F-16 & F-18 HOTAS set up

[markturner1960]

Hi, as the release of the viper draws near i would be interested in peoples opinions on the best way to set up the HOTAS, as it can get really complicated if your are using 3 planes, for example, F-18, F-16 and A-10....

 

I have a RS FSSB R3 and F=16 grip, so basically, the same as a warthog. Ideally i would like to set up the stick to work as in real life for the viper and A-10 ( which should be easy, being a replica of the real thing) However, gets complex with the F-18, as functionality differs.

 

What are suggestions for best setting up key binds in the F-18, so there is the nearest similarity across all 3 platforms ? Having to learn 3 different button layouts would be a pain. And another reason why a printable GUI of the bindings would be great ( see my other thread...)

 

Thanks, mark

[Sokol1_br]

By just ignore one of F-16 stick HAT* on top and the button under index you have the same number of controls of F-18 grip, in similar positions for hand.

 

* Or better assign this for "game functions" like center TrackIR, zoom, flyby views, etc. ;)

[markturner1960]

I would assume that when the Viper is released, all HOTAS functions will be as in reality and also therefore, perhaps as modelled in Falcon BMS ? Perhaps someone from the devs could answer this? I will also be flying the new BMS, so its important to have some commonality across platforms as well as across different modules.

 

Working back from that then and seeing as the A-10 uses the same stick, to make things easy, we would need to model the F-18 HOTAS functions as closely as possible to that. Obviously, primarily talking about the joystick here.

 

How do you guys who strive for the nearest reality and most accurate set up program your assignments for the F-18?

 

Does the SCS switch in the F-18 function in the same fashion as in the F-16 & A10? How would you think to work around the mode dependent functionality in the F-16 set up? Does the A-10 HOTAS have the same mode switched depth of function? ( have not flown the A-10 for a fair while...)

 

 

I realize that some of the F-16 and A-10 joystick functions are mapped to the throttle in the F-18, this is OK, if we can keep the button function the same, if its on the other controller, then that's workable.

Edited August 2, 2019 by markturner1960

[Deano87]

Mark. There is no commonality between the HOTAS operations on either the A-10, F-18 or F-16. In the case of the A-10 and F-16 they have the same sticks but that’s about as similar as it gets. Each aircrafts systems are different and use the switches/buttons in different ways. So it’s not really possible to keep each button doing the same thing across all aircraft. I’m afraid you’re just going to have to learn each aircrafts systems and remember what does what.

[markturner1960]

Bugger!! Thx

[Deano87]

Bugger!! Thx

 

Yep! And No Problem!

[markturner1960]

Hi Deano, quick question please....

 

I am compiling a spreadsheet cross referencing button functions and modes and DX & DCS button numbers, to assist me in programming the assignments on my HOTAS.

 

Can you or anyone else tell me if the switches in. DCS Hornet function the same as in real life, IE differing functions depending on the master mode selected? Or do I have to program these to for example, shifted functions?

 

Thanks

[Deano87]

Hi Deano, quick question please....

 

I am compiling a spreadsheet cross referencing button functions and modes and DX & DCS button numbers, to assist me in programming the assignments on my HOTAS.

 

Can you or anyone else tell me if the switches in. DCS Hornet function the same as in real life, IE differing functions depending on the master mode selected? Or do I have to program these to for example, shifted functions?

 

Thanks

 

Thats all taken care of within the systems modeling of the aircraft. So for instance in the Hornet the sensor select switch does various differnt things depending on AA mode or AG mode:

 

In A/G mode the switch selects your primary sensor on the display's. Atlfir, Radar, and others.

 

Left: left DDI

Right: Right DDI

FWD: Hud

AFT: MCPD

 

in A/A Mode it selects your acquisition type

 

Left: WACQ

Right: AACQ

FWD: Bore sight

AFT: VAQC

 

You simply bind the Sensor select switch to hat and bind the directions correctly and the systems modeling of the aircraft takes care of the rest.

[Supmua]

Mark, if you plan to take advantage of the memory slots on your F-16 stick you might want to bind everything in the Realsim's dev tool app instead with keyboard commands or you might get double inputs when switching to another mem slot (at least as of now)--see my post in Realsim's forum.

[markturner1960]

Thanks both, Supmua, you seem to be extremely knowledgeable regarding controller setup and also quite familiar and understanding of the realsimulator products and software. Would you mind helping me out in getting to grips with mine? Manuel has been very helpful but there is a degree of language barrier and also timing issues ( both at work during the day!)

 

Out of interest, how are you setting your grip up? Do you use with an R3 as well?

 

Thanks!

[Supmua]

F-16 & F-18 HOTAS set up

 

Feel free to ask me any questions. I have a lot of sticks and bases. I do like them all and have spent probably far too much time with each of them, they’re all unique and have their own strengths and weaknesses.

 

I think the F-16 grip is a perfect match for the FSSB, but currently it’s on my Virpil WarBRD base most of the time since I’m currently testing Bluetooth connection and latency when using built-in gyro vs Virpil’s own axis input as well as different BT dongles.

 

I find this stick to be a great match for the WarBRD since it’s a lot lighter than TM sticks and doesn’t wobble around much during actual gameplay. I even like it better than Virpil’s own T50 CM2 grip with this base. But again, the best base for the F-16 grip for me would still be the FSSB R3L.

Edited August 13, 2019 by Supmua