Joystick Force Gradient Issue

[Avio]

Just got back to flying the F16 again, after owning it since 2016 ! Am loving the new handling. Strange though, I fly with Warthog TM and found that with Force gradient ON at default full value settings, the jet control feels a lot more stable, yet fast if I wanted it (Zero curve setting). Whereas with that option off, some curve setting would be needed if control is to be precise enough.

So which is right? ON or OFF for force gradient for a non FFB joystick.

 

[NytHawk]

14 minutes ago, Avio said:

Just got back to flying the F16 again, after owning it since 2016 ! Am loving the new handling. Strange though, I fly with Warthog TM and found that with Force gradient ON at default full value settings, the jet control feels a lot more stable, yet fast if I wanted it (Zero curve setting). Whereas with that option off, some curve setting would be needed if control is to be precise enough.

So which is right? ON or OFF for force gradient for a non FFB joystick.

 

Ideally you should have it disabled when using a non force-sensing stick. 

[Default774]

1 hour ago, Avio said:

Just got back to flying the F16 again, after owning it since 2016 ! Am loving the new handling. Strange though, I fly with Warthog TM and found that with Force gradient ON at default full value settings, the jet control feels a lot more stable, yet fast if I wanted it (Zero curve setting). Whereas with that option off, some curve setting would be needed if control is to be precise enough.

So which is right? ON or OFF for force gradient for a non FFB joystick.

 

In short: In my opinion you should leave the gradients ON and lower the deadzone sliders in special to as low as is practical.

Small distinction, these settings are made for force sensing bases, not force feedback.

I wrote some more information on why in this comment:

 

[Avio]

Thanks for the link Default774

[UncleStains]

On 4/11/2025 at 11:57 AM, Default774 said:

In short: In my opinion you should leave the gradients ON and lower the deadzone sliders in special to as low as is practical.

Holy cow! I took this advice and the F-16 suddenly became 10x easier to control.

I fly with a VPForce Rhino FFB stick, but for the F-16 it is basically set up as a normal sprung stick. Turned on the X and Y gradients with zero deadzone (on the special settings tab). I have no curves on the axes in the controls setup page.

Loaded into the Persian Gulf A-A refueling mission and had my first ever DCS A-A refuel with zero disconnects! Then I tried a few landings...it was like I was on rails. I'm convinced!