in the sim and on is on.

[@joshuamarius]

All good I read and reply to everybody✌ I recommend you watch my video on Interface/USB Cards so you can see how they interface with the simulator: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g2ipqWhqmsSBqq8 How they interact with the simulator will depend a lot on how you are setting them up, either with an interfacing card or a HID device. Simulators in general are not good at detecting the state of the switches when they start up, so you can run a script to do so, or, have a checklist like in real aircraft, making sure the landing gear switch or lever is down, flaps are up, etc. HID cards are detected as joysticks in the Sim so you can quickly tell them what to do, just like you would configure a joystick from Thrustmaster or a Yoke from Honeycomb or Logitech. Interfacing Cards (Arduinos, Sparks, etc.) need to use an "in-between" application such as MobiFlight, which pickup the input from the hardware (in this case a switch) and convert that action into variables that are seen in the simulator. MobiFlight also goes well with FSUIPC which also allows you to program actions.

[@barnstormingbandit2611]

got some questions, do the switches need to be certain voltages? and how do sims play with them, for example would nav lights need an on-off switch or an on-on as the sim needs to know which position they're in?

[@joshuamarius]

They have to be certain voltages if they have certain properties such as LEDs which most will need 12v. If they are simple switches, you will usually see a Voltage rating on them such as 12 VDC or 30 VDC and this means they will work just fine up to that voltage. Since most HID and Interfacing cards are connected directly to USB, you will be using 5 VDC. Regarding your question on how sims play with them, I recommend you watch my video on Interface/USB Cards so you can see how they interface with the simulator: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g2ipqWhqmsSBqq8

[@gregoryanderson6717]

Josh any luck with adjusting encoder speeds using leobodnar cards?

[@joshuamarius]

Sorry for the delay! They did get back to me and let me know that it is in development! This is great news for the Flight Sim community. I'll keep following up with them to see when it would be implemented.

[@python27au]

The on/off switches would need to be on/on so you can toggle a component? Eg you press L to turn on the cabin lights and then press it again to turn them off. Or is there a way to detect the off side of an on/off switch?

[@joshuamarius]

Great question. For an On/Off (SPST) switch to turn the Cabin lights On, then Off you would need to use programming. Unfortunately most simulators do not come with this feature built in, where they provide an action when they detect a switch has been turned off. You need to use something like FSUIPC which can detect when a switch is turned off and provide a keyboard shortcut or other action. With an ON/ON (SPDT) you can assign two different actions within the simulator which can be Turn Cabin lights On and Turn Cabin lights off. If you have an SPST (ON/OFF) switch that you really love, you can turn this into a SPDT with this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5qxqoqfZpefkLs

[@dondykeman1140]

How do you find rotary switches with the correct # of “detents” or stops… for example, the test selector rotary switch you show in the video has 7 or 8 stops, but I also might need one with 3, 4, or 10, etc… depending on the functions controlled by the switch. Also, switching to POTS…(and/or Rotary encoders…) is there some way to create or specify real detents (the position that the slider naturally stops at, for example TOGA/CLIMB detents on a throttle control. Thanks for the content!

[@joshuamarius]

Don, great questions! For the different types of rotary switches look into Electronics Manufacturers websites (most will send you catalogs for free). Some to look at: Mouser Electronics, Powell Electronics, Digi-Key, Arrow Electronics and Arcade Electronics, just to name a few. These all have great search tools which allow you to arrange or filter through products. Regarding POTS, they usually create an Axis in the simulator which can be manipulated natively with response curves such as in X-Plane, or for others, look into an application such as FSUIPC - but make sure you do your research first before you purchase it.

[@kinangeagle133]

Is there a chance you know what book is in the 0:27 shot?

[@joshuamarius]

That is an Electronics Store catalog from Del City. You can request them from companies like Mouser, Powell, Jameco or Digi-Key.

[@bendustin7609]

What book was that?

[@joshuamarius]

Catalog by Digi-Key: www.digikey.com

[@dzlockhead]

So these are the types, where do you recommend sourcing them?

[@joshuamarius]

It really depends on your project. For quick/cheap prototyping and testing I have obtained Toggle and Rotary at places like Walmart, Lowes and Home Depot. For purchasing in Bulk or higher quality components, I recommend Powell Electronics, Digi-Key Electronics, Mouser Electronics and Del City Electronics. Have them ship you a free catalog; those are fun to look at.

