Dcs Helicopter Hotas opinions?

[lamar]

Hey all, looking at getting into dcs and fly a chopper. Done it in casual games just with the Mouse and Keyboard. Will my Dual Vkb gladiators be suitable? Both with space combat grips, left I have the Z attachment also. If suitable what springs and clutch options are best suited  https://omegle.onl/ ?

Edited October 19, 2023 by lamar

[DD_Friar]

I fly my Apache (a lot) using an X56. I use the throttle as the collective (but do NOT pull up the same as a collective, that would be a brain fart) so can be done without a designated collective.

[martinistripes]

6 hours ago, lamar said:

Hey all, looking at getting into dcs and fly a chopper. Done it in casual games just with the Mouse and Keyboard. Will my Dual Vkb gladiators be suitable? Both with space combat grips, left I have the Z attachment also. If suitable what springs and clutch options are best suited?
 

I use the NXT EVO. I've removed the springs and use the dry clutch so the stick stays in position. It works ok (at least for a portable desktop setup). You'll need pedals for the Apache as there's a lot of rudder usage. I'm not sure the twist grip will cut it.

[dawgie79]

VIRPIL EU - Collectives - Shop (virpil-controls.eu) ?

Edited October 18, 2023 by dawgie79

[Gunslinger52]

I use an X56 throttle as collective, and taken the springs out of an old Saitek Evo Force (to stop it self centering).  

Would like a proper FF stick, but can't find one these days.  Unsure if ED support full FF in the Apache though.  

My old CH Pro pedals work great. 

[Diesel_Thunder]

I'm using a Thrustmaster Warthog which has an 8" extension, paired with a Virpil collective and a set of Saitek pedals.. The collective also has the large cam installed, allowing for a longer throw. The range of movement is really nice and adds a lot of precision to the controls. Before I bought the collective, I would use the right throttle of my Warthog as the collective, but with the axis set backwards so pulling back the throttle worked in a similar fashion to a collective.

 

Whatever setup you choose, I would recommend one that you can expand with, and add an extension to later if you want. Joystick extensions are wonderful to use, warbirds and helicopters in DCS benefit the most in my opinion when flown with an extended joystick.

Edited November 14, 2023 by Diesel_Thunder

[MAXsenna]

Unsure if ED support full FF in the Apache though.  

Full FFB support in every ED module. All 3rd party too.

[Gunslinger52]

On 11/14/2023 at 6:36 AM, MAXsenna said:

Full FFB support in every ED module. All 3rd party too.

Hi Maxsenna,

who would you suggest would be the best in ED to try and help with my 'lack of' FFB effects?  I have an old Cyborg Evo Force, and the software lets me successfully carry out a number of FF effects tests on the stick (of which all but one function).  

I would dearly love to have the stick be held by its motors in the position I left it in, as currently it does not.

Any advice appreciated.

Have a good one.

'52

[MAXsenna]

Hi Maxsenna,
who would you suggest would be the best in ED to try and help with my 'lack of' FFB effects?  I have an old Cyborg Evo Force, and the software lets me successfully carry out a number of FF effects tests on the stick (of which all but one function).  
I would dearly love to have the stick be held by its motors in the position I left it in, as currently it does not.
Any advice appreciated.
Have a good one.
'52

If you're not experiencing FFB in any module, (stick is "limp" and not centering), or not being able to FFB trim in any helicopter. My guess would be that it's an issue with being recognised as an FFB stick in Windows, so I would start there. To my knowledge, ED supports FFB in general through Windows. That's why you can DIY and ED won't have to support it specifically, they can't possibly do that.
As for FFB "effects" like shooting guns and similar. Not all modules have those, and that's better done with haptic pads and base shakers if you ask me. While warbirds and similar modules, even the C-101 supports the effects of airflow over the controls surfaces. These are the effects that are "real" and should be modeled IMHO.
I'm crossing my fingers for you to find a solution.
Cheers!


Edit: You're not alone, and there's seems to be some workarounds!

https://github.com/WallyCZ/saitek-cyborg-ff/issues


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[Gunslinger52]

thanks Max, I'll give those posts a read and hopefully have some luck!