Hey everyone,
I’m posting this to share my experience with this build.
Any input or constructive criticism is always welcome.
Project Name: Desk Top SimPit (D.S.P)
Back ground:
I started this build because I love to play Elite Dangerous. I primarily used my Saitek X52 setup, however I still found myself reaching for the keyboard on occasion and I wanted to put an end to that. Looking around on this forum and others I was inspired by many other projects (especially those for FSX). Unfortunately I am unable to transform my office into one large cockpit with 3 projectors and a large sit in sim console, so I’ve developed the next best thing (for me). I’ve made a 3 part box set that sit side by side on my desk (large L shaped desk) that convert my desk into a flight console. This 3 box approach will allow for easy storage of my flight console and yet still provide me with a great deal of emersion while it’s in use.
Design:
This build consists of a Left, Middle and Right box, all 3 are individual but connecting.
The left box:
This box has two button panels and holds the Saitek throttle.
Middle Box:
This box has two button panels and has room to hold my 10 inch table in the center (tablet runs the companion app for ED).
Right Box:
This box has two button panels and hold the Saitek joystick.
Not counting the buttons provided by the Saitek X52, there are 31 push buttons / flip switches and 5 rotary encoders also each box has several indicator LEDs for different conditions. Each of these inputs are wired into an Arduino Due board that is running keyboard emulation code. This allows a user to plug the Arduino Due into a USB port and the PC will detect it as a HMID (like a keyboard or mouse). I decided to use this approach because I would not be limited by the number of inputs allowed and I could use any type of switch , sensor , LED , encoder I wanted.
Initial 3D mock up:
Some building pics (1/8 inch MDF):
Glued, shaped, sanded,:
Filled / Primed (to seal the MDF and allow for Vinyl to better sick):
Face plates cut:
Carbon Fiber Vinyl wrapped:
All Parts set in place (not properly mounted just set in place to get an idea of how it all looks):
I’m posting this to share my experience with this build.
Any input or constructive criticism is always welcome.
Project Name: Desk Top SimPit (D.S.P)
Back ground:
I started this build because I love to play Elite Dangerous. I primarily used my Saitek X52 setup, however I still found myself reaching for the keyboard on occasion and I wanted to put an end to that. Looking around on this forum and others I was inspired by many other projects (especially those for FSX). Unfortunately I am unable to transform my office into one large cockpit with 3 projectors and a large sit in sim console, so I’ve developed the next best thing (for me). I’ve made a 3 part box set that sit side by side on my desk (large L shaped desk) that convert my desk into a flight console. This 3 box approach will allow for easy storage of my flight console and yet still provide me with a great deal of emersion while it’s in use.
Design:
This build consists of a Left, Middle and Right box, all 3 are individual but connecting.
The left box:
This box has two button panels and holds the Saitek throttle.
Middle Box:
This box has two button panels and has room to hold my 10 inch table in the center (tablet runs the companion app for ED).
Right Box:
This box has two button panels and hold the Saitek joystick.
Not counting the buttons provided by the Saitek X52, there are 31 push buttons / flip switches and 5 rotary encoders also each box has several indicator LEDs for different conditions. Each of these inputs are wired into an Arduino Due board that is running keyboard emulation code. This allows a user to plug the Arduino Due into a USB port and the PC will detect it as a HMID (like a keyboard or mouse). I decided to use this approach because I would not be limited by the number of inputs allowed and I could use any type of switch , sensor , LED , encoder I wanted.
Initial 3D mock up:
Some building pics (1/8 inch MDF):
Glued, shaped, sanded,:
Filled / Primed (to seal the MDF and allow for Vinyl to better sick):
Face plates cut:
Carbon Fiber Vinyl wrapped:
Last edited:
