DIY Project: Build a Custom Sim Racing Button Box with SPC Box

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DIY Project: Build a Custom Sim Racing Button Box with SPC Box

Button boxes are a staple of many Sim-Rigs and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. With the SPC Box, sim racers now have the opportunity to design their own button box without needing CAD or programming skills. The project is completely free from the start and can be executed directly via the browser without additional software.

A fully configurable button box in just a few steps.

The SPC Box project enables users to design and connect their own button box in a few simple steps, without any programming knowledge. All that is needed is a 3D printer and a soldering iron.

SPC BOX*

Select and order components.

The configuration of your own button box naturally begins with the selection of the electronic components. At the start of the project, three different components are available:

Buttons: Any standard two-pin buttons can be used here, which close the circuit when pressed.
Encoders: EC11 encoders can be used, either with or without an additional push function.
Switches: Models with one or two actuation directions can be used for switches.

Once the selection has been made, the components appear below the graphic, which can be changed dynamically. For example, you can move the components to other pins and arrange them freely on the controller board. Additionally, you will find a complete parts list with links to AliExpress at the bottom of the page. Of course, the individual components can also be ordered from other shops or taken from your own stock.

Prepare and print the enclosure

In addition to a soldering iron, a 3D printer is also required to realise this DIY project. Unlike most other projects, however, you don’t simply download ready-made files here, but can configure your own button box within the SPC Box possibilities. Many different parameters can be changed.

The width, depth and height of the button box.
Thickness of the lid
Radius of the housing corners
Diameter of the cut-outs for buttons, encoders and switches
Free placement of the control elements
Position and orientation of the Raspberry Pi Pico mount.
Number and arrangement of fixing points for threaded inserts

There are various options available for positioning the control elements. SPC Box creates an even layout with the automatic placement feature. Buttons, encoders, and switches can be arranged in a grid. Alternatively, all control elements can be positioned completely freely, and their distances can be set millimeter by millimeter. The existing hole diameters are designed for the components linked in the part list. You should measure again before printing and adjust the values if necessary.

Anschließend werden die .STL-Dateien automatisch generiert und können auch schon direkt heruntergeladen werden.

Button Box Gehäuse
Button Box Deckel
Zusätzlich nutzbare Encoder Kappen, falls Encoder verbaut wurden

Zusammenbau und Verkabelung

Wenn alle Komponenten beisammen sind, das Gehäuse gedruckt wurde und der Plan für die Verkabelung erstellt ist, kann mit der Endmontage begonnen werden. Hierzu wird der Pico mit M2-Schrauben in der vorgesehenen Halterung verschraubt und die Komponenten werden gemäß Schaltplan verlötet. Dabei besitzt jede Funktion ihren eigenen Port, sodass keine Dioden verbaut werden müssen, um ungewollte Eingaben zu vermeiden. Anschließend wird der Gehäusedeckel mit vier M3-Schrauben fixiert und die Button-Box ist von der Hardwareseite her komplettiert.

Tipp: Wenn man es sich einfacher machen möchte, kann man beispielsweise eine etwas dickere Button-Box mit extra viel Platz für Kabel konfigurieren.

Install and configure the firmware

To bring the Button Box to life, you naturally need the appropriate firmware. This is implemented in two quick steps.

Download the .UF2 file and install the firmware.
Then, after granting permission, the Pico is configured directly via a compatible web browser (e.g., Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Opera).

Once the Pico is successfully connected, you can view the current configuration and overwrite it with your own. Additionally, you can test the individual components directly in the browser to ensure they are functioning correctly.

project Showcase

Of course, you don’t have to start from scratch: When starting the project, for example, you can select one of four ready-made designs and then freely adjust the button boxes according to your preferences. An additional option is available via a dialog window on the right side of the screen: exporting the project to continue working on it later or sharing it with other users via a link.