reifsnyderb

Yesterday I made up a bracket for the Arduino Leonardo and Mux Shield II. This morning, I installed it. Some things of note: 1. At the moment, the Arduino is hot-glued to the bracket as I didn't have the correct screw size. That should be changed. 2. The wires are just plugged into the headers. There should be connectors on them. It should work, however. 3. I need to do something about the grounds. I am thinking it would make sense to put a connector on each sub panel so as to daisy chain them together so there would only be one grounding wire to connect to the Mux Shield II. (At the moment, I just soldered on ground to another sub panel and found 5 other ground points on the boards.)

New pictures! I still need to wire the 6 rectangular buttons yet. :-)

Found out Unity, which KSP uses as the game engine, only allows for 20 inputs per joystick. So, I changed the code such that there are 3 joysticks with 16 inputs each. The arduino/mux shield now works with both push-button switches and toggle switches such that toggle switches send a signal that a button is pushed then release it 1/4 of a second later. It works very nicely. I also got lots of connections finished and will be posting another picture soon!

Lots of progress with the Arduino Leonardo and Mux Shield II. Some basic code is in place and I now have 48 inputs via 2 "joysticks". I need to figure out how to do the toggle switches yet.

The rectangular push buttons came in over the weekend. I made up a switch panel and took a picture. Being able to upgrade or modify small sections is a nice feature.

I've got the Leonardo Arduino, Mux Shield II, and headers in. Working on the electronics. After that, I'll need to do the firmware...

I like the aluminum as well. However, I'd like to make the panels look more "modern" as they really remind me more of something from the 1960's at the moment. I suppose they could be painted...

Ordered some thin black ABS sheets and more aluminum. I am thinking of gluing the black ABS to the aluminum prior to milling for a more modern look and less of a 1950's look. Though, maybe I should just go with black ABS plates as opposed to aluminum?

The Mux Shield II came in today! If the Ardiuno Leonardo was shipped via USPS as opposed to UPS (which doesn't deliver on Saturdays), I'd be ready to wire this up today.

Thanks for the tip! Once I get the arduino I'll take a look at adding a potentiometer or 2. With the modular panel design, and milling machine, it's easy to make changes. I'll just change out the panel, if necessary. Best Regards, Brian

Hello, I just ordered a bunch of these ---> https://www.ebay.com/itm/5x-Rectangular-Panel-Mount-White-Light-16mm-Momentary-Push-Button-Switch-DC-12V/301114497553?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649 They appear to be the same time used here --> http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Make-a-Custom-Control-Panel-for-Elite-Dange/ If they work out, I'll make up some switch panels with those switches, as well.

I checked the tracking and it looks like it will be next week until I get all of the electronics in so I can wire this up and see how it works.

Hello! I got more switches in yesterday. I found out the hard way that the "caps" are different sizes and don't match. :-( On a more positive note, the toggle switches fit nicely! I picked up a couple black and white guards (not installed) as well. A center off, momentary contact, toggle switch is used for the throttle in the lower left control cluster.

Hello, I was thinking the Arduino Uno R3 had the USB HID emulation and it appears I may be wrong....or the info I read was wrong. I just ordered an Arduino Leonardo. While it appears an UNO could be adapted to work, I think it is best to go with what is made to work out of the box, so to speak. Best Regards, Brian

Thanks for the links! I have been milling out by using a piece of MDF as a base. If I make too many more of either those panels or control cluster panels I might make a proper fixture. The MDF works. But, a fixture would be much better. I also need to get a proper end mill for aluminum. The 4 flute end mills work but will build up too many chips without a running at a very slow speed and constantly clearing the chips out of the way with a brush. With a proper fixture, end mill, and flood coolant I think I can reduce the time from well over 10 minutes each to under 3 minutes each. With the same changes, it should be possible to reduce the the main panel machining time to under 20 minutes each. I've been looking at some other options for electronics, as well and found it in youtube videos. So, here are some other options and links for instructions, that I have found thus far, to create control panels: Note: I found these links and are providing them for info only. I have no relationship with any web shop owners. Mux Shield II Instructions: http://pub.ucpros.com/download/Mux_Shield_II_User_Guide.pdf?osCsid=jq2c9a8knq2bun17o48hsj4u96 MMJoy (firmware for arduino): https://github.com/MMjoy/mmjoy_en/wiki Instructions on making a custom control panel: http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Make-a-Custom-Control-Panel-for-Elite-Dange/ Video on making a 32 function "button box": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7Sc4MJ8RPM BU0836X 12-Bit Joystick Board: http://www.leobodnar.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=67&products_id=180 Info and store for the I-PAC hardware interface: http://www.ultimarc.com/ipac.html Tips on building controllers: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5isF90goq5bc1RYbmFiSndTWTQ/view Forum for flight sim builders (while aircraft sim related, has a lot of info): http://simhq.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/forums/81/1/flight-sim-pit-builders Info on custom vinyl decals: http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/node/10186 Groovy Game Gear (sells electronics for custom controllers): http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=76_81&products_id=235 Info on creating custom waterslide decals: https://mcgpaper.com/pages/how-to-make-inkjet-water-slide-decals Info on etching aluminum panels: http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-etch-aluminum-panel-labelsdesigns-with-a-r/ I am sure there are a lot more. But this is what I found thus far. Best Regards, Brian