So A load of people "and i mean a LOAD" are complaining about the new control layouts and switching.
So here is the down and dirty on how to correct.
Step 1 Understanding Control Modes
Control modes are found in Options > Controls > Map Controllers
Notice that there are 3 check boxes there
1. Advanced, here is where you setup your dead bands, and damping as well as scaling.
2. Auto Select Mode, here is where the option to uncheck the Auto Select Mode for the modes and I will explain further
3. Hide Msg, Hides the Message when the mode is auto selected, or selected
So now that we have that out of the way. lets get to the nitty gritty
Hitech Implemented Different modes for different things. Why? I have no clue because we have used the same layouts for years.
So lets get down to your options.
On the Dropdowns up top you will see your Select Controller Drop Down, This will not be needed for the Copy Method
Option 1. The Copy Method
!Important for this method, your deadbands, and scaling will not copy! they must be setup individually
Also if you use the Copy Method it will copy controls for all controllers instead of just the ones selected.
To Copy the Modes.
Setup Mode 1 Like you want to have it with all of your buttons etc.
Drop Down the modes selector to mode 2 and you will see the button light up that says Copy Mode 1.
If you click the button you will have to same layout.
You can repeat the steps as needed for 3 and 4 as well.
Option 2. Disable Mode Switching Entirely
Uncheck the boxes for Auto Select Modes and use only mode 1.
KeyBoard Modifications needed
Now in your Options > Controls > Map Keys
Click the Global Radio Button.
Scroll down until you see Mode 1 - 4
Map the keys to ALT + 1 - 4 for the keys to change your modes.
You can now map your Joystick Software to either press the keys ALT + 1 - 4 to change your modes.
Joystick Bind Method
If you have a spare button on your joystick you can do the following.
Options > Controls > Map Controllers
Press the button you wish to map twice and a popup will come up asking you what you want to map it to.
Go to Global and select Mode 2 for Mode 1 Control Layout
On Mode 2 select mode 3
on mode 3 select mode 4
and finally on mode 4 select mode 1
Now you have a button that will cycle through your modes 1 - 4 and you can use them individually.
You Must select Mode 2 Manually before each Vehicle Flight as you have unchecked the Auto Mode Switching
But the good thing, is that your keybinds for your bombers while gunning will not be effected by the mode switch when you get into your guns.
Pro Tip
In Bombers I use Mode 3 and unmap the rudder axis to allow for keyboard use of rudders.
This allows you to climb in a circular pattern to get as much altitude over a small distance.
In Mode 4, since I have multiple axis on my controls layout I use this mode for dual engine aircraft and map my two throttles to the throttles for individual engines.