KY-58 Secure Voice Control Unit (RCU)
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Left console, immediately below the VHF FM radio and adjacent to the antenna select and intercom panels.
Controls the KY-58 Secure Voice encryption system, which provides secure (encrypted) voice communication capability over UHF, VHF, and HF radios. The panel allows the pilot to enable or disable encryption, select operation mode, manage encryption keys, and perform zeroization (erasing all crypto keys in emergencies).
ZEROIZE Lever (Guarded, Red) — Destroys all loaded encryption keys immediately when lifted and activated. Used in emergency situations to prevent compromise.
PLAIN: Unencrypted (normal comms).
C/RAD 1 / 2: Ciphered radio channel 1 or 2 (secure mode).
OP: Normal operation.
LD: Load mode (for key entry or data transfer).
RV: Receive mode (for loading keys from an external source).
DELAY Switch (1–6) — Six-position selector for delay timing, used in synchronization during key loading or radio operations.
FILL Knob (1–6) — Rotary selector for key channel slot. Each slot stores a separate encryption key.
ON: Activates the unit.
P: Plain (bypass encryption).
R: Receive mode only.
OFF: Power off.
Recommended hardware (simpit)
ZEROIZE: 1 × guarded toggle (ON) with red safety cover.
MODE and PLAIN/C-RAD: 3-position rotary switches.
DELAY and FILL: 6-position rotary switches (12-step type preferred for feel).
POWER: 4-position rotary switch.
3 mm matte-black acrylic faceplate with white engraved legends; ZEROIZE lever area painted red with white text.
Optional backlighting via green LED strip under panel edge.
Knob spacing and sizes consistent with Collins-style avionics panels.
Subdued green backlighting (shared with left console lighting bus).
ZEROIZE lever may have an independent red LED indicator for realism.
Notes (DCS-BIOS) This panel is not yet functional in the base DCS A-10C module (KY-58 functions are not simulated). However, it can be implemented for realism with custom Arduino input mapping and lighting logic. You may assign toggle inputs to dummy DCS-BIOS functions or use them for general cockpit interactivity (e.g., power sequencing simulation).