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General Forums => Aces High General Discussion => Topic started by: SkyRock on August 15, 2008, 12:59:27 PM

Title: hat vs keyboard
Post by: SkyRock on August 15, 2008, 12:59:27 PM
I've been flyin in this game for 5+ years and have from the start, used the number keypad fro my views.  I have tried to learn the hat-switch but it just isnt the same.  Old habits die hard.  Also using the keyboard for flaps, WEP, and the likes.  Inevitably there are times in dogfights where I do not see the opponent.  I have grown accustomed to this and have developed a good sense of E and direction from each glance I get on my opponent. 

So, how many of you fellas/ladies use the keyboard for views and the likes?
Title: Re: hat vs keyboard
Post by: whiteman on August 15, 2008, 01:04:11 PM
views, flaps, dive flap and WEP on my stick. Engine on/off, gear, wheel brakes, ord select and bomb doors on throttle. i could put a ton more on the joystick but haven't got around to it.
Title: Re: hat vs keyboard
Post by: Vudak on August 15, 2008, 01:12:11 PM
I like to be able to use my views, flaps, gear, throttle, rudder, guns, joystick, and WEP, all at the same exact moment.  The keyboard's not for me :)

It's pretty impressive that you have your success using the keyboard, but I think if you changed to a HOTAS you'd probably spend the first 2-3 weeks in complete and total frustration, and then wonder how you ever did without it.
Title: Re: hat vs keyboard
Post by: VansCrew1 on August 15, 2008, 01:12:43 PM
I use my X52 for everything. Flaps,page up/page down,wep channel talk,RPM's. On my stick Ive got a hat set to view's another hat set to zoom in/out/toggle, gears, ending ,weapons  selection, auto climb level flight and angled climb as well as my check 6 clip board and tail hook.

I only use my keyboard to type.
Title: Re: hat vs keyboard
Post by: Hajo on August 15, 2008, 01:23:11 PM
Started using the Keyboard long ago.  Now I can't do without a full HOTAS.  The full set adds to the immersion of flying Combat imho.

Only buttons and switches in the Cockpit so to speak.

Use keyboard for text buffer only.
Title: Re: hat vs keyboard
Post by: Boxboy on August 15, 2008, 01:37:20 PM
All plane controls and views on throttle, as I don't like my stick moving when I look around, ord selection, zoom, map, and cockpit view are on the stick.

I only use keyboard for engine start and stop, wheel brakes are on the rudder pedals

HOTAS is CH usb setup
Title: Re: hat vs keyboard
Post by: Ack-Ack on August 15, 2008, 01:42:50 PM
Everything is programmed on my stick and throttle, only touch the keyboard to type.


ack-ack
Title: Re: hat vs keyboard
Post by: Flash4rt on August 15, 2008, 01:44:34 PM
I use the mouse to look.

Left click "mouse pan toggle"

Right click "default view"

I usually fly right handed but fly with my left hand controlling joystick and use right hand on mouse when I'm looking around.

Elevator trim, flaps, gear, clipboard, wep and zoom all mapped to joystick.
Title: Re: hat vs keyboard
Post by: llama on August 15, 2008, 02:01:33 PM
keyboard's only for talking. every other command is on the HOTAS. views are via the TrackIR.

To be perfectly honest, I don't even remember what the real keyboard commands are in the game anymore.

-Llama
Title: Re: hat vs keyboard
Post by: Blue on August 15, 2008, 02:03:34 PM
Everything on Stick and Throttle, only use keyboard to type.  Try it for awhile, you'll proly change your config up a couple of times before you get what and where you want, then after a coupla weeks you'll never switch back.
Title: Re: hat vs keyboard
Post by: Furball on August 15, 2008, 02:08:25 PM
Hatswitch, with a button on my controller set to look straight up, so that i can look in any direction plus upward + direction without taking hand off stick.  I also have the A key on the keyboard set for a nose over view for when i am shooting, i have it set to forward on the hatswitch too but i find it difficult to use while firing, so revert back to the A key.  Other people would probably find it awkward, but it is what i am used to and it is easy for me :)
Title: Re: hat vs keyboard
Post by: thrila on August 15, 2008, 02:13:09 PM
I wouldn't be surprised if some of the more senior members here still used a typewriter instead of a keyboard.
Title: Re: hat vs keyboard
Post by: angelsandair on August 15, 2008, 02:16:52 PM
I wouldn't be surprised if some of the more senior members here still used a typewriter instead of a keyboard.

