LOFC2 > Options > Controls > Understanding Keyboard notations

[Toasting Aces]

To all more experienced gamers:

 

Look, I know this is probably a bunch of simple questions, but I really don't quite understand certain things about the Keyboard notations. So if you'll define some of these things for me then I'm sure many new comers will appreciate it.

 

1. What does Free Camera mean?

 

2. When it says F2+LShift, what am I supposed to be doing exactly?

Am I supposed to be pressing the F2 key, then the "+" key, then the Left Shift Key in that order, but not at the same time? Or am I supposed to just press the F2 key then the Left Shift key at the same time?

 

Note: I know to the more experienced player this is as basic as bread and butter, but I'm not exactly sure what to do with some of these notations?

 

3. When it says F1+LAlt does that mean, I have to press the F1 key then the LAlt key in that order, but not at the same time? Or at the same time? Note: on my keyboard there is only one Alt key.

 

4. Here's a good one: Num/+LAlt. First of all, there's no "Num/" key. The only way I can make this key is to perhaps press any number and add a "/" key. So, I'm a bit confused as what to do? Then once I've achieved the "Num/" key do I then press the Left Alt key? (Again, there's only on "Alt" key on my keyboard.) Or do I do something all at the same time?

 

5. Looking at the Aircraft line of this page and setting the first drop down box to A-10A and the next drop down box to Axis Commands, in the mouse column: What does Mouse X, Mouse Y and Mouse Z mean? I have the Intel/Mouse Optical. Its a Wheel Mouse Optical. It only has a Left and Right Button and a Wheel Button in between those two buttons. So, what's up with the X, Y and Z?

 

TA :noexpression:

 

 

 

 

[Boberro]

 

1. What does Free Camera mean?

 

I think it's free camera, maybe F-11.

 

2. When it says F2+LShift, what am I supposed to be doing exactly?

Am I supposed to be pressing the F2 key, then the "+" key, then the Left Shift Key in that order, but not at the same time? Or am I supposed to just press the F2 key then the Left Shift key at the same time?

 

You press LShift (left Shift) and then F2 while keeping pressed (down) LShift.

 

3. When it says F1+LAlt does that mean, I have to press the F1 key then the LAlt key in that order, but not at the same time? Or at the same time? Note: on my keyboard there is only one Alt key.

 

Left Alt down and while it is pressed down you press F1.

4. Here's a good one: Num/+LAlt. First of all, there's no "Num/" key. The only way I can make this key is to perhaps press any number and add a "/" key. So, I'm a bit confused as what to do? Then once I've achieved the "Num/" key do I then press the Left Alt key? (Again, there's only on "Alt" key on my keyboard.) Or do I do something all at the same time?

 

Usually all Shifts, Alts, Ctrls, Windowses keys are pressed first and then next key.

If your keyboard doesn't have Num / I don't know what type of keyboard do you have... even laptops have that button :)

It'd be good if you changed keyboard to standard 101 keys IIRC.

 

5. Looking at the Aircraft line of this page and setting the first drop down box to A-10A and the next drop down box to Axis Commands, in the mouse column: What does Mouse X, Mouse Y and Mouse Z mean? I have the Intel/Mouse Optical. Its a Wheel Mouse Optical. It only has a Left and Right Button and a Wheel Button in between those two buttons. So, what's up with the X, Y and Z?

 

Mouse X = Mouse's X axis

Mouse Y = Mouse's Y axis

Mouse Z = Mouse's wheel

[Toasting Aces]

The FC2 Printed Manual now available in the USA via Amazon.com: Is this manual going to cover things for the beginner (like me) or is it more prepared for the more advanced player?

 

I need to understand various explanations regarding the various pages of this game. Why isn't this covered in detail more completely? or Has it been covered all ready, and if so then where can it be found? To begin to read every single forum thread as a beginner is really a expecting too much of somebody new to this game.

 

Thank you

TA

 

 

[Boberro]

It is established that things like what key do I need press first in "Alt+1" shortcut are well known and those matters are not described in the manual.

 

Open manual and basic guide in PDF file and see what they have. If you like it, print or buy paper version.

[blaster454]

Hi, Toasting Aces. I'll try to answer your questions below:

 

To all more experienced gamers:

 

1. What does Free Camera mean? I believe the free camera is simply an outside camera that is "free" of a fixed point, in contrast to the fixed camera views like cockpit or target view.

 

2. When it says F2+LShift, what am I supposed to be doing exactly?

Am I supposed to be pressing the F2 key, then the "+" key, then the Left Shift Key in that order, but not at the same time? Or am I supposed to just press the F2 key then the Left Shift key at the same time? The notation in ED's simulations shows the key presses needed to activate a certain function. In this case the correct sequence is to press and hold the left SHIFT key and then press the F2 key.

