So I know where to find arduino buttons, switches, and rotary encoders, I know where to find pre-made equipment like autopilot, radios, etc, but I am interested in doing these yourself. Where would I find replica control knobs? I would like to build an A320 Autopilot myself, I can build the frame and basic control structures, but where would I find the dials and LED switches that make it look like the real thing?
Hopefully I am explaining myself. I have heard of this website: https://www.cockpitsimparts.co.uk/, but they don’t seem like a reliable place for dials, as all they seem to have are Boeing 737 parts. If anyone can list places to go that I can buy stuff like this from(preferrably in the US), I’d appreciate it.
Thanks!
Re use knobs switches from old junk like car stereo or coffee machines, etc.
People throw stuff away all the time, collect it tear it down, and compare serial nr’s on the materials to find there specs, than see where you can fit them in.
Good luck on youre quest
Flightdecksolutions.com.
Look in components section. May be a bit expensive, but they offer extreme realistic quality.
I am not affiliated with this company, but own a JetMax 737NG Flightdeck I only wish I could currently use with MSFS.
Thanks for the link. Unfortunately they are too expensive, so I will have to find alternative places. They do seem to have some pretty cool stuff in the event I cannot build a piece of equipment, so I will check them out in the future.
I’ve seen people who 3d-printed theirs.
I have heard as well but 3D printers are a little out of my budget and also out of my knowledge.
I ran across this post because I too would like to find more realistic options. I saw your post about not having access to a 3D printer. Do a search online for 3D printing services, they are all over on the web and maybe there’s even a local option that you can walk into and discuss in person. They are not that expensive and they can print whatever you want, all you have to do is send them a 3D printing file. If you cannot design your own parts, check online for others that have already created the parts and see if they are willing to share. Good luck and let us know how it works out.
Thanks for the response. I’ll bet there’s 3D printing services around my location. I actually started a project a long time ago but stopped because we were working on some things around the house, but seeing pictures posted in the sim pits thread makes motivated to try again, and I will post pictures if I ever complete some projects!
Cheers!
There are places like this https://www.electronicsurplus.com/search/knob that have a large selection of older knobs and switches. Also Digikey stocks literally thousands of knobs and switches see https://www.digikey.com/en/products/filter/knobs/568?s=N4IgTCBcDaINYDsD2AjEBdAvkA
FWIW