We will require far fewer pins on our Teensy. The reason for using a matrix of buttons is simple. The blue wires are for the LEDs inside the buttons. See the red wires? That's the button matrix. Remember when I sent you away to read about matrices? This is where we use that knowledge. Don't attach the Teensy or step-up module to the plate yet. Make sure you're still considering the orientation. Insert the buttons and screw them down securely. As you can see, the assembly of the unit itself is quite straightforward. It's time to look under the old girl's dress. I would recommend something more like this: 22mm Stainless Push Button Switch Be careful of this when ordering buttons. These were applied with super glue and hot glue for support. I had to use a different contactor than the ones that came with the large round buttons, because the ones supplied were far too deep to fit inside. You can see in the next step that the front edge of the enclosure has less clearance inside than the rear. Other buttons might require some modification in order to fit in the enclosure. Slot each one into the relevant buttons and you're done. Print this on transparency and cut to size. Use your/my layout and add text within the boundaries of the buttons. We want all the buttons to be oriented the same way so that when we flip the board over, all of the contacts are nicely uniform, making soldering a lot easier. Button labels are inserted at this point so pay attention to orientation. Switch, LED module, button, plate, and cover. The rectangular buttons in my design come in 5 parts. In particular the illuminated or labelled ones. Some of your buttons will require assembly. Grab your parts and tools, and lets talk about labelling buttons. I got a shady deal.ĭepending on your choice of buttons, you might also need. Expect to pay more than the £50 that I paid though. It's rigid, laminated, and it provides two colour engraving with lasers. So I went to a professional, and he showed me a piece of Traffolyte. Want aluminium laser/waterjet cut? Be prepared to pay for it.
The enclosure comes with a blank Aluminium panel, so feel free to hand drill that, but be prepared for a battle with button placement. That weakens the panel and hand drilling would almost certainly break the plastic. The accuracy of the cutting is important due to the close proximity of the buttons to one another.
There are many reasons why I went to a professional engraver.
That includes the laser cutting and engraving. I recommend against hand drilling the front panel.Īll of the above parts cost me approximately £150. To link the Teensy with the panel mount socket.ġ x Custom Engraved Front Panel. To cable to the PC.ġ x USB-MINI to USB-A Cable. To attach to the rear of the unit.ġ x USB-A to USB-B Cable. How this works is actually a mystery to me.ġ x USB-B Panel Mount Socket. This is to regulate current through the matrix. This is to power the LEDs, which in these particular switches are 12V. Teensy is the only Arduino compatible PMC with native USB-HID that I know of.ġ x 5V - 12V Step-Up Module. ġ x Teensy 3.2 Programmable Microcontroller. I could not find the same buttons individually.ġ x Retex Sloped Console Enclosure (33020102). Removable covers.Ģ x ON/OFF/EMERGENCY STOP Switch Box. Missile/Flip covers available.ģ0 x Rectangular Illuminated Push-Button Switch. Here are links to every part I used in the build.ħ x Momentary ON/OFF Toggle Switch. Research every switch fully, order samples and measure everything before committing to laser cutting or engraving.įor my controller, I sourced almost everything through eBay. The layout will be wholly dependant on your choice of buttons and switches. If you want to customise or completely change the layout, you should use a geometrically accurate drawing application. Feel free to use the layout provided if you intend to follow my design completely. It's not rocket surgery, is it?įirst of all you're going to want to draw a layout. Go there, understand what a matrix is, why it's useful here, and then come back. You're in the right place.įirst of all, there are a couple of fundamentals to understand before we continue. And if you've ever wanted to use the term 'matrix' in conversation without referring to an overrated Hollywood movie, then read on. If you're not good at soldering now, you will be by the time you have finished.
If you've never used an Arduino or done any coding, this is a pretty good place to start. So you want to make a custom switch panel for Elite Dangerous, or some other game, huh? It's easier than you might think.