Aces High Bulletin Board

General Forums => Wishlist => Topic started by: LCADolby on October 20, 2012, 10:01:43 AM

Title: Speed Specific Combat Trim
Post by: LCADolby on October 20, 2012, 10:01:43 AM
I would like to see the ability to set the comabt trim to a specific speed via the dot command.

for example
/.trim 250
to trim the aircraft fo flat an level flying at the airspeed of 250mph.

Title: Re: Speed Specific Combat Trim
Post by: Pand on October 20, 2012, 11:50:18 AM
This is a fantastic idea!  +1
Title: Re: Speed Specific Combat Trim
Post by: ImADot on October 20, 2012, 12:05:50 PM
I just do it manually.  Once I get to the speed I want with combat trim on, I turn it off and fine-tune the trim manually. Then it's set for that speed and won't change unless I change it or turn the CT back on. No real need to make it any easier.
Title: Re: Speed Specific Combat Trim
Post by: Pand on October 20, 2012, 01:02:14 PM
No real need to make it any easier.
No there is--- if a real pilot were flying a familiar aircraft and starting an engagement, and he knows he'll need 1 full wheel trim rotation at attack speed, and 1/2 rotation back for cornering speed, he would be able to quickly make these adjustments in flight.   Manual trim in the game is too slow during a dogfight. 

Macroing a trim command to a stick button would be more similar to a pilot quickly making learned wheel adjustments.
Title: Re: Speed Specific Combat Trim
Post by: RTHolmes on October 20, 2012, 01:11:10 PM
No there is--- if a real pilot were flying a familiar aircraft and starting an engagement, and he knows he'll need 1 full wheel trim rotation at attack speed, and 1/2 rotation back for cornering speed, he would be able to quickly make these adjustments in flight.   Manual trim in the game is too slow during a dogfight.

isnt that just how it works if you have analogue trims mapped? :headscratch:
Title: Re: Speed Specific Combat Trim
Post by: ImADot on October 20, 2012, 01:14:33 PM
isnt that just how it works if you have analogue trims mapped? :headscratch:

Probably. I don't have any analog wheels, so instead map the keyboard functions to a 4-way hat switch on my CH throttle. Works just fine and is easy to use in combat.
Title: Re: Speed Specific Combat Trim
Post by: Karnak on October 20, 2012, 01:32:34 PM
isnt that just how it works if you have analogue trims mapped? :headscratch:

Yes, but it isn't just a button press.  I have to fiddle with my dials quite a bit to obtain the proper trim settings.  It isn't like in a real aircraft where stick pressure lets you know if you're trimmed or not.
Title: Re: Speed Specific Combat Trim
Post by: bustr on October 20, 2012, 06:04:51 PM
So if you already have trim mapped to an analog control for non-Combat trim mode. How will this interact? Say if Pitch is mapped to an analog control but, Roll and Yaw to buttons. Then only the button mapped trim controls will receive the results of the (.Trim xxx) command?

I could see Hitech setting up a trim mode button that can be programed like a single button to cycle preset Tmodes. You would be able to associate any number of them you choose to the button. One if you only wanted say a 350mph trim mode for your favorite ride. I assume turning on Combat trim would over ride any trim commands. So maybe when you enter the Trim dot command or press the Tmode button again it disables Combat trim.

Tmode0 - 125ta
Tmode1 - 250ta   <-- these modes would give new meaning to: dang, no fair,  I hit the wrong button.
Tmode2 - 300ta
Tmode3 - 350ta
Tmode4 - 400ta
 
Tmode4 would be great for Yak9u and P51 once over the combat zone. As it is now, I have to go into a slight dive with Combat trim on to get the trim I want, then turn off Combat trim. I suppose a vetern  player might want slower speed modes available to avoid Combat trim limitations while TnBing low in the bushes in a spit or Brewster.

