What is the best method to configure HOTAS controllers

[FlyAnyTime]

Which is better when using a programmable HOTAS like the Saitek X56:

 

1: Use the Saitek Software to program key stokes and the DCS controller setup to map the axis.

 

2: Use the Saitek software to un-program the controllers so that most of the controllers buttons and axis are visible to DCS and use the DCS Controller set to map all the functions.

 

Thank you in advance

[JLX]

Which is better when using a programmable HOTAS like the Saitek X56:

 

1: Use the Saitek Software to program key stokes and the DCS controller setup to map the axis.

 

2: Use the Saitek software to un-program the controllers so that most of the controllers buttons and axis are visible to DCS and use the DCS Controller set to map all the functions.

 

Thank you in advance

I use CH gear which has very strong programability. However, I find assigning controllers directly within DCS to be faster and more practical for a few reasons:

 

* The ability and management of layer modifiers and toggles is well done and something I use a LOT. This can of course be scripted in 3rd party configuration programs but is generally more cumbersome.

 

* As modules get updated, bindable functions also change on occasion (if rarely) and are easier to keep track of in DCS.

 

However, there are a few things you cannot do without 3rd party software:

 

* You cannot assign key functions to axis to turn a mini joystick into a hat switch for instance.

 

* You cannot assign arbitrary keys to HOTAS switches, you assign DCS functions. This may seem like a pointless distinction, but you can't say assign F1-F12 to buttons within DCS to operate the radio menu options for example.

 

For me, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages and I much prefer the convenience of sticking in DCS.

 

That said, I recommend you check out Voice Attack and use that in conjunction with your HOTAS for an extremely flexible setup.

 

 

 

Sent from my LG-V497 using Tapatalk

Edited July 29, 2016 by JLX
Manually correcting auto-correct. <sigh>

[FlyAnyTime]

Thank you for your comments! I took a look at Voice Attack and find it to be very interesting! I like to use my Oculus Rift most of the time which is why I went to a full function HOTAS setup in the first place. I believe that something like Voice Attack may be just the right solution - util virtual touch controls are fully implemented!

[dburne]

I have been using TARGET software for my Warthog in most flight sims, however after I got back into DCS when 1.5 Open Beta became available, I decided to give the in game GUI controls setup menu a go.

 

It is pretty powerful and so far I have been pleased with just using it for DCS.

[Slick Fork]

I use a combination. I have a "basic" DCS profile for my X-55 which runs a couple of commands such as trackIR pause & Centre and a few others that are escaping me at the moment. The rest I find easier to program in DCS myself. One of the big advantages is that I can program/swap bindings on the fly while still in a mission as I try to figure out what works for me and what doesn't.

[cichlidfan]

The bottom line is that it depends on what you want to accomplish. I use Target for everything BUT, unless you need the external program for something that cannot be done in game, I would probably stick with in game programming since it is slightly easier to maintain in the event of code changes.

[Gordon861]

On a semi-related issue, is there a simple way to copy common commands from one plane to the next without messing too much.

 

I always thought that it was a shame that on each plane I need to reassign each task again and again just because there doesn't appear to be a 'DEFAULT' profile that all planes use.

[cichlidfan]

On a semi-related issue, is there a simple way to copy common commands from one plane to the next without messing too much.

 

No.

[Gordon861]

No.

 

Thanks, simple answer.

[Fri13]

Which is better when using a programmable HOTAS like the Saitek X56:

 

1: Use the Saitek Software to program key stokes and the DCS controller setup to map the axis.

 

2: Use the Saitek software to un-program the controllers so that most of the controllers buttons and axis are visible to DCS and use the DCS Controller set to map all the functions.

 

Thank you in advance

 

I thought that I would like to use the third party software after DCS own, but spent couple hours figuring out (Saitek and Logitech) the problems in them and just gave up.

The reason why I would have gone to third party, was the idea that I could remap the keys on the fly in multiplayer or so.