CHEAP COCKPIT

[fbass]

Not everyone has the megabucks to shell out for a fancy cockpit or purchase panel modules supporting radios, throttles, and the like. In fact, I couldn't justify the expense myself. So, I started looking around for a cheap substitute that would at least provide a way to get rid of (so to speak) using my standard PC keyboard.

I have my keyboard in a slide out tray under my computer desk. I implemented this tray so that I could have some desk space in front of my monitor. Well, that went away when I bought a joystick and a yoke. So much for planning.

Anyway, I really got tired of having to pull out the keyboard every time I wanted to access an FS2002 function. So, I purchased a Cedeq Enterpad P120 keypad. Am I ever glad I did. For less than $200 total, you get a small, well-built membrane keypad that's programmable. It sits between the standard keyboard and your computer.

How does it work - GREAT/FANTASTIC. I'm only using the first-level programming so I have 110 keystrokes programmed into the pad. I used a clamp and a metal bookend to hold it upright next to my yoke. Right now I'm using three large rubberbands to hold the keypad to the bookends but I'll use something else when I find the right solution. The keys do not require much pressure so it's a snap to use. It even beeps when you press a key spot.

How hard is it to program? Can you type? It comes with a config software package for Windows. I programmed all 110 keys the first time without a single error. It uses statements like:

<025=><CTRL>E

The number associates the key on the pad with the action that follows. The keyspots are numbered 1-10, 11-20,....across and down the keypad. Each keystroke is in the braces. There are a few conventions for keys such as SHIFT and numbers but its no big deal. I promise, anyone can use this thing - no matter what your age or experience level.

The program comes with a template - *.bmp file. I didn't like the way it loaded into a paint program so I inserted it into a MS Word document and it worked great. I used a scale of 89% and it fit exactly. The keypad has a mylar sheet that covers the paper template so it doesn't get dirty or wrinkled. This sheet is part of the keypad. Note: If you buy this keypad let me know and I'll send you the color-coded template for Word that I developed.

If you're interested, contact PM KIDDER & ASSOCIATES at www.pmkidder.com. These guys are the distributors for this keypad in the US. If you want to check out the keypad, go to www.cedeq.com. If you need any questions answered from Cedeq, contact M. Neiderer, Cedeq <mneiderer@cedeq.com>. Thats a mademoiselle to you "BUB." She's cool and French/Canadian - and she has all the answers.

By the way, I do not work for CEDEQ nor do I receive any compensation from anyone associated with this keypad. I just thought you'd like to know about a great product that fits a requirement quite elegantly.

:-wave







...Hizzoner P. Wigley Esq. P.C.
:-lol http://forums.flightsim.com/dcforum/...1a30889ba1.jpg :-lol

Sounds like a pretty good way to go there fbass. I've seen aux keyboards from other companies and they work pretty slick for running key-combination macros too.



I've had my own auxilury keyboard/panel in the making for a while now too. I started with a Belkin PS/2 Keyboard Y-connector (around $40US) and an unused PS/2 keyboard. I suppose the same principle could be applied to a USB keyboard too...but I haven't tried any of them out.

The donor keyboard got stripped down to just the encoder circuit board, and I'm hard-wiring momentary switches (push-buttons, toggles, paddles, rockers, rotary, whatever type simulates the controlled function best) to the encoder circuit.

Example,
I've got a two-position, center-off paddle switch used for flaps. The up position is hard-wired as the 'F6' key(assigned to retract flaps), and the down position is hard-wired as 'F7' (assigned to extend flaps).

I suppose a person could get really exotic and substitute in some rotary-encoders for the freq change knobs...but I'm trying to keep this a low-buck project mainly from salvaged/recycled parts (I run a TV repair shop)...and I haven't scrounged up any that'll hook up to the keyboard encoder easily.

[fbass]

Ah, a true hobbiest. Why don't you write an article for the Tips and Tricks or something the Forum reviewers could place in the opening screen of flightsim.com. We need more "stuff" like this to further the flightsim quest.

Asta lambego (that's the way we spell it in the South). Thanks.

hehe...an HTML article IS in the plans once things actually start looking like more than a jumble of wires. :-)

Right now it's a big "rat's nest" of wire attached to a piece of plywood, sitting on the corner of my simming desk...but someday!

Actually, right now I've gotta scrounge up a digi-cam to snap some pix of my rudder pedals and slap a how-to together for them too.

Good Luck with your own projects!