VR and manipulating cockpit controls.

[Bearfoot]

Well I don't have my mouse strapped to my leg! I personally like using the head tracking with the mouse mapped to the HOTAS and find it faster and more convenient. If that makes me a three year old then so be it.

 

No worries, sir --- if it works well for you, then it works well no matter what anyone else says!

[Wolf8312]

Basically whatever one does they have to be able access their controls by feel and muscle memory. I.m not sure what kind of flailing is required to access a mouse but if it's any at all, then it is not in he right location.

 

Time to build that vr cockpit! That what I'm doing.

 

Los

 

It's not really flailing it's perfectly doable to use a mouse I just found it less efficient and less accurate. It's not a great deal of difference just marginally quicker and remember by flailing and fumbling about I was talking about moments in which you are flustered on account of being in an emergency situation. Maybe not everyone is effected in the same way as me but this is just my own personal preference.

[Los]

No worries my man!

[Hawkeye60]

Basically whatever one does they have to be able access their controls by feel and muscle memory. I.m not sure what kind of flailing is required to access a mouse but if it's any at all, then it is not in he right location.

1) Viacom and Voice attack. Must have!

 

2) I have "button boxes" set up for most of my other controls.

 

You need encoders for the rotary controls.

 

Goggle DSD designs or for to do it yourself, Leo Bonder.

 

After a bit of use, I can do cold starts in the A10C and Gazelle without ever peeking, OR touching the mouse!

 

I even start the sim, at the press ok screen with voice commands.

 

I like a Mouse Free cockpit environment!

 

I do it all by feel. You could even set the boxes up in the relative correct position of the cockpit controls!

 

Now when you reach out, you reach in the real direction. Very cool!

 

Go for Total immersion!

 

I still need a butt kicker.

The final piece of the experience.

 

Remember.......It's only a simulator........It's only a simulator......It's only a simulator.....

[The LT]

It's VAICOM not VIA. :-)

[Hawkeye60]

It's VAICOM not VIA. :-)

 

Must be getting old!

 

Who is that old fart in the mirror?

 

lol!:D

[vortexringstate]

Im asking this on another thread as Im really trying to get my head around how to set this up...

 

I have a single rotary encoder with a push button function which I use through a Bodnar BU0836x board. I would like to somehow set it up so I can use the same encoder to tune Radio freqs, turn Heading bugs, make any other 'rotary dial type' selections eg:Weapon stations, Course indicator, Altimeter, etc..

 

My thoughts are (because I havent got Voice Attack yet) that Voice attack will some how use a binding/shift key to change the use of the rotary encoder??

 

 

my wish is to set up voice attack so if I say "ADF" I can then use the encoder to tune it. Then If I say VHF Radio the same rotary switch will work to tune the VHF radio, . Same for the others but all using the one rotary dial

 

Will this be possible with Voice attack?

 

The reason is I want to minimise the physical buttons I have to find whilst in VR.

[Los]

Here is what I've done at my place:

 

My friend MilesD (Whiz at all things cockpit making and programming) and I worked on this cockpit. Its driven by an arduino board.

 

The cockpit has a wooden frame, 43" HD TV monitor, Warthog, Saitek Pedals, a jetseat, 8"liliput usb monitors and MFDs (monitors for non vr like BMS), and a custom cockpit panel.

 

Before the panel I already had most of my needs met with the warthog, mouse and the MFDs. But what the heck...I like to flip switches and to offload things I didn't need in combat to the panel. Some of the switches are three position. DCS sees it as a normal controller board with all switches and buttons programmable just like a warthog.

 

Now it doesn't look like much...but I'm flying in Vr. I just need to be able to access it essentially blindfolded. I am adding some little touch feely things to some of the switches to ensure that I can ID them in vr, and after a few days of flying I have everything down pretty well.

 

We are going to be working on a small separate box over by the warthog throttle for encoder knobs/axes for radios and radar controls. And we are replacing some of the switches with dials particularly the some of the weapons controls. And a working ejection handle. After that we will continue to update and add to it. These will be routed into the existing arduino board.

 

I am very happy with the set up so far.

[Sofapiloz]

Thats what it takes! You must be able to use your controls blind.

 

My way is a little different. As i mostly fly Huey, i build my pit according to this model.

 

So, when i e.g. reach for the Main Gen Switch in VR, my Fingers automaticly find the right switch.

 

And let me say, the feel of the "CLICK" and the cold metal in your fingers gives more immersion than any glove can bring.

[vortexringstate]

Here is what I've done at my place:

 

My friend MilesD (Whiz at all things cockpit making and programming) and I worked on this cockpit. Its driven by an arduino board.

 

The cockpit has a wooden frame, 43" HD TV monitor, Warthog, Saitek Pedals, a jetseat, 8"liliput usb monitors and MFDs (monitors for non vr like BMS), and a custom cockpit panel.

 

Before the panel I already had most of my needs met with the warthog, mouse and the MFDs. But what the heck...I like to flip switches and to offload things I didn't need in combat to the panel. Some of the switches are three position. DCS sees it as a normal controller board with all switches and buttons programmable just like a warthog.

