Cursor controller - switching between MPDs

[Rifter]

I’ve tested my Warthog throttle and my Virpil CM3 throttle as collective inputs.
On both I defined the analog thumbstick as cursor controller.

Switching between the two MPDs by moving the cursor to the edge and then ‘pushing it over’ to the other MPD only works on the Warthog (but not reliable). Doesn’t work at all on the CM3.

When I define a deadzone on both axes of around 25% it works like a charm. It’s seems that switching between the MPDs works properly when there is only a pure X-direction (horizontal direction) on the analog stick without any Y-component when moving the stick. A deadzone to rule out the undesirable Y-component on the stick seems to solve it.

Using hat switches as cursor controller works without any problems by the way.

Anyone else observed that behaviour?

[nachomaga]

Yes, I have to add dead zone too, I think 6 or 8...

[osram]

I'm not an expert on the exact behaviour on cursor/screen switching in the AH-64D. But I have the CM3 as well.
Someone mentioned to "press twice" for cursor-handled screen-switching.
What they probably rather meant is "release and re-input", imho. But it seems to work normally.

I'm not sure why you'd normally have to deadzone any VKB or virpil gear. In most cases it sits deadcenter, no need to calibrate.
At like 12 to 15/16 bit resolution.

The one thing I noticed though, I believe "modifier keys" can somehow interfere with the CM3 mousestick. Even if they are not used/pressed but defined for other "layers".
Even momentary ones. They will make the ministick movement "interrupt".
That's some possibility I'd exclude for sure. In any case with regular VKB/Virpil firmware calibration that is setup once... you can just move the cursor to the MFD-edge. Release the cursor/stick and push to the edge again... and switch MFD's that way.

At least I thought that's the way it's meant to work.

Edited April 4, 2022 by osram

[frostycab]

3 hours ago, osram said:

I'm not sure why you'd normally have to deadzone any VKB or virpil gear. In most cases it sits deadcenter, no need to calibrate.

 

I believe someone said that the cursor doesn’t want to swap screens when “bumped” unless it’s receiving a pure x-axis input. If that’s the issue then a small y-axis dead zone would seem to make sense. It’s pretty much impossible to move a mini stick in just one axis. 

[osram]

I understand the situation or reasoning. But I don't think that's the problem, tbh.
Unless someone maybe didn't properly calibrate, has a hw-issue or different firmware-version, possibly.

I have the exactly same CM3 without any deadzones whatsoever and I'm pretty sure it works as described. But maybe I'm wrong about the "regular", intended functionality and design entirely. Would probably help to check how the mfd-switch via cursor is supposed to work exactly. No time to check the manual or wags videos here again though.

Edited April 4, 2022 by osram