Keyboard equivalent

[williehayesjr]

While reading the DCS A-10C docs, I have come across a few phrases that I am not familiar with. I have a plain old Saitek X45 and I am not sure about certain stick commands. What is "TMS Forward Short" or Long, "TMS Aft Short" and the DMS, as well as the CMS commands. Could someone point me to an explanation of or an alternative until I can purchase a Warthog HOTAS?

[Flagrum]

These are functions/buttons on the HOTAS that you will use regulary in the A-10C. The nice thing about the Thrustmaster Warthog HOTAS is, that it replicates all these functions 1:1 of the real HOTAS. For your Saitek you will have to find a mapping that suits you.

 

Look it all up in the manual, pages 86 - 92.

 

edit:

Just to directly answer your question: TMS stands for target management switch and is a 4-way hat that you can activate by pressing it forwar, aft, left and righ. A small tap is refered to "short" and a longer press is, well, long. That means, one direction (i.e. forward) can have to distinct functions - wether you press it only briefly or hold it longer (longer than about 0.5 - 1 seconds)

The same principle is used for the DMS, the data management switch.

The CMS is the counter measurement switch, which is also a four way switch plus an additional downward/depressed position.

 

The TMD is used for everything related to targets/SPI. Locking a target, defining a mark point, etc.

The DMS is used for "changing/switching data" in the widest sense. For example you use it to change the zoom level of the TGP, flip through weapon delivery sub-modes, etc.

The CMS controlls your flare and chaff dispenser as well as the jammer.

Edited July 13, 2014 by Flagrum

[txmtb]

They are 4 way hat switches on the controller but can be identified by individual buttons also. Long/Short refers to the amount of time you press the given switch. Short is press and release, Long is press, hold, release. Honestly not sure about the exact timing's but about a second is good for Long.

 

For a brief overview of what each does in a graphical format, there's this: http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=69610

[Blooze]

Go to your DCS World Options/Controls menu and scroll down until you see HOTAS That will show you the keystrokes associated with these commands. Short means a short press, Long means hold it down a few seconds.

[williehayesjr]

For now, are there keyboard alternatives, if so, where can I find them?

[williehayesjr]

Forgive my manners; but thank to all of you who helped me better understand an outstanding flightsim.

[camsr]

http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=117803

 

Those are my rough binds for using keyboard only with A10. IF you want to use the stick also, and you are a righty, switch the necessary modifiers to use the left section of the keyboard.

[Archer7]

Why don't you play through the training missions using keyboard?

They say both what you are supposed to press on a Warthog HOTAS and the keyboard equivalent for all commands in the training missions.

[Harzach]

Just grab these handy keyboard charts made by our own PeterP:

 

http://forums.eagle.ru/showpost.php?p=1842249&postcount=4

[cichlidfan]

For now, are there keyboard alternatives, if so, where can I find them?

 

If you are asking about alternatives to the 'short' and 'long' part, the answer is no. When using the keyboard commands you still have to use short and long presses of the key just the same as if you were using the joystick.