From individual parts to complete setups
Switch caps, switches, controls, boards, cables and LEDs are part of the idea, along with complete desktop solutions. The range should serve different needs and available space.
KICKSTARTER / COMMUNITY PROJECT
Campaign in preparationYour setup.
Built together.
From a switch cap to a complete desktop solution: we want to develop diverse simulator hardware that fits your setup. 4SB Hardware and Cockpit Suite Live Hub provide the shared foundation. Your ideas and experience should help decide which solutions we build.
The prototypes exist. Now it is about production readiness.
Our hardware has moved beyond an idea on paper. We now want to turn existing prototypes into reliable products. We are looking for contributors and preparing Kickstarter to fund testing, conformity documentation and the start of manufacturing.
OUR GOAL / THE EUROPEAN MARKET
Less fragmentation.
More freedom for your setup.
Which toggle switch, rotary switch, board, cable and LEDs work together? This is the search we want to simplify in the European simulator hardware market. Suitable components, understandable connections and a shared software foundation should leave you more time for what matters: building your own setup.
For the desktop too
Compact desktop solutions are part of the project idea: dedicated controls and displays for people who cannot install a large cockpit.
Shaped by community experience
Help decide which simulator-specific features matter and how we implement them. Experience from real setups should shape our product development.
WHAT OFTEN SLOWS COCKPIT BUILDERS DOWN
Many building blocks.
Too many software islands.
Many cockpit builders know the search for compatible parts and software. We have examined these points of friction and want to reduce them through a platform shaped together with the community.
Confusing component choices
Toggle switches, rotary switches, boards, cables and LEDs often come from different sources. Builders must work out which parts and connections belong together.
Software does not speak the same language
Different data formats, protocols and device assignments can require additional bridges, scripts or manual adjustments.
Changing simulators becomes a rebuild
A solution designed for one simulator cannot always be transferred. Data sources and assignments may need reworking.
Projects are discontinued
When updates, documentation or development stop, maintaining an existing setup can become difficult after later changes.
Custom ideas do not fit the mould
Custom hardware needs suitable connections. Large cockpit solutions are also of little help when you only have room for a compact desktop panel.
Data stays on one PC
Other computers and controllers need a clear way to receive the required data through your local network.
Modules and adapters connect previously separate systems.
Live Hub uses modules and adapters: a suitable simulator or game adapter connects to the available interface and translates its values into the shared data format. Device modules handle the appropriate hardware connection. This separation substantially simplifies adding simulators and games: new integrations can use the same data foundation instead of rebuilding the software and hardware setup each time. Shared values are available across your own network for displays, controllers and custom developments.
- Simulator interface
- Suitable adapter
- Cockpit Suite Live Hub
- Your network & hardware
The simulator or game must provide an accessible, usable interface. A suitable adapter is developed and tested for it; hardware and firmware process the agreed data format.
WHAT WE CONSIDER IN THE ARCHITECTURE
What a shared
foundation can change.
The architecture is intended to address hurdles early: reuse suitable hardware across simulators, understand the data path and leave room for custom development.
| Common hurdle | Live Hub approach | Benefit for your setup |
|---|---|---|
| Common hurdle Scattered components, applications and settings | Live Hub approach Bring suitable hardware modules and understandable connections together with a central interface for profiles and devices. | Benefit for your setup Less research into individual parts and fewer scattered configuration steps; a clearer foundation for your setup. |
| Common hurdle Different interfaces and data formats | Live Hub approach Modular simulator and game adapters translate available values into a shared format; device modules connect hardware to it. | Benefit for your setup New integrations can be developed more directly. Compatible devices and existing data paths can continue using the same foundation. |
| Common hurdle Flight, truck or other simulators using the same hardware | Live Hub approach Switch simulator profiles and data assignments while keeping the hardware connection separate. | Benefit for your setup Reuse suitable hardware and adapt the setup to different simulations. |
| Common hurdle Discontinued or hard-to-maintain projects | Live Hub approach Develop simulator and game adapters, device modules and the shared interface separately, keeping their data paths understandable. | Benefit for your setup Changes can target a particular connection without automatically redesigning the entire interface and hardware. |
| Common hurdle Custom hardware or limited space for a cockpit | Live Hub approach Plan modular parts for compact desktop solutions and custom developments; the microcontroller workshop is intended to assign data chains and outputs. | Benefit for your setup Start with a small panel, experiment and expand as needed – without requiring a large cockpit. |
| Common hurdle Other devices on the local network | Live Hub approach Share the required data and make it available through Live Hub on your own LAN. | Benefit for your setup Multiple display PCs and connected controllers can use the same data foundation for their respective tasks. |
The foundation is an integrated simulator interface and hardware whose firmware processes the agreed data format. Cross-simulator use and custom extensions build on this foundation. The microcontroller workshop and data mapping are in preparation.
MODULAR BY DESIGN
From the smallest detail
to a complete setup.
We want to offer a broad range of adaptable hardware. Community experience and priorities should help determine which modules and complete solutions are developed first.
InputSwitches, caps & components
From the right control to an input board: switch caps, toggles, rotary switches, controls, cables and boards are intended to combine into your own panel.
OutputDisplays & instruments
OLED displays, LEDs and physical instruments for different simulators. We want to work with users to identify the values, sizes and functions they need.
LIVE HUBDesktop solutions & custom systems
Complete compact desktop solutions and modular parts for custom developments. Small setups and ambitious cockpit projects should both benefit.
4SB / READY-BUILT SOLUTIONS
Bring your enthusiasm. You do not need to design circuit boards.
