Awesome DIY Controller for WWII Flying Sim and VR

Introduction

I found this terrific homemade DIY Controller while searching around the web for info on an article I plan to post in the not-too-distant future. A guy named Chris came up with what is basically a HOTAS (Hands On Throttle And Stick) controller. The only caveat is that it’s for a WWII flight sim, (IL2 Sturmovik) and he made it after making a change from ir head tracking, to full on VR.

It is well worth a read as he lays out detailed instructions, along with plenty of pictures documenting each step in the build process. You can check it out at the link at the bottom of this post after the parts list. As always if you do decide to take on this project, we have sourced the cheapest components available on Ebay for you. ^{*Links will be posted soon I promise.} The first option is from an American seller, the second cheaper one is usually from China. We do get a small kickback if you purchase through one of our links and we definitely appreciate it as it helps to keep the lights on around here.

List of Materials

• 1 x Teensy2.0 $12.30
• 1 x Jumper Sockets $1.10
• 1 x Jumper pins $1.71
• 1 x Electoral wire
• 4 x Potentiometers $4.00 ^{(make sure these are linear type and not audio)}
• 4 x Potentiometer caps

• 1 x Sliding Potentiometer $6.58
• 1 x Engine start LED switch $5.94
• 1 x Push button switch $7.10
• 1 x Missile Switch $2.63
• 9 x Momentary push buttons $9.02

• 1 x Jiffy box $6.95
• 1 x Long USB Type-C Cable
• 1 x Contact adhesive $1
• 1 x Adhesive printer paper
• 1 x Rubber Gromit
• 1 x Heat Shrink $0.50
• 1 x Electrical tape

Original Detailed Write-up

I’ll let Chris walk you through his build over on his site which you can find by following the link below.

http://www.chrisburns.com.au/diy-game-controller/

Related

Does VR make you motion sick? Me too. For an alternative try out SmoothTrack: PC Head Tracking with Mobile, all you need for a very good head tracking setup is a mobile device and $10. Possibly a phone holder of some sort too.

You could also brew your own HOTAS or any other type of controller you like Homemade Game Controller using an Arduino Leonardo can help get you started.