Gurgel - Hey guys whats the best trim number for the spit16?
Meanie - Bushes or running away?
Gurgel - ??
Meanie - Alt F4
Gurgel - Tried that and it was so screwy I could see my desktop.
Meanie - spit dweeb.....<@>U<@>
Title: Re: Speed Specific Combat Trim
Post by: MK-84 on October 20, 2012, 06:13:40 PM
I would very much like a dot trim command +1

Title: Re: Speed Specific Combat Trim
Post by: bozon on October 21, 2012, 07:10:59 AM
Turn combat trim on -- turn combat trim off again

Does it not do the trick?
Title: Re: Speed Specific Combat Trim
Post by: MK-84 on October 21, 2012, 09:29:55 AM
Turn combat trim on -- turn combat trim off again

Does it not do the trick?

No because I can not trim easily for an expected speed.

Title: Re: Speed Specific Combat Trim
Post by: ImADot on October 21, 2012, 10:28:02 AM
No because I can not trim easily for an expected speed.

Do real pilots "pre-trim" their aircraft for an "expected speed", instead of their current speed? I thought trim was adjusted as needed. Flying an aircraft at 200mph that was trimmed for 300mph because "I'm expecting to enter a fight at 300" would be tiring, yes?

If I feel myself fighting my stick because the trim is off, I'll turn on the combat trim for a couple of seconds to "get it close", and then turn it off again to fine-tune it manually. This works at any speed and only takes a couple of seconds.
Title: Re: Speed Specific Combat Trim
Post by: LCADolby on October 21, 2012, 02:54:04 PM
Quote
Emil pilots often pre-set thier trim for 400kph because that was it's optimum trim for fighting the Spitfire.

I am not asking for much.
Title: Re: Speed Specific Combat Trim
Post by: RTHolmes on October 21, 2012, 03:48:37 PM
I dislike the idea of being able to dial up various specific trim settings via the command line, doesnt seem very realistic to me. if you want to do what the RL emil pilots did, but dont have analogue trims available, you can easily just trim it at corner speed or whatever you want after climbout when you go level.
Title: Re: Speed Specific Combat Trim
Post by: bustr on October 21, 2012, 04:07:47 PM
I know the pitch trim for most of the fighters in the game at 300+ and below 15k.

I set this before take off and use Combat trim for take off. Auto level will generaly adjust everything else along the way after I achive my alt via auto climb. When over the combat zone I might shallow dive for a moment hitting Combat trim to make sure my pitch is correct, then disable it. Or while in an attack dive or evasive dive toggle CT once to trim up the plane. When over 350 in many fighters I will leave CT on to stop any nose up preassure as I pass into 400+.

Often at alts over 15k I will leave CT on to keep the nose level and not have to fight it in the thinner air.

If you think about it, Combat trim mapped to a button is simply a shortcut auto version of (.trim xxx). It's more dynamic especially if your trim is all mapped to buttons and not to analog pots. I'm choosing to have pitch mapped analog by choice becasue I want a slight more nose down at speed in my BnZ rides while a bit more nose up in rides like spits when I toggel off CT.

Combat trim on a button is less you have to think about. Many players never turn it off and land kill strings all night long.
Title: Re: Speed Specific Combat Trim
Post by: 100Coogn on October 21, 2012, 04:38:44 PM
To me, it sounds like a wish for cruise-control.   :headscratch:

Coogan
Title: Re: Speed Specific Combat Trim
Post by: Pand on October 21, 2012, 10:08:53 PM
I dislike the idea of being able to dial up various specific trim settings via the command line, doesnt seem very realistic to me.
I can't seem to find the combat trim button in the few photos I reviewed of WWII aircraft cockpits.  If we follow the realism logic, there is a lot that would need to be removed from this sim.  :bolt:
Title: Re: Speed Specific Combat Trim
Post by: hitech on October 23, 2012, 08:18:17 AM
I understand your desire, but I can see multiple ways to implement it.

1. Save trim mode, this is just push a button and it locks trim into the current settings from the auto pilot.
    Then when you go out of auto pilot, trim will always return to these settings like the return to combat trim position now.

