Throttle switch labeling - Good or Bad Idea Fairy?

[Immune]

Not specific to Winwing as other manufacturers could benefit from the same. Given that the Orion and Warthog stick/throttles are purpose built for the F-18 and A-10 respectively, it would be cool if users could easily change the labels of each button on the throttle to suit the platform they are flying. I was fortunate enough to be able to procure the original Orion last year, and this year I have pre-ordered the F-16 Orion 2.

I use a label maker to cover the original, permanent switch labels with new labels so the switches align with the aircraft I am flying. In my case, I have the F-16 Orion2 on pre-order, and will be using it exclusively for the F-16. Therefore, I don't need the F-18 labels the Orion comes with. There are a couple ways WinWing (and others) could go about enabling custom labeling, perhaps mini LCD displays that are monochrome (black on green?) that could be programmed via the SimAppPro software. Of course, they would need to do some HMI work on the software given the issues it already has.

I remain surprised at the contrast in quality between the hardware and the software; forgetting for a moment the software fires off malware warnings and my current Windows 11/Bitdefender protection won't even let me install it.

Anyhow, to summarize, being able to customize switch labels on the throttle base would be pretty darn cool! Regardless whether it is manual (label maker, pen or a digital solution via SW).  I know some provide generic labels for buttons, but you still have to cover them up for any custom config.

[Brother_Leb]

Not a bad idea, but I'd guess the folks that really would want that are already interested in making their own. Put another way, I'd expect that to be an aftermarket solution.

Having said that, the Orion 2 appears to be much more modular in design than the Orion 1 and you have easy access to the hex screws that hold the various panels onto the Throttle base. WW additionally provides you with the hex key needed to remove those screws. So, you could conceivably remove and replace the panels on the throttle base and from the design it appears that WW intends that to be possible. Whether they would provide alternate panels...well, we'll have to wait and see.

I should clarify, you can't adjust the switches themselves or their positioning (unless you are willing to do some electrical engineering), only the label panels that surround them. I have not personally tried this because I'm happy with the way things are and I'm not great with electrical work. I also don't want to mess anything up, haha.

[Phantom711]

Am 1.6.2022 um 16:14 schrieb Brother_Leb:

Having said that, the Orion 2 appears to be much more modular in design than the Orion 1 and you have easy access to the hex screws that hold the various panels onto the Throttle base. WW additionally provides you with the hex key needed to remove those screws. So, you could conceivably remove and replace the panels on the throttle base and from the design it appears that WW intends that to be possible. Whether they would provide alternate panels...well, we'll have to wait and see.

Hey...

I had the same thought, and yesterday I tried to unscrew one of the panels. Long story short...it doesn`t work. It appears to me, like it`s still one big plate...

[Brother_Leb]

@Phantom711 Can you elaborate a little? I can see about 4 or 5 total plastic panels on the top of the throttle base (one across the top, one right of the throttle arms and two across the bottom). When you removed the screws, what happens? Does those plastic pieces come away from the base? Do the switches themselves prevent it? Are the screws just cosmetic?

[Phantom711]

Just in order to try it, i tried to unsrew the 3 screws that allegedly hold down the lower right panel (the one with the jettison button). Now the srews come off...they are long, they basically go all the way to the bottom of the base. But the panel doesn`t come off and if you look closer, there is no actual "gap" between this particular panel and the rest of the base...other than tha one that disciminates the whole top from the base.

My pic shows the place, whre I would have expected to be the "gap"...where I would have thought it comes off...

Edited June 3, 2022 by Phantom711

[Immune]

@Phantom711 Thanks for sharing. While waiting for mine to arrive I was thinking of what you tried.  Glad to know ahead of time not to waste my time.  Bummer, but I can appreciate the new look, even if only cosmetic and not functional.  Just wish we had a cleaner way to change the visual labels. 

[rem27]

I Guys,

This is my little contributon on labeling the ORIOn 2. Theses are my F-14 setup covers.

1. I print a new cover with my new labels and laminate it with transparent foil:

2. Then I trim the edges and open holes for the switches to go in and finaly bend the edges.

 

 

Edited June 5, 2022 by rem27

[LooseCannon]

@Immune I have a laser cutter/engraver and make custom plates for my TM Warthog Throttle and anyone who asks for them.  I just did a job for another DCS member who in addition to the TM throttle plate asked for a custom WinWing plate.  He sent me a 2D CAD drawing (in dxf format) that had the exact dimensions and I was able to create the labels he wanted.  If you have the ability or the willingness to create a drawing with the dimensions and hole placement, I can design a face plate with labels that can be backlit by the LEDs on the device.  Unfortunately, I don't own any WinWing products to do the initial design myself.

