Yes—you can build a DIY switch and LED panel for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 (FS2020). The essential piece is software linking the physical controls to the simulator: use a custom PC-side bridge built around SimConnect, or configure compatible hardware and simulator actions in MobiFlight. A switch can send an aircraft action; an LED can reflect a simulator state, such as whether the parking brake is applied. The exact controls and indicator variables depend on your board, configuration, and aircraft.
How an Arduino panel connects to FS2020
The Arduino does not directly operate the simulator on its own: a software connection must carry input and output between the physical panel and FS2020. Microsoft’s SimConnect SDK lets programs communicate with Microsoft Flight Simulator and names enabling new hardware as a typical use case.
In a custom build, the microcontroller reads switches and drives LEDs while a program on the PC exchanges simulator events or values with the board. One community project demonstrates a USB-serial bridge for this purpose: IWILZ’s FS2020 switch-panel project. Alternatively, MobiFlight provides a configuration-based route for supported hardware, simulator inputs, and outputs.
Choose a connection method
| Decision | Custom SimConnect and serial bridge | MobiFlight |
|---|---|---|
| Setup style | Write or adapt the PC-side bridge and Arduino serial protocol. | Configure supported devices and simulator actions in MobiFlight. |
| Flexibility | Depends on the code and which simulator events and values the bridge implements. The cited project demonstrates one serial-bridge approach. | Provides documented MSFS input action types, SimConnect outputs, and device configuration. |
| Skills and upkeep | Requires programming and maintaining the bridge. | Reduces the need to write a custom bridge, but still requires configuration and checking hardware support. |
| Best fit | Builders who want control over the PC-to-board protocol and are comfortable writing software. | Builders who prefer a documented configuration workflow for supported hardware. |
This is a comparison of the approaches described in Microsoft’s SimConnect documentation, the community example, and MobiFlight’s documentation; it is not a hands-on comparative test. MobiFlight describes its SimConnect output type as its preferred way to read values from MSFS 2020 and 2024, and says it provides access to more than 20,000 HubHop presets. That preset count is MobiFlight’s claim, not an independently audited count; see its SimConnect output documentation.
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- 1. Comprehensive Aircraft Systems Control Panel Combines essential aircraft controls into a single panel, including ignition key switch, master switches, avionics master, fuel pump, lighting controls, pitot heat, and other commonly used cockpit functions for a more immersive flight simulation experience.
- 2. Realistic Aircraft-Style Ignition Switch Features an authentic magneto key switch with OFF, RIGHT, LEFT, BOTH, and START positions, helping recreate realistic aircraft startup and shutdown procedures found in general aviation aircraft.
- 3. Illuminated Cockpit-Style Buttons Includes illuminated push buttons that enhance cockpit appearance and realism. The buttons feature built-in lighting for an authentic aircraft-inspired look and are intended as decorative cockpit elements rather than simulator-mapped controls.
- 4. Desktop Clamp Mount Design Supplied with a sturdy desk clamp mount that securely attaches to desks and simulator stations. Ideal for desktop flight simulator setups without requiring a dedicated home cockpit installation.
- 4. Desktop Clamp Mount Design Supplied with a sturdy desk clamp mount that securely attaches to desks and simulator stations. Ideal for desktop flight simulator setups without requiring a dedicated home cockpit installation.
Gather parts and plan the panel
The community project’s example materials include an Arduino board, switches or buttons, LEDs and resistors, breadboards, hookup wire, and a panel face. Its sample has nine buttons or switches and six status LEDs; those counts are an example, not a requirement or a maximum. It notes that the number of controls depends on the selected board’s available I/O pins.
- Choose a board and confirm its hardware and software compatibility with your intended connection method.
- Decide which physical controls you want and check the board’s available pins and electrical limits against the design.
- Choose switches or buttons for inputs, and LEDs with suitable resistors for indicators.
- Plan the wiring and panel face; a breadboard can be useful during prototyping.
The example’s parts list and pin guidance come from the FS2020-Switch-Panel project. It does not establish a required Arduino model or a universal maximum panel size, so verify board support and electrical requirements for your own design.
Rank #2
- CENTRALIZED SIM RACING CONTROL PANEL - Replace keyboard commands with a dedicated hardware control panel designed for simulation workflows. The PXN CB1 features 19 physical controls across 9 input types, enabling fast access to essential simulator functions. Supports up to 30 programmable inputs for full in-game customization and efficient cockpit operation.