I remember one guy who used a 30 year old keyboard or something like that :O
Title: Re: hat vs keyboard
Post by: John Curnutte on August 15, 2008, 02:41:31 PM
Well Skyrock I too use the key board and would chew my arm off if I switched , I use keypad for everything except views I then use hat switch . even my radio is on keyboard , its just habit I guess . I wanted at one time to change up to map out the keys but in the end it would only cause me grief I think .
                                                                     Nutte :eek:
Title: Re: hat vs keyboard
Post by: doleboy on August 15, 2008, 02:47:47 PM
I use an old modified 48k zx spectrum. Being boosted with extra electricity by an old steam powered sewing machine to provide the extra power needed to link into my neighbours wireless system. No keyboard, no joystick, i just jab my toes into the circuitry to control the planes.
Title: Re: hat vs keyboard
Post by: Scotch on August 15, 2008, 02:52:54 PM
Even though I have views programmed to a hat, I usually use the number pad. I just don't like the reach to get to the hat on my stick (CH).
Title: Re: hat vs keyboard
Post by: bbosen on August 15, 2008, 06:04:59 PM
I have every  button on my joystick mapped for flight controls and view Zooming. I use the numeric keypad for directional viewing. The view combinations work much better for me this way: It's intuitive and effective, and gives me instant access to zoomed or unzoomed views in any direction.

Training and setup films available showing all of this here:

http://bosenet.homedns.org:8082/HDD_1_1_1/FlightSimMovies/index.htm


Regards,


Peabody
Title: Re: hat vs keyboard
Post by: bj229r on August 15, 2008, 06:15:23 PM
I use my Combat stick for everything possible, but have to use keyboard for wep, view up, view down. (And I STILL have no effing idea where they are;)
Title: Re: hat vs keyboard
Post by: Scotch on August 15, 2008, 06:20:09 PM
I use the combatstick too. What do you have your buttons programmed to? I have WEP and view up on mine. Perhaps we need different programs because we fly differently though.
Title: Re: hat vs keyboard
Post by: BaldEagl on August 15, 2008, 06:26:23 PM
I've used the keypad for views for 12 years.
Title: Re: hat vs keyboard
Post by: bj229r on August 15, 2008, 06:31:31 PM
I use the combatstick too. What do you have your buttons programmed to? I have WEP and view up on mine. Perhaps we need different programs because we fly differently though.
I dont use the CH software...use 2 buttons for vox, left hat is flaps up/down, trim aileron right and left (for when jug gets wing shot off)...left thumb button is bombs, one to the right is zoom toggle, as I'm 48 years old and I can't see stuff when I shoot at it;
Title: Re: hat vs keyboard
Post by: BillyD on August 15, 2008, 06:45:36 PM
I use the keyboard still w/ flaps, and wep.Hat switch and stick for everything else. ON a funny note I had to toggle zoom off the keyboard cause the damned windows button is right under Z. Super frustrating when you've lined up a perfect shot, go to zoom and then minimalize AH instead in the heat of things lol lol :)
Title: Re: hat vs keyboard
Post by: zoozoo on August 15, 2008, 08:16:51 PM
all i have on stick is views fire and vox, everything else kb
Title: Re: hat vs keyboard
Post by: Redlegs on August 15, 2008, 08:48:45 PM
I got views, fire, zoom, weapon select, flaps, WEP, autopilot and view mouse mode (or whatever it's called) on my joystick.
Title: Re: hat vs keyboard
Post by: Brooke on August 15, 2008, 09:00:51 PM
I use my keyboard for views except for zoom.  I use my hat switch on my joystick to toggle zoom and left and right on the hat to zoom in and out.

This way, I can work views with my left hand on the keyboard and then independently and at the same time use my hat switch to toggle zoom and to zoom in and out.

Even when I wasn't doing it that way, though (zoom on the hat), I used the keyboard for views.  It is just the quickest and most-thorough way for me to get exactly the view I want.  Keyboard has instantly for me the 13 views I want (and the very occasonal few I don't use much).  A hat is missing about 5 of those common ones (at least an 8-way hat is, unless I am miscounting or way off base on how hats work, which is possible).
Title: Re: hat vs keyboard
Post by: stodd on August 15, 2008, 09:06:27 PM
I use my keyboard for everything except to fire which I use my mouse for.
Title: Re: hat vs keyboard
Post by: mensa180 on August 15, 2008, 11:00:38 PM
I used to use the keyboard for flaps, rudder, and views.  Now I use it for views only, and have flaps on the stick and rudder pedals.
Title: Re: hat vs keyboard
Post by: Booz on August 15, 2008, 11:43:31 PM

