Flight Panels

[FoxTwo]

 

My panels were shipped on 11/09/2020 I received them yesterday (11/11/2020), built the stack, and programmed both panels with the exception of the ECM XMIT functions (I did program the hook bypass and launch bar.)

 

I have no doubt that you did. The default available mapping is a toggle (off/on), and not a two position switch necessary for a 1:1 map.

 

It's the same with the fuel dump switch, which I also corrected.

 

DEFAULT

 

{    down = gear_commands.LaunchBarSw,            up = gear_commands.LaunchBarSw,            cockpit_device_id = devices.GEAR_INTERFACE,        value_down =  1.0,    value_up = 0.0,    name = _('Launch Bar Control Switch - EXTEND/RETRACT'),                        category = {_('Left Vertical Panel')}},

{    down = cptlights_commands.HookBypass,        up = cptlights_commands.HookBypass,        cockpit_device_id = devices.CPT_LIGTHS,            value_down =  1.0,    value_up = 0.0,    name = _('HOOK BYPASS Switch - FIELD/CARRIER'),                                category = {_('Left Vertical Panel')}},

{    down = fuel_commands.DumpSw,                        up = fuel_commands.DumpSw,                    cockpit_device_id = devices.FUEL_INTERFACE,            value_down =  1.0,        value_up = 0.0,    name = _('Fuel Dump Switch - ON/OFF'),                                category = {_('Left Console'), _('Fuel Control Panel')}},

 

My change adds these bindings:

{    down = gear_commands.LaunchBarSw,                                                    cockpit_device_id = devices.GEAR_INTERFACE,        value_down =  1.0,                    name = _('Launch Bar Control Switch - EXTEND'),                                category = {_('Left Vertical Panel')}},
{    down = gear_commands.LaunchBarSw,                                                    cockpit_device_id = devices.GEAR_INTERFACE,        value_down =  0.0,                    name = _('Launch Bar Control Switch - RETRACT'),                            category = {_('Left Vertical Panel')}},

{    down = cptlights_commands.HookBypass,                                                cockpit_device_id = devices.CPT_LIGTHS,            value_down =  1.0,                    name = _('HOOK BYPASS Switch - FIELD'),                                category = {_('Left Vertical Panel')}},
{    down = cptlights_commands.HookBypass,                                                cockpit_device_id = devices.CPT_LIGTHS,            value_down =  0.0,                    name = _('HOOK BYPASS Switch - CARRIER'),                                category = {_('Left Vertical Panel')}},

{    down = fuel_commands.DumpSw,                                                                    cockpit_device_id = devices.FUEL_INTERFACE,            value_down =  1.0,                        name = _('Fuel Dump Switch - ON'),                                    category = {_('Left Console'), _('Fuel Control Panel')}},
{    down = fuel_commands.DumpSw,                                                                    cockpit_device_id = devices.FUEL_INTERFACE,            value_down =  -1.0,                        name = _('Fuel Dump Switch - OFF'),                                    category = {_('Left Console'), _('Fuel Control Panel')}},

 

You can do whatever you like, this just makes it work like the real switch would.

[streakeagle]

LUA edits are a great way to get the functions you need when the code is available to do it, per above. But it does come at a cost. Every time DCS is updated, the files will be reset back to default. You can go to the backup folder and paste over the new default file with the old edited file, but that is risky. The input files change fairly often. I typically use Notepad++ to do a file compare for each input file I have customized. On a good day, nothing is different except for my edits. But usually at least one aircraft's input file has changed and I have to manually copy / paste the extra control scripts into the new default file. Verifying and/or pasting in custom input scripts can get really tedious when you have a lot of aircraft with custom scripts and patches come out frequently.

[markturner1960]

Hi fox2, this is really cool, thanks, was just about to post a question regarding how to make the switches work properly and found your post! I am not 100% sure where to put them.....my install path does not use program file and your file path stops at open beta.....? Could you clarify? Many thanks

[FoxTwo]

Hi fox2, this is really cool, thanks, was just about to post a question regarding how to make the switches work properly and found your post! I am not 100% sure where to put them.....my install path does not use program file and your file path stops at open beta.....? Could you clarify? Many thanks

 

I made a typo in it anyway so you'll want to redownload the zip file if you already grabbed it. Nothing catastrophic it just wouldn't move the switch down properly for the hook bypass or the extend/retract.

 

Just extract it to your DCS game folder, or extract it where you downloaded it and move the \Mods folder to your DCS game folder. For me that's:

 

C:\Program Files\Eagle Dynamics\DCS World OpenBeta\

 

In this case it should overwrite a few files. You'll need to give it admin access to overwrite anything in the program files folder.

 

And yes, unfortunately these are lost during patches but they get stored in the backup folder so you can just copy them back over. I usually try to do a compare on the files to see if anything significant changes but no warranties expressed or implied etc etc.

[MustangSally]

All up and running....

[FoxTwo]

Had to do some creative engineering but I got them mounted up to my monstertech mount.

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[Crusader69]

Had to do some creative engineering but I got them mounted up to my monstertech mount.

​

 

I wish I'm able to mount to my monstertech. But don't have a clue... Lol

[MustangSally]

[FoxTwo]

 

I wish I'm able to mount to my monstertech. But don't have a clue... Lol

 

I drilled a couple holes in the arms that come with the kit and bought some 40 series M6 "Roll-in Spring Ball Loaded Elastic Nuts" from Amazon. I eyeballed the hole locations and used the half circle spacers.

