Holy Overwhelmed Batman - x52 pro+trackir

[Headwarp]

*edit* TL:DR - I R Noob. I was panicked noob. I looked at massive amount of ingame controls and froze like a deer. Went to the forums.. still felt lost. For hours I sat wondering "what does this do?" Then people politely suggested "Hey.. training missions are good. Read the manual.." Now I am eager noob making progress in setting up my x52 pro for A-10C.

 

I'm using SST Profile editor, in windows 10 (7.0.47 or whatever) making sure the function names are short, with like 3 or 4 in game binds. Having used CCcleaner, the 7.047 saitek drivers and profilng software seem to be working well for me. Maybe when I get it all sorted out I'll upload my profile for critique and reference.. not that it will be better than anyone elses.

 

I should have known there was a extensive A-10C manual with a perfect picture of the genuine A-10C hotas, (F15 throttle, f16 stick), and I've grown patient and learned to set up my controls in SST during training. The people in this thread helped me get a better perspective. BTW - 1.5 looks great. I couldn't hear my engines at first but a directx reinstall solved it.

 

Thanks everybody for making me realize what a noob I really am and helping me get over what kept me from playing. I'm sorry about the brain fart regarding the importance of a manual, especially for a flight sim. Turns out the specifics I desired were in there all along.

Edited December 31, 2015 by Headwarp

[rrohde]

Just really quick - you don't have to use the controller's software to assign DCS functions to buttons; you could do this from within DCS for each plane individually, as DCS detects your controllers as DirectX devices automatically. That's how I do it using my CH Pro Throttle and Stick.

 

I noticed your title states TrackIR as well, but you didn't mention it again in your post... got an issue with that as well?

[BaconSarnie]

All my control settings are done through DCS and not through the profiler software.

I have the X52 and have it all set up for the A10C, I wouldnt mind talking you through it, sharing my setup with you so you could adapt if for the X52, its all straight forward.

Its all muscle memory, once you learn where everything is set and keep repeating it you wont even have to think about what buttons do what in what order etc.

One of the guys I now fly with in the 42VFG helped me set up my controls so I dont mind paying it forward as it were.

[Headwarp]

Just really quick - you don't have to use the controller's software to assign DCS functions to buttons; you could do this from within DCS for each plane individually, as DCS detects your controllers as DirectX devices automatically. That's how I do it using my CH Pro Throttle and Stick.

 

I noticed your title states TrackIR as well, but you didn't mention it again in your post... got an issue with that as well?

 

The only reason I mentioned the TrackIR is just in case someone offered a 1.5 compatible profile so people knew I didn't need to assign headmovement to a hat switch. I started by trying to bind without SST software, but I really wanted to use my ministick as slew, I don't mind NOT using SST for the rest of my buttons, I just figure with 3 modes to choose from I can assign quite a bit to the hotas.

 

All my control settings are done through DCS and not through the profiler software.

I have the X52 and have it all set up for the A10C, I wouldnt mind talking you through it, sharing my setup with you so you could adapt if for the X52, its all straight forward.

Its all muscle memory, once you learn where everything is set and keep repeating it you wont even have to think about what buttons do what in what order etc.

One of the guys I now fly with in the 42VFG helped me set up my controls so I dont mind paying it forward as it were.

 

Dude.. I'd honestly LOVE to be talked through control setup at this point. I mean.. I figure if I can just get a decent control config, I can begin to make sense of the wealth of information available on A-10C. My friends and I are on a mumble server right now playing Elite (they are, I'm "Duhh'ing at my dcs control screen), which while being fun to fly in is the polar opposite as by default the x52 pro is configured, and no where near as complicated to learn how to control as next best thing to real life modern jet fighter.

Edited December 30, 2015 by Headwarp

[Headwarp]

Not to bump the thread - but I mean..this includes even already having a working 1.5 control profile saved from in game (Non SST) that I could download and play around with long enough to get accustomed to what does what. Even if I had to manually remove a hatswitch from head movement or snap views

[BaconSarnie]

I'll get mumble installed and sorted and we can get together tomorrow. Im in the UK, Anytime from 12pm tomorrow is good for me. Im having dinner now and have stuff to do tonight but tomorrow or day after is cool.

