Thrustmaster HOTAS X T.FLIGHT extension with or without buttons

thingiverse

EDIT 3/7/0: User icase81 made some custom top plates and I'm including them in this project. \r\n\r\nEDIT 5/28/19: With permission from the Fuel Rats, I've added their logo to the free lid designs.\r\n\r\nEDIT 5/22/19:\r\n1. Due to popular demand on Reddit, I'll create a price list for package options and sell some prints, kits or complete HOTAS setups soon. \r\n2. Thanks to Reddit user morgvom_org for letting me use their excellent Bacon Hub logo to embed in my project here. I haven't printed anything with the logo yet. YMMV on small details.\r\n\r\nhttps://www.reddit.com/r/EliteDangerous/comments/brmtsc/made_a_bacon_hub_logo_since_its_my_favourite/\r\n\r\nEDIT 5/20/19: Just updated the lid and main body, adding a cord plug/grommet. This is now what I consider a functional state. Downloaders prior to this update, I recommend grabbing the latest files. The picture shows my Diamondback Explorer from Elite Dangerous for color matching.\r\n\r\nEDIT 5/17/19: Some big changes were made, now on version 8 of the design. Large holes will fit up to 13mm switches or buttons, small ones up to 6.5mm. You might wonder about the empty area in the lower center - that's for a table clamping mechanic idea. It limits switch depth to 15-18mm, so I excluded those areas. Instead, I may add some sort of logo/design.\r\n\r\nAfter seeing designs by tmanning47 and aixelsyd, I merged them and took it further. This isn't exactly a remix - I used their ideas as inspiration, but completely modeled from scratch. Credit where credit is due for the idea.\r\n\r\nI like playing Elite Dangerous on the couch in VR with HOTAS, but it's either unstable when separated or too close together when connected on my lap. So I wanted to separate them and keep it stable on my lap for a comfortable gaming experience.\r\n\r\nAnd of course, I wanted extra button functionality. My bindings cover almost everything I need without taking hands off the stick or throttle, but having some extra buttons would be nice sometimes. Or if you prefer a more tactile approach or look of cool buttons.\r\n\r\nBecause I couldn't decide on a layout quickly, I made a blank top plate along with button layout options.\r\n\r\nAs described in tmanning47's design, you could use Arduino to add extra buttons, Leo Bodnar boards (my favorite option), or something else of your choice.\r\n\r\n[Leo Bodnar USB board](http://www.leobodnar.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=94&products_id=204)\r\n\r\nThe top plate is meant to be mounted with 3mm or 4-40 screws with pan, round or button head for aesthetics matching the mount ring around the stick.\r\n\r\nI debated countersinking them but decided against it due to aesthetic changes. I may still make a top plate version later.\r\n\r\nButton plate, layout including two top center spots for standard flip top guarded toggle switches, some 1/2" or 12mm toggles/buttons and smaller 1/4" or 6mm buttons at the bottom. Further layout options may come later.\r\n\r\nBase housing v1, generally finished connecting features but haven't printed/tested on actual HOTAS X yet. Print at your own risk! I've added some features to make it easier to print. The female connector portion has correct holes for stick side screws, but they're covered by a 0.4mm sacrificial layer so less support is required.\r\n\r\nSome have expressed interest in tipping me through PayPal: https://paypal.me/nightshadeprototypes