Sim control panels

[jrsteensen]

So, one topic I don't see often addressed is Sim Control Panels. In the effort of eventually having a keyboard free cockpit, one needs to make certain allowances to control functions of the Sim itself. What have your thoughts and solutions been to this? For example, I plan on putting a slimline trackpad, a rotary switch to control views types, a (ON)-OFF-ON toggle for TIR center and pause, Pause, Freeze on a three position toggle. It will be done in exactly the same type of panel and as non-intrusive as possible. (I'm still debating if I want to take everything except the trackpad and put it up out of the way on the overhead console.)

[FSFIan]

If you want non-intrusive, how about using panels that have no function in the sim (e.g. in the A-10C: IFF, encrypted radio, video recorder, TISL, blank buttons on the UFC) or ones that are functional but you never end up using (circuit breakers)?

 

Another way to hide push buttons is to use rotary encoders with a push button in places where the sim has just a rotary, e.g. the HSI heading and course adjustments.

 

You can also use a modifier (e.g. paddle button on the TM Warthog stick) to map additional things to your HOTAS. The TM Warthog throttle also has a button that to my knowledge does not have a function in the real aircraft: pushing the mic switch in towards the throttle lever :)

 

Or be sneaky and make one of your MFCDs a touchscreen where a menu pops up when you tap the screen.

 

If you use a Logitech G930 wireless headset, that also has three buttons that you can program to do whatever you want.

 

For emergencies (sim freezes and needs to be killed), hide a wireless keyboard with an integrated trackball under the seat.

[Mr_Burns]

It only matters if you are making a replica cockpit, I made a panel I made up for o look like some sort of aircraft radio with 11 buttons for views and the communication (request inbound etc) all which use The F1-10 keys and /

 

It didn't exist in any aircraft, but only I knew that and it didn't look out in place in the pit.

[Gadroc]

Since I'm using a virtual HSI (Raspberry Pi w/ 5" display) I added two rotary encoders and a button to it. I have a menu system in it which can zero gauges and send commands to the sim computer.

 

I'll use an used button on the HOTAS to pause / recenter Track IR.