2. Similar to above , but is set from the .trim command like your request.

3.  Set with either of the 2 methods, but instead of always going to these settings when turning auto pilot off, it only goes to that position when a button is pressed.


I don't think I would implement 3 , because I believe it's major use would be a get out of jail free card with planes like the 109 in high speed dives.
I sorta like the idea of having both 1 & 2, I.E. the .trim command just overrides the position set by mode 1. Also I don't think they would move instantly , but take a few seconds to move from auto pilot to preset position.

HiTech
Title: Re: Speed Specific Combat Trim
Post by: Pand on October 23, 2012, 10:14:52 AM
YES!
Title: Re: Speed Specific Combat Trim
Post by: Ack-Ack on October 23, 2012, 04:17:36 PM
I understand your desire, but I can see multiple ways to implement it.

1. Save trim mode, this is just push a button and it locks trim into the current settings from the auto pilot.
    Then when you go out of auto pilot, trim will always return to these settings like the return to combat trim position now.

2. Similar to above , but is set from the .trim command like your request.

3.  Set with either of the 2 methods, but instead of always going to these settings when turning auto pilot off, it only goes to that position when a button is pressed.


I don't think I would implement 3 , because I believe it's major use would be a get out of jail free card with planes like the 109 in high speed dives.
I sorta like the idea of having both 1 & 2, I.E. the .trim command just overrides the position set by mode 1. Also I don't think they would move instantly , but take a few seconds to move from auto pilot to preset position.

HiTech

I like option #1 as I can just program the toggle into my Pro Throttle as opposed to having to type it the dot command like in option #2.

ack-ack
Title: Re: Speed Specific Combat Trim
Post by: LCADolby on October 23, 2012, 04:26:04 PM
I like both the idea of a Save Trim and a dot command together :)

I don't mind that it may take time to set the trim as the 109 had a wheel with a chain attached to set the trim, and that took about as much time as it does now to set.
Title: Re: Speed Specific Combat Trim
Post by: Hap on October 23, 2012, 04:42:05 PM
I like both the idea of a Save Trim and a dot command together :)

Are you talking about the "trim set" command we already have?  It's key-mapped, & can be seen here: options > controls > keyboard commands > flight
Title: Re: Speed Specific Combat Trim
Post by: bustr on October 23, 2012, 06:40:49 PM
Aces High Help

Key Commands

Plane:

Trim Set - KEY_DOT

I don't seem to be able to find any description for this one. Does it force an instant CT trim setting when you are in manual trim mode? Like when you move the stick to level out of auto climb and your pitch and ailerons are set too extream for level flight?
Title: Re: Speed Specific Combat Trim
Post by: ImADot on October 23, 2012, 06:47:08 PM
Aces High Help

Key Commands

Plane:

Trim Set - KEY_DOT

I don't seem to be able to find any description for this one. Does it force an instant CT trim setting when you are in manual trim mode? Like when you move the stick to level out of auto climb and your pitch and ailerons are set too extream for level flight?

What it does is trim your plane to maintain your current orientation. For instance, if you steady up into a climbing turn and hit the period key, your trim will be adjusted to maintain the climbing turn with your stick centered.

What everyone here is wanting is a way to preset the trim to maintain level flight with zero stick input at a given speed, even if you're not currently flying at that speed.
Title: Re: Speed Specific Combat Trim
Post by: bustr on October 23, 2012, 06:59:41 PM
Ok thats why I got better results tapping CT occasionaly. The best set with Trim Set was around 300 and it averaged for above and below in combat. As I tested dives above 350 hitting it got truely bizare results. CT dialed in the trim for the speed then I toggled it off.
Title: Re: Speed Specific Combat Trim
Post by: Hazard69 on October 24, 2012, 05:43:47 AM
What everyone here is wanting is a way to preset the trim to maintain level flight with zero stick input at a given speed, even if you're not currently flying at that speed.

