planning stages on build

[fluffybunny]

Hey everyone,
After lurking for a good long while here I have decided it is time to start building a cockpit.  I am planning on just starting off with simple switches for lights and things like that for example.  Im planning on using DPST switches, so I have the opportunity to add LED's to those switches at a later time.

I am looking for information on what would be the best interface to the computer for my needs, It will start off with just basic switches, and maybe some rotary switches later on.  Basically I would like the most versatile interface.

I have noticed that a lot of people use the KE72 which is what I am interested in, my only issue with that is I currently use the roger doger DIY flight sim buttons on a keyboard.  Here is the website.  I am using 2 keyboards with it basically the overhead panel and regular panel print outs.  Because of the 2 keyboards whenever I press buttons on one of the keyboards im having to hold down the ctrl key, and set those on one of the keyboards as a ctl+the button assignment.  it is a hassle sometimes to do that but it works.

Anyways back to the subject at hand, if I use the ke72 would it look to the computer like a regular keyboard? if so wouldn't that cause conflicts with my current keyboard assignments and situation?  Does one of the interfaces appear to the computer like another joystick?  I think that would be the best way to go, unless if it would cause conflicts with my current joystick(the CH yoke).

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Professor_Fate]

Welcome to the madness, FB...

The KE72 plugs in line with your pc keyboard and only converts switch inputs to key inputs. You can still use both the KE-72 and keyboard at the same time.

Here is a link to the KE-72 site for more info:

http://www.hagstromelectronics.com/prod ... etail.html

Regards,
Fate

[JBaymore]

Fluffybunny,

Welcome to the insane asylum down here......... you have stepped off the deep end!  

If you have been following my build in the sticky at the top of the forum you'll know that .......... I have two KE72's connected to two different computers.  One of those two computers has a PS2 keyboard, a usb keyboard, AND a Hagstrom KE72 all attached along with numerous CH products items (yoke, pedals and throttle quad) as well as a lot of Goflight modules.  No issues. )(POWERED USB hubs, thank you.)

If you are doing a pit think about "distributed computing".  Spread the load of the pit across as many PCs as you can.  That way you get maximum framerates and or performance out of any software running on any individual computer.  Keep the main visual display FS computer as free of running apps as you can.

best,

.....................john