Using a USB Numeric Keypad vs the Hat button on my stick, for trim?

[HwyStar]

I am using the WinWing F/A-18 stick, and that stick has a limited amount of HAT controls (see image - 3).

Is there any harm or foul in using a USB Keypad instead to set the trim? I could control the trim using the arrow keys of the keypad with my left hand while I fly with my right.

By doing this, it would free up the trim hat for many other uses. I find the "normally used", "weapon select" black thumb HAT hard to use. The left press is hard for my thumb to engage. I regret not getting tnullhe F-16EX stick instead...

Thoughts, please?

null

[MAXsenna]

Try it with the already defined keybinds/keystrokes on your keyboard first, and see if you like it.
Note though, that an additional keypad like that will just duplicate your keypad on your keyboard, unless it can be programmed with macros or similar, unless you do some trickery with ie. Autohotkey.

Cheers!

Sent from my MAR-LX1A using Tapatalk

[some1]

No harm done other than it is harder to reach. Depends on the aircraft you fly, some require trimming more often than others.

Also USB keyboard duplicates the buttons you have on the regular keyboard, so you will have the same assignments there. It's not like a joystick where you can have several different devices, each with its own mappings.

 

[HwyStar]

Thanks for that insight, Max!

I have two extra keypads sitting around and might as well use them. That was my thought. I have my keyboard mounted forward of me on my SimLab P1-X rig. That places the keyboard kind of far away from me. I was planning on mounting the keypad with a swivel mount directly above my throttle so the reach is minimal.

Thanks, again!

[HwyStar]

Right, Some1. I understand now that the keyboard and separate keypad will mimic each other. That makes sense. Thanks for that insight too! So, using two keypads does not make sense. Got it!

I will try it out, using the SU-27 and report back if it works worth a darn. Because the F-16EX is a better designed stick (IMHO) I might just pop for that instead and be done. Easy-peasy.

[MAXsenna]

Thanks for that insight, Max!

I have two extra keypads sitting around and might as well use them. That was my thought. I have my keyboard mounted forward of me on my SimLab P1-X rig. That places the keyboard kind of far away from me. I was planning on mounting the keypad with a swivel mount directly above my throttle so the reach is minimal.

Thanks, again!

Just saw this!!!

https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink/topic?url=https://forum.dcs.world/topic/320403-usb-keypad-that-can-behave-as-joystick-game-device-buttons/&share_tid=320403&share_fid=74365&share_type=t&link_source=app

Sent from my MAR-LX1A using Tapatalk

[HwyStar]

That is interesting, that someone else here is chatting about the same (basic) topic... Thanks for spotting that, Max!

[SharpeXB]

You can assign buttons as modifiers. That would allow you to use the trim hat for multiple things. 

[MAXsenna]

You can assign buttons as modifiers. That would allow you to use the trim hat for multiple things. 

That's a good point!

Sent from my MAR-LX1A using Tapatalk

[HwyStar]

That's a good point, Sharpe! Brilliant!

I am new to DCS... So, I just watched a YT video on how to assign a modifier key as a "momentary" switch. The video used the mic switch on the TM Warthog throttle, which I just so happen to use.   

I take it, momentary switches work the best for modifiers, in that, when we release the switch it goes back into the "off" state.

Thanks, Dudes!

[SharpeXB]

35 minutes ago, HwyStar said:

I take it, momentary switches work the best for modifiers, in that, when we release the switch it goes back into the "off" state.

Right. You can assign them to a key or button you just hold down. There’s another modifier category “switch” which acts as a toggle 

[salsantana]

HwyStar, I have for many years simply remapped the trims to my arrow keys. The fact you double, triple, or even quadruple the commands for a given key by Ctrl, Alt, and Shift modifiers and their left/right variants is just fantastic......... being able to access arrow keys for trimming without taking my eyes off the road has been greatly useful. As I haven't yet bought a TrackIR I rely on my NUMPAD for head turns and re-centering.

Hope you've found the solution and enjoy that awesome flight stick all the more.