Overwhelmed with questions. Ill start with one.

[bloomstomb]

hello all.

 

I am in the navigation training session in a10.

 

Im at the part where its talking about working with tad page, and selecting it as sensor of interest (soi). It says to do so press and hold the hotas coolie hat left command or h on the keyboard.

 

Is this how it works in the real plane as well?

 

 

Or do they just press the tad OSB 15 as I can do in game?

 

For the sake of immersion I wanted to avoid using keyboard or any hotas that these guys didnt have.

 

On that note, I have been noticing alot of "press this key on the keyboard" where it does not show you the button to press in the virtual cockpit.

 

 

 

OK here is a perfect example. I want to increase tad scale map. Its asking me to press a hotas dms down command OR the end key.

 

What did a10 pilots do in reality? Did he have a keyboard where he had to press the END key? Seems unlikely.

Edited March 27, 2011 by bloomstomb

[MTFDarkEagle]

Yep it's real. If you look in the manual, you can see a picture of the HOTAS. The coolie hat is on the back of the right throttle.

 

You can use both the cooliehat, or the OSB keys.

The h-key is a keybind for the cooliehat.

 

So, in fact, the keybindings that are given for HOTAS functions, just point to the relevant HOTAS button.

 

You might be interested in the Thrustmaster Warthog. It's a replica of the A-10C Hotas system, and is plug-and-play in dcs a-10c. So if you are asked to press TMS up short for example, you do it :)

Edited March 27, 2011 by MTFDarkEagle

[bloomstomb]

Yep it's real. If you look in the manual, you can see a picture of the HOTAS. The coolie hat is on the back of the right throttle.

 

You can use both the cooliehat, or the OSB keys.

The h-key is a keybind for the cooliehat.

 

Ok how about my last question about scaling on tds. was there no OSB and it was done only on the hotas?

 

Thanks for the reply.

 

 

Also I have a thrustmaster 16000 , as well as a gaming pad I could possibly use for hotas commands . Id like to stick with as much imesrion as I can, and for the sake of it, Im open to suggestions as how I should go about doing this.

 

I am limited in the number of joysticks I can use because I am delegated to use the correct (left) hand when flying:)

[bartleby]

HOTAS stands for "hands-on throttle and stick." In other words, the idea that you can control most of the avionics and weapon systems while still keeping your hands on the controls. The coolie hat, china hat, tms, dms, cms, etc switches and hats are all on the throttle or the stick. That's how it works in the plane. Of course, you could use the OSBs if you wanted to, but that's just another option.

 

Learning the hotas switchology is really essential to being able to fly effectively. Practice until you can accomplish all the different functions by memory.

 

Ok how about my last question about scaling on tds. was there no OSB and it was done only on the hotas?

 

Thanks for the reply.

 

 

Also I have a thrustmaster 16000 , as well as a gaming pad I could possibly use for hotas commands . Id like to stick with as much imesrion as I can, and for the sake of it, Im open to suggestions as how I should go about doing this.

 

I am limited in the number of joysticks I can use because I am delegated to use the correct (left) hand when flying:)

 

Yeah, there are a lot of functions that are only on the hotas.

 

Hm, as for the joystick. It looks like it has a hat switch. Only one, though? You might be able to set up a switch as a modifier and effectively add another, but that could be annoying. I'm not sure if using a game pad as an alternate controller would be too fiddly or not. Might be worth a try. Otherwise you'd probably have to use the keyboard.

Edited March 27, 2011 by bartleby

[MTFDarkEagle]

It is done on the HOTAS. You set the TAD as SPI (Coolie hat left long, or a for me not known keybind :P --> rt(f)m), and use DMS up/down to scale up or down.

 

I can't help you with your gaming pad, as I don't use one. If you want as much immersion as you possibly can get, I would highly suggest investing in the TM warthog. It van be very expensive, but A) its a one time purchase, and B) it's very high quality.

[EtherealN]

It says to do so press and hold the hotas coolie hat left command or h on the keyboard.