[BaconSarnie]

Shouldnt take us too long to go through them, there will be obviously a couple of differences as we dont share 100% the same buttons but it shouldnt be too much to sort that.

I'll pm you tomorrow when Im ready, so until then enjoy Elite Dangerous, I stopped playing as I got bored and then I found DCS lol

[Headwarp]

Shouldnt take us too long to go through them, there will be obviously a couple of differences as we dont share 100% the same buttons but it shouldnt be too much to sort that.

I'll pm you tomorrow when Im ready, so until then enjoy Elite Dangerous, I stopped playing as I got bored and then I found DCS lol

 

Heh Elite has great space flight mechanics imo. But yeah, it get's boring, and I can't seem to stay connected to wingmates in game no matter what I do trying to solve it. I'd have more fun flying with them. To be honest DCS and IL:2 1946 are the only sims worthy of my attention at the moment, I've tried many, and while the two mentioned seem complicated, both seem to run with stability, making me really want to be able to gain some ability in them.

 

I live east Coast U.S., think that's -5 GMT, but I'm sure I can work something out I have a lot of free time. I'll send you a PM, or you can send me a PM tomorrow, I'll figure out what time to be around. And thanks! I really appreciate your willingness to help a noob.

[BaconSarnie]

Not a problem, as I say, someone took the time to help me out and set me on my way.

The least I can do is pay it forward.

[Exorcet]

Setting controls for something like the A-10 is an iterative process. I think you were on the right track learning just to fly. The next step would be picking a task to go with flying (say using a Maverick) and then adjusting your controls to manage both.

 

I originally had a X52 and it falls short for the A-10C. I had to use the keyboard. I now have a Warthog. Ironically I have yet to use it with the A-10 at all, but just knowing that I automatically have enough buttons and that they are consistent with the manual is a huge improvement.

 

If setting controls yourself is too much, you can always download a profile someone else has set up and learn it.

[BaconSarnie]

I originally had a X52 and it falls short for the A-10C. I had to use the keyboard.

 

 

I dont use they keyboard for anything other than changing to map view or external views. All else done on joystick with a few button clicks in cockpit via the mouse.

If set up properly the X52 is fine for the A-10C.

[Yurgon]

In the meantime, I'd like to recommend the in-game trainings, especially "Introduction to the A-10C" and "HOTAS Fundamentals".

 

I think they're really well done, and you get an easy introduction to the most important buttons and switches on throttle and stick, and where they're located. That should help with mapping them to your stick later on. :thumbup:

[Dav IRL]

Work it out yourself. There is no way using another profile is going to help. Start off with gears, flaps, speed breaks, wheel breaks, nose wheel steering. Thats the flight control sorted. Now move to slew control for your tgp, then tgp zoom, and mfd right and mfd left selection. Then add gun pac and weapon release. Now all you need is lock and your sorted.

 

Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

[Headwarp]

Yuron - already explained why I haven't downloaded SST profiles. I can only find pre 1.5 profiles, both in game profiles and SST, it's my understanding they won't work with 1.5

You were right about training, it's helped me figure out a few controls, but I can't stop and ask the instructor why I couldn't slew in the hud even though the hud was set to SOI so I could my SPI. (I didn't know any of this 20 minutes ago).

 

Dav - I'm not attempting to be argumentative but you might have missed in my first post that I've owned a few DCS modules for 2 years, and only played a handful of times before I moved on out of frustration. I spent more time setting up controls than I did actually flying. So working it out myself doesn't seem to be getting me into the spirit of this amazing game. I mean, it's gorgeous, it is probably one of the best sims ever made. It runs smoothly. I WANT to fly in this game, but, it's pretty daunting to a noob.

 

If you look at the p-51D module forum, someone was kind enough to post a pretty visual image of what they consider to be essential hotas binds. They used the specific names of the actions listed under "Action" in the control settings menu.