 

I'm not advocating anyone do this I'm just saying this is what worked for me.

 

You need to have the throttle mounted with the long profile mounting plate (12cm) or it won't fit, the 7cm is too short and the throttle handles will hit the panel at full AB.

 

 

[Crusader69]

 

You need to have the throttle mounted with the long profile mounting plate (12cm) or it won't fit, the 7cm is too short and the throttle handles will hit the panel at full AB.

 

 

Thanks buddy. I think that's my problem. The throttle was unable to go afterburner. Only have 1 (12cm) mount and need it for my stick (with extension 5cm). I need another long profile mounting plate. Lol...

[FoxTwo]

 

Thanks buddy. I think that's my problem. The throttle was unable to go afterburner. Only have 1 (12cm) mount and need it for my stick (with extension 5cm). I need another long profile mounting plate. Lol...

 

Maybe contact monstertech I've heard they're pretty accommodating. Not sure if they can help but you never know.

[redcoat22]

How did you guys get the PNL light dial to work? The games doesn’t see the axis for me.

 

 

[MustangSally]

How did you guys get the PNL light dial to work? The games doesn’t see the axis for me.

 

 

There is a Console lighting control in Axis Commands

[Crusader69]

 

Maybe contact monstertech I've heard they're pretty accommodating. Not sure if they can help but you never know.

 

Yes. They do sell the 12cm Mounting profile as accessories. Ordered 1 just now.

[markturner1960]

Mounted mine on my homemade front panel, they fit nicely under the MFD’s

 

 

Just going to download Fox2’s file to try out.....launch bar and hook bypass work now, great!

 

 

however, I cant see how to use the ecm rec bit stby switch does not work in sim and cant see any new commands to bind?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[markturner1960]

Got my takeoff/landing panel. Great build quality (metal). Landing gear and hook have 3 binding positions (up, center, down). Analog (axis) inputs are superb as usual with zero jittery.

 

Interestingly, the panel light switch controls 3 axis inputs at once (slider 1, dial, Rz) which is convenient if you want to bind multiple light switches to one input.

 

Hey Supmua, can you tell how to bind all 3 light controls? whhen I try, seem to only bind one....

[Supmua]

 

Hey Supmua, can you tell how to bind all 3 light controls? whhen I try, seem to only bind one....

 

Bind them manually in DCS. For example, manually set Rz for console lights inside the Winwing Takeoff column. Then Slider1 for instrument lights. And so on.

 

You can use joy.cpl to see exactly which axis inputs get activated when operating that knob.

[markturner1960]

got it thx

[FoxTwo]

 

however, I cant see how to use the ecm rec bit stby switch does not work in sim and cant see any new commands to bind?

 

 

These are their names in the LUA, I didn't have an issue successfully mapping them to the switch 1:1.

 

ALQ-126 ECM Mode Switch - CCW

ALQ-126 ECM Mode Switch - CW

ALQ-126 ECM Mode Switch - XMIT

ALQ-126 ECM Mode Switch - REC

ALQ-126 ECM Mode Switch - BIT

ALQ-126 ECM Mode Switch - STBY

ALQ-126 ECM Mode Switch - OFF

 

Make sure you're not just grabbing the joystick/keybard default.lua files, but also the clickabledata and command_defs in the zip file. The ECM switch specifically won't work without them and may not even show up as a valid input.

 

[markturner1960]

Got it...was looking for ECM in the commands, not ALQ.......D'oh! thank you...

[markturner1960]

Is there a way to make the course and heading switches act continuously rather than simply changing one degree and having to return to centre and click again to advance the degrees? IE hold the switch left or right and the degrees change until you release it? this works ok in the Hornet but not in the harrier....

[FoxTwo]

Is there a way to make the course and heading switches act continuously rather than simply changing one degree and having to return to centre and click again to advance the degrees? IE hold the switch left or right and the degrees change until you release it? this works ok in the Hornet but not in the harrier....

 

Did you map the center of the switch by accident?

 

Holding to change course/heading should work if it's mapped properly.

 

[Ich Dien]

The hot glue failed on my Hook Lever after having the panel for less than 2 days (less than 30 cycles probably). The handle separated itself from the splines of the switch.

 

Would suggest being very careful with both levers; there's no material holding the assembly together laterally.

[markturner1960]

Damn, that sucks mate.........and I was thinking how good they were....will be interesting to see how they respond. That’s the acid test...my throttle has been perfect so far.

[Supmua]

After reading the post about bad hook. I’ve tested it on my unit, did exactly 60 cycles for both hook and gear. No issues on mine so far. Of course 60 cycles is very little.

 

They probably could have used a better mount option than glue but what do you expect for a $150 device.

 

I’ve had to fix more expensive boxes myself. For example my Tekcreation F-16 ICP 4-way switch broke within a month. Had the pleasure of desoldering, removing the old switch and putting a new one in (3wk shipment from China) plus resoldering. And yep the switch orientation that I put in was wrong so it wouldn’t register so had to redo the whole thing. Then the acrylic housing fell apart from just putting some pressure on it, had to reglue them together.

 

My point is, things do break down and no device has 0% failure rate. So when I buy things, customer support is a huge factor and I would pay more for a company with known solid support with fast turnover. Of course this isn’t always possible as certain devices are one of a kind without competing products.

 

I’m not sure how good Winwing support is but you should be asking for a replacement unit if something like this happens.