I am making a replica of a Flight Management System to use with XPlane 12/Windows 11.
I am fortunate that the panel has exactly 64 on/off buttons, so I can use a 8x8 matrix with a Pro Micro. I am happy with the circuit and the need for diodes etc.
However, because the buttons are in a physical distribution determined by the original kit, I want to set up the matrix on a separate board and connect the buttons in a way that allows me some space to do the soldering.
My question is might I experience problems by having the buttons connected by a few inches of wire, rather than tucked closely together as they would be in a keyboard? Instinct tells me this would not be a problem but I keep learning not just to rely on instinct!
Any help will be appreciated.
Are they on/off as opposed to momentary pushbuttons? Requires a different approach, if so.
Make any physical arrangement You want but arrange the buttons in a logical matrix. That matrix has nothing to do with the Physical mounting.
A few inches should not make trouble. Just keep motor, relay wires etc at a good distance from the button wires.
Momentary or "momentary" buttons locking should not make any difference as I see it.
The OP should provide documentation showing what buttons he use.
Thanks for those replies. All the buttons are momentary and it is unlikely that more than one would be pressed at one time except by accident. I'm taking your advice as - no problem. (I have noted the point about motor wires etc. None there.) Thanks.
Good to hear. Your choice of words did not include momentary, so I suspected you might be talking about on/off latching pushbuttons. Those cannot be matrixed easily, though it would seem @Railroader can do it.
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