How do you use your analog thumbsticks?

[X-31_VECTOR]

Hi all. I've got a CM3 Throttle on the way to replace my Warthog, and an Alpha grip to replace my CM2 grip. I'm just curious how folks use the analog thumbsticks on either/both of these devices across various modules. In AH-64, I plan to use them as cursor control and thumb force controller for the TEDAC, and also to create virtual buttons in the Virpil software at the ends of thumbstick axes to assign to button functions for pilot mode.  

What I haven't figured out yet is what to use them for in modules like UH-1 and P-51, or in something like IL-2. Does anyone use them as mouse pointer controllers? Or for other axes? Or do you just use them like four-way hats? 

Thanks as always for the inputs!

[dburne]

For the mini stick on my CM3 Throttle I have it set for dual functionality. I added buttons to it via axis to button function.

I use it's axis for TDC control in the Hornet, and it's buttons I assigned to exterior view panning.

[greyeagle787]

Hey Guys, I’m kind of a klutz with the Virpil software but I recently used a suggestion on hoggit and changed the thumb controller on my constellation stick to a 4 way hat. Now I would like to change back to thumb controller (axis) or even dual function button as well. But I need some help and/or advice on how to do this. Thanks!

[Baldrick33]

2 minutes ago, greyeagle787 said:

Hey Guys, I’m kind of a klutz with the Virpil software but I recently used a suggestion on hoggit and changed the thumb controller on my constellation stick to a 4 way hat. Now I would like to change back to thumb controller (axis) or even dual function button as well. But I need some help and/or advice on how to do this. Thanks!

New to Virpil software so definitely no expert! I just added buttons to the mini stick by using the axis to buttons option like @dburne

if you have no axis currently I would guess you have unticked the x and y axis for the mini stick either in the axis screen or calibration. Turning them back on should give you dual function if that is the case.

[greyeagle787]

Thanks! Currently away from my sim for another week or so. Will check when I return.

[imacken]

Pretty sure you can’t have axis to button functionality without the axis being active. All axes can be axes and buttons at the same time. Don’t see why you would want to disable the axis. 

[greyeagle787]

17 hours ago, imacken said:

Pretty sure you can’t have axis to button functionality without the axis being active. All axes can be axes and buttons at the same time. Don’t see why you would want to disable the axis. 

Never wanted to disable the axis, just wanted to be able to use it as a 4 way. Sounds like I never probably disabled the axis when I set up the buttons. Unfortunately am away right now so can’t test it. Like I said, my knowledge of the Virpil configuration software is very limited. 
This is what I did from someone’s hoggit post:

In the Virpil software with the Constellation Alpha loaded:

Go to the axis tab

double click the Rx axis

Check the 0-20 check box and 80-100 check box and click save

repeat for the Ry axis

click save to device and wait for the device to be reloaded

go to the button tab

In the lower left of this screen look at the button locations and scroll to the bottom

Note the physical button numbers

in the button assignment list select the first unassigned button and type in the physical button assignments for the Ry and Rx ranges for the first four unassigned buttons clicking save for each one.

Click save to device at the top of the software.

So should I still have axes function?

 

 

Edited December 11, 2022 by greyeagle787

[Baldrick33]

4 minutes ago, greyeagle787 said:

Never wanted to disable the axis, just wanted to be able to use it as a 4 way. Sounds like I never probably disabled the axis when I set up the buttons. Unfortunately am away right now so can’t test it. Like I said, my knowledge of the Virpil configuration software is very limited. 

Yeh it sounds like it should be working as you want - select axis or buttons as you wish.

[imacken]

8 minutes ago, greyeagle787 said:

So should I still have axes function?

Yes, you’ve done all the right things. 
One of the great things about DCS - unlike other flight sims - is that it will accept the same input as axis or button without conflict.  

[greyeagle787]

Great, Guys. Many Thanks!