Improved joystick controls - HOTAS

[artik]

It would be very useful to be able to use combination of keys with joystick.

For example, for keyboard we have "shit", "alt" and "ctrl" keys that change a key behavior, it would
be very useful to have something like that for joystick were you can define a key or two as "mode modifier".

Also some toggle mode modifiers would be useful

Examples of use:

1. Hat can be used in 3 different modes - (a) view direction (b) trim (c) zoom
2. PTT modes (a) range (b) radio
3. flaps keys: (a) one step up/down (b) full up - full down

Toggling mode (for different planes or flight modes) examples:

1. Same key (a) toggle air breaks (b) open gear (F4U-*)
2. A/A or A/G modes - need maybe different layouts

[gyrene81]

much of what you listed has to be done within the joystick software control panel, if it has one. some hotas sticks have enough buttons that combinations aren't necessary.

Toggling mode (for different planes or flight modes) examples:

1. Same key (a) toggle air breaks (b) open gear (F4U-*)

interesting. it would take some added programming to treat each aircraft as separate controls.

[kvuo75]

lol


shift.

[morfiend]

lol


shift.

    I'm surprized the filter didn't catch that!


   To the OP,you can do pretty much what you wish for now! You first must map a button to switch modes then map the different modes. Mode 3 could have the hat mapped to trim,then go back to mode 1 for views.

 I used to have mode 3 set for twin engine A/C and mode 4 for multi engine,the trick is remembering what you mapped and in which mode.

  BTW mode 2 is mapped by default for GV's but mode 3 and 4 are free to map any way you'd like.



   

[CptA]

The CH Products line of joysticks/yokes when used with the CH Control Manager software already have this feature...that's what the little green/red/yellow led indicators on the stick are for...to indicate which program mode you are using.

Each button or hat on each device can be programmed with up to 3 different functions, and each assignment fully supports all available keyboard modifiers...Shift/Alt/Ctrl etc.

I have no personal experience, but I believe the high-end sticks from Saitek and Thrustmaster have something similar, so why do we need to change the game?

Aces High 2 already has the best stick-mapping routines and joystick support available to any Flight-sim that I have ever used. The options provided allow practically anything that you could think to do or want to accomplish, and allow mixing the game's own routines with those of the joystick manufacturers software (CH Control Manager).

CptA

[Wiley]

The Saitek profiling software that is used at least with the X-52 (not sure about other saitek sticks) also does the same thing as the OP's talking about with shift states.  I use them extensively.

I would like to heartily +1 this wish, as it's something that would be extraordinarily handy especially for people whose sticks don't have the options the CH and Saitek people have.

Wiley.

[morfiend]

The Saitek profiling software that is used at least with the X-52 (not sure about other saitek sticks) also does the same thing as the OP's talking about with shift states.  I use them extensively.

I would like to heartily +1 this wish, as it's something that would be extraordinarily handy especially for people whose sticks don't have the options the CH and Saitek people have.

Wiley.

  Wiley,


   We already have this,except instead of alt.shift,ctrl you have to map a butto to change modes and use mode 3 and mode 4.

 Rffectively mode 1,alt, mode3 shift and mode 4 ctrl if you like.  Although you will need to map a button to change modes on the fly but it's quite possible to do exactly what was wished for already.


   

[doright]

I was going to post this Wishlist suggestion also.
In the DCS World series using Shift, Ctrl, Alt (both L or R) on the keyboard as modifiers of DX joystick buttons is implemented, and it is extremely handy.

Not everyone has a high end stick and this is an easy way to add a lot of functionality for low end sticks.

  We already have this,except instead of alt.shift,ctrl you have to map a butto to change modes and use mode 3 and mode 4.

Morfiend a nice hack, but not the same since you have to keep switching back and forth between modes. As described in the wishlist you would just press and hold the modifier key then your joystick button then you can release both.

[gyrene81]

i don't have a "high end stick" and i have more functionality than listed. all you need is buttons...

[Stellaris]

I have everything I need on my G940 stick and more.  I have buttons I just don't use.

However I would really like support for the G940 multi-colour backlit buttons!  That would be awesome!

[doright]

i don't have a "high end stick" and i have more functionality than listed. all you need is buttons...

Well if you don't have a lot of buttons on your stick this is a way of effectively multiplying them by 6. And you don't even have to take your hand off the joystick. And even if you do have a fair number this method allows you to keep the most needed controls on the most convenient switches. Sure there are a ton of keys on a keyboard (times 6) but fumbling around trying to find the right key is often difficult and/or disastrous. Finding the shift/ctrl/alt keys is usually easy and quick.

[Ack-Ack]

it's something that would be extraordinarily handy especially for people whose sticks don't have the options the CH and Saitek people have.

Wiley.

But those without programmable joysticks like a CH or Thrustmaster can still use programs like JoyToKey to program their otherwise non-programmable joysticks.

ack-ack

[Wiley]

  Wiley,


   We already have this,except instead of alt.shift,ctrl you have to map a butto to change modes and use mode 3 and mode 4.

 Rffectively mode 1,alt, mode3 shift and mode 4 ctrl if you like.  Although you will need to map a button to change modes on the fly but it's quite possible to do exactly what was wished for already.


   

Not exactly though.  As you say you need to hit the switch mode button, then either hit it again to toggle back or hit another button to get back to the original mode.  What the OP is talking about is the ability to hit two buttons to do something and that's it.  The buttons stay doing the same thing they do after the "shift" button is released.

Joy2key is a viable option though for people without profiling software.  Hadn't thought of that.

Wiley.