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Leo Bodnar Electronics · diy board
BBI-32 Button Box Interface (with connectors)
DIY helm builders who want a clean, solderless way to wire a full panel of bridge switches, knobs and encoders alongside their analog board.
~$53 approx 2026 price (GBP 40.20, ~$53 USD before shipping)
The no-code, no-solder companion board for a DIY bridge console — where the BU0836-series adds analog axes, the BBI-32 is the dedicated digital-input workhorse for every switch, encoder and momentary button on a ship's bridge. Push-in terminals (no soldering, no screwdriver) take 32 independent buttons/switches or up to 16 rotary encoders, and you can daisy-chain rotary switches for up to 132 inputs — enough for a full panel of nav-light toggles, horn, autopilot and engine-room commands. It appears as a plug-and-play HID controller on Windows and Mac with no drivers. The honest caveat: it has no analog inputs at all, so it's a complement to a BU0836 for the throttles and wheel, not a replacement. It ships from the UK, so add shipping and lead time.
Buy with confidence
This is one of the cleaner buys in its lane if the price and platform fit your setup.
Known caution: No analog inputs — needs a BU0836 alongside it for throttles and wheelIgnitionSim is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you — it never changes our verdict or your price. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Specs
| analogInputs | None (digital-only board) |
|---|---|
| digitalInputs | 32 independent buttons/switches |
| encoders | Up to 16 rotary encoders; chainable rotary switches to 132 inputs |
| drivers | None required (Windows/Mac plug-and-play) |
| connection | USB Type B |
| size | ~3.37 x 2.13 x 0.63 in (credit-card footprint) |
| marineRole | DIY bridge button/switch/encoder panel interface |
Pros
- Solderless push-in terminals — wire 32 switches and encoders with no tools
- Daisy-chainable rotary switches scale to 132 inputs for a full bridge panel
- Plug-and-play HID on Windows and Mac, no drivers, made in the UK
Cons
- No analog inputs — needs a BU0836 alongside it for throttles and wheel
- You still build the enclosure, panel and wiring yourself
- Ships from the UK, so factor in shipping cost and lead time
Common questions
What's the difference between the BBI-32 and the BU0836A?
The BU0836A handles analog axes (pots for throttles and the wheel) plus buttons; the BBI-32 is digital-only but takes far more switches and encoders. Many bridge builds use a BU0836 for axes and a BBI-32 for the switch panel.
Do I need to solder for the BBI-32?
No — the with-connectors version uses push-in terminals, so you just strip a wire and push it in. No soldering or screwdriver needed.
How many switches can a BBI-32 really handle?
32 independent digital inputs natively, up to 16 rotary encoders, and by chaining rotary switches you can reach as many as 132 inputs — enough for an elaborate bridge console.
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