Thrustmaster T16000m + T.Flight HOTAS X Combination

[Kozmyk]

Adding a Thrustmaster T16000m has provided that much needed precision to my stick control.

I AM attracted to the Thrustmaster Warthog HOTAS but my setup (see below) precludes the use of rudder pedals.

Having used the venerable Thrustmaster T.Flight HOTAS X for years I have become used to using the Rocker on the Throttle Quadrant for rudder.

I really don't like twist rudders, not for me at least.

Sim Battles in War Thunder (ducks for cover ;) ) showed me the need for more stick precision.

Flying with the HOTAS X stick was fine but aiming was sub-optimal shall we say.

The T16000m stick fixed all that, excellent control smoothness around the centre point, where most of the aiming inputs happen.

DCS WWII brought me renewed interest in DCS/FC/BS and I'm once again on the DCS learning curve.

Using the CarneyUK (http://forums.eagle.ru/showpost.php?p=1354997&postcount=4) and dnc (http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=83516) threads as a starting point I came up with this:

 

A-10C Warthog - Control Layout - Pre Stick Mod

 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/xfgor2wtmrrr2b6/DCS_A10C_HOTAS_T16000.jpg?dl=0

A-10C Warthog - Control Layout with Modded T16000

https://www.dropbox.com/s/d8m4yrtufjvtnlz/DCS_A-10C_Warthog_HOTAS_T16000_mod.jpg?dl=0

dnc's graphic has been a most useful starting point, both for understanding how it might be done and as a template for me to work from.

 

Cunning Plan - Modify the T16000m

The position of Button 3 on the T16000m from the index finger side to the top left of the stick has been a problem.

I did have it swapped for Button 4 but it's not in an ideal position to use as a Shift Button.

I had a cunning plan to attach a switch (hot glued probably) on the right front above the Guns trigger and wire it in parallel to the existing Button 3.

Mod thread: http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=146102

 

A-10C Bindings

Added an html table combined from the MAKE HTML function that DCS provides:(

(https://www.dropbox.com/s/avkt89i0sjrxtaa/DCS_A-10C_Warthog_Combined_modded.html?dl=0)

 

The Reclined Cockpit

Back problems limit me to sitting for any length of time in a reclined supported position.

This has led me to setting up my PC next to my bed and using support pillows to get the recline angle right.

My controls are mounted on a bed table and, currently, the monitor is offset to the left; sitting on top of the PC case.

The T.Flight Stick cannot be disconnected from the Throttle unfortunately; hard wired.

So I suspend it out of the way under the table.

Isn't string a wonderful thing?

 

Offset Flying

 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/yjx7g4tnuaes096/Offset_Flying.jpg?dl=0

Strung Together

 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/60t17fm50fwjgf6/Strung_Together.jpg?dl=0

Bed Mate

 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/jr187x16tn082xt/Bed_Mate2.jpg?dl=0

More Works In Progress

 

Not flown the F-15 much so haven't yet seen what works and what doesn't, ergonomically.

 

F15C Eagle - Control Layout - Pre Stick Mod

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ak7zsl75zvyg18a/F-15C_HOTAS_T16000_premod.jpg?dl=0

F-15C Bindings - Pre Stick Mod

(https://www.dropbox.com/sh/tkpim3k6scnohdv/AAB9jgccoavnt3-ROQs5DbnSa?dl=0)

 

 

F-15C Eagle - Control Layout - Modded Stick

 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/p2nf77zxqz8gncm/DCS_F-15C_Eagle_HOTAS_T16000_mod.jpg?dl=0

F-15C Bindings - Modded T16000

(https://www.dropbox.com/s/xd0mdqzhysd9d8x/DCS_F-15C_Combined_Modded.html?dl=0)

Edited August 11, 2016 by Kozmyk
ISP killed my webspace :(

[Sokol1_br]

Nice alternative.

 

A way to improve T.1600M functionality is add a pinkie button (a common momentary switch) in front/lower of grip and wire this extra button in one of these right side buttons - they are difficult to use. In this way you are doubling the button, work on pinkie or in base.

 

Using this new button as shift you can double the functions of top buttons.

[Kozmyk]

Good tip, thanks.

That idea hadn't occurred to me.

The switches I've ordered come in packs so I'll have a few to play with.

 

I might just use it as a straight nose wheel steering button.

The combo I've got now is a bit clunky.

 

Good call on those r/h buttons though, only one of them is easily usable as is..

Edited July 19, 2015 by Kozmyk
Spelling

[Kozmyk]

I've updated the Control Layout graphic and added an html table to post #1

 

http://www.kozmykfirecat.webspace.virginmedia.com/images/Flight_Control/A-10C_Combined.html

 

As the title suggests it's a combination of the various html files the DCS MAKE HTML produces, less my unassigned functions.

Edited August 16, 2015 by Kozmyk

[Kozmyk]

Added a few more functions and updated the layout info graphic and html.

 

I had an exploratory look in side the T16000m handle.

Comes apart easy enough.

Getting it back together again is a beatch!!!

Buttons 2, 3 and 4 press on conductive rubber pad switches and the contact pieces are separate from the buttons.

Lining them up took a few goes. Exasperating goes...

I think a dab of glue is called for to hold them onto the buttons next time I go in there.

Especially for the two outer buttons; juggling 7 un-anchored pieces blind, at once is a real headache.

[Kozmyk]

The things you do when you can't sleep...

 

Added a first go at the F-15C controls graphic and table.

Needs flight testing.

 

I now have all the bits to try the switch mods on the T16000m.

All I need now is to get my brain in gear ... :joystick:

[Kozmyk]

Switch Mods Completed

 

The switches are in. :joystick: :cheer3nc: Yay!!!

 

I've put the full details in a Mod Thread http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=146102

Here are a couple of pics.

 

 

Edited August 16, 2015 by Kozmyk
Update