List of products by brand ELMA

Elma Electronic – Swiss precision in DIY components

Elma Electronic is a global Swiss manufacturer specializing in precision electromechanical components – system enclosures, switches, and most importantly for sim racing, rotary encoders. The brand is well-known in audio, aerospace and measurement industries, where reliability and consistent performance over hundreds of thousands of cycles are critical.

"Swiss click" – the signature feel of Elma encoders

Elma encoders are valued for their distinctive, crisp and repeatable "click" at every step of rotation – a feature known in the industry as "Swiss click". That tactile feedback is exactly why they're the go-to choice for builders of high-end button boxes and sim racing steering wheels. Unlike cheap mass-produced encoders, Elma units retain their precision even after years of intense use.

Elma at SIMLINE.EU

Our store offers the Elma E33 – one of the most widely used encoders in professional sim racing wheels. It's the component that lifts any DIY project to a level comparable with top-shelf factory steering wheels. Browse our full electronic DIY parts selection and build the steering wheel of your dreams.

Why are Elma encoders the standard in premium sim racing?

If you've ever opened up a Simagic GTC, Cube Controls wheel or a top-tier custom-built button plate – chances are, you'll find Elma encoders inside. The brand has become a reference point in the industry because it offers what budget components don't:

Repeatable, tactile click – every detent is unambiguous, eliminating false readings when adjusting TC, ABS, brake bias or engine maps mid-race.
Mechanical durability – Elma rates its units for hundreds of thousands of cycles without parameter loss. Cheap encoders often start "missing steps" after just a few months of heavy use.
Environmental resistance – selected models offer IP68 sealing on the front side, making them resistant to dust and moisture – important in cockpits exposed to sweat and daily use.
Standardized pinout – Elma encoders use a common pin layout that integrates easily with controllers like the Leo Bodnar BBI, Arduino, BU0836 or dedicated PCBs for button boxes.

Elma E33 – what is this encoder and where does it fit?

The Elma E33 is a mechanical rotary encoder from a series designed for precision industrial and audio applications. In sim racing, it shines anywhere you need confident, "clicky" adjustments – mapping functions like traction control, brake bias, engine maps, ABS, energy regen or mirror angle. The E33 is compatible with most popular USB controllers used in DIY sim racing, including electronics built around Leo Bodnar chips.

Where can you use an Elma encoder in your project?

The Elma E33 is a versatile component that fits many sim racing projects:

Formula and GT3-style steering wheels – as the main encoders for in-race car setup adjustments.
Button plates like BPv3, GT3 Cup, WRC – for sim racers building their own hubs for Simucube, Asetek or Simagic wheels. Browse our button plates selection if you'd rather see ready-made solutions using similar components.
External button boxes – desk- or rig-mounted, for mapping macro keys, team chat, OBS controls or telemetry functions.
Mods to existing wheels – swapping worn-out, low-quality encoders for more durable and pleasant-feeling units.

Complementary components for your DIY project

An encoder is just one element of a well-designed steering wheel or button box. Our store stocks a complete set of components for your custom build:

Electronic DIY parts – USB controllers, switches, tact buttons, magnetic shifters,
Mechanical DIY parts – rims, paddles, knobs, mounting screws,
Steering wheel quick releases – for safe, fast mounting of your DIY wheel on a Direct Drive base,
Steering wheel rims – ideal for pairing with button plates and your Elma encoders.

Frequently asked questions about Elma encoders

Is the Elma E33 an absolute or incremental encoder?

The E33 is an incremental encoder – it generates A and B (quadrature) signals during rotation, which the USB controller interprets as left or right steps. This is the standard encoder type used in sim racing and other interactive applications, compatible with virtually every popular control board.

How many steps per revolution does the E33 have?

The exact step count depends on the specific variant, but typical sim racing versions have 24 or 32 detents per revolution – an ideal resolution for car setup adjustments (TC, ABS, brake bias). Check the product page for details.

Does the Elma E33 require soldering?

Yes. The encoder uses standard solderable terminals, which connect to a PCB or directly to a USB controller via wires. If you're not comfortable with a soldering iron, consider our ready-made button plates or steering wheels rather than a full DIY build.

Does the encoder have a "push" function (built-in button when pressed)?

In sim racing, encoders are often used with a built-in push function activated by pressing the shaft – called "encoder with push". Whether this feature is available depends on the specific E33 variant – check the product page or contact us if you need a particular version for your project.

Which controllers work with the Elma E33?

The E33 works with any controller that supports standard incremental encoders – including popular solutions based on Leo Bodnar BBI, BU0836, Arduino with MMJoy firmware, and dedicated PCBs used in commercial button plates.

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