 

In general, sim key presses include the specific key (in this case the F2 or second function key) and one or more modifier keys (here it's the LSHIFT key). You should always press the modifier key(s) first, then the specific key. The plus ("+") sign shows that the keys are linked into a sequnce and should not be pressed.

 

3. When it says F1+LAlt does that mean, I have to press the F1 key then the LAlt key in that order, but not at the same time? Or at the same time? Note: on my keyboard there is only one Alt key. As above, the F1 key is the specific key and the left ALT key is the modifier. Press and hold the modifier then the specific key. Not sure on your keyboard. Is it a laptop or a non-US keyboard? The DCS series differentiates between left and right SHIFT, CONTROL, and ALT keys to allow more keystroke sequences. If you are missing a key that is assigned, you can always go into the sim and reassign that function to another sequence that is unused. That's a separate subject and if you need help with it please ask.

 

4. Here's a good one: Num/+LAlt. First of all, there's no "Num/" key. The only way I can make this key is to perhaps press any number and add a "/" key. So, I'm a bit confused as what to do? Then once I've achieved the "Num/" key do I then press the Left Alt key? (Again, there's only on "Alt" key on my keyboard.) Or do I do something all at the same time? This is a number pad sequence. If you have a laptop where the number pad is incorporated into the main key area it might be problematic doing the keystrokes ... you probably have a specific key that activates your number pad and that would be a good candidate to reassign to something more usable. If you do have a number pad that's separate, NUM/ is the slash key on the number pad so this sequence would be to press and hold the LALT key then press the NUMPAD slash ("/") key. You can release both together.

 

5. Looking at the Aircraft line of this page and setting the first drop down box to A-10A and the next drop down box to Axis Commands, in the mouse column: What does Mouse X, Mouse Y and Mouse Z mean? I have the Intel/Mouse Optical. Its a Wheel Mouse Optical. It only has a Left and Right Button and a Wheel Button in between those two buttons. So, what's up with the X, Y and Z?

 

TA :noexpression: These are the mouse axis keys. Mouse X is side to side movement of the mouse, Mouse Y is fore and back, and Mouse Z is the wheel. The X, Y, and Z are escapees ;) from math where the axes are designated X, Y, and Z to denote free-space movement. You probably won't have to worry about reassigning these axes. When in the sim, move the mouse (with the cursor function LALT + C in a position to show the cursor) and you will see the corresponding changes in your view in the aircraft.

 

 

Hope this helps.

[Toasting Aces]

To Boberro:

 

You're avatar graphic is awesome! It really hits home as to how I currently feel regarding learning how to use this combat flight simulator. But it's people like you who are helping me get through this learning curve. Thank you.

 

What's this? "keyboard to standard 101 keys IIRC" ? What does IIRC mean? (Geez, I feel so uninformed.)

 

Okay, how do I figure out the Mouse's X, Y and Z axis's?

 

P.S. Please keep viewing this thread because I'm gonna have more questions on the same subject matter of this thread.

[Toasting Aces]

To Boberro:

 

Where do I find this: "Open manual and basic guide in PDF file and see what they have." ? Is there a link to see this PDF?

 

You said earlier: "I don't know what type of keyboard do you have... even laptops have that button." Well, I am only using the keyboard which came with my notebook computer an hp Pavilion dv5237cl.

 

Thanks

TA

[Boberro]

You're avatar graphic is awesome! It really hits home as to how I currently feel regarding learning how to use this combat flight simulator. But it's people like you who are helping me get through this learning curve. Thank you.

 

:)

 

What's this? "keyboard to standard 101 keys IIRC" ? What does IIRC mean? (Geez, I feel so uninformed.)

 

Example that:

 

 

Okay, how do I figure out the Mouse's X, Y and Z axis's?

 

I didn't understand - you don't know what is X axis or Y?

 

Where do I find this: "Open manual and basic guide in PDF file and see what they have." ? Is there a link to see this PDF?

 

In game root DOC folder :)

 

You said earlier: "I don't know what type of keyboard do you have... even laptops have that button." Well, I am only using the keyboard which came with my notebook computer an hp Pavilion dv5237cl.

 

 

I was wrong, I imagined another key layout. Num "/" key is marked in blue here for "0" key. Don't know what do you have to press to get Num / action recognized correctly by Windows and game (Probably that Fn key on the left). You have two Alt keys too.

[Toasting Aces]

To Blaster454:

 

Thank you so much. You're explanations are indeed helpful. However, you lost me at: "You probably won't have to worry about reassigning these axes. When in the sim, move the mouse (with the cursor function LALT + C in a position to show the cursor) and you will see the corresponding changes in your view in the aircraft." Please elaborate? I don't understand what you mean.

 

Also, whenever someone is referring to the word "sim", I take it to mean they are referring to the Combat Flight Simulator itself or any Simulator for that matter. Am I correct?

 

What are the modifier keys? Am I correct identifying them as: Ctrl, Shift, Alt, Win, Fn, Home, End, Page Up, Page Down, etc.?

