I like to build stuff and getting into racing with Beamng gave me the opportunity to start building goodies to outfit my racing setup. I liked the idea of having a button box to do things in Beamng instead of having to use the keyboard, so I got a bunch of switches, lights, a project box, a USB controller board, etc etc. I also wanted it to wake and hibernate the PC too, show the HHD and power lights, etc so I got switches for that too. First I 3D printed a cover for the project box with all the holes and cutouts for the switches and lights. After I got it printed I sprayed it with a couple of coats of olive drab and then a couple of coats of clear enamel, then I mounted all the switches and started wiring. I wired up the USB controller to use all 16 switch inputs. It comes with 12 regular input lines, but there are another 4 that are intended to be used with a 4-way, switch-style joystick. Well, "any switch is a switch" for this particular use case and so that gave me 4 more buttons to use. I extended the connections from the PC for the power switch, power lamp, HDD lamp, and Reset switch to the button box, and I used a locking connector to attach those switches and lights. The USB switch inputs go out of the box and back to the PC through a USB cord, and it shows up as a "Generic USB Controller" with 16 functions (inputs). I haven't decided what all the button are gonna do, but so far I'm thinking of assigning them to: The 4-colored buttons: Recover, Restart, Start/Stop recording, and Pause. The 4 red buttons: I have no idea (yet) what to use these for The 4 red, 2-way paddle switches: Flight controls maybe? Lights on/off? Adjust the vehicle height? The 4 red, square buttons: I have no idea (yet) what to use these for (special mod controls maybe?) The three vertical lights are for an over temp warning, the HDD indicator light, and (something else). To start or wake the PC you flip the red safety switch cover up and flick the switch. The light below the PC power button starts flashing and the main PC power button above it is now 'live'. Pressing that button starts or wakes the PC (just like on any PC). Anyway, that's it so far. Whaddya think? (Comments with extravagant praise are welcome, as are questions.) So....what should I use the extra switches for? Suggestions are welcome because I just don't know what makes sense.
