Typing in CDU

[Spitfire2170]

I was browsing through the manual, and I thought of someting while looking at the creating a waypoint section. I looked throug the manual more, and couldnt find an answer. Is there a way to use the keyboard to enter numbers and characters into the CDU quickly?:helpsmilie:

[rud]

There's an FSX addon called 737 Pilot in Command that models that planes FMC/CDU pretty well. They included a pretty handy keyboard shortcut, ctrl+k I think it was, that lets you type using the keyboard directly but of course also prevents you from manipulating the regular controls with the keyboard while it's toggled. I think that's pretty much what you're asking about.

 

There isn't a feature like that in DCS as far as I know, it might be a pretty nifty addition at some point.

[johnv2pt0]

If you have a modifier key on your joystick you can simply use that in the options of game itself.

 

As an example, I use the paddle on the warthog stick as my modifier. Then all you have to do is go through all the cdu keys and add that modifier to them in the options. So I hold the modifier with my flying hand and then type with my throttle hand on the keyboard. Works well for me ~

[rob10]

If you have a modifier key on your joystick you can simply use that in the options of game itself.

 

DOHHHH!! :doh: So simple but so not obvious. Brilliant idea! Now I just have to find a key to use for the modifier.

[delta9856]

If you have a modifier key on your joystick you can simply use that in the options of game itself.

 

As an example, I use the paddle on the warthog stick as my modifier. Then all you have to do is go through all the cdu keys and add that modifier to them in the options. So I hold the modifier with my flying hand and then type with my throttle hand on the keyboard. Works well for me ~

 

Thats a really great idea! Im going to try this with my Hogtas and see if i like it. rep incomming :)

[deephack]

@johnv2pt0

 

You are one smart chappie.

 

+REP

[Xxx]

If you have a modifier key on your joystick you can simply use that in the options of game itself.

 

As an example, I use the paddle on the warthog stick as my modifier. Then all you have to do is go through all the cdu keys and add that modifier to them in the options. So I hold the modifier with my flying hand and then type with my throttle hand on the keyboard. Works well for me ~

 

Which key have you bound as your"modifier"?

 

If I am understanding correctly, you would, for example, use rCTRL as the modifier, then add rCTRL in the keybindings for the CDU keypresses. So when the modifier is held and you type in the keyboard, the CDU registers the presses?

 

I am just thinking of possible binding conflicts. Nice idea and I will give it a try when back on my sim macine!

[MTFDarkEagle]

Which key have you bound as your"modifier"?

 

I use the paddle on the warthog stick as my modifier.

 

:)

[Xxx]

:)

 

So you just hold a key on your stick and then type in from your keyboard? Or am I missing some steps here?

[MTFDarkEagle]

That's what it boils down to yes.

[Frostiken]

Dammit, I don't have any free buttinz on my joystick, just my throttle... :/

[JHepburn]

I just mapped every alpha key on my keyboard to the appropriate key on the CDU. It works great! (just don't press 'G' to raise/lower the gear)...

[mckee14]

sidenote: you can assign a SWITCH button in the options, instead of a MODIFIER.

 

it's basically doing the same thing, but you don't have to hold it down. if you add button22 on joystick as SWITCH in the options, you only have to press it once, then you can use the keyboard with both hands, and press the button22 again to "unlock" the SWITCH status.

 

if you don't have free buttons on your joystick, you can "free" up the arrow-keys on the keyboard in the options. (they are for nose up/down and rolling left/right, so to no real use anyway)

then, use one of them as SWITCH instead of a joystick button...

[rob10]

sidenote: you can assign a SWITCH button in the options, instead of a MODIFIER.

 

Awesome, thanks :thumbup:. All the tips like this are what keeps me coming back to this board multiple times a day.

[bartleby]

Huh. Just tried setting up a switch in options. Doesn't seem to be taking. Anyone else able to do so?

[hog_driver111th]

There are only 10 or so keys that use the actual key (ie: M=Master Mode, G=Gear, Space=gun). What I did was change those to LCTL+key, and update my stick's profile. I do have a button on my stick (cougar) for gear, so raising it isn't a problem. This makes it so I can type as fast as my fat fingers can on the CDU without the need to hold down a button on the stick.

[cichlidfan]

Very cool indeed. If I ever get good enough at everything else, this will be very handy.

[Xxx]

Huh. Just tried setting up a switch in options. Doesn't seem to be taking. Anyone else able to do so?

 

+1

 

I am unable to use the "switch" function, it does not "set" so the keyboard can be used. It works as a modifier, but then all the CDU keys need the modifier in the assignments?

 

Any chance of some further instruction?:helpsmilie: