ARC-210 Radio Control Panel for DCS A-10C II

Updated Sept 25th 2025

Note: This repository is now included in the A-10-Sim repository.

This project replicates the look and functionality of the ARC-210 radio (VHF/UHF) used in the A-10C II Warthog module for Digital Combat Simulator (DCS). It is intended for use with a physical control panel powered by an Teensy 4.1 board.

🔗 See the official DCS website for the game.

Features

• Realistic interface modeled after the ARC-210 radio
• Powered by 1 Teenys 4.1
• ILI9488 3.5" SPI TFT display (480x320) — powered by the control board
• Support for digital rotary encoders, rotary switches, and momentary switches
• DCSBIOS integration for in-game control and feedback
• Red screen when DCSBIOS link has not been activated

Tools Needed

• Soldering Iron
• 3d Printer or access to one
• Wire Cutters (Flush)
• USB micro cable, used to program the Teensy 4.1 board and connect the unit to your computer via DCSBIOS

Hardware

Note: This is a simple design, no extra components are needed.

• Micro controller: Teensy 4.1 w/o Ethernet

  🔗 [SparkFun] https://www.sparkfun.com/teensy-4-1-without-ethernet.html

• Display: ILI9488 SPI TFT (3.5")
  🔗 [Amazon] https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CKRJ81B5?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_2

• Encoders: Rotary encoders (x7)
  🔗 [Mouser Electronics] https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/652-PEC11H4215FS0024 - Stronger rotation torque

  🔗 [Mouser Electronics] https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Bourns/PEC11R-4215F-S0024?qs=Zq5ylnUbLm5lAqmKF80wzQ%3D%3D - rotation torque is not as strong; these are back ordered until Nov 2025

• Rotary Switches: 8 Position Rotary Switches (45 degree angle, with stop SP8T)

  🔗 [Mouser Electronics] https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/611-A12503RNCQE

• SQL On/Off Switch: Sorry is it's a bit clunky, I tried to keep the cost down for the project

🔗 [Home Depot] https://www.homedepot.com/p/Gardner-Bender-6-Amp-Single-Pole-Rotary-Switch-Brass-GSW-61/100095964

• Faceplate: A 10C "Thunderbolt" / "Warthog" VHF / UHF Cockpit Panel

  🔗 [PC Flights] https://pcflights.com/a-10c-thunderbolt-warthog-vhf-uhf-panel/

• Button Switches: 16 6x6x5 mm Miniature Micro Momentary Tactile Push Button Switch (SPST)

  🔗 [Amazon] https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CGMP9GY?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1

• Diodes: 16 1N4148 Small Signal Fast Switching Diodes High-Speed Axial 200mA 100V DO-35 (DO-204AH) IN4148 Silicon Dodes; these are optional, you will just need to replace diodes with jumper wires

  🔗 [Amazon] https://www.amazon.com/100-Pieces-1N4148-Switching-High-Speed/dp/B079KJ91JZ/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?s=industrial&sr=1-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY

Software

• Written in Arduino C++
• Source available on request.

Directories

• ARC-210/:
• ARC-210/Firmware/: .hex files
• ARC-210/Docs/: Schematics, diagrams, and images
• ARC-210/Supporting STL's/: 3D-printable parts such as knobs, bezels, brackets, and mounts

New: Supporting STL's

Supporting STL's directory includes:

• Knobs for rotary encoders and rotary switches
• Mounting hardware for the TFT screen and PCBs
• Brackets for panel alignment

All STLs are print-ready and designed for FDM printers with 0.4mm nozzles. SLA printers may require scaling adjustments.

Licensing

This software is source-available for personal, non-commercial use only. Redistribution, modification, or use in commercial products or kits is strictly prohibited without explicit permission.