farmertom

really?

Mariner3302, Please don't get defensive, please. I am just discussing different approaches. PC Is a 2D device. There is no 3D info available to PC (that I am aware of). We should treat it as a 2D device. To get a true 3D info, a stereo camera or additional info is required. I am not here to start a war. But we must be honest with each other if it is to improve..

Questions and Random thoughts Miles can you explain the idea behind the calibration? Is it to find the edges and then scale the hand motion to that distance. Seems to me that "point to a cursor", without any feedback as to where you are pointing, has a lot of variability that can not be accounted for. IMHO it would be better to say point to OSB1 on the left MFD and then point to OSB1 on the right MFD with a visible cursor. Knowing the geometry of the front panel would help scale better. again IMHO. Maybe a different scale for each cockpit? For me personally I do not like to stretch out my arms to push a button but just move my hand left/right to align the visible cursor over a button. Sometimes the cursor is a little twitchy, would a "Dead Zone" help this? Can a scale factor be added to slow down how fast the cursor moves? Again all of this IMHO, just food for thought..We are all good:)

ETA of new firmware?

Just to confirm, we do not have to go to Wide screen mode (Alt+Enter) now?

A suggestion is to have "the list" with a page number for each item or other way to get to detail instruction on that step quickly... step ? )Push HMS right button for 5 seconds....page 5 This starts the calibration mode. Page 5 would have the image of the HMS with the buttons Identified and any other detailed info necessary. Of course all if this is on the kneeboard. Just thinking out loud, no need to respond, :huh:

Please take no negativity from that comment, please.:( One of my problems was the "point to" instruction that I did not understand(refer to the dumb as dirt comment). I was looking for a second cursor to use to point. Now that I have gotten the basics things under control, it should go more smoothly. Please feel free to use any of the info gathered from me in your instructions. :thumbup: Pilots should like checklists.. Being able to read the instructions using kneeboard is very handy. My first day I was taking off the VR headset,putting on my glasses to read instructions..What a PIA. So first day I quit in frustration. It would be nice if the kneeboard started with PC instructions, and moving to the next step did not mean moving to the previous kneeboard page.. (maybe I am dumb and Slow) This is a new thing and we are all learning, lets use all of the synergy we can...:D It will benefit us all. Got to go, Later.

To recount some of my experiences installing and using PointCTRL, I am going to abbreviate it to PC. First let me say that I am Old, wear glasses, and dumb as dirt. ;) PC was packaged very nicely and arrived in good shape. I like the American flag! The first thing I did was charge the FCU with the included cable. I think when the units are charging, an led on the USB plug is lite. Is that correct Miles? Then I downloaded the latest firmware update 04072019. Make sure that the HMS is plugged in to the provided USB cable and plugged into the computer. :doh: Steps, 1) Unzip the file, 2) execute the .bat file (I forgot the name) 3) press the white button on the rear of the HMS TWICE 4) hit return on your computer so the .bat file continues. You should see some text updated in the window. After a few seconds you will get a message that the update is complete. Unplug the HMS. Let me say I "played" with the calibration and these are my recommendations. First things: 1) make sure you can use the mouse in VR.. Miles has instructions.. 2) Know how to use the Kneeboard.. It is helpful to have it activated with voice attack or a button push. 3) Download the PC mission 4) Do all of the IR survey stuff, etc start: 1)Start your VR as normal. Select mission > PC mission I think the mission aircraft is an F-18. I have that module but wonder if for someone who does not have can use this mission. You need to select pilot and OK. Watch your throttle. If it is on you will crash into the helio in front of you :doh: At this point you are ready to start the calibration 1) remove the VR head gear, 2) put your glasses on :thumbup: 3) Plug in the HMS, 4) Put on the FCUs. Make sure the leds are pointed toward you and the buttons are in the proper position...they can go on many ways, but only one correct way. :doh: 5) power on the FCUs. Now is a good time to make sure the HMS can see FCUs by placing your hand in front of the VR headset and the HMS will go green. 6) take off your glasses and put them in a place you can find them. :doh: 7) put the VR headset back on. Let's get started A) Familiarize yourself where the buttons are on the HMS. B) I found I could look past my nose to see the FCUs which was helpful later on to make sure you were pressing the correct button and finding the power button. 1) I don't know if it is necessary but I set the HMS to factory default by pushing the HMS front two black buttons and then the white button (Note from Miles spurred my thinking:)) 2) Call up the kneeboard and get to the last page. 3) Press the right HMS button 5 seconds. Should see the cursor start to make a circle in front of you.. I am not going to reinvent the wheel here but the kneeboard instructions should get you thru the first part of the calibration. It took me three days to get this far. I hope you get here sooner. I am taking a little breather for now but will continue. later.

Miles, A couple of question about the pdf instructions. 1) Page 18, "Menu Left" and "Menu Right" refers to selecting the menu item using either the left FCU or the right FCU, not two menus? Or do I have to calibrate both FCU separately? 2) Page 19 step 8, "Point at each of the 5 Sequentially presented targets..." Do I just point my arm in the direction of the target and push the button on the FCU, or is there a cursor I use to point(match)the displayed cross? I don't see it. If I point my arm, how far out do I reach? Thanks

Miles, Thank you..

Well OK, learn something new every day:doh:

Mike mentioned in his email that I needed to load this (special) software, but after that I could download and install from his website.

What is Afaik?

Miles, I have been away for a while and I am trying to get my PointCTRL going. I was order #9 and I received an email stating you were going to send me some (special) firmware for my early order. I have not received that (special)firmware. So I still need it? if so can you please email it to me? thanks

MilesD I see a Windows' GUI to configure PointCTRL and upload new firmware in your future...:ermm:

http://www.leobodnar.com And look for the BBI-32.

Question to mariner3302, How does PointCtrl work with the menus in DCS, like selecting missions,and changing DCS settings, working with Mission Planner? Thanks :)

The blue mount is 1.5 inches wide. Wasn't sure that the PointCtrl mount would work, but thought it would. it just got me thinking.

Miles, Have you considered releasing the CAD files for the 3D printed parts of PointCtrl? Open source for these items could lead to designs for "not standard" VR headsets. I have modified my CV1 headset with a PS4 headset band to relieve the CV1 headset pressing on my face. Makes a world of difference to me. However I have a 3D printed bracket just were PointCtrl will mount. I don't think it will be a problem, but it got me thinking. :doh:

Gee, thanks for the detailed update.. There are more Marines out here than one would expect...:lol:

I am hoping for some reviews from the new recipients of the PointCtrl. :music_whistling:

+1 with this :thumbup:

I am flying DCS in VR now and love it. I have been thinking about creating a button box to help with DCS functions that are not part of flying the airplane. Like moving your head position up-down, L-R, accelerate time, a few views other than in the cockpit. The things you would not do in a real airplane in the real world. I plan on using the point-CTRl being discussed in another thread in this sub-forum for in-aircraft functions, replacing my mouse. I was thinking that the button/switches should have "tactile" feel so identification of the button function can be determined when you are in VR and can "see" the buttons. Just putting this out there to get some input. Has another else done something like this? ideas? Links to sources? pictures? ... thanks :pilotfly:

Yeah, I understand mission/requirements creep. Nice looking boxes of buttons... How do you get the printing on the bezel? Is it a DIY process?

Another question. :book: How does DCS recognize the new joystick/USB controller? Does it automatically show up in the controls section of the GUI? Can you point me towards any documentation using a USB controller? Thank again.