The SIMINPUT project
An open source modular button box framework.
What it is
SIMINPUT is a simple modular button box with six slots. The design is completely open source, so you can build your own modules, which makes just about anything possible.
It's designed to be for everybody. If you like building electronics yourself, or you just want to buy a button box that's ready to use, you can do it with SIMINPUT.
The great strength of the system is its expandability and adaptability. You can replace any module down the line in a five minute process, or just adjust the labels. You only have to buy a SIMINPUT box once, and you can keep expanding your controls for life.
The online configurator makes it easy to visualize how your box would look. From there you can order it from me, assembled or as a kit, or use it to plan a box you build yourself.
Why I made it
I made SIMINPUT because I wanted a button box for the DCS F/A-18. I could have just stopped there, but I saw the potential to make a cheap framework so people can more easily make their own button boxes. So it got a little out of hand: four complete redesigns and some boxes sold to friends later, I started working on the website.
SIMINPUT is my first custom PCB design, my first time making a web app, and my first time creating an open-source project. It has been an insane amount of work, but hopefully it will all be worth it in the end!
The files
Everything below is published. The configurator and this website are the only parts I keep closed, so the assembled box stays something I can build and sell to keep the project going.
- Print filesPrintables
The enclosure and every module as print-ready files, with printing and assembly instructions for each part.
- FirmwareGitHub
The controller firmware. Build it, flash it, or change how the box behaves.
- SoftwareGitHub
The desktop app for updating the firmware and configuring your box.
- Enclosure & modulesOnshape
The full 3D CAD for the case and every module, ready to fork and remix.
- PCBEasyEDA
The circuit board layout and schematic, open in EasyEDA.
Licensing details are published in each repository.
How you can help
The project grows through the people using it. A few things that genuinely help:
- Design a module. The system is built for it, and I'll happily help you get it working. This is the thing I'm hoping for most.
- Build a box from the files and show it off. Every build teaches me something about the design.
- Order a box or some parts. That's what funds new modules.
- Hang out in the Discord. Questions, ideas, and bug reports all land there first, and it's where builds get shared.