Love simulation but do not have electronics expertise? We want to offer fully assembled 4SB boards and complete solutions for you. Clear instructions should let you connect and configure switches, displays and controls without designing circuits, building PCBs or soldering components yourself.
From prepared hardware modules to complete desktop solutions: choose how much you want to build yourself. Experienced cockpit builders will still have room for their own electronics and developments.
FOR MAKERS & AMBITIOUS COCKPIT BUILDERS
Your hardware.
Your own data path.
Developing your own boards, writing firmware or reusing an existing system? Our interface and microcontroller workshop are intended to provide a practical foundation for exactly that. Build the electronics around your requirements; Live Hub is intended to help you move the right simulator values into your hardware quickly and effectively.
- 01
Select simulator values
Find the right data value and make it useful for your setup.
- 02
Connect your own controllers
Connect Arduino, ESP32, STM32, ATmega or your own design through suitable firmware and an interface.
- 03
Assign & test data chains
Format values for LEDs, displays or instruments, assign them to outputs and inspect the data path.
The interface, data mapping and microcontroller workshop are being developed further for this workflow. Actual connectivity depends on the device and its firmware.
WHAT YOUR SUPPORT CAN MAKE POSSIBLE
From existing prototypes
to production-ready products.
The prototypes exist. The next step needs sustainable funding: refinement, extensive EMC testing, the required conformity assessment and reliable manufacturing. The planned Kickstarter campaign is urgently needed to fund this work and bring usable 4SB products to the community.
Refinement & production readiness
Develop existing prototypes further, refine components and connections, and test everyday usability with users.
Firmware & setup
Develop device firmware and data paths, and create clear connection and setup instructions.
EMC & CE requirements
Fund extensive laboratory testing, prepare technical documentation and establish the applicable conformity evidence required for CE marking.
Manufacturing & quality
Prepare sourcing, assembly and quality assurance for an initial series, turning prototypes into reliable products.
PARTNERS & INVESTORS / GERMANY
A shared foundation needs strong partners.
Alongside the community, we are seeking partners and investors in Germany through innomatch niedersachsen. We want to bring together people and companies that can support development, manufacturing or market entry. This search complements the planned Kickstarter campaign.
Explore innomatch niedersachsenYOUR PLACE IN THE PROJECT
Bring your idea.
Build with us.
Your experience should shape the next steps. Which simulator do you use? Which switch is missing, which display would help, and how much space do you have? Together, we want to prioritise requirements, improve existing prototypes and develop further solutions. Feedback from real users should lead to suitable, production-ready products.
TURN EXPERIENCE INTO A PRODUCT
- 01
Gather experience
Understand practical needs across simulators and setups.
- 02
Prioritise together
Work with the community to identify the most important features and products.
- 03
Test prototypes
Test existing prototypes with users in real setups and improve them through feedback.
- 04
Develop finished products
Refine proven solutions for manufacturing, setup and everyday use.
Your place in our Discord community.
Our Discord is the public meeting place for everyone who wants to follow and help shape the project. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced cockpit builder, join us, ask questions and share your setup.
We are listening: what problems do you face with hardware, setup or the data path? Share your experience and proposed solutions. We will discuss them together and feed your feedback into requirements, priorities and further development.
- Help decide: prioritise simulator-specific features and products
- Help develop: share experience, custom hardware and firmware
- Help test: try prototypes in your setup and suggest improvements
- Help it grow: expand the community and support Kickstarter later
I want to contribute
Use the public invitation to join our Discord community directly. Everyone interested is welcome.
discord.gg/fbAj4n35JPWe also discuss partnerships, investments and collaboration on Discord. You do not need to share an email address with us. For confidential documents, we first arrange a private conversation there.
BEFORE LAUNCH
What you should know.
Is the Kickstarter campaign live yet?
Not yet. This page introduces the project and invites community support. We will publish the campaign link, funding goal, packages and timeline once they are defined.
How does use across different simulators work?
Once a simulator’s data interface is integrated into Live Hub and the connected hardware follows the agreed data format, its shared data can be processed further across your own network. This allows the same suitable hardware to be used with different simulators. The appropriate adapter supplies the available values; the simulator profile and data assignments determine what your devices receive. Custom developments can use this shared data path too.
Can I participate with my own controllers?
Yes. The idea includes DIY setups using Arduino, ESP32, STM32 and ATmega. Connecting a specific board depends on its firmware and interface. The controller workshop and data mapping are in preparation.
How can I contribute to the project?
Use the public invitation to join our Discord community. Describe your simulator, setup and the problems you want to solve. We discuss experience and proposed solutions together, gather requests and use them to shape further development. Help prioritise products, share your ideas and express interest in prototype testing. We can also discuss partnerships and collaboration there.
Why do we need Kickstarter if prototypes already exist?
A prototype is an important starting point. A production-ready product also needs dependable testing, repeatable manufacturing and compliance with the applicable product requirements. EMC laboratory testing, technical documentation and the conformity evidence required for CE marking involve substantial work and cost. The Kickstarter campaign is intended to enable this next phase and establish the foundation for distribution in the European market.
Can I use the hardware without electronics expertise?
That is exactly why we want to offer fully assembled 4SB boards and complete solutions. Suitable components and clear connection and setup instructions should let you realise your setup without designing or assembling circuit boards yourself. We will clearly explain any work still required for each product. Complete desktop solutions should make getting started even easier.
Are you also looking for partners and investors?
Yes. We are seeking partners and investors in Germany through innomatch niedersachsen to support development, manufacturing and market entry. If you have relevant experience, contacts or an interest in collaboration, select “I want to contribute” to join our Discord community. The community and the planned Kickstarter campaign are also central to our path towards production readiness.