 

Now it doesn't look like much...but I'm flying in Vr. I just need to be able to access it essentially blindfolded. I am adding some little touch feely things to some of the switches to ensure that I can ID them in vr, and after a few days of flying I have everything down pretty well.

 

We are going to be working on a small separate box over by the warthog throttle for encoder knobs/axes for radios and radar controls. And we are replacing some of the switches with dials particularly the some of the weapons controls. And a working ejection handle. After that we will continue to update and add to it. These will be routed into the existing arduino board.

 

I am very happy with the set up so far.

 

Nice. That's effectively what Iv built but on a smaller scale. I don't want a full cockpit setup- Iv built mine around an office chair with minimal buttons.

 

What I'm trying to achieve is to use the rotary encoder for multiple assignments and therefore reduce the switches/knobs I use in VR

 

I'm having trouble finding a way to achieve this.

[Los]

MilesD is working on this challenge...will report any progress ASAP.

[Torso]

Nice. That's effectively what Iv built but on a smaller scale. I don't want a full cockpit setup- Iv built mine around an office chair with minimal buttons.

 

What I'm trying to achieve is to use the rotary encoder for multiple assignments and therefore reduce the switches/knobs I use in VR

 

I'm having trouble finding a way to achieve this.

 

I too am doing a VR pit-chair but with some tactile controls to a)Not let all my stuff sit idle b)So I can reach out and touch something, remove all keyboard usage if possible. I am curious to see how others are doing it. For rotaries I felt the easiest was to attach a a 2nd mouse, wireless, to my throttle. This way I just look at the dial I want to adjust and then just use mouse wheel on attached throttle mouse. So far working like a charm and lets me use this method for all dials. I figure since I have to look at them anyways why not just resolve the movement method without expense or fabrication. I have attached my Coug MFDs to 3d printed mounting adapters I designed and then onto articulating arms that let me re-position them for different planes if I want to allow me to reach out and use them in same real space as exists in the VR world. As a bonus I have also designed them with real functional screens that I have as well. Though in VR, which I fly they are of no use any longer. Also, use Voice Attack and that is freakin just amazing. So much nicer talking to tower and wingmen. I should get a few pics of my updates soon.

[blksolo]

I remember when I got my DK1 I was like I feel sorry for those guys that built those sim pits,they are useless now. I have never been so wrong. Sim pits and VR go hand in hand, I just dont have the skill to build one lol. Here's something that would nice, someone needs to invent a modular sim pit, I'm thinking a velcro tape like circuit board where you just stick toggle switches knobs etc to it and you can move them around depending on the sim. Then have it be wifi or bluetooth so you dont have wires everywhere. One of you smart guys need to get on that lol.

[vortexringstate]

MilesD is working on this challenge...will report any progress ASAP.

 

Superb! I look forward to any news. cheers.

 

For rotaries I felt the easiest was to attach a a 2nd mouse, wireless, to my throttle. This way I just look at the dial I want to adjust and then just use mouse wheel on attached throttle mouse.

 

I didnt realise there is the ability to connect more than one mouse- at least i didnt think of that!? i would have thought a rotary encoder was effectively a mouse wheel...?

[Scooternutz]

I have a 21" taoch screen right in front with the TM MFDs attached to it for Helios. They are just high enough where I have to lift my head to see the buttons. I am seriously considering moving them down to I can see them through the nose space on the Rift. I would love to still be able to export Helios to tbe touch screen but have not figured out how to get get a dual display. I have an A/B swith for my 55" monitor but it doesn't let the Rift HDMI signal through. For some reason the touchscreen and rift work coming from the same card but the big monitor wont allow the Rift, with DCS, to work even though it is plugged into a different card. I have been so addicted to VR flying I havent spent a lot of time messing with it.

[Scooternutz]

I too am doing a VR pit-chair but with some tactile controls to a)Not let all my stuff sit idle b)So I can reach out and touch something, remove all keyboard usage if possible. I am curious to see how others are doing it. For rotaries I felt the easiest was to attach a a 2nd mouse, wireless, to my throttle. This way I just look at the dial I want to adjust and then just use mouse wheel on attached throttle mouse. So far working like a charm and lets me use this method for all dials. I figure since I have to look at them anyways why not just resolve the movement method without expense or fabrication. I have attached my Coug MFDs to 3d printed mounting adapters I designed and then onto articulating arms that let me re-position them for different planes if I want to allow me to reach out and use them in same real space as exists in the VR world. As a bonus I have also designed them with real functional screens that I have as well. Though in VR, which I fly they are of no use any longer. Also, use Voice Attack and that is freakin just amazing. So much nicer talking to tower and wingmen. I should get a few pics of my updates soon.

 

I am going to try that mouse thing, What a great idea!!!! Are there any issues with the 2nd mouse? I assume it shows up as a separate axis in the UI.

 

I am also having a heck of a time with VoiceAttack. I love it when it works but I seem to have to repeat things four and five times.

