Airbus A320 ENG Panel as USB Controller

Airbus A320 ENG Panel as USB Controller

This model represents the ENG Panel of the Airbus A320. In the original aircraft, it is located behind the thrust levers on the center console and is used for controlling and monitoring the engines.

The panel can be used as a USB controller for flight simulators like Microsoft Flight Simulator, providing a significantly more immersive flight experience through its illuminated indicators and switches.

Functions

The panel features:

• 2 Engine switches (ENG 1 / ENG 2)
• 1 Rotary switch for operating modes
• 2 Push buttons
• 4 Illuminable indicators (FIRE / FAULT for each engine)

The FIRE and FAULT indicators can be controlled independently and are excellent for displaying warnings, errors, or status information.

Required Components

For replication, the following are needed:

• 1× Arduino Pro Micro LINK

  

• 2× Switches with approx 7 mm thread diameter LINK
• 1× Rotary switch LINK
• 2× Push buttons LINK
• Standoffs
• LEDs for illumination
• Cables and soldering accessories

File Customization

Two parts of the Main.3mf contain negative objects, which also need to be scaled depending on the situation. An .f3d file is also included, where you can make it even more precise if desired. These serve as placeholders for:

• the output of the Arduino Pro Micro
• additional switches for manually switching the LEDs

The corresponding cutouts were intentionally not permanently integrated into the model, as their position can vary depending on the standoffs, switches, and individual wiring used.

Therefore, before printing, the negative objects should be adapted to your own components.

Wiring

A self-soldered circuit board is required for operation.

The enclosed Fritzing sketch can be used as a guide. The circuit board I used has the dimensions indicated in the second image and was only screwed at the two marked mounting points.

Depending on the components used, the wiring can, of course, be adapted or extended.

Red=5V  Black=GND  Blue=Signal cable  Green=For display only

Additional Print Profiles

The two additional print profiles contain:

• Button caps
• Switch toppers for ENG 1 and ENG 2
• Rotary switch topper

These parts are placed on the respective switches after printing and complete the appearance of the panel. 

Development

This model was designed for a friend of mine who wanted to expand his flight simulator setup with a custom A320 ENG panel.

Although this is not my first electronics project – for example, I'm already working on my own F/A-18 home cockpit – this project has taken up a large part of my time in recent weeks. Many hours of development work went into this panel, including CAD design, test prints, wiring, and adaptation to the hardware used.

So if you've been wondering why fewer new models have appeared recently: This project is the main reason 😄

Now that the ENG panel is finished, there will be more models, armaments, and other projects again. Thank you for your support, your feedback, and the many ideas you regularly contribute! ✈️