 

Like sure, I get the basics. I can assign yaw/pitch/roll wheelbreak air break. But then you mention "GunPAC" and there's nothing I can see representing "GunPAC" in the A-10C Game options. I assume I already set that up as I'm under the impression that the first stage of the trigger enables gunpac.. but that's listed as "Gun Trigger(Frist stage) and then Gun Trigger, or both. And I'm probably wrong about that, but that's after quite a bit of time rummaging the forums. But then, I look at the A-10C Sim control settings, and GunPAC is listed as if it were a toggle, with SAFE/ARmed/GUn Armed. So, when I go full sim (not there yet, still trying to set up GAME[ez mode], that might be good to know. But - I'm kind of looking for specifics here. What is TGP in relation to what's listed under "Action" in the control settings? Is that something I just learned about in the HOTAS tutorial? Is it a part of the MFD I just learned was controlled by the Coolie Hat? I can't find anything that says or could be abbreviated to "TGP" in the control settings menu..

 

It's not that I won't end up "working it out for me".. it's just that I can't seem to find any reference points to get a working setup via my hotas, as they are either outdated by the 1.5 update, or, they don't exist, or, I'm missing them in a sticky somewhere. So the information I would gather from elses profile, is what they consider essential to have bound, as a reference point. Very similar to the post I mentioned in the P-51D forums.

 

Thanks everybody for your input. DO feel free to offer some schooling to the noob. If you can't offer a link to something similar to what I described above for A-10C, or you aren't willing to hook up a profile, or be so generous as Baron is choosing to be, just go ahead and pass on by this post. No harm done.

Edited December 30, 2015 by Headwarp

[baltic_dragon]

I'd advise you to start by looking at the manual - you have pictures of the HOTAS with names of all the buttons and triggers, and then there is a table saying what does what depending on what system is set as SOI. Figure out which options will be most needed (or try to guess at this stage) and then map your controller - and remember to use switches (modifiers) so that you can use your hat numerous times to go with different HOTAS functions. Hope this helps!

[Pikey]

From the point of view of the chap that sorted out BaconSarnie's setup, the first hurdle is the hardest with the A-10C - HOTAS fundamentals and really once that mystery is unravelled the ability to bind and do things easier for yourself is fixed. It's honestly a bit baffling for newcomers to look at all these bindings and to understand why or what is important and realising that is important. I'm not an advocate of spoonfeeding because those types don't work out well but there definitely is a point where you don't know which part of the burger to start eating from first and helping people over that first hurdle is something that is important to them.

 

Headspace, a key binding that gets all the HOTAS buttons is important because you will be able to perform complex actions using the A-10C systems in the way it was designed - can't prove that until you know it unfortunately. The conversation with BaconSarnie allowed him to understand how to get around the systems and why and after that his learning accelerated vastly and now he proficiently operates all of the key systems. The closer you get to the real button locations, the better because its designed for use in a very specific way for maximum effect.Iiterative binding might be the usual way to perform bindings - as you need them, but thats going to confuse things if you don't follow the real thing closely as you may break apart button groups and of course their naming and if you will find calling the buttons their real names easier in the end, harder at first.

 

Take the session, someone that had one felt it was so worthwhile they would do the same for someone in the same boat.

[Headwarp]

From the point of view of the chap that sorted out BaconSarnie's setup, the first hurdle is the hardest with the A-10C - HOTAS fundamentals and really once that mystery is unravelled the ability to bind and do things easier for yourself is fixed. It's honestly a bit baffling for newcomers to look at all these bindings and to understand why or what is important and realising that is important. I'm not an advocate of spoonfeeding because those types don't work out well but there definitely is a point where you don't know which part of the burger to start eating from first and helping people over that first hurdle is something that is important to them.

 

Headspace, a key binding that gets all the HOTAS buttons is important because you will be able to perform complex actions using the A-10C systems in the way it was designed - can't prove that until you know it unfortunately. The conversation with BaconSarnie allowed him to understand how to get around the systems and why and after that his learning accelerated vastly and now he proficiently operates all of the key systems. The closer you get to the real button locations, the better because its designed for use in a very specific way for maximum effect.Iiterative binding might be the usual way to perform bindings - as you need them, but thats going to confuse things if you don't follow the real thing closely as you may break apart button groups and of course their naming and if you will find calling the buttons their real names easier in the end, harder at first.

 

Take the session, someone that had one felt it was so worthwhile they would do the same for someone in the same boat.

 

 

Thank you Pikey, for helping Bacon. I'm sure after a chat with him I'm going to be well on my way to enjoying the heck out of DCS World, and not just for A-10C. And you're right. Sometimes a person might need a kick in the rear to turn on the light bulb in their brain. You guys helping people out is what makes strong gaming communities out of games with steep learning curves.

