Is there anything less expensive than the Logitech Switch Panel for making usb toggle switches available to MSFS? I don’t want buttons, I want toggle switches.
Also, does the Logitech panel even work (many posts here that it does not).
I use Desktop aviator stuff never problem.
http://www.desktopaviator.com/index.htm
Logitech does work. I had some panels and they worked fine. And they’re rocker style toggle switches, not buttons. But in all honesty, Logitech isn’t very good quality compared to other options out there.
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Hello,
I moved this to Peripherals. (Home Cockpit Builders is another possible category for this, but I don’t know if your intention is to build a panel or have something standalone.)
I know a lot of people use Desktop Aviator products, but they need to be mounted in something.
Simmax.it also makes switch panels that also need to be mounted, but they’ll also customize whatever you like. They could probably make something standalone, if that’s what you’re interested in.
Flight Velocity makes a switch panel, but it’s e en more expensive than the Logitech, so maybe that’s a non-starter.
How about make one yourself using nothing more than the toggle switches and an Arduino or similar. You get exactly what you want that way.
Indeed - I built my own first panel about 10 years ago - didn’t cost much (around £50/$80 at the time) and was very easy, using a Leo Bodnar BU0836 USB board, 28 PTM switches, a couple of flip-switches (DPDT) and a thumbwheel from my spares box. All fitted to a single, flat aluminium box.
Took a couple of days and lasted until I did my second project (several years later), which had many more options and a better layout across multiple project boxes, but still didn’t cost much.
Thanks everyone for the feedback! :o)
While I am perfectly capable of building my own panel, I just ran out of toggle switches on my controller, so am looking for a KISS way to add a few more.
Don’t know how much you want to spend, but I found this one, which claims to be FS2020 compatible:
http://www.vrinsightshop.com/shop/step1.php?number=9&ckattempt=1
Check out LeoBodnar for components. Self build has never been easier than it is these days.
There are much better deals around than those prices. It pays to shop around.
The Logitech panels work fine and are an adequate quality for the price. They are not insanely expensive if you dont buy all of them at once.
Going with the KISS principal I’ve ordered the Logitech Switch Panel from Amazon. Delivery tomorrow!
Thanks to everyone. 
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I don’t know why I keep looking at these kinds of posts, it always ends up costing me more money. 
ha ha
Some great ideas here
Hope you enjoy it ! Dont forget to download and install the latest drivers. That seems to be the main issue that most people have. Also, plug it in before you launch MSFS.
If you like diy you can build a complete home cockpit managed by Mobiflight with full support for switches, encoders, devices like joystocks, leds, displays and much more with a great support by Community.
Here is the link:
But i suggest to take a look at Mobiflight Discord.
Ciao
Should this gaming device show up in the controller configuration section of MSFS so that I can assign the switches to the functions I want? I’ve installed the latest Logitech Plug-In. It does not light up when I plug it in either USB 2 or 3. It doesn’t show in MSFS controllers. I’ve looked for a driver but don’t find one. Windows 10 beeps when I plug/unplug it. I don’t find a way to test it in Windows before starting MSFS, like I can do with other controllers. I guess this thing is not considered a “controller”? Is there a simple 3rd party app for testing it at the Windows/System level? In settings there is a “Flight Switch Panel”. Should I open a new thread for this issue?
It looks like I am going to have to use a 3rd partry app called “spad.next” if I want to assign panel switches to airplane functions. Is this correct? I have installed it and am watching tutorial videos. I expected the panel to be a plug-n-play controller device in MSFS just like my other controllers. How disappointing this is not true, and that I have to pay for, learn, and interject middleman software.
Since I fly only Single Engine Land (SEL) airplanes, and the panel is preprogramed for “airliners” I’m having to fit a square peg into a round hole.
BTW: Do the lights on the panel ever light up?
I cant say wether it shows up in Windows or not, I never checked. But it IS Plug & Play as far as MSFS is concerned. No, it doesnt show up under your controllers and you cant assign buttons without some other program but generally thats just not necessary.
When its plugged in, you just hop in a plane and everything works as it should. Best example is the Cessna 172: the lights are for the landing gear so they will only light up when you jump in a plane that actually has one. In fact, it even does so correctly, meaning no lights when you are in a Cessna 172 but when you fly a 172 seaplane, only two of the three gear lamps light up as it only has two tiny wheels.
The thing with the Logitech panels is that there’s no where to “see” them connected to Windows. They don’t even show up as connected devices in MSFS. They just work (assuming drivers are installed) or they don’t.
If you installed the Logitech drivers and don’t want to reassign anything (use default), you don’t need Spad. The panel will work just fine in the majority of GA planes and are preconfigured as GA panels. It’s if you want to use them in custom ways or with airliners that they need reprogramming via Spad.
There is actually, they have test software:
https://download01.logi.com/web/ftp/pub/techsupport/simulation/Flight_Panels_x86_Software.exe