WinWing Peripherals & Recommendations

[DisplayName]

The purpose of this post is to gather some information about WinWing hardware/software as I am looking at purchasing an item or two just to enhance the administrative functions of flying. You can already see my hardware and modules below in the signature block for reference, and I will try to make this simple and coherent. 

 

a. F/A-18's UFC. Now, the F/A-18C is the only post-cold war fixed wing jet that I have, and that I plan to get until something like a modern Fulcrum or Flanker arrives. Obviously I can use WinWing's 18-UFC for the Hornet, but does anyone have any experience in using this device with say. . the Ka50 for data entry. . or any other module that I have, or is its functions mostly limited to the Hornet?

b. If I was to get the F/A-18 UFC, is it worth also getting the HUD unit attachment? Noting that I am slightly limited on space as this will not be mounted centre line and will instead me mounted onto my VKB UCM Stronghold.

c. The other item that I am looking at is the Hornet's AMPCD or "MFD1" as WinWing calls it. I like that it can switch between three different MFDs, however, I am lead to believe that even when switching the clone function to a different display, the actual build in screen will not change to suit? if the screen don't change, that kind of makes the clone function pointless and I might as well attempt to make my own device using the WinWing display and a 3D printed button frame -  perhaps something like the Ka50's ABRIS, or JF17 MFD which would suit the aspect ration better.

 

At the moment I am considering a single AMPCD which will be mounted on my right VKB UCM Stronghold, and a UFC that will be mounted on my left UCM Stronghold. But, I must emphasise that although I do love flying the Hornet, I probably end up flying other modules more often (like the F5 or Ka50 - likely the MiG29 the most once that arrives). An alternative thought I had for the AMPCD was to open up my SolidWorks and produce my own MFD button frame that can be used with WinWing's displays, and something that is more functional with more modules (I've just never made my own devices before but I also do have a 3D printer).

 

Please share your thoughts and feedback on some of the usefulness of the aforementioned WinWing products.

[Sacarino111]

Hi.

Simple... the more buttons you have, the better...

I have the WW throttle and Joystick, not the UFC nor the MPCD and I have many button boxes. You can configure the buttons as you like depending on the module. I tend to mimic the actual layout od the cockpit as much as I can, so it is not very difficult to "remember/guess" what button makes what function.

So, if you hace space/budget, go for the HUD control unit; interesting for the Hornet and usefull for other modules.

Saludos.

Saca111

 

[speed-of-heat]

a) I use the UFC in virtually every aircraft i own, its a button box ...

b) yes 

c) i don't use the screens as I operate in VR i have 3 MFD  ( i again i use most of them in every aircraft i own ... )

 

[DisplayName]

3 minutes ago, speed-of-heat said:

a) I use the UFC in virtually every aircraft i own, its a button box ...

b) yes 

c) i don't use the screens as I operate in VR i have 3 MFD  ( i again i use most of them in every aircraft i own ... )

 

Thank you for your reply. 

I will add some clarification to my intent. I do not specifically need more buttons, or at least that isn't my drive. The part of the UFC and AMPCD that I am interested is their functionality specifically for data entry. I have found that with the Hornet, it is simple enough to get up and fly about and do a thing or two. But, when it comes to more data focused issues such as re-programming Harpoon missiles because the parameters have changed for what ever reason, I would like the data entry devices mentioned as this would very much enhance the efficiency of that task getting done while also maintaining some external SA. When I need to click the buttons on screen with my mouse, I pretty much ignore everything and focus on trying to press the right buttons to get the job done in a timely manner.

I would very much enjoy the UFC if for example, when I put in way points in the Ka50 (via the UFC), it also will display the data on the UFC much like in the PVI-800 control panel.

