My KSP Controller (SpaceX inspired)

[Tabb]

Hi all. I’m quite proud to show you the controller I have been working on for the last few months. I started it last summer and I had to take a break for lack of time. But I eventually finished this.

First of all, I want to thank hugopeeter who helped me a lot! This is when I saw his own KSP controller that I decided to build my own.

As you can see, I took inspiration from SpaceX Crew Dragon v2 cockpit. I wanted my controller to have a clean look, like this:

I also wanted it to be backlighted so that texts and indicators are visible in the dark. This is another reason it took me so long. It was hard to find a company able to lasercut the parts, for a reasonable price. This is a French company (ID Marquage) who did this. And I must say this looks amazing. The faceplate let light through and there is a black layer on the back. This layer has been laser engraved where light needs to be visible (texts and indicators).

So here is the final result:

 With all lights off:

And some close up of different parts:

SAS button leds indicate the current state, as for breaks and gears.

One joystick controls rotation, the other, translation. This is great for maneuvers like docking where both are used.

Antenna and solar panels buttons are set up on actions 10 and 9, the Abort one on the Cancel group.

The ledbars indicates ressources level. The LCD screen displays flight parameters depending on the selected mode with the surrounding buttons.

The original quote from Chris Hardwick is “No human ever became interesting by not failing.”
I found it very appropriate for Kerbals

Unfortunately, I didn’t do pictures while assembling it (shame on me ).

Here is a video of the controller in use (sorry for the poor quality, the camera didn’t like the backlight):
https://youtu.be/Ux8fxc0-acM

 

Edit : Here are the Inkscape files for the panel https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1HdtE2tBRrK2WDYcT2DtAPfRQp1_Y5Sz2?usp=sharing

Edit2 : Here is my code https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1wmlQa6WcZRmjfZkodxGgqR8sXTvQqBis?usp=sharing

Edited June 1, 2020 by Tabb

[hugopeeters]

Like I said on the Instructables website: fantastic result! I am honored to have inspired you to make this. And happy that you’ve actually succeeded. 

[Dafni]

Amazing work man! Very impressive!

If ever you want to build another one for money, just name your price

[Tabb]

1 hour ago, Dafni said:

Amazing work man! Very impressive!

If ever you want to build another one for money, just name your price

Thank you man !

I don't plan to do another at the moment. This is really a lot of work !
Maybe later

[Dafni]

1 hour ago, Tabb said:

Thank you man !

I don't plan to do another at the moment. This is really a lot of work !
Maybe later

You are welcome. Work like this needs to be seen. Really a great job.

Oh, I bet it was a lot of work. I see how this is a lot to ask. The offer stands though, I would make it worth your while. If ever you are in the mood just hit me up.

The only thing I would add to my dream setup would be buttons for switch to prev/next vessel (for the dockings and Falcon9 style booster landings) and buttons for the timewarp.

Personally I play with a hack setup, two joysticks, peddals, a throttle lever and some xbox controllers velcro'd to my desk. It's a lot of fun, so much better for KSP than just a keyboard... especially the dual sticks. The xbox controllers give me lots of buttons and axes too, for the camera and all that. But it looks very makeshift indeed, total hack job.

Have fun with your setup and fly some nice missions!

 

cheers

Daf

[KerballingSmasher]

Wow. that's cool.

[Terzh]

I am planning to make my own KSP controller and I really like your faceplate with the backlight so want to do something similar. I want to make sure it is sturdy enough so am not sure what thickness I should pick for the faceplate. Can you share what thickness of the acrylic you used?

[Staticalliam7]

Bravo!

[MrShartySprinkles]

Seriously amazing product! How do you get more buttons than the originals version? And a huge thanks for the laser cutting files!