In another thread, Andy Bush asked me how I configure and use my views during combat. Rather than bury it a non-related thread, I figured I would go ahead and create a new post for those interested....besides, I love to write. Cant ya tell?
Its funny that this subject came up because just last week. Someone asked me the very same question in the TA. He didnt know that he could modify the views accessible through his hat with keyboard commands. Once I explained how he could map the "LookUp" keyboard modifier (the 5 key on the numberpad) to a button on his joystick using the joystick mapping feature in Setup, his ability to track targets increased dramatically.
The first thing Im gonna say is that the way I set up my views is going to be different for each person depending upon what kind of equipment they use and their preferences. I can only write about how I use my views with my equipment. That said, lemme describe what kind of equipment I use first.
In my many years of online flight-simming, I have come to depend upon three key pieces of equipment....and it hasnt changed (with the occasional replacement of a joystick after a few years of use). For me, the freedom of having a HOTAS (Hands on Throttle and Stick) really enhances the immersion factor of the game for me.
The most basic piece of equipment I own is a Logitech Wingman Extreme joystick which is a standard 3 axis, analog joystick with a tophat and 4 buttons (plus a throttle lever which I have deactivated since I now own a throttle).
A joystick with a tophat switch is the most basic yet utilitarian piece of equipment you could own if you are into online flight sims. Most sims allow you to switch views simply by moving the hatswitch one way or another. The less time you need to use the number keys to switch views means more time you can use the same hand to trim your plane or set throttle which is critical in getting the most out of your. Although you only get 4 views out of the simple hats (no I dont have one of those fancy 8-way hats) you can easily check your back view with a quick flick of the thumb.
The second piece of equipment I bought was a simple set of CH Pedals. Although I dont recommend it for beginners, I use rudder pedals to refine my aim for snapshots or tracking shots, rudder the nose over at the top of a hammerhead and to assist roll in some of the slower rolling planes. The best tracking shots are those where you dont need to use rudder but alas, Im sure you will find instances where rudders are important.
The final piece of equipment I added to my HOTAS system was a programmable CH Pro Throttle which freed me from having to ever touch the keyboard in a fite. I have Up/Down keyboard modifiers mapped to two buttons on the throttle so that the 4 views normally accessible by the tophat on my joystick are now 12. For example, if I press the LookUp botton on my throttle (5 on the keypad) at the same time that I move the tophat, I have different views. It also gives me fine control over engine output during the heat of battle. Additionally, I also have programmed the elevator and aileron trim to one of the hat switches on the throttle so I can trim the plane during a fite.
Now how do I have my views set up? As you know, HTC has graced us with the ability to move our head around and save that position for any plane we find. The first view you should change is your back view (or six view). Most planes six views are obstructed by the seat back so you want to adjust and save that one first. What I do for most planes is move seat to the far left or right by holding down the left or right arrow keys while looking out the back of your plane. You should see your head and perspective changing. I also have the seat raised as far as it can go. You can do this by using the PgUp and PgDn keys. Do this with all your views and experiment to find the view that provides the most visibility with as little interference as possible. Make sure you do this for your "Up" and "Down" views as well.
Some planes like the F4U which have HORRENDOUS rear views benefit from moving the seat FORWARD in the cockpit as you are looking out the back. Regardless of whether this is historically correct or not, its available and everyone uses it....so should you.
Since I only have a 4 way hat on my joystick rather than an 8 way hat, I dont have the quarter views that others have got but I dont think they are necessary during combat. There is enough overlap of views that the 4 views (forward, backward, left and right) combined with the LookUp modifier should be enough during the heat of battle.
Now as Andy asked, how do I use views during BFM? I dont know how to answer that! Set up your views so that you can maintain eye contact with the bogie at all times. Learn how the horizon perspective changes in each view as you perform each maneuver.
Now due to limitations in your views there will be times where you will have to roll your plane to one side or another to complete your view of the area. The most critical piece of advice I can give is to set up your views and learn to use them so that you rarely lose sight of your enemy.
That way you can spend more time reacting to his evasives and less time switching views frantically trying to regain sight of a lost bogie.
As an unknown philosopher once said, "Lose sight, lose the fight."
-Ding
[This message has been edited by Dingy (edited 05-23-2000).]