[speed-of-heat]

you can absolutely use it to do data entry in any aircraft you just map the buttons appropriately ... it's a button box, i operate exclusively in VR so i don't have the displays turned on? but my understanding is there is a mod that enables you to display various data outputs on the UFC 

which covers

• Base Profile: For any aircraft no listed here, includes altitude, airspeed, vs, flares, chaff, fuel (Readouts may vary on aircraft so keep an eye out)
• Super Bug Mod: Displays working UFC from Super bug [Credit: @Trigati]
• AH-64: KU Keyboard, chaff/flare, radar altitude, [Credit @Wostg @ANDR0ID]
• A29: Heading, fuel, aircraft mode, altitude [Credit @ANDR0ID @Wostg]
• C130 Herc Mod: Heading, fuel, altitude, chaff/flare [Credit @ANDR0ID]
• T45: Heading, fuel, altitude, radio freq, master arm, airspeed [Credit @ANDR0ID
• AV88 Harrier:  UFC + ODU
• A4 [Credit @Wostg]
  F-15E [Credit @Wostg]
• F-16 [General data fields shown on UFC] [Credit @Wostg]
• KA-50 2+3: Altitude, waypoints, chaff, flare, gun count,. [Credit @Wostg]
• MI-24/MI-8/UH-60/UH-1H: Radio coms, radar altimeter, chaff/flare, arm state, etc [Credit @ANDR0ID]
• JF17: Mimic JF17 UFC displays [Credit @ANDR0ID]
• TF51D: Radio selection, altitude, true heading [Credit @ANDR0ID]
• A10C2: Static text on the option displays. FUNC, HACK, LTR, MK, ALT, displays master caution light status
• Other modules: Any module can be supported, just needs to be added. Comment any modules you want to see supported or leave a "issue" on the Github Project.

[DisplayName]

6 minutes ago, speed-of-heat said:

you can absolutely use it to do data entry in any aircraft you just map the buttons appropriately ... it's a button box, i operate exclusively in VR so i don't have the displays turned on? but my understanding is there is a mod that enables you to display various data outputs on the UFC 

which covers

• Base Profile: For any aircraft no listed here, includes altitude, airspeed, vs, flares, chaff, fuel (Readouts may vary on aircraft so keep an eye out)
• Super Bug Mod: Displays working UFC from Super bug [Credit: @Trigati]
• AH-64: KU Keyboard, chaff/flare, radar altitude, [Credit @Wostg @ANDR0ID]
• A29: Heading, fuel, aircraft mode, altitude [Credit @ANDR0ID @Wostg]
• C130 Herc Mod: Heading, fuel, altitude, chaff/flare [Credit @ANDR0ID]
• T45: Heading, fuel, altitude, radio freq, master arm, airspeed [Credit @ANDR0ID
• AV88 Harrier:  UFC + ODU
• A4 [Credit @Wostg]
  F-15E [Credit @Wostg]
• F-16 [General data fields shown on UFC] [Credit @Wostg]
• KA-50 2+3: Altitude, waypoints, chaff, flare, gun count,. [Credit @Wostg]
• MI-24/MI-8/UH-60/UH-1H: Radio coms, radar altimeter, chaff/flare, arm state, etc [Credit @ANDR0ID]
• JF17: Mimic JF17 UFC displays [Credit @ANDR0ID]
• TF51D: Radio selection, altitude, true heading [Credit @ANDR0ID]
• A10C2: Static text on the option displays. FUNC, HACK, LTR, MK, ALT, displays master caution light status
• Other modules: Any module can be supported, just needs to be added. Comment any modules you want to see supported or leave a "issue" on the Github Project.

OO nice. .damn the DCS community does some great work; that is exactly what I am wanting.

Worst case scenario. If it ended up been nothing more than a button box, it is still cheaper than any equivalent button box I have seen: economy of scale wins I guess. 

I think I am mostly sold on the UFC. The AMPCD though I am less sold on. They only seem to be a viable purchase for me (non VR user) if the display changes along with the buttons when using the clone function. I might just get the UFC for now, see how it goes and see what comes of the AMPCD and display integration for the clone function.

Edited April 3, 2024 by DisplayName

[speed-of-heat]

Better to ask this question in the WinWing Section @BIGNEWY can you move this thread please

[MustangSally]

Also reported

[BIGNEWY]

moved to correct section, thank you

[Nightdare]

4 hours ago, DisplayName said:

OO nice. .damn the DCS community does some great work; that is exactly what I am wanting.

Worst case scenario. If it ended up been nothing more than a button box, it is still cheaper than any equivalent button box I have seen: economy of scale wins I guess.