 

Is this how it works in the real plane as well?

 

Yes, he holds coolie hat left.

 

Or do they just press the tad OSB 15 as I can do in game?

 

No, he holds coolie hat left.

 

On that note, I have been noticing alot of "press this key on the keyboard" where it does not show you the button to press in the virtual cockpit.

 

"A lot"? The only case I can think of is engines on, which requires either keyboard or the Warthog HOTAS.

 

OK here is a perfect example. I want to increase tad scale map. Its asking me to press a hotas dms down command OR the end key.

 

What did a10 pilots do in reality? Did he have a keyboard where he had to press the END key? Seems unlikely.

 

No, he presses the DMS Down...

 

Here's something that might explain it:

Pages 83 to 90 in the manual.

;)

Edited March 27, 2011 by EtherealN

[mia389]

 

You might be interested in the Thrustmaster Warthog. It's a replica of the A-10C Hotas system, and is plug-and-play in dcs a-10c. So if you are asked to press TMS up short for example, you do it :)

 

Its only $500.00.

 

You can get any joystick. The more buttons the better. You can always setup modifiers as well. I use CH products. Its a bit cheaper than the Thrustmaster and I have had it for 5 years now with no problems.

[MTFDarkEagle]

Yes, off course you can get "any" joystick. But if you want the maximum realism for the a-10c, there is only 1 option ;) (well 2 of you count stealing a real hotas from a real a-10c :D )

[mia389]

Page 84 - 90 in the manual really helped me with what the buttons do. I suggest printing them pages out. I have been playing non stop since I bought the sim and I still have to reference them pages from time to time.

[bartleby]

"A lot"? The only case I can think of is engines on, which requires either keyboard or the Warthog HOTAS.

I think he's referring to when the tutorial requires hotas commands. Those don't show up in yellow, I think. That might be confusing.

[bloomstomb]

Its only $500.00.

 

You can get any joystick. The more buttons the better. You can always setup modifiers as well. I use CH products. Its a bit cheaper than the Thrustmaster and I have had it for 5 years now with no problems.

 

wow.. 500 .. well I think Ill stick to my tm 16000k . My wife would go jihad on me because I JUST got trackir 5.

 

Im trying to just use joystick and mouse.

 

 

Can someone tell me how to zoom in and out with mouse wheel? I tried to set it up and it doesnt take. So at the moment Im using the hat to zoom in and out but I know I have to change that.

[bloomstomb]

I think he's referring to when the tutorial requires hotas commands. Those don't show up in yellow, I think. That might be confusing.

 

Thats exactly what I was reffering to but now Im clear on what I must do (set up hotas). Looking for that flightstick picture in the manual now so I can get close as possible.

[EtherealN]

I think he's referring to when the tutorial requires hotas commands. Those don't show up in yellow, I think. That might be confusing.

 

Ah, okey, yeah - that's another case of the manual pages I listed then.

The training missions do NOT replace the manual. You will need to consult it. (Remember, actual A-10C pilots spend years learning this stuff. If it was possible to do it with a few game missions we'd be a lot less impressed when meeting a combat pilot... :P )

[bloomstomb]

Do I have any other realistic choices aside from CH and thrustmaster warthog?

 

I know theres a saitek(x52) with a throttle and lots hot hotas.

 

Anyone use that?

 

 

Also zooming in , how do you guys do it? Ive been trying to assign it to the mouse wheel with no luck.

 

Thx again for reps.

[EtherealN]

x52 works fine, though the Hog stick is leagues better. (I switched from x52 to Hog.) Regarding zoom, I generally do not zoom. I have a targeting pod for that kind of stuff. :P

[MTFDarkEagle]

I switched from a x52 to a hog, just like Et. It's fine if the wh is beyond the budget :)

[jeffyd123]

howdy and welcome...

 

First off, call your wife fat then slap her in the face.... she will then totally let you get that new stick. Trust me , I know how to handle girls....

 

If the above doesnt work, then you MAY have to stay with your old stick...

