New to this sim - Quick Question -

Delerium · June 26, 2011

Hi Guys,

Just bought this Sim yesterday and it looks gooooddd! I've use to be a FSX user for a couple of month.

Little (maybe stupid) question:

- Is there a way to easily maintain altitude?

I'm using a analog gamepad so the stick always go back to the center, making it hard to keep altitude... I'm planning on buying the TM HOTAS in a couple of week but meanwhile... is there a way to do so?

Thanks, have a good day.

Nate--IRL-- · June 26, 2011

Try engaging the Autopilot. That will maintain your current heading and altitude, by default. Press A to engage it. You could also try trimming the A-10 too.

To trim use the Right CTRL Key and ; (Down) . (Up) , (Left) and / (Right)

Nate

CarneyUK · June 26, 2011

You have 2 options, one is autopilot on the left hand side just behind the throttle, or the other is trim (can't remember the key strokes). If you have ever flown Black shark by DCS, then you will soon realise you need to trim a lot, so until you get your HOTAS, it will always be difficult. I use the hat switch for trim and it get's used a lot!!

Either way it will still be hard using the joypad.

shagrat · June 26, 2011

Hi Guys,
Little (maybe stupid) question:
- Is there a way to easily maintain altitude?

I'm using a analog gamepad so the stick always go back to the center, making it hard to keep altitude... I'm planning on buying the TM HOTAS in a couple of week but meanwhile... is there a way to do so?

Thanks, have a good day.

Yes, but it may complicate things. There is a Trim Coolie Hat on the HOTAS. You may map this to four buttons or a stick etc.

Unfortunately this won't guarantee a level flight (changing winds, each drop of a weapon changing balance etc.)...:joystick:

I guess it is worth waiting for the Warthog HOTAS to show up. :thumbup:

EDIT: The Autopilot has three modes. One is "Alt" hold which enables you to circle when setting up weapons or inputing JTAC infos... very useful!

Edited June 26, 2011 by shagrat
Autopilot Alt

Delerium · June 26, 2011

Woooww!

Thanks guys for all those quick answer, really appreciated.

I have try the autopolit, which doesn't seems to work... .I have read that the autopilot will only engage if you are not banking too much, etc, etc, ... but I didn't find any light, indicator if the AP is on or not? Is it located somewhere?

Also another little one, is there a way to zoom into the cockpit? It's a bit hard to read the label of each buttons/selectors.

Thanks!

ilikepie · June 26, 2011

There is an indicator at the bottom left of the HUD, saying which AP mode is engaged when in use PATH/ALT&HDG/ALT you need to be under 5 degrees +/- pitch for it to engage. zoom keys default is NUMPAD * and /

EtherealN · June 26, 2011

You may also have to be in relatively good trim for it to be able to function.

Delerium · June 26, 2011

Thanks again!

I will try this later tonight (if time permit) ...

But after reading your comments, I think buying the TM HOTAS is the way to go... (hey... why do we have a credit card for?) :)

That being said, with the HOTAS, how easy it is to keep altitude? I mean, does the joystick stay in place when you stop touching it so it keep your current hdg / alt ?

Thanks all again ...

And I thought FSX was a learning curve!!! ;)

EtherealN · June 26, 2011

That being said, with the HOTAS, how easy it is to keep altitude? I mean, does the joystick stay in place when you stop touching it so it keep your current hdg / alt ?

No, it does not. You use two methods to stabilize:

1 - the trim hat on the stick. Flip that until stable. This is a point of training - you should do this without really thinking about it.

2 - AutoPilot. You have AP switch on the throttle, and a mode switch on the throttle's LASTE panel - PATH, ALT/HHDG, and ALT.

What the Trimmer does is that it changes the centrepoint, so when you drim down the stick centre physically will mean what previouysly was a little aft pressure on the stick. So if you find yourself needing a little pressure back to keep stable, flip trim in that direction a few times and then you can release the stick. Same for assymetric loads left/right and so on.

Edited June 26, 2011 by EtherealN

EtherealN · June 26, 2011

Here's a video on TRIM:

Delerium · June 27, 2011

Wooow... You guys are a very helpful community!

I also stumble on the Saitek X65-F... I know that the TM HOTAS Warthdog is mostly built for DCS A-10 but since I'm also using FSX, the saitek seems **maybe** more versatile.

I have read a thread on this but it's 1 years one so I wonder what's your thought about this in 2011! ;)

I see the X65-F is about 450$ CDN, while the TM HOTAS Warthdog is around 500-520 CDN$. Unless you know a good place in Canada to buy (online if possible).

Thanks guys!

EtherealN · June 27, 2011

I'd personally suggest sticking with the TM Hog plan, though I haven't tried the X-65 myself. It's true that the A-10 is sort of "the focus" of the Hogstick, but it does come with full programming suite and everything does still work as a standard DirectInput controller, so it'll work quite fine for other simulators as well. (I've used my TM Hog in DCS:BS, Cliffs of Dover and Rise of Flight.)

Definitely do see if you can grab some input from an x-65 owner though. There might be something in the Input/Output forum section.

Wooow... You guys are a very helpful community!

We try. :)

Welcome to the party. :)

automag928 · June 27, 2011

Definitely do see if you can grab some input from an x-65 owner though. There might be something in the Input/Output forum section.

