Switches or buttons only?

[Robb Bates]

I have a dilemma I need to solve before I proceed. Should I put buttons, switches and knobs in my pit, or just buttons only? The reason I ask is if I plan on switching between different vessels during a simulation, and I have switches, those switches will no longer be in the right position for the new vessel. If I have only buttons, then the position won't matter. I could use pseudo switches. i.e. They look like switches but act like buttons. They are on-off-on and spring return to the middle. And use LEDs to indicate which position they are in. For example, for the nose cone, rather than having that big knobbed level like in the DG virtual cockpit, have a button for open and a button for close (or a on-off-on toggle switch) with an indicator showing what the status is. It would be less realistic, but would be easier to interface (for the input, but not the status lights) and I wouldn't have to worry about the switches not being in the right position if I switch vessels.

I also already have lots of toggle switches but not very many buttons. So there's extra cost involved.

Thoughts?

Robb

 

[Schimz]

That's what I do for the DGex's new panel. It's worth, It's preserve lot of space, white space.

 

[Robb Bates]

Interesting. After voicing (typing) my thoughts, it's seems pretty obvious which way to go. Since I'm building my pit in stages as the funds become available, I guess I'll hold off until I can get the buttons. Now to find some cheap yet not cheap looking buttons and some LEDs.

Robb

 

[Schimz]

Now to find some cheap yet not cheap looking buttons and some LEDs.

Robb

Maybe resin molding ?

 

[Robb Bates]

Ugh! Too much work. Resin molding is pretty cool and I know the right mold would probably make them look very realistic, but that seems like something just outside of my "fun zone" for this particular project. I'll just find some on eBay or Digikey.com or some surplus webstore.

Robb

 

[yagni01]

The advantages and disadvantages of the different types of hardware are discussed on the wiki. I'm using mostly toggle switches, with some "Korry" style here-and-there. If I had it to do over, I'd go with Korrys as they are the most flexible and have the aerospace appearance a rocker/toggle + simple LED lack.