Coming from MSFS - a few questions!

[Stratzilla]

Hi. New to DCS, but long time MSFS VR user. Trying to bring myself up to speed with my shiny new F-18. But I have some basic DCS questions before I can get too deep into the aircraft. I’m trying to tweak the controller assignments just to try and make the workflow as familiar as I can. I’m getting there – I’ve been able to search the forum and find the answer to most of my immediate questions. But here’s a few I have not quite been able to find.

 

1.   In MSFS I normally do all my cold startup, planning, etc in desktop mode and then use a keyswitch to jump to VR during pushback. Is that feature available in DCS? I could not find a binding for it.

2.   So when I’m in VR I have my DCS screen on one monitor and a browser on the other. Then as I’m learning in DCS and have questions I can simply pause, put down the headset and look up the issue on my browser. But for some reason I can’t take the focus off the game. Not matter what I do I can’t move my mouse outside of that DCS window (I hope I explained that well). I’m sure it’s something simple but I sure can’t figure it out!

3.   Finally – my Extreme 3D controller doesn’t work correctly. I noticed after my first carrier launch (which was amazing, by the way) that my F-18 was not turning very well. I started thinking “geez if this is the way this thing handles I’m gonna get destroyed in a dogfight”. Then I looked down at the F-18’s stick. It wasn’t moving right. So if I move my Logitech in any direction I see the F-18’s stick follow, but then it just sorta bounces a little bit and goes back to center. I understand it’s a FBW plane, but surely this can’t be the correct response. I was turning pretty sharp and almost crashed because moving my stick the other way resulted in that same action, and I almost couldn’t pull it out of the turn. FYI – this is the same stick I’ve used in MSFS for a year or so with no issues. Any suggestions other than “get a better hotas”?? I followed several YouTube videos regarding axis tuning, but may still be missing something. 

I think that’s it for now. I hope it’s ok to post all 3 questions in one post – just seemed easier than 3 separate posts. If not let me know and I’ll do it differently next time. By the way I’m using a Pico 4 with Virtual Desktop with a 4090/ 5950x system that is fined tuned pretty well for VR.

Also – after creating the username, Stratzilla, I saw the community has very well known user, Skatezilla. I play guitars – I don’t skate! Lol. However, that’s way too close and I don’t want to do that to Skate and cause folks to confuse us, so how can I change my username? I was able to change it in the main DCS profile page but that didn’t change the name here on this forum. Ok I guess that’s four questions!

Thanks in advance!

 

[Steel Jaw]

AFAIK you can't hot switch into VR in DCS.

[Stratzilla]

19 hours ago, Steel Jaw said:

AFAIK you can't hot switch into VR in DCS.

Thank you. Shame, that's really a handy feature. Oh well!

I figured out the issue with my mouse not being released in the game. And I think I just need to do a service request for the username change. So that's 3 of my 4 questions ...

... but the hotas issue is literally keeping me grounded at the moment. Not sure what to do to fix that one! Any suggestions, anyone? Can't figure out why it would work in MSFS but not in DCS. Maybe when I get home (at work atm) I'll try to fly a different aircraft and see if it repeats the issue. 

[rob10]

For 2:  Did you take off with flaps in AUTO?  Needs to be in HALF or FULL or things can be really wonky.

Or else, do you have an "A/P" advisory showing up at the bottom of your LEFT DDI?  It sounds like you could be in CCS (Command Control Steering -- think I have the acronymn right) mode which basically dampens your control inputs.  You need to use the PADDLE switch to disengage the Autopilot rather than "turning it off" in the UFC.