I've had an x-65 for a bit now, been meaning to put together some sort of review, but just havent had time. I came from an X52, non pro to the x-65. I scored a cheap one on ebay for about $150.00. Compared to the x52, the x-65 is night and day, hands down, considerably more impressive. Buttons, stick & throttle all feel more professional and solid. I also realized I use the keyboard less and less.

The pressure sensing at first was weird to get used to. It did not feel natural. But as I developed my HOTAS setup, and force settings, I've got it pretty much dialed in - the stick feels almost like an extension of my hand. The ability to dial in the force for instance, on gun runs, I crank up the force, the plane is much more stable and I've found I am much more successful on guns/rockets than before. But when I need to do more combat maneuvering, evading missiles etc, I lower the force setting and I barely have to touch it.

Anyways, the cost / performance ratio for me was perfect - the TM Warthog was just a bit more than I wanted to spend. The x65 works beautifully in DCS:BS, and FSX, But most of my stick time lately has been in the A-10C.

Sarge55 · June 27, 2011

Also check out the CH HOTAS as well, it's a good idea to get some feedback on those as well. I can't comment on the HOTAS but the pedals are great.

Welcome to A-10C...

BigBANGtheory · June 27, 2011

Many people (including myself) find that after aquiring a TM Hotas Warthog that you need pedals. Whilst you can map brakes and rudder control elsewhere it just feels wrong in practice.

In answer to your OP basically Trim, trim trim trim and more trim and also a decent joystick which doesn't drift.

EtherealN · June 27, 2011

Good point BigBang, didn't even think of that since I've gotten so used to having pedals. (Bought pedals before I even made the switch to using HOTAS.)

Jinja · June 27, 2011

Yeah I have Warthog, but use the simped-pedals method to use Brake and accel of my G25...

...am finding it very frustrating and pedals will definitely be my next purchase.

My 2 cents Delerium, if your wallet can hack it, go Warthog, as soon as you take it out of the box you'll know you made the right decision...

Delerium · June 27, 2011

Hi Guys,

I'm 2 clicks away of ordering the TM HOTAS... But I have last one:

I see the flightsick is mounted of a flat metal base. Is it stable enough or I have to "screw" it ?

Thanks, like always.

159th_Viper · June 27, 2011

Hi Guys,

I'm 2 clicks away of ordering the TM HOTAS... But I have last one:
I see the flightsick is mounted of a flat metal base. Is it stable enough or I have to "screw" it ?

Thanks, like always.

I have found that it's stable enough for ordinary use. 'OMGWTF' moments may see it deviating from the norm, depending on your Blood Pressure - even then it should not get very far :D

shagrat · June 27, 2011

Hi Guys,

I'm 2 clicks away of ordering the TM HOTAS... But I have last one:
I see the flightsick is mounted of a flat metal base. Is it stable enough or I have to "screw" it ?

Thanks, like always.

First thing you think about when lifting the TM Warthog from the case is: Will my table support the weight :D

The thought it might be to light, so I may twist it around never occurred to me, honestly :megalol:

EDIT: The stick base has about 3 kg weight alone... It is most unlikely you will push it around while flying

Edited June 27, 2011 by shagrat

Nu-NRG · June 27, 2011

I haven't lifted the plate yet .. :pilotfly:

ivanwfr · June 27, 2011

When I want to make sure something won't escape, I use UHU Tac Removable Adhesive - Phone, Hub, Fellowes (not gliding at all) palm support... and TM HOTAS :thumbup:

ilikepie · June 28, 2011

there are rubber feet on the metal plate that help stop unwanted movement, that combined with the weight and large surface area equate to little, if any, slippage.

BoneSaw · June 28, 2011

One thing about using trim and auto pilot to get the aircraft strait and level, that I didn't see in this thread.

Dead-zones dead-zones dead-zones.

Most sticks out of the box have no dead-zones set and as a result trying to fly this Hog is damn near impossiable. You'll be over correcting left and right, and up and down all the time, trying to line up the gun will be impossible.

Try setting a small dead-zone in the stick and see if that helps in the control-ability area.

Soul · June 28, 2011

Going off of what BoneSaw said, this is in the Sticky FAQ here on the forums. Start there maybe and then fine tune it to what feels best.

Q: Why are my controls too sensitive?

A: The default axis settings for the stick and be a bit touchy for some. If you feel this is the case or you. we suggest:

1- Select Options from Main Menu

2- Select Controls tab

3- From Category drop down list, select Axis Commands

4- Select Pitch for JOY Y and then press Axis Tune button

5- Set JOY Y Deadzone to 10 and Curvature to 30

6- Press Ok button

4- Select Roll for JOY X and then press Axis Tune button

5- Set JOY X Deadzone to 10 and Curvature to 30

6- Press Ok button

7- Press Ok button at bottom of screen to save changes.

Sign In

New to this sim - Quick Question -

Recommended Posts

Delerium

Nate--IRL--

CarneyUK

shagrat

Delerium

ilikepie

EtherealN

Delerium

EtherealN

EtherealN

Delerium

EtherealN

automag928

Sarge55

BigBANGtheory

EtherealN

Jinja

Delerium

159th_Viper

shagrat

Nu-NRG

ivanwfr

ilikepie

BoneSaw

Soul

Recently Browsing 0 members