 

Note to all: I can only spend an hour or so at a time learning this simulator program. So, if I seem to break away then I'll be back time permitting another time soon. Thank you for your efforts to answer my questions. Good day to all.

[talisman]

To Blaster454:

 

Thank you so much. You're explanations are indeed helpful. However, you lost me at: "You probably won't have to worry about reassigning these axes. When in the sim, move the mouse (with the cursor function LALT + C in a position to show the cursor) and you will see the corresponding changes in your view in the aircraft." Please elaborate? I don't understand what you mean. Too much info - dont worry about the mouse - i have been flying simulators for 10 years and have never - ever configured a mouse axis.

 

Also, whenever someone is referring to the word "sim", I take it to mean they are referring to the Combat Flight Simulator itself or any Simulator for that matter. Am I correct? The sim to which you refer - is the one we all mean. Lockon wasnt it?

 

What are the modifier keys? Am I correct identifying them as: Ctrl, Shift, Alt, Win, Fn, Home, End, Page Up, Page Down, etc.? Yes!

 

Note to all: I can only spend an hour or so at a time learning this simulator program. So, if I seem to break away then I'll be back time permitting another time soon. Thank you for your efforts to answer my questions. Good day to all.

 

Ok your probably not going to like this - but. If your having difficulty with keys - you really are going to have a hard time figuring out whats what on a notebook. All key guides on the interwebs will assume that you have a normal keyboard.

I would go to ebuyer or a cheap computer store and buy the cheapest - crappiest - full size keyboard and mouse you can. Its does not need to look pretty - just have all the relivent buttons. That will make life much easier. Sims are not made for notebook keyboards.

Dont worry about asking questions - your breaking into the most complicated of all computer games - the simulation. Its difficult but sooooooooo rewarding (just ask anyone) Dont give up. Everyone started like you did.

PS welcome to the community

IIRC = If i remember correctly - or - If it really counts.

[blaster454]

To Blaster454:

 

Thank you so much. You're explanations are indeed helpful. However, you lost me at: "You probably won't have to worry about reassigning these axes. When in the sim, move the mouse (with the cursor function LALT + C in a position to show the cursor) and you will see the corresponding changes in your view in the aircraft." Please elaborate? I don't understand what you mean.

 

I could have been clearer. What you see in the Axis tab when setting controls are all the axes that can be assigned in the sim. For example, you would assign one of your joystick axes to the pitch axis in sim and another joystick to the roll axis in the sim. An axis in gaming is defined as an analog control. That means it can report back one of a number of points to tell the sim where it is located. For example, there might be 1024 discrete "values" that an axis can assume and report. As you move the control this value (it's actually a voltage) changes, assuming one of those 1024 values at any given instant. The sim then can "move" the corresponding axis in SW to match your controller. That might be confusing! :)

 

In this particular case, the sim as auto assigned your mouse axes to camera axes. So, when you move your mouse or roll the mouse wheel, your camera moves left-right or up-down (or any combination of those) and it also zooms in and out with the mouse wheel. The keystroke sequence LALT + C will turn the in cockpit cursor on and off ... if you are not seeing the camera (your view) change when you move the mouse try the LALT + C sequence.

Also, whenever someone is referring to the word "sim", I take it to mean they are referring to the Combat Flight Simulator itself or any Simulator for that matter. Am I correct? Yes. Sim is shorthand for simulation and is generally used to describe the software (SW) that performs that simulation.

 

What are the modifier keys? Am I correct identifying them as: Ctrl, Shift, Alt, Win, Fn, Home, End, Page Up, Page Down, etc.?

 

The modifier keys can be anything but in these sims they are usually the left and right shift (SHFT), control (CTRL), and alt (ALT) keys. There is also some use of the left and right Windows key and maybe also the applications key. Within the sim under OPTIONS/CONTROLS, you can choose to reassign modifiers (which I don't recommend unless you know what you are doing). You can also add another modifier key if you felt you needed to (again, I'd stick with the defaults until you are more familiar with the control assignments).

 

Note to all: I can only spend an hour or so at a time learning this simulator program. So, if I seem to break away then I'll be back time permitting another time soon. Thank you for your efforts to answer my questions. Good day to all.

 

Hope this hasn't muddied the waters too much. :smilewink: Keep at it and it will soon become second nature.

[AustinN360]

To Boberro:

 

You're avatar graphic is awesome! It really hits home as to how I currently feel regarding learning how to use this combat flight simulator. But it's people like you who are helping me get through this learning curve. Thank you.

 

What's this? "keyboard to standard 101 keys IIRC" ? What does IIRC mean? (Geez, I feel so uninformed.)

 

Okay, how do I figure out the Mouse's X, Y and Z axis's?

 

P.S. Please keep viewing this thread because I'm gonna have more questions on the same subject matter of this thread.

 

IIRC is shorthand for If I Remember Correctly not to be confused with IRL which is In Real Life.