[skywalker22]

21 hours ago, Stratzilla said:

3.   Finally – my Extreme 3D controller doesn’t work correctly. I noticed after my first carrier launch (which was amazing, by the way) that my F-18 was not turning very well. I started thinking “geez if this is the way this thing handles I’m gonna get destroyed in a dogfight”. Then I looked down at the F-18’s stick. It wasn’t moving right. So if I move my Logitech in any direction I see the F-18’s stick follow, but then it just sorta bounces a little bit and goes back to center. I understand it’s a FBW plane, but surely this can’t be the correct response. I was turning pretty sharp and almost crashed because moving my stick the other way resulted in that same action, and I almost couldn’t pull it out of the turn. FYI – this is the same stick I’ve used in MSFS for a year or so with no issues. Any suggestions other than “get a better hotas”?? I followed several YouTube videos regarding axis tuning, but may still be missing something. 

Hi, welcome

I must say that, DCS required way more controls then MSFS. So a (proper) HOTAS is unfortunately a must. There is plenty written about all what there is available, check here. I started with Thrustmaster T16000M + TWCS throttle. I still have this same throttle among VKB`s Gunfighter mk3 joystick.

About your issue, check the Options/Controls section, and click on Axis Assign button down bellow. Look for your Roll and Pitch, right mouse click on each and select Tune Combo Axis (you also have a button down bellow). In there you can check how each axis responds/works, and you can adjust accordingly if needed. I hope it helps a bit.

Edited June 11, 2023 by skywalker22

[Stratzilla]

Thank you for the replies. A VKB and a <still undecided> throttle is in my near future, but trying to make do for the time being. I will definitely look into both of your suggestions regarding the wonky controls when I get home this evening. 

Much appreciated! 

 

[WildBillKelsoe]

hello and welcome onboard. when I started DCS (flaming cliffs 2.x) in 2009 I had a thrustmaster tflight hotas x. Mind you I was flying perfectly the blackshark module (standalone, early build) using this same stick. Then I transitioned to CH Products in 2012 and kept flying with them until 2015 when I bought the TMWH (by then I was flying the A-10C). Then the warthog developed issues and I reverted back to CH from 2019 to 2023. Recently I got involved with electrical stuff and got around to fixing my warthog stick. 

 

My advice to you is, buy ANY stick as long as you don't factor user reviews. I recommend CH products if you want something that works and has functionality and impeccable user support. followed by thrustmaster. 

For rudder I used the CH pro rudder and then transitioned to MFG Crosswind in 2017 (still use it to this day). Both are of great build and good for DCS but MFG has A LOT of travel and precision (2048 on the center mark. to this day)

For your problems I suspect you have a conflicting axis bind somewhere in the axes settings of the F-18C module. How to tell? 

If one row of one control (for example pitch) has two entries this is the cause of your problem). Normally when you purchase ANY DCS module, the first thing to do (mantra) is to clear category in both axis controls drop down and all but axis controls drop down. Then you know for fact that your controller is totally unassigned and not conflicting with another.

 

You might want to invest in a tablet (unless you already have one).

 

Sorry for this very long passage but it goes without saying I want to genuinely help you as a newcomer. Enjoy your stay and see you online when you are ready!

 

 

[QuiGon]

On 6/10/2023 at 9:47 PM, Stratzilla said:

3.   Finally – my Extreme 3D controller doesn’t work correctly. I noticed after my first carrier launch (which was amazing, by the way) that my F-18 was not turning very well. I started thinking “geez if this is the way this thing handles I’m gonna get destroyed in a dogfight”. Then I looked down at the F-18’s stick. It wasn’t moving right. So if I move my Logitech in any direction I see the F-18’s stick follow, but then it just sorta bounces a little bit and goes back to center. I understand it’s a FBW plane, but surely this can’t be the correct response. I was turning pretty sharp and almost crashed because moving my stick the other way resulted in that same action, and I almost couldn’t pull it out of the turn. FYI – this is the same stick I’ve used in MSFS for a year or so with no issues. Any suggestions other than “get a better hotas”?? I followed several YouTube videos regarding axis tuning, but may still be missing something. 

This might be a binding issue, possibly a duplicated binding. I recommend to check your control assignments and make sure that the stick axis are not bound to some other axis, switches or even devices as well and thus causing input conflicts.

