If you’re diving into building your own flight simulator cockpit, you’re in for a fun and rewarding project!

In this post, I’ll give you a quick overview of some of the basic and most common components used in flight simulator cockpit building. Let’s jump right in!

Popular components used to build a flight simulator cockpit:

Buttons

Switches

Encoders

Potentiometers

There are so many types to choose from, such as toggle switches, rocker switches, push buttons, rotary switches, and illuminated switches.

While shopping around for these components, you’ll see four-letter acronyms indicating the type of switch or button.  SPST, SPDT, and DPDT are the most common used in a flight simulator cockpit.

   What Does SPST, SPDT, and DPDT Mean?

SPST (Single Pole Single Throw)

• Controls one circuit with two terminals.
• Simple on/off functionality, like a toggle switch or push button.
• When the switch is closed, the two terminals are connected, allowing current to flow. When opened, the connection breaks.
  

SPDT (Single Pole Double Throw)

• Controls one circuit but has three terminals (one common and two throws).
• The common terminal connects to either the A or B terminal, depending on the switch position.
• Useful for functions like a NAV/GPS switch, where one direction is NAV, and the other is GPS.

DPDT (Double Pole Double Throw)

• Controls two separate circuits with one lever.
• Like two SPDT switches combined, providing more complex control options.
  

   How Do Momentary and Latching Switches Differ?

Momentary Switches: Current flows only while the switch is held in the closed position. These are ideal for avionics panels or GPS units where you need temporary contact.

Latching Switches: Stay in their set position until manually changed, making them suitable for functions that require a stable on/off state.

   What Are Rotary Encoders and Potentiometers?

Rotary Encoders: Used to change values in the simulator, such as adjusting the heading bug, altimeter setting, or course. Encoders can be single or dual, with dual encoders being used for more complex inputs like those on GPS units.

Potentiometers (POTS): Variable resistors with three terminals used for analog inputs. They are essential for making yokes, throttles, audio volume controls, and dimming lights.

   SPST Switch Example

Toggle Switches and Push Buttons: SPST switches are straightforward on/off switches. They have two terminals and can be used for simple actions like turning lights on and off.

Wiring: One wire to a ground terminal and the other to a digital input on the interface board (e.g., Leobodnar board).

Usage: When the switch is flipped on, the current flows, sending an electrical signal to the assigned button in the simulator.

   SPDT Switch Example

Functionality: These switches often have three terminals: one common and two throws (A and B). They are perfect for tasks requiring two states, like switching between NAV and GPS.

Wiring: Common terminal to ground, A and B terminals to separate digital inputs.

Usage: When the switch is in one direction, current flows from the common terminal to terminal A. When switched the other way, current flows to terminal B.

   DPDT Switch Example

Versatility: DPDT switches are like two SPDT switches in one, controlling two circuits simultaneously. They are great for tasks like setting the vent blower in a King Air to high, low, or auto.

Wiring: Similar to SPDT but controlling two separate circuits, making it suitable for more complex tasks.

   Momentary vs. Latching

Momentary: Ideal for temporary actions, such as push buttons on GPS units.

Latching: Suitable for actions that need to stay in place, like light switches.

   Potentiometers

Usage: Potentiometers, or pots, are used for controls that need variable resistance, like yokes, throttles, and volume knobs. They have three terminals: two for the resistive element and one for the wiper.

Building a flight simulator cockpit involves integrating these components into a cohesive system. Here’s a quick overview of how to start:

1. Choose Your Components: Decide on the switches, buttons, encoders, and potentiometers you’ll need to build your flight simulator cockpit.

2. Connect to Interface Boards: Use interface boards like the Leo Bodnar board to connect your components to the computer.

3. Configure in Software: Assign functions to your components within your flight simulation software.

In upcoming posts, I’ll dive deeper into using interface boards and show you step-by-step how to create custom hardware for your flight simulator cockpit. Stay tuned!