Is possible to configure a second joystick as a rudder?

[talvikko]

I plan to buy a Thrustmaster hotas set (stick + throttle) or the stick itself (magnetic base + Hornet grip). But I don't have enough money to buy rudder pedals right now. So (temporarily) I could use a second joystick (not the Thrustmaster) as a rudder controller (or rudder + throttle + a controller with a few buttons - if I will only buy a stick).
So, my question: Is it possible to configure two separate joysticks in the Hornet DCS menu? (main - as pitch and roll + main button controller; and the second as - mainly - the rudder)?
I found a few topics about it in DCS, but didn't find a clear answer.

[Rudel_chw]

28 minutes ago, talvikko said:

So, my question: Is it possible to configure two separate joysticks in the Hornet DCS menu?

yes, it can easily be done, you just need to use the options -> controls menu of dcs.

[CBStu]

You could also look at sticks w/ twist for rudder. I have this grip on their older base and am extremely happy w/ it. My base is 3+ yrs old and the grip is 1.5yrs old and both are still perfect.

Gladiator NXT EVO ‘Space Combat Edition’ - Right Hand – VKB North America (vkbcontrollers.com)

I use it w/ a TM Warthog throttle. Another option w/ the FA-18 is don't bother w/ a rudder controller. It really is only used minimally. I haven't looked but if there were a binding available that a button would move the rudder as long as you hold it and release the rudder so it snaps back to zero when you take your finger off the button, that would probably be good enough. Might be a little challenging taxing on the carrier but probably doable.

Edited April 3, 2023 by CBStu

[okopanja]

@CBStualthough I do have NXT EVO myself (and actually consider TM Warthog throttle or TWCS), I believe that 200+ EUR is not what he planned to spend on, but rather reuse.

[CBStu]

I may have misunderstood but I thought he planned a stick and throttle purchase but insufficient $ for pedals. I thought he could buy a stick w/ twist and not need pedals.

[okopanja]

2 minutes ago, CBStu said:

I may have misunderstood but I thought he planned a stick and throttle purchase but insufficient $ for pedals. I thought he could buy a stick w/ twist and not need pedals.

it's me who misunderstood...

[Lace]

I would suggest using a modifier button on the throttle to change the function of the joystick X-axis from roll to rudder.  Since in the Hornet (most modern jets) the rudder is only really used for NWS on the carrier deck.  That way you don't need any extra hardware, you just hold the modifier button and move the stick for taxying.  This is especially applicable to the Hornet and carrier ops as you aren't required to track the runway centreline on take-off or landing in the same way a conventional land-based aircraft does.

[talvikko]

Thanks for all the replies. So - I modified my plan (now - to buy Warthog stick only - without the  throttle). I hope it will be possible: 
- pitch and roll with the Thrustmaster stick (x and y axis) 
- rudder and throttle with my old joystick.

But I have additional questions:
* first question: what happens if i connect a second joystick? (will there be another "category" in the configuration menu? - now i have 3 categories: keabord, my joystick and mouse.) - I imagine that there will be 4 categories (keabord, first joystick, second joystick and mouse). Is it true?
* second question: will there be a conflict if I set the rudder (in my old joystick menu) not "by default" as the RZ axis, but as the X axis (usually used as roll control) - so I will have two separate X axis configurations.
Sorry for my questions but I don't have a second joystick to check (before I will buy new one).

[Rudel_chw]

1 hour ago, talvikko said:

But I have additional questions:
* first question: what happens if i connect a second joystick? (will there be another "category" in the configuration menu? - now i have 3 categories: keabord, my joystick and mouse.) - I imagine that there will be 4 categories (keabord, first joystick, second joystick and mouse). Is it true?

 

yes, its true.

 

1 hour ago, talvikko said:

 

* second question: will there be a conflict if I set the rudder (in my old joystick menu) not "by default" as the RZ axis, but as the X axis (usually used as roll control) - so I will have two separate X axis configurations.

no conflict, as the x axis are on different devices 

[Dragon1-1]

DCS has one of the best systems to handle multiple control devices, in theory you can make any HID do anything. As long as axis calibration is correct, DCS will handle everything else. I wish other sims had input handling this good.

[Captain Chuck]

If I were you I'd just buy the Thrustmaster TWCS throttle to go with the WartHog because it has finger pedals on it that you can assign as the real pedals. I use it with a VKB GLadiator Pro and I am pleased with the system. I never would have need or want,  my feet operating pedals on the floor. I like my feet up on my easy chair.