 

I am/will be reading the manual and doing the training missions to learn what I can in the meantime, but that could just give me more questions for Bacon when he gets to me tomorrow. My hope is simply to be left in a state where I have minimal control setup left to do.. that way I can focus more on training and flying than binding. Hopefully I won't take up too much of Bacon's time. I'm seriously grateful though. And maybe when I'm somewhat more able I'll do this for some other noob some day.

 

*edit* DCS is really making me want to buy those Thrustmaster MFCD's. I bet they'd be nice for the F-15C as well.

Edited December 30, 2015 by Headwarp

[MadDog-IC]

Yuron - already explained why I haven't downloaded SST profiles. I can only find pre 1.5 profiles, both in game profiles and SST, it's my understanding they won't work with 1.5

 

If you look at the p-51D module forum, someone was kind enough to post a pretty visual image of what they consider to be essential hotas binds. They used the specific names of the actions listed under "Action" in the control settings menu.

 

Like sure, I get the basics. I can assign yaw/pitch/roll wheelbreak air break. But then you mention "GunPAC" and there's nothing I can see representing "GunPAC" in the A-10C Game options. I assume I already set that up as I'm under the impression that the first stage of the trigger enables gunpac.. but that's listed as "Gun Trigger(Frist stage) and then Gun Trigger, or both. And I'm probably wrong about that, but that's after quite a bit of time rummaging the forums. But then, I look at the A-10C Sim control settings, and GunPAC is listed as if it were a toggle, with SAFE/ARmed/GUn Armed. So, when I go full sim (not there yet, still trying to set up GAME[ez mode], that might be good to know. But - I'm kind of looking for specifics here. What is TGP in relation to what's listed under "Action" in the control settings? Is that something I just learned about in the HOTAS tutorial? Is it a part of the MFD I just learned was controlled by the Coolie Hat? I can't find anything that says or could be abbreviated to "TGP" in the control settings menu..

 

Thanks everybody for your input. DO feel free to offer some schooling to the noob. If you can't offer a link to something similar to what I described above for A-10C, or you aren't willing to hook up a profile, or be so generous as Baron is choosing to be, just go ahead and pass on by this post. No harm done.

 

I had the same issues initially with hotas setup, got sick of the whole dcs version change, reconfiguring all the hotas commands in game controls setup real quick.

 

So my default is to go into each and every (joystick control page) not (Keyboard controls) with in DCS by default and do a complete clear of all button programming.

 

Answer I use the SST Profile software that comes with the X52pro exclusively, once setup, it will work with all versions of DCS for ever, so long as they don't change a key assignment for any command.

 

When I change aircraft I just use the clutch feature of the x52pro to choose a different dcs aircraft SST profile on the fly with out leaving the game.

 

Here is my A-10c profile, very different from most, but suits me, it may be to your liking, and if not just change it around.

 

I don't have a list of the key assignments, as going into SST and pressing the buttons will show you what command is assigned to which button.

 

All said and done, you just have to do a little leg work yourself, and commit to getting it done and using it.

 

 

SST Profiles placed here for use in Windows 7-8.

c:\Users\Public\Documents\SmartTechnology Profiles\

 

Regards, Ian.

DCSW A-10C_v1216.zip

Edited December 31, 2015 by MadDog-IC
Added profile link, did upload but not acceptable format so didnt save it

[Headwarp]

I had the same issues initially with hotas setup, got sick of the whole dcs version change, reconfiguring all the hotas commands in game controls setup real quick.

 

So my default is to go into each and every (joystick control page) not (Keyboard controls) with in DCS by default and do a complete clear of all button programming.

 

Answer I use the SST Profile software that comes with the X52pro exclusively, once setup, it will work with all versions of DCS for ever, so long as they don't change a key assignment for any command.

 

When I change aircraft I just use the clutch feature of the x52pro to choose a different dcs aircraft SST profile on the fly with out leaving the game.

 

Here is my A-10c profile, very different from most, but suits me, it may be to your liking, and if not just change it around.

 

I don't have a list of the key assignments, as going into SST and pressing the buttons will show you what command is assigned to which button.

 

All said and done, you just have to do a little leg work yourself, and commit to getting it done and using it.

