Basic switch tower for a total electronics noob

wpsracing78 · 4 January 12, 10:08

I'm really, really sorry - but you've gotta start somwhere!! And there's not a whole lot of beginners reading out there!

So - if anyone wants to use all of their spare time to explain what something like this entails then I would be very greatful!!

My old man is more than smart enough (ex race car builder / engineer) to do it, given the right helping hand to start with - But I'd love to have a crack myself!!

I guess what I'm looking for is a basic switch tower layout - Ignition, starter, a few on off switches here and there (headlights, etc)
- What kind of parts will I need, what kind of electrics will I need to undertake, any links with good information - any sort of help to give me an idea of what I'm getting myself into would be amazingly well appreciated!

I've got a G27 - so it's pretty unnecessary, but it's the look we're all going for - and a switch tower off the the side is my life goal!!

Thanks in advance

rhin0z · 5 January 12, 00:17

first let me clarify I am a newb like yourself

I would suggest finding a usb controller board with software, I have seen several leo bodnar, derek spears, and some others. After you choose your board that is windows compatible the rest is easy wiring and sodering your switches. build the box first then the plate for the switches. time consuming yes but take your time the box will last you a long time.

Flatspotter · 5 January 12, 02:22

Leo Bodnar makes a board that will do what you want. I have a Beta Innovations board in my button box, but they're out of business.

There's a fair amount of wiring involved, but it might make a fun project for you and your dad.

My box:

The guts:

BAD808 · 5 January 12, 09:32

Sooo many different posts on this subject, google is your best friend.

Im going down the route of this one
http://altoguitar.com/buttonbox/

Ive already got a similar style controller and waiting to find some switches at the right size and price.

Seriously Google Sim button box, you will be amazed.

REgards
BAD

FJR_Mac · 5 January 12, 18:38

Or you can just order a button box from Derek Speare Designs

http://www.derekspearedesigns.com/

He makes great products, I know I own one.

DaveS

wpsracing78 · 6 January 12, 07:38

Thanks all

yeah, BAD808 - "button box" I never called it that - that was my problem!!!

--

oh wow - those ones from derekspearedesigns are literally perfect. . . perhaps I will go the easy road!!

zild1221 · 6 January 12, 13:40

There are TONS of routes you could go. You could buy premade like Derek's, or DIY obviously. Personally, the DIY route is more fulfilling, even if it doesn't come out quite as refined.

I wouldn't really suggest ripping apart a controller to make the box. I suggest buying a control board. It makes your life easier for very little extra $$, plus it looks cleaner.

The cheapest route is this USB control interface at $24.99:
http://www.jammaboards.com/store/pc-.../prod_347.html

This includes the board which supports 22 buttons and 2 analogs, all the wire harnesses (makes your life REALLY simple), and even the USB cable.

Also, since this is your first one, there are some good places to get some decent cheap switches. You can try here http://www.allelectronics.com/make-a...hbutton/1.html to start.

As for the enclosure itself, try here. http://www.alliedelec.com/electronic...astic-box-lid/ A bunch to choose from with decent prices.

Last, plan out what you are going to do before you do it... Get a piece of cardboard and do a mock-up of the size and button placement. Make sure the spacing is comfortable and the layout is how you like before going and drilling holes. When you have the figured out, make a paper template that fits on your enclosure and work from that.

Woody · 7 January 12, 22:30

Glad other people have been asking this question, I have been looking for a while for a source of these types of Boards outside of the US. Does anyone know of a supplier of a similar USB Control Board in Europe?

Woody

ukez · 8 January 12, 01:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woody

Glad other people have been asking this question, I have been looking for a while for a source of these types of Boards outside of the US. Does anyone know of a supplier of a similar USB Control Board in Europe?

Woody

Make one woody...

gh69 · 8 January 12, 18:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woody

Glad other people have been asking this question, I have been looking for a while for a source of these types of Boards outside of the US. Does anyone know of a supplier of a similar USB Control Board in Europe?

Woody

http://www.lbodnar.dsl.pipex.com/

nescafe37 · 9 January 12, 06:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woody

Glad other people have been asking this question, I have been looking for a while for a source of these types of Boards outside of the US. Does anyone know of a supplier of a similar USB Control Board in Europe?

Woody

I have one for sale in the for sale section matey... And you only live up the road from me too..

BAD808 · 10 January 12, 03:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by zild1221

There are TONS of routes you could go. You could buy premade like Derek's, or DIY obviously. Personally, the DIY route is more fulfilling, even if it doesn't come out quite as refined.