I'd be happy to collaborate with you to get your something you can use. 

[Immune]

@rem27 @LooseCannon Both of those are wonderful examples and look really nice!  Once my F-16 stick comes in I may hit you up for more info on customizing the plate!  Do you have an estimate on price for an Orion plate?

On the flip side, both are good solutions if you fly the same aircraft, otherwise it is cumbersome to change the plates every time you want to fly something different using the same stick. That is where I was thinking something more of a permanent-ish fix where you could change profiles and have the label update (i.e., mini-LCD screens). A bit outlandish as it would skyrocket the price I imagine...not to mention make the gear far more complex to design and maintain for the developers.

Again, it was a bit pie in the sky. However, considering how far developers and pit-builders alike have come, it may not be too far off in the future this is an option! But dang those plates look nice!  

[rem27]

42 minutes ago, Immune said:

@rem27 @LooseCannon Both of those are wonderful examples and look really nice!  Once my F-16 stick comes in I may hit you up for more info on customizing the plate!  Do you have an estimate on price for an Orion plate?

On the flip side, both are good solutions if you fly the same aircraft, otherwise it is cumbersome to change the plates every time you want to fly something different using the same stick. That is where I was thinking something more of a permanent-ish fix where you could change profiles and have the label update (i.e., mini-LCD screens). A bit outlandish as it would skyrocket the price I imagine...not to mention make the gear far more complex to design and maintain for the developers.

Again, it was a bit pie in the sky. However, considering how far developers and pit-builders alike have come, it may not be too far off in the future this is an option! But dang those plates look nice!  

Thank you  @Immune

My solution is very cheap 1 or 2 USD but not perfect also. It's very easy to swap thoses covers from one setup to another, less than 5 sec....But in other hands the solution of LooseCannon is more pro and look very nice.

Best Regards

Rem27

Edited June 8, 2022 by rem27

[LooseCannon]

58 minutes ago, Immune said:

@rem27 @LooseCannon Both of those are wonderful examples and look really nice!  Once my F-16 stick comes in I may hit you up for more info on customizing the plate!  Do you have an estimate on price for an Orion plate?

On the flip side, both are good solutions if you fly the same aircraft, otherwise it is cumbersome to change the plates every time you want to fly something different using the same stick. That is where I was thinking something more of a permanent-ish fix where you could change profiles and have the label update (i.e., mini-LCD screens). A bit outlandish as it would skyrocket the price I imagine...not to mention make the gear far more complex to design and maintain for the developers.

Again, it was a bit pie in the sky. However, considering how far developers and pit-builders alike have come, it may not be too far off in the future this is an option! But dang those plates look nice!  

Thanks for the kind words @Immune and @rem27!

I agree that for multiple aircraft, the custom laser cut panels can be somewhat cumbersome to switch out, although with the TM the base has a tacky substance that holds the acrylic plate in place without the need for the screws.  Not sure if the WinWing would work like that or not. The assignable LED labels would be a fantastic solution and probably pricey as you mention.

Since I am a hobbyist, I try to keep the price low to basically offset the costs of material, wear and tear on the laser, and for my time.  For a stock design (right now I only have one for the F/A-18), the price is $20 plus shipping.  Any custom design would be $30 + shipping.  I have seen similar plates on eBay for $65 which to me is pretty steep. 

Since I don't have a WinWing, I can't produce any new plates without very specific measurements.  If I have those, it's pretty straightforward. Most of my time was spent making a precise replica of the TM Warthog plate to account for the LED placement underneath.  

If you would be willing to send me the faceplate of your Orion plate temporarily to take down the measurements, I'd do it for free as this would give me another product to offer the DCS community.  DM me if you're interested.

Cheers!

LC

[Immune]

@rem27 I didn't know about transparent foil, I will be looking into that! I am not very artistically inclined and my hands are no longer 100%, but looks like something I might be able to replicate, thanks for mentioning and breaking it down with examples!

@LooseCannon Once my Orion2 comes in, I will try taking my Orion1 apart to pull off the faceplate. If I am able without causing damage, I will DM you to send it out.  As for the Orion2, I am not sure the plates would work due to it no longer being a flat surface. They went and tried to make it look all nice. Unfortunately, it appears to be a single molded plastic surface, so the sections are not individual, removable surfaces according to a couple posts I read. So using my label maker may be the only solution there unless you creative folks come up with something awesome, as you have already!

[LooseCannon]

@Immune Sounds like a plan!