How to Code Rotary Dials in DCS

[Bob1943]

I just bought a Total Controls Multifunction Button Box.  This unit has several rotary dials to control lighting.

I am not able to find a way to program these dials in the DCS Settings menu.  For example, when I go to the Formation light setting for the F-16, I select the "Add Combo" under the Total Controls MFBB and select the key box, rotate the MFBB dial and nothing happens to link that action to the rotation of the Formation lights knob on the left console in the F-16.

So, what it the trick to programming rotary control dials on hardware connected to DCS?

Edited January 25, 2024 by Bob1943

[Johnny Dioxin]

If it doesn't work as you describe, it must be something peculiar to the device you are using. I've had rotary encoders on my last two HOTAS and both have worked just fine. I don't use "add combo" though - just double-click in the box for the assignment and then move the encoder.

 

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[Bob1943]

I just got a reply from "Total Controls".  They said the lighting dials/knobs are programmed under the "Axis" commands.  I just have to "invert" the axis (under Axis Tune) to get a specific knob for that device to rotate in the correct direction.

Problem solved.

[sthompson]

3 minutes ago, Bob1943 said:

I just got a reply from "Total Controls".  They said the lighting dials/knobs are programmed under the "Axis" commands.  I just have to "invert" the axis (under Axis Tune) to get a specific knob for that device to rotate in the correct direction.

Problem solved.

Then the controls are axes, not rotary encoders. The approach you tried first is for rotary encoders. They basically generate a button press each time you move the dial.

[Bob1943]

Yep, you are correct.  I had never dealt with dials/knobs before in DCS, so I had no real idea what I was doing, just trial & error on my part.

But all is well now, I have been educated!