But that's just not possible without automatic throttle management. Lets say when level and at full throttle you aircraft maintains 300kts. Now you trim it to maintain 250kts. It will maintain 250kts, but it will do that by initiating a climb. If you want to maintain 250kts, at the same flight level, you need to back up off the throttle.

I believe whats actually being asked for is an ability to preset a particular speed value and instantly trim to that particular speed. I do something similar to this at the moment. I use the speed mode of the AP (Shift X on my setup cant remember the default) with my speed set to 260 kts (what I believe is the ideal cornering speed in my P38) right before I enter the combat area. I back off on power to stay level or more often just allow it to enter the shallow climb just before I engage. Because my CT is off, when I exit autopilot it maintains that 260kts trim throughout the flight. Its not some super duper magic trick, just helps me set a reference.

Ofc, this is possible only with CT off. As soon as u set CT back on, it will readjust the trims to whatever speed range you are in. Cant remember the exact values, but I think CT trims within the nearest 25mph?
Title: Re: Speed Specific Combat Trim
Post by: hitech on October 24, 2012, 08:01:17 AM
Hazard: I had to read it multiple times to understand that what he is saying is.

A way to have the trim set to a preset position say 300mph. Even if you are flying at 200 at the moment.

HiTech
Title: Re: Speed Specific Combat Trim
Post by: ImADot on October 24, 2012, 08:47:27 AM
To expand upon "what we think the OP is asking"  ;) ...

The ability would be to have a trim position programmed and ready to use at the push of a button. So he's climbing out at 200, expects to enter his fight at 350 so pre-programs a trim setting for a speed of 350 (but doesn't actually have the trim set for 350 yet). He uses combat trim or auto-speed autopilot or whatever for the climbout and transit to the combat area.

Now he's on station and looking for a fight, sees a bad guy so throttles up to 350 and engages his preset trim and off he goes to fight. His trim stays where it is the whole time, instead of constantly changing like when using combat trim.

I personally don't see the ROI for this feature, since you can engage combat trim for a couple of seconds and fine-tune it manually, and then it's set until you change it.
Title: Re: Speed Specific Combat Trim
Post by: LCADolby on October 24, 2012, 10:04:02 AM
Dot you are just complicating and confusing. It's just as simple as what HiTech stated above your post;

A way to have the trim set to a preset position say 300mph. Even if you are flying at 200 at the moment.

HiTech

The little red lines with no markers on them in the Cpits currently are not good enough for trimming efficiently before entering combat.
Not to mention in many cases using the Combat Trim on and off trick does not save it's position but often causes a nose down attitude.
You might not see a use, but I do and it's a faster way having a dot command than having ask HTC to go through all of the current aircraft and asking for the trim to have makers for airspeed on the trim indicator.
And I have not asked for the trim to be applied instantly because that would be overly gamey.
Title: Re: Speed Specific Combat Trim
Post by: bustr on October 24, 2012, 04:18:54 PM
The idea is sound. Can't be anymore gamey than toggling CT but, more exacting on your attention span in the cockpit.

Still think if it's implemented you get at least 3 speeds(zones) to set.

Tmode1 - 120ta
Tmode2 - 250ta
Tmode3 - 350ta

Then you can either toggel CT to account for anything else if it dosen't feel right. Or use manual trim to tweek. Even allow for each aircraft a calibration and set procedure.

3 Buttons to select 3 trim states. Or a Dot command (.trim 1, 2 or 3)

1. - While flying auto level at your speed choice enter(.TrCap 1, 2, or 3). Your trim settings at that speed will be captured.
2. - Will need a dot command(.Trdump 1, 2, 3 or all) to clear calibration choices.
3. - When your trim mode has been set you are free to tweek it with trim buttons or turn off with Auto Level or CT.

This has the makings of some interesting abuse of reality during our sycronised airshow aerobatics and Quake Tourny spin jumping we call furballing and deuling.