DIY Sim Racing Button Box (5 Buttons - Ext MCU)

Enhance your sim rig with this compact and sturdy button box enclosure. Designed for sim racers who need extra inputs for ignition, lights, wipers, or brake bias without cluttering their steering wheel.

This design focuses on keeping the footprint small on your rig. It acts as a breakout box for 5 standard panel-mount momentary push buttons, with the microcontroller (Arduino, Leo Bodnar, etc.) intended to be mounted externally/hidden away for better cable management.

Key Features:

• 5-Button Layout: Optimized spacing for standard round panel-mount push buttons (check your button diameter, fits most standard 12mm types).
• External Control Unit: Designed as a "dumb" box—it houses only the buttons and wiring, keeping the unit slim. The wires run out to your external USB controller.
• Integrated Strain Relief: The back of the case features two specific holes designed for a zip-tie. This secures your wiring harness and prevents soldering joints from breaking if the cable gets pulled.
• Easy Mounting: integrated mounting tabs for wood or profile rigs.

Hardware Needed:

• 5x Standard Panel Mount Momentary Push Buttons.
• Wiring (approx. 22-24 AWG).
• 1x Small Zip-tie (for cable strain relief).
• Wood screws (for mounting to the rig).

Print Settings

• Material: PLA, PETG, or PLA+ (Photos show Black PLA).
• Nozzle: 0.4mm.
• Layer Height: 0.2mm standard.
• Infill: 20% (Grid or Gyroid) for sturdiness when pressing buttons.
• Supports: [Add "None" or "Minimal" depending on your specific model orientation].

Happy Racing!