   Looks like us old school AW guys prefer the number pad for views still. I use hat switches for aileron & rudder trim. Easier for me as a lefty, right hand is on numpad anyway.
Title: Re: hat vs keyboard
Post by: SkyRock on August 15, 2008, 11:50:34 PM
   Looks like us old school AW guys prefer the number pad for views still. I use hat switches for aileron & rudder trim. Easier for me as a lefty, right hand is on numpad anyway.
LMAO, thats the only thing I've ever had programmed to the Hat, was elevator trim!   :D
Title: Re: hat vs keyboard
Post by: texasmom on August 16, 2008, 02:48:10 AM
I used the keyboard for a few years... until I found a joystick that adjusted enough to allow my thumb to reach the hat... since then I've preferred the hat far above the keyboard.
Title: Re: hat vs keyboard
Post by: Brooke on August 16, 2008, 03:19:32 AM
Seems to me with an 8-way hat, you are going to forgo 5 or so views (of the 13 you get with keypad).  Is that correct, and if so, which 5 do people generally pick to forgo?
Title: Re: hat vs keyboard
Post by: Talon07 on August 16, 2008, 05:31:18 AM
I map my 8 way hat to all the around views and forward as Forward up. Then I map a button on my JS to up view and combined with the hat gives me all around and up views.
Regards FBClaw
Title: Re: hat vs keyboard
Post by: SlapShot on August 16, 2008, 08:38:57 AM
If your going to go out in public, I would wear the hat. You could wear the keyboard around the house tho.
Title: Re: hat vs keyboard
Post by: Hajo on August 16, 2008, 08:47:38 AM
Brooke I forgo no views and use the 568 Combatstick USB in conjunction with Pro Pedals and Pro Throttle.

my views with 8 way hat.  Front, right oblique, right, right rear oblique, rear, rear left oblique, left, left front oblique.

Now that's just with the 8way on the combatstick.  On my throttle the top 4 way hat I have 5 (look up) programmed.

So I get all 8 views level and up just by using the 4way Hat on the throttle in conjunction with 8way on the Combatstick.

Without SA (all the views) there is no ACM if you can't see all your enemies.
Title: Re: hat vs keyboard
Post by: Bruv119 on August 16, 2008, 08:54:22 AM

So I get all 8 views level and up just by using the 4way Hat on the throttle in conjunction with 8way on the Combatstick.


ditto
Title: Re: hat vs keyboard
Post by: mensa180 on August 16, 2008, 09:02:11 AM
I have the Hat on my joystick programmed to up:flaps up, down: flaps down, right: channel vox
Title: Re: hat vs keyboard
Post by: The Fury on August 16, 2008, 11:21:28 AM
Mouse to fly and keyboard for views for me    :aok

 :salute
Title: Re: hat vs keyboard
Post by: Urchin on August 16, 2008, 11:46:06 AM
Well, I use TrackIR now (actually I think I'd still be better with the hat, but I'm used to TIR).  Used to use the hat switch with a button on the throttle mapped to 'look up', and a button on the stick mapped to 'look down'.  With those three things you can get every possible view in AH.
Title: Re: hat vs keyboard
Post by: xOLLYx on August 16, 2008, 11:59:32 AM
i use a mouse to fly and keys for the rest stick and hats well i see that as cheating :devil well if you dont bin ur stick and hat then see how you fly then :t
Title: Re: hat vs keyboard
Post by: Messiah on August 16, 2008, 10:33:00 PM
I use the keyboard for flaps, views, WEP, AND throttle, LOL.  I tried a hotas and sold it like a week later because I wasn't using the throttle to it.
Title: Re: hat vs keyboard
Post by: pervert on August 17, 2008, 07:26:47 AM
I used to use number pad but it means my hand is under my elbow and i have to reach to stick for throttle. I have sidewinder ff2 and have the trigger on front for up and the hat covers the rest of the views use the buttons on the base for flaps zoom in and gear down means i can both hands on stick and control flaps gear zoom in and throttle comfortable with my right hand much less awkward than using keyboard imo.
Title: Re: hat vs keyboard
Post by: bozon on August 17, 2008, 09:03:53 AM
I've been flyin in this game for 5+ years and have from the start, used the number keypad fro my views.  I have tried to learn the hat-switch but it just isnt the same.  Old habits die hard.  Also using the keyboard for flaps, WEP, and the likes.  Inevitably there are times in dogfights where I do not see the opponent.  I have grown accustomed to this and have developed a good sense of E and direction from each glance I get on my opponent. 