[crowebar]

I am finding that my VR mouse cursor is permanently in view. Reading these forums it sounds like I am not alone, but for most people the cursor disappears after a few seconds, and then comes back on once the mouse is initially clicked. While others are experiencing the same as me, I haven't found any solution to why it stays on. I tried LAlt + C to turn off and then back on but it doesn't fix the issue.

 

Thinking of reporting this as a bug, but before I do, does anyone have a solution?

[Torso]

I am going to try that mouse thing, What a great idea!!!! Are there any issues with the 2nd mouse? I assume it shows up as a separate axis in the UI.

 

I am also having a heck of a time with VoiceAttack. I love it when it works but I seem to have to repeat things four and five times.

 

 

Here are a couple pics of how I did my 2nd ms. And nope no issues, Windows just deals with it fine.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Works great for me. The scroll wheel on it is perfect for dials and rotary switches in cockpits too. I found this particular ms to be the best low profile look and actually fits dimension and gloss finish wise as well. I have several other wireless mice and this I liked the best.

 

Also, VA works great for me for LCTRL+C to remove cursor when not wanted.

[vortexringstate]

Here are a couple pics of how I did my 2nd ms. And nope no issues, Windows just deals with it fine.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Works great for me. The scroll wheel on it is perfect for dials and rotary switches in cockpits too. I found this particular ms to be the best low profile look and actually fits dimension and gloss finish wise as well. I have several other wireless mice and this I liked the best.

 

Also, VA works great for me for LCTRL+C to remove cursor when not wanted.

 

I curious to know how the 2nd mouse shows up in the assignments..? as an axis or other?

[vortexringstate]

Disregard above post... just tried it. Was not expecting the 2nd mouse to be a clone of the other. I mistakenly thought the 2nd mouse would appear as another controller/axis.

[Torso]

Disregard above post... just tried it. Was not expecting the 2nd mouse to be a clone of the other. I mistakenly thought the 2nd mouse would appear as another controller/axis.

 

Yeah it just is a cloned mouse but allows me to keep it in same spot and part of throttle so added a rotary controller via the ms wheel and then normal ms clicks as well. My G13 has a mini jstick that i can flip between being a jstick or a ms cursor as well. So with all this, never need to reach for my desk when in flight.

[TWC_Alamo]

VR Functions in Home Fries TARGET profiles

 

Home Fries has added basic VR support to his TARGET profiles v1.68 for TM Warthog/MFD users.

 

https://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=116454

 

His A10C profile preserves the HOTAS functions while allowing VR recenter, VR zoom, mouse button left/right and mouse wheel forward/back to also work from the TM WH Stick's H1 switch. You can choose whether you want these functions to be immediately available or as shifted functions. You also get double duty out of many of the other HOTAS buttons and switches for instance using the China Hat in a shifted state as the landing gear switch.

 

His profiles also provide the same VR functions in all the other DCS a/c.

I was flying with his profiles before I got the HTC Vive so it was easy to bring those over into VR. At my request, he added basic VR support in the latest version ("1.68") . I am sure would be open to further enhancements from VR users.

 

I find a combination of "braille" and mounting the Cougar MFD in the "right" physical space make them usable for VR. With HF's TARGET profiles you get double or in some cases triple use of the MFD switches. The rockers and the switches adjacent to them are easy to find in VR. You do have to memorize the the 2nd/3rd functions and admittedly it is often easier to just "look and click" if they are cockpit functions. However for non-cockpit functions, like bringing up and paging through the kneeboard, the MFD's switches work well.

 

I think the ultimate VR destination for me will be scale cockpit with the most used switches implemented, but in the mean time the TARGET profiles gives me a lot of additional capability.

[unbreakable]

Here are a couple pics of how I did my 2nd ms. And nope no issues, Windows just deals with it fine.

 

 

Works great for me. The scroll wheel on it is perfect for dials and rotary switches in cockpits too. I found this particular ms to be the best low profile look and actually fits dimension and gloss finish wise as well. I have several other wireless mice and this I liked the best.

 

Also, VA works great for me for LCTRL+C to remove cursor when not wanted.

 

good idea... but you probably have to double click on mouse whell often to switch between mouse-view-mode and cursor mode(which is not very comfortable as for me, as you should always remember in which mode you are in every single moment), have you?

 

I curious to know how the 2nd mouse shows up in the assignments..? as an axis or other?

 

unfortunately no, I am using 2(sometimes 3) mouses too (one trackball mouse on my knee) and all sims show only one mouse in their settings...

Maybe someone knows how to create new virtual device from second mouse in Windows? It would be best solution for me!

[Torso]

good idea... but you probably have to double click on mouse whell often to switch between mouse-view-mode and cursor mode(which is not very comfortable as for me, as you should always remember in which mode you are in every single moment), have you?

 

No actually as I fly only in VR I never have had to switch from cursor mode to mouse view mode so that potential drawback never materialized for me and had not even crossed my mind as possible concern.

[Gruman]

Offtopic, but did you put griptape on your throttle? That idea with the mouse is great. Need to try that with a cheap cable mouse.

 

I'm pretty comfortable with using my right hand and the mouse to select the stuff. I just hold the Joystick/Cyclic with the left hand while operating the mouse.