[@plane_spotter_italy]

first off all this video was grate! but I was thinking of building a a320 overhead panel but to buy they cost about 5000 ive seen a switch kit and I was 1000 dollars with I think was exesive there are much switches but they don't have the retro illumination with the text thx

[@joshuamarius]

Check out my other video on why these components are so expensive. Most components in the flight sim world are expensive unfortunately: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rmbUhX9ji9t8Y6s

[@LL-xm4kw]

Thanks very much! great video and easy understand！ BTW coud you share the book name of 0:25 in this video？ THX again！

[@joshuamarius]

Sorry for the delay! That is a Digi-Key Catalog. You can contact them to get one and see all of the interesting and cool products they sell: www.digikey.com/en/products

[@Jestunes]

I'm not using flight simulator, but I am designing a live prop version of a cockpit for a sci fi video I am working on. I would love to use my extra small monitors that I use for behind the puppet stage and a few older tablets to use an app that uses touch screen to move the switches. Are there any sites I can download apps to simulate screens that I can manipulate switches and buttons? Thanks for sharing and any input you might be able to give me...

[@joshuamarius]

The availability will really depend on what instrument you are trying to simulate. For example, the Garmin GTN Trainers are free and you can display multiple instruments on there, such as navigation and maps. FsRadioPanel allows for some radio looking screens, and finally GA PANEL is a simple Cessna cockpit with many of the older instruments. To get more advanced and customized, to a point where you can manipulate switches, you can look into Air Manager, but there is a licensing cost.

[@joshuamarius]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qavcnXt4gK6Cqpo

[@Est.1993]

Thank you do much.

[@joshuamarius]

You're welcome ✌️

[@alexlp1238]

What book is that at 0:24?

[@joshuamarius]

That is a Catalog from Del-City: www.delcity.net/catalogrequest

[@johannesdewald5487]

hi simmers and Marius, I am struggling to get my heading bug (rotary encoder) to turn proper via LeoBodnar card. It moves but extremely slow and bouncing, on MSFS2020 just bouncing, on X-plane 12 moving slow and bouncing. Leo Bodnar support could not help me. Strange is that it works fine wit Frequency change but not with heading. Anybody has an idea?

[@joshuamarius]

So the Leo Bodnar boards need the buttons programmed where you have the Encoder; make sure you have completed this step. My second question is, how do you have this wired, and which encoder are you using...Link?

[@johannesdewald5487]

@@joshuamarius well I use the BBI32 and correct connection since it works on e.g. NAV Frequencies change, two digital, one ground. encoder is a KY-040.

[@joshuamarius]

I understand what you are saying, and I have seen this before. That's why I need to know the answers to the specific questions to help you out. If you exit the Simulator, Open the BBI-32 configuration software and turn the knob left/right, do you see a consistent Input/Blink or does it skip and is inconsistent?

[@JarppaGuru]

1:02 can be latching switch 1 pole when its off then other one is on automatic even nothing pass. can be momentary 2 way switch. off in center is do nothing dont messup simulation swithes on start(you are synced) switching mode lever on sim move to it unless its allready on that mode. best for sim cockpit. on/off switches are worst on sims. your switch on or off sim has it on or off you change or worst case sim open and read all switches you start flight middle on air power turn off bcoz switch is off LOL. thats why momentary switches for sim perfect even its not realistic and same switch can use turn rotary knobs. thats why they so good

[@joshuamarius]

You have to be careful with this. Simulators have the ability to create bad habits, especially for those who are taking flying seriously. Just like the real world, you should have and run a checklist for your Sim before starting to avoid the problems you talk about 😜 Always try to get it as close to the real thing as possible.

[@Bg_Anipar]

Wow

[@mariebcfhs9491]

how to map them to the game functions still boggles me

[@joshuamarius]

You can review my other video on Interface Cards for more information on how some mappings work: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g2ipqWhqmsSBqq8 If you have any questions just reply and I can help you.

[@mariebcfhs9491]

@@joshuamarius thanks!

[@JarppaGuru]

4:22 stillwaiting day when microsoft make those hard bottom buttons available on keyboard shortcuts or thru simconnect events. its not correct way user/other company need make module/plugin to game. those events allready was last microsoft sims LOL and flight sim world was actually good lol. after you spend money this new sim. msfs 2024 "realistic eva graphics" not yet those soft keys LOL

[@kenpet2236]

Feels to complicated 😭

[@joshuamarius]

Sorry, this is as simple as it gets regarding Cockpit Building for the DIY crowd. You can make it easier and buy pre-made sim gear, but you may end up spending more.

[@kenpet2236]

@@joshuamarius yes I know

[@Texas1FlyBoy]

Sometimes it is easiest to focus on one need at a time. For example, focus on the momentary pushbutton (i.e. Single-Pole, Single-Throw - SPST). You tap it to do something, i.e. toggle Autopilot. Usually the first tap turns the function on and the second tap turns it off. Once you master one type of switch and understand how it functions and how to integrate it into your panel, move on to the next. That way, it's not so overwhelming and complicated.

[@jaluhd_official4603]

do you have a discord?