So, how many of you fellas/ladies use the keyboard for views and the likes?
I'm with you on this. On the stick I have only: Fire prim, fire sec, fire both, WEP. Everything else is on the keyboard (heavily customized).

I see a huge advantage in numpad views - they have multiple forward views!
Every view combination that contradict itself, e.g.: left+right (4+6), forward left+forward right (7+9), forward+back left/right (8+1/3), up+down (5+0), gives you a forward view that you can save a different head position for. This way I have besides the usual "neutral" and "head in the gunsight" (forward) view, also "standing on the sit looking over the nose" view, "left/right cheek against the glass" view, "chin on the knees" instrument view.

I tried POV hat but it just didn't give me all these option, plus my stick hand was too busy already. The greatest advantage of the POV is that it allows you to hold the beer in your left hand. I nullified this advantage with a straw (sissy, I know).

Title: Re: hat vs keyboard
Post by: Lazerr on August 17, 2008, 11:47:49 AM
Man up and fly with a mouse... :eek:
Title: Re: hat vs keyboard
Post by: SuBWaYCH on August 17, 2008, 12:22:01 PM
Only thing I have on my joystick is my gun fire. 3 buttons for it. I use keypad for views. Combat trim, elevator trim, flaps, wep, throttle (RPM, manifold), rudder and everything else you can think of is on the keyboard.
Title: Re: hat vs keyboard
Post by: bbosen on August 19, 2008, 10:27:46 AM
Bozon wrote:

"I see a huge advantage in numpad views - they have multiple forward views!
Every view combination that contradict itself, e.g.: left+right (4+6), forward left+forward right (7+9), forward+back left/right (8+1/3), up+down (5+0), gives you a forward view that you can save a different head position for. This way I have besides the usual "neutral" and "head in the gunsight" (forward) view, also "standing on the sit looking over the nose" view, "left/right cheek against the glass" view, "chin on the knees" instrument view."

Bozon: THANKS! I didn't know that, but I just spent 15 minutes optimizing 4 instrument views in my beloved P38L. Works great! Very handy indeed. Now it's much easier to check my oil pressure, or to see that tiny, almost invisible red True Airspeed indicator.


Regards,


-Peabody-
Title: Re: hat vs keyboard
Post by: TwentyFo on August 19, 2008, 11:32:23 AM
I've been flyin in this game for 5+ years and have from the start, used the number keypad fro my views.  I have tried to learn the hat-switch but it just isnt the same.  Old habits die hard.  Also using the keyboard for flaps, WEP, and the likes.  Inevitably there are times in dogfights where I do not see the opponent.  I have grown accustomed to this and have developed a good sense of E and direction from each glance I get on my opponent. 

So, how many of you fellas/ladies use the keyboard for views and the likes?

I used to be in the same boat as you. I always used the keyboard for everything minus the hat switch. For the past month I've transitioned to the X52. I have set my wep, push to talk, flaps up/down on my left hand (the throttle). On my right hand I have your basic hat and primary/secondary firing buttons. Having all of these controls at my fingertips has improved my flying tremendously. I am starting to get a lot better at throttle and flap control. I highly recommend programming buttons especially when you have a separate throttle and stick.
Title: Re: hat vs keyboard
Post by: mike254 on August 19, 2008, 12:04:31 PM
I use my numb pad for views also, its easier for me. The only things I have on my stick are throttle, channel and range and of course, fire all guns.
Title: Re: hat vs keyboard
Post by: Shuffler on August 19, 2008, 12:24:17 PM
Everything programmed on my CH stick and throttle.
Title: Re: hat vs keyboard
Post by: Pawz on August 19, 2008, 07:02:29 PM
I have everything programmed on my ch stick and throttle including my rudders. It was very hard getting used to this but once I took off the training wheels there was no going back. Im like most with the ch stick do not need to touch keyboard unless I need to type.
Title: Re: hat vs keyboard
Post by: thndregg on August 19, 2008, 08:39:09 PM
Started playing in summer 2004. Used stick & keyboard. I've tried the X52 twice, and although I do not question its reliability, I couldn't seem to get used to it. I still play using a stick with my keyboard for views and other functions.
Title: Re: hat vs keyboard
Post by: 1701E on August 19, 2008, 09:40:28 PM
I use both Keyboard and Stick for views.  If i need to look up/Direction or Down/direction i will use em both.  Most everything else is on Keyboard though.  Only things on stick are Views/Fire (primary/secondary), Voice (Range/vox), WEP, Weapon secondary select, Gear, tail hook.  Everything else is on keyboard.
I have tried having more on stick but got all confused.  So now i rest my hand on the Q, W, E, Shift, and Z/X keys allowing quick access to all controls i need (normally).
Title: Re: hat vs keyboard
Post by: Noir on August 20, 2008, 05:08:03 AM
I use the hat for the views, with enter and + on the keypad for look up look down.