 

 

SST Profiles placed here for use in Windows 7-8.

c:\Users\Public\Documents\SmartTechnology Profiles\

 

Regards, Ian.

 

Thanks! I'll look at it. for sure. Honestly, between the advice given here and diagram of the HOTAS in particular in the manual... I'm starting to learn a lot already. Consider me a once panicked but now eager noob. . I've replayed the HOTAS Fundamentals training mission several times.. not even having completely finished it the first time and I'm starting to gain a sense of being able to "work" it out on my own. I just need to study that hotas diagram, keep training/reading and figure out what I feel is acceptable between the x52 pro and the f15/f16 platform.

 

As I"m typing this on my second monitor I'm looking around my cockpit and wow 1.5 looks great. I can't wait to unload some BRRRRRRRRRRR BRRRRRRRRR bRRRR. But, things are starting to look less daunting already.

 

In hindsight, maybe that's all I needed was "Play training missions" and "Read manual and view diagram..you noob" and "work it out yourself. You guys might have saved Bacon some time. We'll see by tomorrow.

 

Thank you again everybody. Will definitely take a look at your SST Profile Ian. Well I would but I don't think you provided a link. :)

Edited December 30, 2015 by Headwarp

[MadDog-IC]

I've replayed the HOTAS Fundamentals training mission several times.. not even having completely finished it the first time and I'm starting to gain a sense of being able to "work" it out on my own. I just need to study that hotas diagram, keep training/reading and figure out what I feel is acceptable between the x52 pro and the f15/f16 platform.

 

But, things are starting to look less daunting already.

 

In hindsight, maybe that's all I needed was "Play training missions" and "Read manual and view diagram..you noob" and "work it out yourself. You guys might have saved Bacon some time. We'll see by tomorrow.

 

Thank you again everybody. Will definitely take a look at your SST Profile Ian. Well I would but I don't think you provided a link. :)

 

My apologies on the SST profile, fixed now.

 

I remember my first foray into the A-10c, went through the exact same growing pains to learn the hotas configuration and use (because of lack of multiple POV hats like the real A-10c warthog stick, so had to use multiple shift states, I don't like the 3 pos rotary switch), I couldn't even do the training as that samuel jackson voice over just grated on my nerves for some reason ;-).

 

Revisited the training a few months later after looking at other training videos on youtube (big thanks to Bunyap and VFS Flying Tigers)that had better instructors and voices.:pilotfly:

 

Your sounding much more positive now, I truly hope you get over that initial speed hump quickly and progress and enjoy the A-10c as it should be.

 

P.S. I still struggle with the whole TMS, DMS, CMS, ChinaHat, Boat switch stuff, because I just don't fly enough to muscle memory it.

 

Once you have the basics of how to kill stuff, Fly online with some one with Teamspeak voice comms that has good knowledge of systems and is willing to teach in laymen terms, you will learn much faster that way also.

 

Cheers, Ian.

[Headwarp]

My apologies on the SST profile, fixed now.

 

I remember my first foray into the A-10c, went through the exact same growing pains to learn the hotas configuration and use (because of lack of multiple POV hats like the real A-10c warthog stick, so had to use multiple shift states, I don't like the 3 pos rotary switch), I couldn't even do the training as that samuel jackson voice over just grated on my nerves for some reason ;-).

 

Revisited the training a few months later after looking at other training videos on youtube (big thanks to Bunyap and VFS Flying Tigers)that had better instructors and voices.:pilotfly:

 

Your sounding much more positive now, I truly hope you get over that initial speed hump quickly and progress and enjoy the A-10c as it should be.

 

P.S. I still struggle with the whole TMS, DMS, CMS, ChinaHat, Boat switch stuff, because I just don't fly enough to muscle memory it.

 

Once you have the basics of how to kill stuff, Fly online with some one with Teamspeak voice comms that has good knowledge of systems and is willing to teach in laymen terms, you will learn much faster that way also.

 

Cheers, Ian.

 

 

Sweet I downloaded, I'll take a look at it for sure. I gave everybody in this thread some + rep, I believe it was the push I needed. And even if it wasn't recognized at first, you all had something worthwhile to say. It's a beautiful DCS World.. (and I just reinstalled directx and got my engine sounds yay. Immersion.)

