Aces High Bulletin Board

General Forums => Hardware and Software => Topic started by: 68valu on July 21, 2011, 11:19:31 AM

Title: controller compatibility?
Post by: 68valu on July 21, 2011, 11:19:31 AM
Anybody use a handheld gaming controller to play with or better yet does anybody know of a list of compatible devices for aces high?
I'm bored and need to do some more building of "toys".
Title: Re: controller compatibility?
Post by: Tigger29 on July 21, 2011, 11:26:00 AM
I don't think that there is much that Aces High is *NOT* compatible with.  If Windows is compatible with a joystick then Aces High should be too.

I've seen people play using custom fabricated "sim pits" with custom built controls that cost in the thousands of dollar and took hundreds of hours to build.  I've also seen people play with ancient serial-port joysticks from the early 90's using USB adapters.  I personally use a modified Logitech G940 but I've seen people use XBox controllers... and I've seen people use nothing but a keyboard and mouse.

I think your biggest problem with using a hand-held controller (such as a gaming pad or Xbox controller) will be with precision and not with compatibility.  With such a short 'throw' it's hard to be especially precise and that's one thing that being good at this game depends on.  Feel free to prove me wrong though!
Title: Re: controller compatibility?
Post by: guncrasher on July 21, 2011, 12:59:05 PM
I am just waiting to buy a house so I can start building my own simpit.  have plans drawn on my head of how I want it.  I am thinking of replacing my fighterstick with something better, but waiting till i figure out what I want.

semp
Title: Re: controller compatibility?
Post by: 68valu on July 21, 2011, 01:24:34 PM
Thanks for the input.
I'm not looking to use it to fly with, as I have these setups to choose from:

(http://i729.photobucket.com/albums/ww293/68valu/IMG_0243_2.jpg)

(http://i729.photobucket.com/albums/ww293/68valu/IMG_0118.jpg)

(http://i729.photobucket.com/albums/ww293/68valu/plugandplay.jpg)

(http://i729.photobucket.com/albums/ww293/68valu/DSCF0079.jpg)


I'm always looking to build something or modify something or tinker around. What i'm working on now is a switch panel for remapping the keyboard commands to. That is what I plan on doing with the controller.

I know its a sick habit I have!!
Title: Re: controller compatibility?
Post by: Reschke on July 21, 2011, 01:47:02 PM
You could use an old MS Sidewinder Game pad if you can find one. I have one that I still use for some stuff.
Title: Re: controller compatibility?
Post by: bbosen on July 21, 2011, 04:19:42 PM
I use handheld "game controllers" differently than most, and I've found a [relatively] inexpensive way to build a highly customized keyboard too. All described here:

http://techvideoreview.com/FlightSimMovies/General/ControlsAndCockpits/JoysticksControlsAndFlightSimCockpitsFullPage.htm
 :salute
Title: Re: controller compatibility?
Post by: Reschke on July 21, 2011, 07:17:16 PM
I was hoping that the Thrustmaster TARGET software would eventually control their hand held game controllers so I could canabalize a few to make some panels for setting up scripts in DCS A-10C and some other games. However that isn't going to be the case.
Title: Re: controller compatibility?
Post by: Ack-Ack on July 21, 2011, 08:24:11 PM
As someone mentioned, as long as Windows will recognize it as a controller than it will work in AH.  I've tested the Xbox 360 controller, PS3 controller and the Logitech Rumble Pad and all three work with no real issues in AH and quite easy to setup as well.  Flying isn't difficult either, once you get used to the dual thumbstick controllers and those with RC plane flying experience should feel right at home with the control setup.  The gamepads work best though when using the controller for ground vehicles, even more so now with the new GV control system.

ack-ack
Title: Re: controller compatibility?
Post by: 68valu on July 22, 2011, 11:16:58 PM
thanks for the input guys. I'll post pics when I finish the panel.