I've remaped all the flight controls (flaps, gear, hook, some trimming, open doors, check 6, icon type) on the keypad so I don't have to move the left hand at all except for the engine control, can't beat an HOTAS for that. My stick is a CH fighterstick, PM me if you want my config files.
Title: Re: hat vs keyboard
Post by: SD67 on August 20, 2008, 05:47:19 AM
I use the lower hat on my X52 for veiw with the forward push to move my head back (and down in some planes) so I can see all the instruments and U use the pinky switch for up.
Title: Re: hat vs keyboard
Post by: texasmom on August 20, 2008, 10:14:06 AM
I use the lower hat on my X52 for veiw with the forward push to move my head back (and down in some planes) so I can see all the instruments and U use the pinky switch for up.
Oh, good idea.
Title: Re: hat vs keyboard
Post by: Noir on August 20, 2008, 11:54:14 AM
I use the lower hat on my X52 for veiw with the forward push to move my head back (and down in some planes) so I can see all the instruments and U use the pinky switch for up.

well I still use the good ol' keyboard arrows for that except that the up and down arrows are putting the view higher and lower.

my secondary hats (3x4 way hats) on the fighterstick are used by zoom controls, rpm controls, and trimming.
Title: Re: hat vs keyboard
Post by: Yenny on August 20, 2008, 12:03:58 PM
Well on my joystick I have 6 buttons, a hat, throttle and rudder. For the buttons, I have toggle zoom, enemy selection, shoot primary gun, shoot secondary gun, shoot all gun, and a look up button. Hat for all views. Rudder/throttle I use on the joystick.

Keyboard I used for everything else. Flaps, trim, radio etc. I found it tuff in a turnfight where I have keep moving my left hand from throttle back to keyboard for flaps. I would get lazy and not work on my flaps often and let it automatically retract rather then manually retract it to regain some E. I think if I could get use to Rudder Pedal and a real throttle I'd be a lot more effective in the game. There are a lot of manuevers that I just can't perform because of the rudder being is on the joystick.

Title: Re: hat vs keyboard
Post by: 2bighorn on August 20, 2008, 12:41:08 PM
Well on my joystick I have 6 buttons, a hat, throttle and rudder. For the buttons, I have toggle zoom, enemy selection, shoot primary gun, shoot secondary gun, shoot all gun, and a look up button. Hat for all views. Rudder/throttle I use on the joystick.

Keyboard I used for everything else. Flaps, trim, radio etc. I found it tuff in a turnfight where I have keep moving my left hand from throttle back to keyboard for flaps. I would get lazy and not work on my flaps often and let it automatically retract rather then manually retract it to regain some E. I think if I could get use to Rudder Pedal and a real throttle I'd be a lot more effective in the game. There are a lot of manuevers that I just can't perform because of the rudder being is on the joystick.

For now, try to map flaps to stick buttons. The only thing difficult with twisty is cross control. For everything else, twisty can perform same as pedals, albeit not as precise.
Title: Re: hat vs keyboard
Post by: Kazaa on August 20, 2008, 08:20:04 PM
I've been flyin in this game for 5+ years and have from the start, used the number keypad fro my views.  I have tried to learn the hat-switch but it just isnt the same.  Old habits die hard.  Also using the keyboard for flaps, WEP, and the likes.  Inevitably there are times in dogfights where I do not see the opponent.  I have grown accustomed to this and have developed a good sense of E and direction from each glance I get on my opponent. 

So, how many of you fellas/ladies use the keyboard for views and the likes?

I've flown with a mouse and keyboard since day one. I did however try an X52 but it just wasn't the same, I fill that I get much better SA from using the num pad over the hat switch(s) for views.

I also have no idea how I've gone so many years without rudder pedals, I still use W,A,S,D for rudder. So it looks like I'm playing the piano when I'm doing rudder input and looking at the same time.
Title: Re: hat vs keyboard
Post by: FiLtH on August 20, 2008, 09:20:57 PM
 Been using keyboard for the past couple years when the hat switch went bad. Got another stick this week and Im still reaching for keyboard. Will take some time to re-train.