A Wish for disabled people

[Kukki]

Hello DCS!
I Love to fly DCS, did a lot of fixed wing flying and its ok without rudderpedale, but now im flying helicopters (AH64)  and its a pain to control the rudderpedals with a mouse cursor.   Will it be bossible to code something "We" disabled people who can not user our legs to have an option to have a chkbox for auto rudders or something.

It would be soooo great if you could think us in here.

Thanks

Kukki

[Ghostrider 147]

I was actually thinking about something like this too! I think the DCS WWII warbirds already have an auto-rudder option even

[Slippa]

You could try binding rudder inputs to buttons. 

Should be able to use the Z and X keys I think as well. 

[Kukki]

1 hour ago, Slippa said:

You could try binding rudder inputs to buttons. 

Should be able to use the Z and X keys I think as well. 

I have tried this, but its a nogo to fly with. there are plenty of buttons you need to operate while flying, so its not an option.  Thanks for the input.

3 hours ago, Ghostrider 147 said:

I was actually thinking about something like this too! I think the DCS WWII warbirds already have an auto-rudder option even

I have not cheked that, but if its there in WWII then it cant be that hard to make it in DCS modern helicopters.  but lets see what DCS have to say about it.

[SnowTiger]

Would a Twist-Grip-type Stick be a good solution for you ?
There are several stick manufacturers that have that option however, helicopters can be a trick to fly using them versus pedals (apparently which are an issue for you) but some people do fly choppers with them.

[cfrag]

Perhaps it could be interesting to learn how ED's own @Wags has overcome these challenges.

 

[Dragon1-1]

20 minutes ago, Johnny Dioxin said:

A flight member challenged me to get the Black Shark back to base and land using the keyboard - and not only did I manage it, but it wasn't overly difficult, either (it was a lot of fun, when I had expected pure frustration) - so it is possible, if not desirable.

Note that the Black Shark is unique in that not only was it the oldest DCS module, made when keyboard players were a serious consideration (hence keyboard support is somewhat better), but module, like the real helo, has more automation than the most advanced Western designs. You can basically fly it by pointing the autopilot where you want to go. Other helos need analog controls much more.

[TKhaos]

I use the Thrustmaster T.16000M HOTAS and have just as good control with rudder using the flappy paddles on the throttle as I did when I was using pedals. You can buy the Thrustmaster TWCS Throttle on it's own which is handy. It's much better and easier than trying to used the twist function on a joystick. 

I had pedals for years, with small breaks in between but after the last ones broke I decided to go back to not using them, I had spent 20 years flying without them and other times never had real issues with twist axis controls but the paddles are so much better.

Might be a solution until auto rudder is introduced.

People reported issues with the Thrustmaster TWCS Throttle being a bit sticky, mine was out the box but I undid the tension screw underneath and cured it almost completely in less than a minute. I think the reason why so many people were likely having issues was because they were too heavy handed. Out the box, if I used normal force on the throttle it did feel sticky, totally different if I just rested my hand on it and operated it gently but then even better after the tension screw.

If you aren't bother about warranties then you can get a bearing mod really cheap or just use something like a teflon grease on the slides. 

I think the only time now I am likely to buy another set of pedals is when I eventually build a cockpit, until then I'm happy with my paddles

[Tank50us]

truth be told, having more features to help those who have significant disabilities wouldn't be a bad thing at all for the sim. By default, such features would be turned off, but they could be turned on if someone actually needs them. On the one hand, this could turn the sim into more of an arcade game for some, but I think in the long run, it would be beneficial for the community to be as open as possible.

That all being said... I think the best option for this would be to have some things built into the sim itself that allows those who have disabilities to have an effect in places where these features are forced 'off'. For example, jumping into the seat of a KC-135 as planes are coming up to refuel. One thing I've experienced is that having someone in the seat talking you into position is quite helpful. Another possibility is sitting in the seat of an AWACS monitoring the battle space and guiding planes towards intercepts. All things that could easily be part of the base game itself, and not as an add-on or mod.

[Hiob]

23 hours ago, cfrag said:

Perhaps it could be interesting to learn how ED's own @Wags has overcome these challenges.

 

IIRC he uses something like the paddle axis on the TM16000 Throttle and/or a twist grip. I can't point to it, but I think he mentioned it at some point in an Interview style video. Perhaps he'll let us know here.

[draconus]

1 hour ago, Hiob said:

IIRC he uses something like the paddle axis on the TM16000 Throttle and/or a twist grip. I can't point to it, but I think he mentioned it at some point in an Interview style video. Perhaps he'll let us know here.

He used to, then for the AH-64D controls video (2 years ago) Wags used a Virpil Constellation joy (twist axis) and a Virpil CM3 throttle.

[Kukki]

I have winwing equipment for stick and the virpil AH64 Collective, I think WW have a twist module for there stick, it might be worth to try that.  But again DCS should be able to make some option box for autorudders for us, hey they make so many other features, so why not.  I guess that people will not use this option if not needed, flying ar a real helicopter pilot is still the best and most challenge.

[Raven (Elysian Angel)]

If I were you, I'd just send Wags a PM. I bet he's more than happy to share his experiences.