If that's not the issue, then you might have to post a track replay of your flight here, so we can take a look at what's happening there. To do that, just make a short flight where you reproduce your issue and on the debriefing screen you can save the track file ("Save Replay" button).

[Stratzilla]

Guys - thanks for your replies. I have fixed the issue! The duplicated binding thing makes perfect sense - I actually had the exact same issue in my early days of MSFS so I'm a little disappointed that I didn't think of that. However - this just apparently was a deadband issue. I had that set on around 4 or 5 - I increased that to around 20 and ... pow! Life is good again! Thanks so much for giving me some excellent suggestions. Now on to actually learning how to fly this thing. I also could not resist purchasing the F-14 - so I now have that to play with. Honestly I wanted the F-14 initially, but the F-18 was offered and half off as a new DCS user and I couldn't resist. But my love has always been Tomcat since I saw The Final Countdown as a kid!! It's definitely more finicky, that's for sure. But so sexy! Will be fun learning both. 

[QuiGon]

12 hours ago, Stratzilla said:

Guys - thanks for your replies. I have fixed the issue! The duplicated binding thing makes perfect sense - I actually had the exact same issue in my early days of MSFS so I'm a little disappointed that I didn't think of that. However - this just apparently was a deadband issue. I had that set on around 4 or 5 - I increased that to around 20 and ... pow! Life is good again! Thanks so much for giving me some excellent suggestions. Now on to actually learning how to fly this thing. I also could not resist purchasing the F-14 - so I now have that to play with. Honestly I wanted the F-14 initially, but the F-18 was offered and half off as a new DCS user and I couldn't resist. But my love has always been Tomcat since I saw The Final Countdown as a kid!! It's definitely more finicky, that's for sure. But so sexy! Will be fun learning both. 

I'm glad you were able to sort this out!

I'm also happy to see simmers transitioning from MSFS to DCS and since I'm not playing civilian flight sims at all, I'm really curious how you experience this transition? Is the depth of weapon, navigation and other aircraft systems overwhelming or is the difference to MSFS not that big?

Edited June 14, 2023 by QuiGon

[Mik75]

Welcome the the "dark side".

I fly MSFS and XP a lot as well (with some occasional space ship flying in Star Citizen). I really have to say that one can't compare military aircraft in a civilian flight sim with the ones you find in DCS. You'll definitely want to spend some money and time to get yourself a good HOTAS setup. The T16000 by TM is a good entry level choice. I've used the Warthog by TM for a bit, but recently I've upgraded to VPC controls. The WarBRD-D base with the Constellation Alpha Prime Grip, coupled with the MongoosT50-CM3 throttle are really something else. Carrier landings and AAR are so much more enjoyable and easier with a really good controller setup. I fly multiple modules in DCS (helis as well), and I love the versatility and all the axis and buttons that can be assigned to your heart's content. Also a set of rudder pedals is very important. The fidelity of the flight model in the F18 (and the other modules) is very high. And you'll get much more immersed with a good HOTAS setup.

The learning curve might be a bit steep, but take your time. Flying your first campaign, or having fun on a multiplayer server is so rewarding!

Have a lot of fun with your new plane and sim! 

Edited June 14, 2023 by Mik75

[Stratzilla]

Thanks guys - so far it has been a slow transition. Honestly, as I just finally have been able to properly control my plane I'm still on flight and landing basics (just crash landed a few nights ago, in fact!) But the missions look really fun and I've got some time blocked out over the next few weeks to dive deeper and actually complete some training missions. I've been looking at a Hotas - but it's overwhelming! I'm in VR most of the time and my muscle memory skills need some work. Even flying the airbus it's still a task to ensure I locate all the correct bindings during flight. Will have to react even faster in DCS. So before I spend more $$ I think I'll give it a little more time to see if something just look more like what I need. Those suggestions are a huge help, because I wasn't even familiar with a few of those! lol. 

 

Edited June 15, 2023 by Stratzilla