button box project ideas

I found I makers space near where I live and they have a laser cutter, CNC mils, 3D printers, and a Arduino electronic lab

now the first ting I would like to build is a custom button box using DCS-BIOS

while building a full simpit would be cool its just not practical for me right now

I'm asking you guys for some ideas of what switches and knobs I should put on it. I'm talking about things that would be a pain to switch to my mouse to hi in the A10c in flight

I'm thing landing gear, ILS Tacan, radio frq,

Lucky you!

Heres what I'm planning to put on mine, radar (for the M2000 FC3) Autopilot mode, steerpoint mode, cockpit light is a big one I say. I'm going to replace radar with light I think. Also my VFS switches are variable function switches (got a better name?) So i can make them waht ever I want in game. Eject and master arm might be something you want too, master caution silence could be nice too.

https://forums.eagle.ru/attachment.php?attachmentid=147259&d=1472369325

And might I reccomend locking lever switches? They're a little more than standard but they add a really nice feel. You don't use them on every function, just the ones you dont wanna bump. I'm planning on using 2 position on-on locking lever for landing gear 3 position on-on-on for my flaps and 2 position on-off-momentary. Thats a switch that locks into the off position and is momentary in the on. I plan to use those for the engines.

http://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/nkk-switches/M2012LL3W01/360-2568-ND/1046919

and if you want to go the realistic but pricey option you can go milspec.

http://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/honeywell-sensing-and-productivity-solutions/1TL1-2D/480-2193-ND/1248723

(I'm a switch nut)

Also I've never used DCS-bios before. But isn't arduino easier?

https://forums.eagle.ru/attachment.php?attachmentid=147259&d=1472369325

I made a Throttle/button box that I call the ConTrollR :)

It has 8 axes, 5 rotary encoders and a bunch of buttons. Even made a Ejection handle for it :)

It uses locking Honeywell switches for flaps and gear.

Controlled by a Teensy ++2 and MMJoy2 software.

MMJoy2 is a great software for this. It allows for programming switches to send "pulses" when turned on and off. Repeat pulses for the ejection handle. Pulse timing for the encoders.

Goblin, that is a thing of beauty.

Interesting "button box" there:

http://forum.il2sturmovik.ru/topic/1893-nashi-kabiny/page-14#entry469725