Simviation Forums

In a respect of doing things cheap (free if possible), I want to implement an old PS/2 keyboard into an interface for flight sim. What I want to do is edit a driver to recognize the second keyboard as a game controller, so I can build a switch panel.

I would use small solenoids to activate the keyboard keys via power from a 12v transformer (model train set) and toggle switches, or rockers if I can get some.

Basicly, I want each key to be considered a button, programmable in flight sim. Is this possible? If so, how about in WinXP64?

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Forget it!

I started two years ago in the same way  ???. The main problem is - you want to have swtiches - but you have only the function of a pushbutton from the key!

If you want to start to build you own cockpit it dependet on the flight simulator which you use. Look at http://www.simkits.com or at my web page http://www.taffe.de.

Greetings

Oliver

skligmund,

The keyboard output to game controller part of your plan is the issue in my opinion.  "Hacking" keyboards has been done a lot by early pit builders... including the solenoid control bit...... and there are some threads here in this forum that point to info on that subject.  Building that conversion interface I have NOT seen anywhere.

My guess is that you are going to find that even if you have the keyboard... by the time you are done getting all the solenoids and wiring and such... that it would actually be cheaper, faster, and ultimately FAR more functional to just get a Hagstrom KE72 keyboard encoder.

The Hagstrom KE-72 can be programmed to send any key or a macro of keys to the computer.  It can turn a toggle switch input into a "momentary" type output.  It can send one key(s) on press and another on release.  It is VERY flexible... and not that expensive.

The same switches and wires that you would have had to hook to the keyboard you then just hook to the KE72.

If you absolutely NEED game controller button presses.... then the registered version of FSUIPC will allow you to convert keypresses to something seen by Windows as game buttons.

best,

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

Hey, thanks guys! I thought that one up in like 5 minutes or something, and figured I'd shoot it out there for it to be shot full of holes.

I will look into these things, and let you know what I come up with. What I'm really after is a set top box that can be put away after use, as I don't have space for a full pit. My computer is in my living room, and is ALMOST in the way as it is. I have enough room on both sides of my desk (from monitor) for a box about 2'x2'x1'. I think that would be plenty for me, one box as critical controls (Master, Mags, Fuel Pumps, Starters, Generator/Alternator, Fuel Selector) and the other for the rest (Lights [Internal/External], De-Ice, Pitot Heat, Alternate Air/Carb Heat, Prop Sync, Cowl Flaps).