- BUILT FOR MULTI-SIMULATION SCENARIOS - Designed for racing, trucking, flight, and farming simulators. The CB1 allows users to map frequently used in-game actions such as vehicle controls, system operations, and camera functions to physical inputs, improving responsiveness and reducing keyboard reliance during gameplay.
- STRUCTURED HARDWARE INPUT LAYOUT - Equipped with multiple control types for flexible mapping: Rotary encoders for precise adjustments; Toggle switches for system control; Push buttons for quick actions; Joystick for directional input; Dedicated system keys (ESC / ENTER / engine start). Each input can be independently mapped within supported simulation games.
- CUSTOMIZABLE RGB LIGHTING FOR VISIBILITY & IMMERSION - RGB lighting improves visibility of key controls in low-light environments and enhances cockpit immersion. Adjustable color and brightness can be configured directly on the device, allowing users to personalize their cockpit lighting for different setups and preferences.
- STABLE DUAL MOUNTING FOR DESKS & SIM RIGS - Designed for flexible installation across common simulator setups. Includes a tool-free clamp (supports surfaces up to 70 mm thick) and 100 × 100 mm VESA mounting compatibility for aluminum profiles, wheel stands, and cockpit-style setups. Provides stable positioning during simulation gameplay.
Configure a switch input
With MobiFlight, map a physical input to an MSFS action using its documented input action types. The important design choice is the simulator action you want the switch to trigger. Confirm that the action is available and behaves as intended in the aircraft you plan to fly; support for one setup does not establish that every aircraft exposes the same controls.
Configure an LED to show simulator state
An LED can mirror a simulator value rather than simply glow as decoration. MobiFlight’s LED output walkthrough uses a parking-brake indicator preset: the LED turns on when the brake is applied. Select an indicator variable that corresponds to the aircraft and state you want to display, then configure it as an LED output.
Rank #3
- Twin concentric adjustment dials adjust frequency units incrementally for quicker selection of your required frequency
- Standby switch - set your standby frequencies and then set to active at the touch of a button
- Works with Microsoft Flight Simulator X and 2004. Game Compatibility : Flight Simulator X, X-Plane 11, X-Plane 10, Prepar3D 2.2+
- A set of switches and LED displays for use in controlling various aspects of flight
- LED displays work fully in real time with Flight Simulator X and 2004, removing the need to bring the radio stack up on screen
If the design needs more LED outputs, MobiFlight also documents using output shift registers. That is an additional hardware and configuration option, not a requirement for a small panel.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to verify before building around a specific setup
- Whether the chosen board and connection method are supported by the software you intend to use.
- Whether the selected MSFS action is available for your intended control and aircraft.
- Whether the simulator value chosen for each LED represents the state you want to show in that aircraft.
- Whether your pin count and electrical design suit the planned switches and LED outputs.
Microsoft’s documentation establishes SimConnect as an add-on communication route, and MobiFlight documents relevant MSFS inputs and outputs. The community project supplies a concrete serial-bridge example. These sources do not establish compatibility for every Arduino board, control, aircraft, or component combination.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- A set of switches and LED display for use in controlling various aspects of flight simulation
- Works with Microsoft Flight Simulator X and 2004
- Mounts onto the Pro Flight Yoke System (sold separately) or into your own home cockpit setup
- Compatible: Windows 7, 8, 8.1 and 10 or newer
- Full Autopilot panel with associated setting controls
Rank #4
- Stable Performance with Mobiflight Support: Powered by Mobiflight firmware with full usage tutorial provided. Built using PCB board manufacturing for enhanced stability. Comes with a custom high-definition panel sticker, a convenient 13-degree tilt angle for better operation, and a non-slip bottom that adheres to your desktop. Includes a USB data cable. The realistic push-button switches add greater immersion to your flight simulation experience
- Functional Dual-Position Switches: The panel includes dual-position toggle switches for key functions such as Terrain Radar, Windshear, Seatbelt Sign, and No Smoking indicator
- Compatible with Multiple Aircraft Types: In addition to the A32x, this panel is also suitable for other aircraft models such as the A38x, B773 and B777. (Please confirm your specific aircraft model before placing an order
- Wide Compatibility with A32x Models: Thanks to Mobiflights broad compatibility, this lighting panel supports nearly all major A32x models available on the market, including Fenix, FBW, iniBuilds, and others
- Note on 3D Printed Parts: Please be aware that 3D-printed enclosures may have minor imperfections. Additionally, the 3D-printed knobs may rotate freely and cannot be fixed in position
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