This Button Box or Sim-Panel is a high-performance, compact controller designed for flight simulation (MSFS, DCS, X-Plane etc.) and sim-racing. It leverages an intelligent Dual-Layer (Shift) system to provide a staggering 84 Buttons (82 mappable digital functions + 2 mode states with LED indicator) alongside 3 high-precision analog axes, all powered by a single Arduino Leonardo.
Whether you need to manage complex autopilot systems, engine mixtures, or landing gear, this panel provides the tactile feedback and reliability required for a professional setup.
🚀 Key Features
- Dual-Layer Logic: A dedicated Mode button toggles all matrix inputs and encoders into a second command layer.
- 82 Digital Commands: 64 button functions, 6 encoder push-buttons (dual-layered), and 12 encoder rotation commands split into two banks.
- 3 Analog Axes: 2x Rotary Potentiometers and 1x 60mm Linear Fader (ideal for Throttle, Flaps, or Mixture).
- Zero-Ghosting Matrix: A full 6x6 matrix equipped with 36 diodes (1N4148) to ensure every input is registered accurately.
- Industrial Design: Robust housing using M3 and M2 brass threaded inserts for a professional, screw-together assembly.
- Plug & Play: Recognized as a standard HID Game Controller (Joystick) in Windows - no external drivers required.
- Toggle/Pulse Mode: Press EN01 + EN03 + BN02 to change SW07, SW08, SW09 and SW10 between Toggle and Pulse mode. While Toggle will keep the key pressed, Pulse will send only a short button press when flipping the switch. Refer to wiring schematics for more details.
🖥️ 3D Printing
- The case and lid can be printed in PLA, I recommend PETG HF for durability though.
- Printing requires supports
- I include a profile for printing PETG with a PLA interface layer as well as a No-AMS profile for printing a single material
- Clearances were designed around the components I used (see shopping list). Might require adjustments when using other components.
- The case can be printed with 2 walls and 15% infill. Parts for threaded inserts should be set to 100% infill.
- Out of vanity I printed a case featuring my logo on the inside, this version is also included, as well as a test piece for testing clearances.
Printing times
- When printing PETG + PLA interface layer for supports (P2S + AMS)
- Case: 6h31m
- Lid: 3h16m
- Clearance test piece: 1h26m
- When printing single material (P2S)
- Case: 5h59m
- Lid: 3h16m
- Clearance test piece: 48m
🔌 Wiring
🛒 Shopping List
- The shopping list includes all the components I used. Depending on your location, these may be available from other retailers or can be replaced with equivalent components.
</> INO Sketch for Flashing your Arduino Leonardo
- Download the INO sketch from Github
- Open buttonbox.ino in Arduino IDE
- Add the Encoder and Keypad libraries via the Library Manager. Also add Matthew Heironimus' ArduinoJoystickLibrary to the sketch via Sketch/Include Library/Add .ZIP Library.
- Make sure your Arduino Leonardo is connected and the COM port selected.
- Upload the sketch to your Leonardo.
- Be aware that Windows will not show more than 32 buttons when calibrating the device. Nonetheless they are recognized and working. For testing I created HID Tester - A free Joystick Testing App. Any other modern tool work as well.
rhunecke