 

I suggest getting the HUD-1 unit with the UFC, adds a few more pots to the buttons and switches

I even use it for something as simple with my spitfire to set the gunsight and compasses/compassus (Compi? ), in the Mozzy, with lots of extra controls on the dash, it's also a big plus

[Sacarino111]

7 hours ago, DisplayName said:

I think I am mostly sold on the UFC. The AMPCD though I am less sold on. They only seem to be a viable purchase for me (non VR user) if the display changes along with the buttons when using the clone function. I might just get the UFC for now, see how it goes and see what comes of the AMPCD and display integration for the clone function.

HI.

Disregarda that. Even though having the image inside corresponding to the actual plane is great, I can tell you that it takes no long before you get used to press the buttons without the picture, and let me tell you it rocks. I have the Thrustmaster MFD and they are great, even without the screen.

Saludos.

Saca111

[DisplayName]

6 hours ago, Sacarino111 said:

HI.

Disregarda that. Even though having the image inside corresponding to the actual plane is great, I can tell you that it takes no long before you get used to press the buttons without the picture, and let me tell you it rocks. I have the Thrustmaster MFD and they are great, even without the screen.

Saludos.

Saca111

See, I understand where you are coming from, and I think in the context of your use that does make sense. I would enjoy having the display screen though, and if the image doesn't change along with the buttons I feel like my brain will cook because I need to press the buttons that on the display indicate a different function because the screen hasn't changed along with the clone function. 

 

In Australia, the AMPCD is out of stock anyway, but the UFC and HUD units are available as separate items. I might just get the HUD and UFC for now, and continue to see what people say about the complete AMPCD.

 

I would love a comment from WinWing about the functionality and integration of the display screen within the clone functions of the AMPCD (MFD Unit1). @WINWING@WinwingTech

[MustangSally]

3 hours ago, DisplayName said:

See, I understand where you are coming from, and I think in the context of your use that does make sense. I would enjoy having the display screen though, and if the image doesn't change along with the buttons I feel like my brain will cook because I need to press the buttons that on the display indicate a different function because the screen hasn't changed along with the clone function. 

 

In Australia, the AMPCD is out of stock anyway, but the UFC and HUD units are available as separate items. I might just get the HUD and UFC for now, and continue to see what people say about the complete AMPCD.

 

I would love a comment from WinWing about the functionality and integration of the display screen within the clone functions of the AMPCD (MFD Unit1). @WINWING@WinwingTech

What do you want to know? I have the full Topgun MIP and use it for the F/A-18A, F-15 and AH-64. All of the WW MFD's can be used in any configuration. Swapping the screen displays in flight however isn't possible at the moment due to Windows limitations.

[DisplayName]

43 minutes ago, MustangSally said:

Swapping the screen displays in flight however isn't possible at the moment due to Windows limitations.

That is very unfortunate - are you aware of any plans from WinWing to try and make such a feature work somehow? or is there any other programme that could achieve such an outcome? - even if there is a function within the software enabling a hot key so that you use the clone button on the MFD to switch the in-game MFD, as well as a keyboard button (lets just say, TAB, or one of the discreet buttons on the MFD) and the screen can change that way? Kind of like how I can bind a button on my HOTAS to reset OpenTrack when it starts to drift; a toggle function to cycle through which in-game display is been exported to the physical display. 

Edited April 4, 2024 by DisplayName

[MustangSally]

As I said, it's a limitation with the OS. It's a bit like wanting to change what monitor your cockpit is displayed on while flying....you can't. The WW MFD's are just USB3 monitors you setup in windows as external displays. You then tell Simappro what to display on each monitor prior to starting DCS.

 

About the only thing I can suggest is that you purchase 2 x MFD's. One display to switch between the left or right MFD and one purely for the AMPCD

Edited April 4, 2024 by MustangSally

[DisplayName]

24 minutes ago, MustangSally said:

About the only thing I can suggest is that you purchase 2 x MFD's. One display to switch between the left or right MFD and one purely for the AMPCD

Starting to think that might be the way to go. Well, considering the MFDs are currently out of stock, I can just get the UFC and HUD module for now and that will give me some time to get some money back in the hobby account and decide in the future.

Thanks for the help everyone.