DIY cockpit control panel

[bolox]

alot depends on your 'favourite' plane aswell as what stick setup/view control you use

might be worth considering the X version of the Bu as it makes wiring easier and eliminates possible need to use diodes

whatever controller you decide on try a small scale experiment first with just a few switches of different types . try each switch type out on different controls to see how reacts in game. when you are comfortable with this try out the options given by profiling software(press/release functions i find great for making on/off toggle switches into positional switches eg GEAR up/down)

only then think of how you'll layout your controls with what switches.

think 10 times, measure 3 times, cut once

here's some of what i use:-
AXES
trim controls- analogue pots
elevator-essential. 5-10 turn pot recommended
rudder- essential, 5-10 turn pot recommended
aileron-optional but why not? again multi turn pot

with multi turn pots some sort of indicator can be useful

flaps- essential. possible pot (or up/down momentary buttons/toggle switch)


i group switches by function and use different types to differentiate by feel
ENGINE
start/stop- momentary push button
radiator- momentary push button
wep-momentary push button

supercharger+/- optional- momentary toggle/on/off/on rocker switchprop pitch auto optional -momentary push button
mixture +/- optional -momentary toggle

for engine selection i use 6 momentary push buttons (sel#1-#4, sel all, sel none)
fire exting and feather- optional but work well with on/off switch and 'missilecover'. also useful for bail and wingfold?

AIRFRAME

gear -essential- momentary button/toggle
flaps- 2 momentary buttons
tail wheel lock- momentary button

manual gear up/down- optional- possible rotary encoder or mom toggle
chocks/hook- optional- mom button or on/ff switch with profiling software

VIEWS
gunsite view- essential- on/off switch or mom button
incr/decr fov- momentary rocker or 2 buttons
tir centre on mom button is useful

BOMBSITE
rotary encoders work for sight alt/velocity +/-. mom toggle for sight distance
on/off switch for sight auto

most other controls i use on/off switches for a cockpit like feel (often using programming software). i do use 3 positions of a rotary switch for autopilot functions (left ap, centre off, right level ap)