[4] GAMEPLAY

The joystick is a Logitech Attack 3 with 11 programmable buttons and a rapid fire trigger. I have all of the buttons on the right bank of the button box programmed for the #1 controller, and the left bank set on #2. FS2004 recognizes all 3 controllers, select (settings, assignments) in the game.

[3] BUTTON BOX HOOK-UP

Pic 1 shows the basic wiring I did from the switches to the back of the project box lids.
I used 22 ga. wire running 1 ground from each bank of switches.







Pic 2 shows the wiring of the left box to the controller. I hooked all up to the #1 side. If I expand and ad more I will use the #2 side.









Pic 3 shows the final set-up of my button box. All switches have been labeled with the most common keys I will be using. Note: There are 4 plugs marked "INOP" for future use. I cut a hole in the right hand side for the USB cable. Easily able to unplug and move.

[2] SKETCHUP MODEL OF SIM

Google Sketch-up 6 is a 3D modeling software tool. This is a very rough draft I have designed from Google Sketchup 6. A nice feature is the measure tool. I can draw lines to the exact distance I need. You can color panels look thru them and rotate to an inside out view.

I will be adding curves to the side and top panels. Adding wheel/yoke shelf, pedal platform and seat to the next pic.
[COMING SOON]

[1] USB CONTROLLER

This is the USB Controller that I have chosen to use for my Flight Sim Project.
It's an Ulitmarc A-PAC Gamepad Interface Version 1 controller, with a 32 button interface which can handle up to 4 pots. The A-Pac is an analog/digital interface which emulates 2 gamepads. Inputs auto-detect whether pots or buttons are connected.

I will be using 8 momentary switches (gear, autopilot, etc.), 4 push buttons (strobes, landing lights etc.), wire and project boxes I have purchased from Radioshack. I am using a P-Touch labeler for the decals.

NEXT POST -

I am using Google Sketchup 6 for a 3D model of my project. This FREE program is great for visually seeing what the final product will look like. [easily able to make changes until you get what you're looking for]

RACING / FLIGHT SIM BUILD

STARTUP -
This is where I will be documenting the build of my racing / flight simulator. I will be attaching pics along with instructions of my build.
I will also include links to my favorite and most useful sites that have helped me in this build. Please feel free to comment or e-mail me at rickashaysims .

IN MY NEXT POST,
Finding a keyboard controller, building a button box, and attempting hookup. I will be flying FS 2004 to start with and using a Logitech Attack 3 joystick. [to test switches and controller on my Dell Laptop.]