 

FYI guys my first "flight sim" was on a Tandy Color Computer 3 on a serial connection to my dad across the house. I don't even remember the name I wasn't even 5 years old and it had like zero graphics. How times have changed since the 80's.

Edited December 31, 2015 by Headwarp

[Mr_Burns]

I actually found it very east, don't use Mic switch and boat is only used for changing view to IR/OBHot etc, use the X52 mfd keys for that.

 

Top hat for DMS and POV for TMS, POV + pinky for trim.

 

Throttle hat for targeting pod and pinky plus throttle hat for CMS.

 

Then the thumb button for China hat fwd and with pinky for China hat back.

 

Trigger plus pinky for breaks.

 

You still have top hat plus pinky for TMS if you need a POV.

 

That's pretty much it

[Headwarp]

I actually found it very east, don't use Mic switch and boat is only used for changing view to IR/OBHot etc, use the X52 mfd keys for that.

 

Top hat for DMS and POV for TMS, POV + pinky for trim.

 

Throttle hat for targeting pod and pinky plus throttle hat for CMS.

 

Then the thumb button for China hat fwd and with pinky for China hat back.

 

Trigger plus pinky for breaks.

 

You still have top hat plus pinky for TMS if you need a POV.

 

That's pretty much it

 

Yeah I honestly am humbled and feel pretty silly. Looking at the manual for a flight sim is the first thing I should do always. The diagram of the hotas in the manual is perfect. Combined with the Hotas Fundamentals mission, I believe by the time I make it to the weapon's training mission I might even be up to attempt Sim mode. No promises though. That's a big book lol.

 

My bad guys. I think I've got this figured out. Coolie on throttle index hatswitch, slew on ministick, I'm going to assign Trim, CMS, TMS, and DMS to the hatswitches on the stick with a shift state, since all four of those are on the f16 control stick.

 

I really should've known there would be a large comprehensive manual. It took someone mentioning it and me googling it to remember the huge novel sized flight manuals laying around for the sims my dad got into back in the day.

 

I'm going to edit my OP to let people know I'm making significant progress since this morning- if a forum moderator saw fit to delete this thread I would not be offended. Or keep it up, for one more google entry to be searched for "Help! Controls! Noob panic!"

Edited December 31, 2015 by Headwarp

[Mr_Burns]

Dont feel silly, it is overwhelming when you look at it, its just once you start using it you realise it isnt as overwhelming as it first looks, until at least you want it to be! And you will have noted by the responses the overwhelming offers of support, no-one taking the P - so never feel bad for asking, everyone has been there or somewhere once.

 

I have 2 pices of paper on the wall in front of me, one hand drawn for the location of all the controlls on the hotas and this one:

 

 

Oh I also scribbled on this the Coolie - dont forget it, map it to the spare HAT!

 

^ Long HUD SOI

< Long LMFCD SOI

> Long RMFCD SOI

DOWN - Its swap MFDs and lond for DSMS Quicklook

Edited December 31, 2015 by Mr_Burns

[Headwarp]

Dont feel silly, it is overwhelming when you look at it, its just once you start using it you realise it isnt as overwhelming as it first looks, until at least you want it to be! And you will have noted by the responses the overwhelming offers of support, no-one taking the P - so never feel bad for asking, everyone has been there or somewhere once.

 

I have 2 pices of paper on the wall in front of me, one hand drawn for the location of all the controlls on the hotas and this one:

 

 

Oh I also scribbled on this the Coolie - dont forget it, map it to the spare HAT!

 

^ Long HUD SOI

< Long LMFCD SOI

> Long RMFCD SOI

DOWN - Its swap MFDs and lond for DSMS Quicklook

 

Good tips.

 

I'm decided... I'm going to learn how to DCS. I'm totally already planning on Thrustmaster Couger MFD panels, possibly a saitek switch panel just for some extra toggles, annnd I probably need to invest in another pair of rudder pedals. Lol I should probably finish getting my hotas set up before doing that.. but I needed a break. Probably take me at least a year to finish my flight hardware collection.. and then maybe I'll retire the x52 for a warthog in the long run. Maybe wait til some extra spending money comes along next year. I've been wanting a warthog anyway, I've always found the x52pro a tad touchy, and I hear good things about the hog in most sims I've played.