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Any pit builders here? Hardware question

  • 16-10-2012 9:46am
    #1
    klub44
    Registered Users Posts: 63 ✭✭


    Hi,

    Where are you buying all the switches and buttons? I've seen nice selection i maplin, but the prices are a way to big for my pocket and needs.
    I find few wholesalers and shops online, but lots of them are not described properly, and the you have to guess size and dimension just by looking on small pic.
    I need about 40 push-buttons and 20 switches for my new pit, so I have to count carefully every cent :)

    Thanks in advance for the help!


Comments

  • #2
    alanmc
    Registered Users Posts: 1,132 ✭✭✭alanmc


    Hi,

    I've just ordered a bunch of toggle switches from www.bitsbox.co.uk. I've used them once before. They're cheap, fast and postage is reasonable. Their selection isn't huge though.

    I'm building a switch panel for DCS A10C.

    Check them out anyway.

    Al.


  • #3
    klub44
    Registered Users Posts: 63 ✭✭klub44


    Hi Al.
    I'm building few panels for a10 as well. This week I'll start to cut housings and front panels from thin plywood (6mm), and order some switches/buttons.
    I want to paint plywood with black paint, print on cardboard all panels, an then cut and drill thin perspex on top.
    I contacted few other pit builder and got few nice websites with electrical stuff:
    http://www.aliexpress.com/wholesale?SearchText=toggle%2Bswitches&CatId=0&SortType=price_asc&filterCat=410611%2C410606%2C410607&page=1
    http://www.aliexpress.com/wholesale/wholesale-tactile-switch.html?SortType=price_asc&CatId=410605
    http://stores.ebay.ie/allpartspipe
    http://stores.ebay.ie/tayda2009
    http://stores.ebay.ie/bardwellselectronics
    So few hours of browsing for me tonight :)
    I planned to build front panel with UFC on top front, gun/armament panel under it (plus lots useful switches like gear, cockpit/nav lights) Then 2 MFD from thrustmaster on each side. Thats the plan for this year:)
    For further plans I want to place LCD behind MDF frames, and extend panel each side: navigation panels on left and radios control on the right.
    What switches controller are you using?
    I'll be using this one
    https://sites.google.com/site/damosmpds/projects/dmkeys
    but have to wait a bit more till all the test will be completed.
    I will post whole work log here when work will be more advanced.
    Cheers


  • #4
    alanmc
    Registered Users Posts: 1,132 ✭✭✭alanmc


    My first test panel was built using a product from www.groovygamegear.com called a GpWiz40. Very nice piece of kit. Supports rotary switches as well. Doesn't use a matrix for muliplexing the switches either so switch response isn't delayed.

    Definitely keep this thread updated with your progress. I wish I had the time (and talent) to do a full simpit.


  • #5
    klub44
    Registered Users Posts: 63 ✭✭klub44


    I wanted to use them boards in my built (or Leo Bodnar's one), but when I started to design my panels, I realized I'll need 3 or more of them so the build budget would rise very fast :)
    I also have access to joinery at work, so all the hardware job will cost me nothing otherwise I wouldn't start to build it.


  • #6
    klub44
    Registered Users Posts: 63 ✭✭klub44


    After months of work I finally finish my first panel for A10c. Family duties and work slave, delayed that moment for over month than planned.
    Control board: DMKeys https://sites.google.com/site/damosmpds/projects/dmkeys
    Switches & bits: ebay and http://www.uxcell.com
    Casing: plywood: 12mm
    Panel board: tufnol 4 mm

    Small work log:

    p1030363c.th.jpg

    p1030365x.th.jpg

    p1030384v.th.jpg

    p1030411r.th.jpg

    p1030389k.th.jpg

    p1030399o.th.jpg

    p1030400vd.th.jpg

    "Brain" - DMKeys

    p1030390c.th.jpg

    Rev. 1 - case went to bin (too big, sliding on desk)

    p1030417c.th.jpg

    Rev. 2 - final

    p1030559t.th.jpg

    p1030555di.th.jpg

    My cockpit :)

    p1030557e.th.jpg


    Total cost of switch panel (without bezels) - around 70e
    Thank you for your attention.


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  • #7
    Stovepipe
    Registered Users Posts: 2,979 ✭✭✭Stovepipe


    Hi there,
    I've started an Me 109 sim pit build. Just cutting and screwing and glueing wood together right now. Using some of the Gene Buckle plans and some of Espen Revheim's ideas for now.

    regards
    Stovepipe


  • #8
    Stovepipe
    Registered Users Posts: 2,979 ✭✭✭Stovepipe


    My simpit so far Skinned the left hand side.


  • #9
    Stovepipe
    Registered Users Posts: 2,979 ✭✭✭Stovepipe


    Pic didn't transfer. Don't know why.


  • #10
    Stovepipe
    Registered Users Posts: 2,979 ✭✭✭Stovepipe


    see pic


  • #11
    Nforce
    Registered Users Posts: 2,924 ✭✭✭Nforce


    Stovepipe wrote: »
    see pic

    Looking good so far.:)
    What sim software are you running..MSFS ,DCS ?


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  • #12
    Stovepipe
    Registered Users Posts: 2,979 ✭✭✭Stovepipe


    Nothing yet. I'm not sure yet. The DCS 109 K4 looks great but I simply don't know if it will suit as this is meant to be a 109 G-2 pit. I'll stick with the generic IL-2 on a standard PC intitially but will probably put in a dedicated PC, with possibly some of the Flight Illusions gauges.I'm making things like dummy trim wheels and handles and levers and so on for the look of it.I'm probably going to scratch build a gunsight and I'll have the proper hinged canopy.

    regards
    Stovepipe


  • #13
    Stovepipe
    Registered Users Posts: 2,979 ✭✭✭Stovepipe


    see pic of unskinned basic frame


  • #14
    Stovepipe
    Registered Users Posts: 2,979 ✭✭✭Stovepipe


    anyone out there who'd be able to prepare a resin kit KG-13 grip (me 109 control column) for wiring? that is, drill it out for buttons and wires. I'd anticipate putting on a Thrustmaster base with an extension.


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