 :salute

68valu
Title: Re: controller compatibility?
Post by: Zeagle on July 24, 2011, 07:04:32 AM
very nice..I want to build something like that red one myself. I need something for X-Plane and AH. I also plan on integrating switches, etc.
Title: Re: controller compatibility?
Post by: Tigger29 on July 24, 2011, 10:46:10 PM
Another option is the BU0836 controller board.  It might be a little bit pricey (at $45) but it works quite well:

http://leobodnar.com/products/BU0836/ (http://leobodnar.com/products/BU0836/)
(http://leobodnar.com/products/BU0836/BU0836pcb.png) (http://leobodnar.com/products/BU0836/BU0836pcb.png)
Title: Re: controller compatibility?
Post by: Vinkman on July 25, 2011, 02:09:27 PM
Thanks for the input.
I'm not looking to use it to fly with, as I have these setups to choose from:

(http://i729.photobucket.com/albums/ww293/68valu/IMG_0243_2.jpg)

(http://i729.photobucket.com/albums/ww293/68valu/IMG_0118.jpg)

(http://i729.photobucket.com/albums/ww293/68valu/plugandplay.jpg)

(http://i729.photobucket.com/albums/ww293/68valu/DSCF0079.jpg)


I'm always looking to build something or modify something or tinker around. What i'm working on now is a switch panel for remapping the keyboard commands to. That is what I plan on doing with the controller.

I know its a sick habit I have!!


Sweet!  :salute
Title: Re: controller compatibility?
Post by: 68valu on July 25, 2011, 07:31:26 PM
Here is one I made today. I bought a usb joystick at a thrift store for 2 bucks, but the bad thing about it is I could only make 6 buttons workable. I've made 2 others, one a 14 button and one a 16 button. I print off labels on my computer and just tape them down with clear tape.
 
The buttons are able to be used for any mapable ingame function.
I could probably do the analog components as well but dont have much of a use for that many additional analog inputs.


(http://i729.photobucket.com/albums/ww293/68valu/DSC00701.jpg)

68valu
Title: Re: controller compatibility?
Post by: MajWoody on July 25, 2011, 08:18:31 PM
Nice sim pits.
Don't know how you can use CH peds with boots on. I gotta  use mine barefoot or stocking foot. :)
Title: Re: controller compatibility?
Post by: 68valu on July 25, 2011, 08:27:20 PM
Nice sim pits.
Don't know how you can use CH peds with boots on. I gotta  use mine barefoot or stocking foot. :)

Ya that photo was taken shortly after I built that model and was for demonstration only. I actually use slippers to fly in.

What part of "Orygun" you in?
Title: Re: controller compatibility?
Post by: MajWoody on July 25, 2011, 10:56:22 PM
Near Portland, on the Columbia River.
Title: Re: controller compatibility?
Post by: 68valu on July 26, 2011, 11:00:13 AM
Troutdale?

Central Oregon here.
Title: Re: controller compatibility?
Post by: MajWoody on July 26, 2011, 11:06:01 AM
St Helens
Title: Re: controller compatibility?
Post by: SilverZ06 on July 27, 2011, 07:42:53 PM
68,
 Do you build those frames or are they a kit you can buy somewhere? Link? Thanks
Title: Re: controller compatibility?
Post by: hyzer on July 28, 2011, 11:09:52 AM
I know its a sick habit I have!!

You may have a sickness, and a welder, but you also have an empty room to put stuff in.   :cheers:
Title: Re: controller compatibility?
Post by: 68valu on July 28, 2011, 01:09:47 PM
68,
 Do you build those frames or are they a kit you can buy somewhere? Link? Thanks

yes, I built these simpit frames. And one other just for xbox/console gaming. I have the next model in the works for a loftbed/computer workstation/simpit that will be perfect for dorm rooms and condo/small living areas.

68valu
Title: Re: controller compatibility?
Post by: 68valu on July 28, 2011, 01:11:55 PM
You may have a sickness, and a welder, but you also have an empty room to put stuff in.   :cheers:

once the kids grew up and moved out the space was available. The nice part is having a shop to design/build them in.

68valu