I wouldn't really suggest ripping apart a controller to make the box. I suggest buying a control board. It makes your life easier for very little extra $$, plus it looks cleaner.

The cheapest route is this USB control interface at $24.99:
http://www.jammaboards.com/store/pc-.../prod_347.html

This includes the board which supports 22 buttons and 2 analogs, all the wire harnesses (makes your life REALLY simple), and even the USB cable.

Also, since this is your first one, there are some good places to get some decent cheap switches. You can try here http://www.allelectronics.com/make-a...hbutton/1.html to start.

I agree with that, but if you already have an extra controller, that you are not using anymore, ............

Thank you for the link, Ive never seen that one before. And its very cheap, especially to come with all that wiring.
I might have to get me one of those (depending on the freight cost to Oz)

edit: has anyone noticed there is an error, when you convert to AUD the discounted price goes up, not down,,,,,, what the???

REgards
EAO_BAD808

4 January 12, 10:08	#1
wpsracing78 Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Adelaide, Australia Age: 23	Basic switch tower for a total electronics noob I'm really, really sorry - but you've gotta start somwhere!! And there's not a whole lot of beginners reading out there! So - if anyone wants to use all of their spare time to explain what something like this entails then I would be very greatful!! My old man is more than smart enough (ex race car builder / engineer) to do it, given the right helping hand to start with - But I'd love to have a crack myself!! I guess what I'm looking for is a basic switch tower layout - Ignition, starter, a few on off switches here and there (headlights, etc) - What kind of parts will I need, what kind of electrics will I need to undertake, any links with good information - any sort of help to give me an idea of what I'm getting myself into would be amazingly well appreciated! I've got a G27 - so it's pretty unnecessary, but it's the look we're all going for - and a switch tower off the the side is my life goal!! Thanks in advance

5 January 12, 00:17	#2
rhin0z Join Date: Dec 2011	first let me clarify I am a newb like yourself I would suggest finding a usb controller board with software, I have seen several leo bodnar, derek spears, and some others. After you choose your board that is windows compatible the rest is easy wiring and sodering your switches. build the box first then the plate for the switches. time consuming yes but take your time the box will last you a long time.

5 January 12, 02:22	#3
Flatspotter Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Hub of the Universe	Leo Bodnar makes a board that will do what you want. I have a Beta Innovations board in my button box, but they're out of business. There's a fair amount of wiring involved, but it might make a fun project for you and your dad. My box: The guts:

5 January 12, 09:32	#4
BAD808 Join Date: May 2011 Location: Oz	Sooo many different posts on this subject, google is your best friend. Im going down the route of this one http://altoguitar.com/buttonbox/ Ive already got a similar style controller and waiting to find some switches at the right size and price. Seriously Google Sim button box, you will be amazed. REgards BAD

5 January 12, 18:38	#5
FJR_Mac Donated Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Surrey, BC Canada Age: 59	Or you can just order a button box from Derek Speare Designs http://www.derekspearedesigns.com/ He makes great products, I know I own one. DaveS

6 January 12, 07:38	#6
wpsracing78 Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Adelaide, Australia Age: 23	Thanks all yeah, BAD808 - "button box" I never called it that - that was my problem!!! -- oh wow - those ones from derekspearedesigns are literally perfect. . . perhaps I will go the easy road!!

6 January 12, 13:40	#7
zild1221 Join Date: Dec 2009	There are TONS of routes you could go. You could buy premade like Derek's, or DIY obviously. Personally, the DIY route is more fulfilling, even if it doesn't come out quite as refined. I wouldn't really suggest ripping apart a controller to make the box. I suggest buying a control board. It makes your life easier for very little extra $$, plus it looks cleaner. The cheapest route is this USB control interface at $24.99: http://www.jammaboards.com/store/pc-.../prod_347.html This includes the board which supports 22 buttons and 2 analogs, all the wire harnesses (makes your life REALLY simple), and even the USB cable. Also, since this is your first one, there are some good places to get some decent cheap switches. You can try here http://www.allelectronics.com/make-a...hbutton/1.html to start. As for the enclosure itself, try here. http://www.alliedelec.com/electronic...astic-box-lid/ A bunch to choose from with decent prices. Last, plan out what you are going to do before you do it... Get a piece of cardboard and do a mock-up of the size and button placement. Make sure the spacing is comfortable and the layout is how you like before going and drilling holes. When you have the figured out, make a paper template that fits on your enclosure and work from that.

7 January 12, 22:30	#8
Woody Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Gloucester, England Age: 27	Glad other people have been asking this question, I have been looking for a while for a source of these types of Boards outside of the US. Does anyone know of a supplier of a similar USB Control Board in Europe? Woody