I want to be able to make a custom dash with buttons and switches (matching certain car dashboards) to then plug in via USB. Is there an idiots guide to doing all of this? without needing to take out a bank loan!!
Not really, buy yourself buttons and switches you want to use and hook them on one of the Leo Bodnars button controllers, BBI-32 is one for example. They are easy to wire and pretty plug and play. There are some cheaper solutions like Teensy controller but you need to write a code for it. You can find some nice metal or plastic cases / boxes on ebay, mark and drill the holes, put the buttons, connect them to controller and off you go. Or the cheapest solution for controller, buy some 5$ gamepad, break the casing and disconnect current buttons and hook yours. But I would go with Bodnars or similar as you can connect much more.
Here's a cheap option comes pre-wired, USB Arcade Control Encoder http://www.ebay.com/itm/Zero-delay-...ick-and-Buttons-For-Arcade-Happ-diy-kit-Parts
Nice find, thanks! Can I use my own parts and just get the board and wires out that list? There would still be soldering involved?
There's a post on iRacing forums called DIY button box €20,- ($25) no soldering, no drivers if you want more info go there. View attachment 19645 View attachment 19646 View attachment 19647
What prodigy said, exactly i had 3 button boxes, and used controller boards, and then i switched to symprojects game controller 32 buttons, and analog. It's awesome, so soldering, just for the actual buttons, but you can actually tie the wire around the button's contacts, get a box, drill etc. I can post some pics of mine if you want an ideea. Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Those pictures are of the Zero delay USB Encoder to PC Joystick and Buttons board, I don't know what more info you would need it's pretty simple button box. If you want rotary encoders and more buttons go the Leo Bodnars button controller.
Another option: Take a look at SimPit http://www.thesimpit.com/ or more precisely at http://www.thesimpit.com/en/news/comments/VIDEO-BLOG-DIY-Dual-Shock-Controller-Button-Box
Arduino Hey, If you're on the DIY side, the Arduino solution cannot be cheaper. I posted a thing a while back, let me know! http://isiforums.net/f/showthread.php/27462-Probing-interess-rFactor2Arduino-plugin