MZButtons / MikeZuluButtons

DIY USB HID controller for aviation simulators.
Has a standard USB joystick interface with up to 128 buttons, 2 encoders, 4 switches.
All done with inexpensive parts, easily obtainable at Chinese online shops.
Based on Pro Micro, with the 3D printable expandable modular case.

Max number of buttons

The device can provide up to 128 buttons. Each rocker/toggle switch counts as 2 buttons, each encoder counts as 3 button. So the formula is:

#if ((KEYPADS_NO*16)+(ENCODERS_NO*3)+(SWITCHES_NO*2) > 128)  
#error MAX allowed joystick buttons is 128!  
#endif  

Suggestions wanted

Yup, I need someone to help me find the best layout for the decals and to add color-code grouping to them.

Status

The project is ready. The code and 3d printed case parts were printed/tested/debugged.

Files and Folders

In Decals folder you can find Print_me.html file in which you can easily create and customize your own labels for the buttons. Just print it out on any laser printer and cut along the lines. STL files are here: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2836442

Bill of Materials

• Button matrix module 1-8 pcs
  ($5 per piece with shipping)
  (manufacturer https://robotdyn.com/button-keypad-4x4-module.html)
  https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Button-Keypad-module-4x4-Analog-pin-connection/32635207928.html

• Arduino Pro Micro 1pcs
  BEWARE Old versions are flashed with the faulty bootloader - you'll have to flash it with ISP programmer. If you don't have one - just buy the new version, it flashes fine via USB cable.
  ($4.32 per piece with shipping)
  https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Free-Shipping-New-Pro-Micro-for-arduino-ATmega32U4-5V-16MHz-Module-with-2-row-pin-header/2040881593.html

• Encoders 2pcs
  ($0.72 per piece)
  https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Integrated-Circuits-rotary-encoder-ky-040-Brick-Sensor-Development-for-arduino-KY-040/32818097809.html

• Toggle Switches 4pcs
  Sold as 5pcs pack.
  ($1 per 5pcs pack)
  https://www.aliexpress.com/item/5pcs-Mini-MTS-102-3-Pin-SPDT-ON-ON-6A-125VAC-Miniature-Toggle-Switches/32813717258.html

or

• Rocker Switches 4pcs
  Sold as 10pcs pack.
  ($1 per 10pcs pack)
  https://www.aliexpress.com/item/10pcs-lot-15-10-mm-2PIN-Kcd1-Boat-Rocker-Switch-SPST-Snap-in-ON-OFF-Position/32811132757.html

• Rubber feet ?pcs If you're going to use it flat on the table.
  Sold as 48pcs pack.
  ($1 per 48pcs pack)
  https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Wholesale-2-48Pcs-Non-slip-Protectors-Furniture-Leg-Feet-Rubber-Pads-Felt-Pads-Self-Adhesive/32843489564.html

Schematics

There is no schematics as this project is very simple to assemble even if your soldering kung fu is not strong.

• 16 buttons matrices
  are connected to A0, A1, A2, A3, 4, 6, 8, 9 pins on Arduino Pro Micro. Also, they use VCC and GND pins which could be chained from one module to another.
• Rocker/Toggle switches
  should be connected to pins 10, 14, 15, 16 with the other wire connected to the GND pin.
• Encoders
  should be connected to pins 3, 2, 5 (encoder1 pinA, pinB, button) and 0, 1, 7 (encoder2 pinA, pinB, button). Also, don't forget the ground connection.

Special thanks to:

• Matthew Heironimus for the Joystick Library https://github.com/MHeironimus/ArduinoJoystickLibrary
• Ben Buxton for the best encoder debouncing algorithm http://www.buxtronix.net/2011/10/rotary-encoders-done-properly.html
• Marco Colli for the adaptation of the previous library https://github.com/MajicDesigns/MD_REncoder
• Andrew_Whitham for the Pro Micro 3D model https://grabcad.com/library/arduino-pro-micro-1
• Victor Fedyunin for the HTML tuning mailto:vitfed16@mail.ru

I like this thing! What can I do?

If you like this project and want to support me - drop me a message in Google Hangouts or e-mail at yurymonzon(w0of-wo0f)gmail (.) com 😺