ATR72 ICP Index Control Panel — USB Flight Sim Joystick for MSFS & X-Plane

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link: https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/gadget/atr72-icp-index-control-panel-2nd-design-usb-flight-sim-joystick-for-msfs-x

What This Is

A 3D-printable replica of the ATR72 Index Control Panel (ICP), designed to function as a USB HID joystick controller for flight simulators. Wire it up, flash the firmware, and it registers as a standard joystick input in X-Plane, MSFS, FSX, Prepar3D, or any sim that accepts joystick button/axis bindings. No driver software required.

Accuracy

The panel geometry, label placement, and knob profiles are copied directly from pilot reference photos and cockpit footage of the real ATR72 ICP. The housing uses a dark gray-blue color with a lighter faceplate, matching the actual panel finish. White uppercase labels read SPD TGT, AUTO/MAN, SEL, BARO SET, PUSH STD, and DH/MDA — positioned and sized to match the real thing.

The three rotary encoders replicate the distinct knob styles found on the actual panel:

• Long ridged knob (SPD TGT)

• Short conical knob (AUTO/MAN SEL)

• Short ridged knob (BARO SET)

Button Layout — 12 Inputs Total

All 12 inputs map to individual joystick button/axis assignments in your sim.

Mounting Options

The panel supports two mounting modes:

• Box/desk mount: Panel sits standalone on a flat surface or inside a custom enclosure.

• Wall mount with dovetail bracket: A dovetail interface lets you snap the panel onto a fixed wall bracket and detach it again when needed. Useful for simpit builds where panels need to be removable for maintenance or transport.

Electronics

Built around a Lolin ESP32-S2 Mini microcontroller (or any board with the same footprint that fits the internal cavity). The ESP32-S2 provides native USB HID capability, so the panel shows up as a plug-and-play joystick device on Windows, Linux, and macOS without installing drivers.

Firmware is not included — you'll need to write or adapt your own HID joystick firmware for the ESP32-S2. The wiring is straightforward: encoders and switches connect to GPIO pins, and the board handles USB enumeration automatically.

Dimensions

• Height: 145 mm

• Width: 50 mm

• Depth: 55 mm

Settings and Manufacturing Instructions

Printing

• Method: FDM recommended

• Material: PLA or PETG for the housing and faceplate. PETG is preferred if the panel will see warm cockpit conditions or direct sunlight. ABS or ASA are also suitable if you have an enclosed printer.

• Layer height: 0.2 mm is a good balance of detail and print time. Use 0.12–0.16 mm if you want sharper label text.

• Infill: 15–20% is sufficient. Use 3–4 perimeter walls for the faceplate to get clean label edges.

• Supports: Minimal supports needed on most parts. Check individual STLs — some internal features may require support bridges.

• Orientation: Print the faceplate label-side up for best text legibility.

Hardware Required

Use threaded inserts (M3 and M4) in plastic parts where possible for better thread life if you plan to disassemble the panel more than a few times.

Electronic Components

• Microcontroller: Lolin ESP32-S2 Mini (preferred) or any same-footprint board that fits the internal cavity

• Rotary encoders: 3× (matching the knob styles listed above — long ridged, short conical, short ridged)

• Toggle switches: 7×

• Rocker switch: 1× SPST

• Momentary button: 1× SPST, 7×7mm footprint

• USB cable: Micro-USB or USB-C depending on your ESP32-S2 Mini variant

• Wire: 22–26 AWG stranded wire for internal wiring

• Soldering equipment: Required for connections to the MCU

Assembly Notes

1. Test-fit all mechanical parts before wiring anything.

2. Install threaded inserts before mounting encoders and switches.

3. Solder wires to the MCU first, then route them through the internal channels before seating the board.

4. The gasket sits between the faceplate and the housing — secure it with the eight M3 screws before final faceplate installation.

5. Calibrate the encoder detent positions before tightening the detent bracket screws.

Safety Warnings

• This is a functional electronic device, not a toy.

• Contains small parts (screws, knob components, switch actuators) that pose a choking hazard.

• Not intended for children.

• Not food-safe. Do not use printed parts in contact with food or beverages.

• Handle soldering iron and hot melt tools with appropriate safety precautions.

• Verify USB power handling if you modify the circuit or use an alternate MCU board.