Returning to DCS, noob VR quesitons

[Bodhammer]

Hi guys,

 

Been a loooonggggg time since I fired up DCS (Russian version of Black Shark). Trying to get back into it so I can fly with a buddy.

 

Yesterday I bought Flaming Cliffs 3, I also own A10C. I'm using an Oculus Rift. I have a couple of HOTAS setups (FCH Fighterstick, CH Pro Throttle, CH Pro Pedals, TM T.Flight HOTAS One) but I have not configured them yet. I also have an Xbox gamepad. I also own Voice Attack.

 

Noob question: Should I be able to fly the A10A with just the Oculus Touch controllers? I was able to look around, point, zoom, and some other actions in the cockpit but I was not able to grab the cockpit joystick and control the aircraft.

 

Given my hardware and software, what is the best controller setup for learning DCS with the Rift? Advice, suggestions, and pointers appreciated.

 

 

 

Thanks,

Bod

[Svsmokey]

1 . Use the CH hardware as it has the most switches .

2 . Use a modifier switch to get extra switch functions , as keyboard commands in VR are problematic .

3 . Be sure to map a re-center view and zoom .

4 . Welcome back !

Edited April 19, 2019 by Svsmokey

[Harlikwin]

I wouldn't use the touch controllers at all. Especially for FC3, since those aircraft aren't clickable. I don't think the grab the stick functionality works on any plane yet.

 

For VR and FC3 definitely use the stick/throttle with the most buttons. Again doubly important for FC3 since nothing is clickable in the pit. Learn how to map them with a "shift" button.

 

Voice attack: I mainly use this to run the radio menues. So I have "radio" mapped, and then F1-F12. Also I have 1-10 mapped to voice, which is handy for FC3 planes. You can also map things like "gear" or "hook" other stuff that is less critical. Otherwise map as much combat and flight critical stuff as you can to the HOTAS.

 

For a clicky plane like the KA50, I'm of the school where I map the stick/hotas as close to the real plane as I can and maaybe a few other administrative functions using shift to the hotas (like esc or recenter view). And beyond that I push buttons in the pit with a mouse like you would have to do IRL (or hand controllers if you really want, but the mouse works better for me).

 

Worst case, the nose gap on the rift lets you look at keyboard/RL stuff if you need.

 

Other useful mods. Kneeboard builder to add your own kneeboard pages is good (you can for example put a whole chucks guide into it if you want, or just certain parts)

There is a VR notepad (which I can't seem to get to work, but others rave about it) for jotting down notes/coordiantes.

 

Anyhow welcome back! And you owe me 2 cents.. ;)

Edited April 19, 2019 by Harlikwin

[Bodhammer]

Anyhow. You owe me 2 cents.. ;)

 

How about a couple of beers?

 

:beer:

 

Thanks mate!

[Harlikwin]

No worries. ;) and yes beer will do nicely!

 

The only other piece of advice is to spend some time setting up your Rift right. I.e. make sure you know what your IPD is, set your IPD in the occulus software with the slider, adjust the straps etc. It makes a big difference.

 

Then start mucking about with the settings in game and DCS for it. There a pile of threads on this depending on your system specs. You can run from the bottom of the barrel like my old system to a top end rig like I just got.