 

Check out the training tool I adapted for learning the HOTAS commands.

>>>>>>>> http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=69610

 

One other thing you can try is to just buy the stick and see if your wife notices... I bet she wont LOL. If she does, tell her you "Modded" it.

 

If she goes Jihad, then buy her a sewing machine or "The Sims"... its like catnip for women.

 

I used to have a business selling gaming PCs so Ive been through this quite a bit actually.

 

 

BTW, I bought a Saitek X65 for about $280 shipped and Im happy with it. I couldnt afford a Hog, but they are the best.

 

Good luck my son...

 

Jeff

Edited March 27, 2011 by jeffyd123

[bloomstomb]

I guess you get what you pay for . Hog is 6x more expensive.

 

Im also looking at the x-65f. Im def going to get the x52 or this i think.

 

 

Also the targeting pod, sorry noob question but is that a part of the a10 system ? Were the pilots not able to zoom, because if not then I will just stick to imersion.

 

thx

[bloomstomb]

howdy and welcome...

 

First off, call your wife fat then slap her in the face.... she will then totally let you get that new stick. Trust me , I know how to handle girls....

 

If the above doesnt work, then you MAY have to stay with your old stick...

 

Check out the training tool I adapted for learning the HOTAS commands.

>>>>>>>> http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=69610

 

One other thing you can try is to just buy the stick and see if your wife notices... I bet she wont LOL. If she does, tell her you "Modded" it.

 

If she goes Jihad, then buy her a sewing machine or "The Sims"... its like catnip for women.

 

I used to have a business selling gaming PCs so Ive been through this quite a bit actually.

 

Good luck my son...

 

Jeff

 

 

Haha.... Thanks for the advice.

 

And checking out that url now.

[MTFDarkEagle]

Where do you live?

 

If you are also looking at the x-65f might I point to the fact that the wh is cheaper than the x-65f on amazon.co.uk at the moment..

 

On the TGP: You can zoom with the TGP: set TGP as SPI, use China hat fwd short to switch between wide and narrow fov, and use dms up/short for further zooming.

[EtherealN]

Also the targeting pod, sorry noob question but is that a part of the a10 system ? Were the pilots not able to zoom, because if not then I will just stick to imersion.

 

A-10C uses the Litening TGP. Displays on MFCD and is fully integrated with all weapon and sensor systems.

[jeffyd123]

I use zoom on one of my rotaries as a compensator for looking at a monitor instead of looking out of a highly polished canopy.

 

And Yes, I forgot to mention that CH makes good stuff at a reasonable price... you should look at them too.

[bartleby]

wow.. 500 .. well I think Ill stick to my tm 16000k . My wife would go jihad on me because I JUST got trackir 5.

 

Im trying to just use joystick and mouse.

 

 

Can someone tell me how to zoom in and out with mouse wheel? I tried to set it up and it doesnt take. So at the moment Im using the hat to zoom in and out but I know I have to change that.

 

There's also the Logitech G940...which is slightly controversial, but actually a fairly decent deal for the price. It includes rudders. They're not that important for DCS A-10, but if you want to fly IL-2 or Rise of Flight, they're nice. It works for me, but other people have been rather annoyed by it. So, ymmv, as in so much.

[tmahring]

There's also the Logitech G940...which is slightly controversial, but actually a fairly decent deal for the price. It includes rudders. They're not that important for DCS A-10, but if you want to fly IL-2 or Rise of Flight, they're nice. It works for me, but other people have been rather annoyed by it. So, ymmv, as in so much.

 

Yes, the centering spring emulated with force feedback can be really anoying in the beginning. But after some tweaking with the force sliders you can get used to it and then its a great system.

If you don't want to spend too much money I would recommend it.

[bloomstomb]

Hey guys, I cant find anything in the guide about this, but what is

 

Hotas cms forward/down/left/right/ z axis?

 

 

I did a search in flight manual and no hits, BUT the option is there in hotas commands menu ingame.