UFC

[mr_mojo97]

Hi all, has anyone tried using on of these as a UFC and if so how good is it?

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mini-2-4GHz-Wireless-Bluetooth-Rii-Keyboard-Touchpad-USB-Receiver-For-PC-Laptop-/280888647440?pt=UK_Computing_ComputerComponents_KeyboardsMice&hash=item4166449f10

[cichlidfan]

Hi all, has anyone tried using on of these as a UFC and if so how good is it?

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mini-2-4GHz-Wireless-Bluetooth-Rii-Keyboard-Touchpad-USB-Receiver-For-PC-Laptop-/280888647440?pt=UK_Computing_ComputerComponents_KeyboardsMice&hash=item4166449f10

 

It is just a keyboard. It will be seen as another keyboard sending the same functions as your regular keyboard.

[mr_mojo97]

I thought it would do just that mate. But would I be able to map buttons from that to the UFC section in the Options menu of DCS? Just a thought as I want to make a UFC without spending a fortune.

[cichlidfan]

I thought it would do just that mate. But would I be able to map buttons from that to the UFC section in the Options menu of DCS? Just a thought as I want to make a UFC without spending a fortune.

 

You can't map buttons from it because the sim will not see it as a separate keyboard (it won't have a column in the options menu). Windows will see two keyboards that do the exact same thing.

 

It is rather like the setup I am typing on right now. A laptop with a wireless keyboard connected. I have run A-10 on it but I still only have one keyboard as far as the sim is concerned. The same thing for connecting a second mouse. The sim will not see it.

 

EDIT: The cheapest (easiest) route I can think of is to get a Logitech G13 and program it. I have seen a UFC profile for one somewhere around here.

Edited June 18, 2012 by cichlidfan

[mr_mojo97]

Ok, thanks for that. I noticed you had Helios too mate. I've got a spare 19in monitor that I was thinking about using for my MFCDs, do you think it would be worthwhile using a monitor this size for the MFCDs and maybe the UFC as well. It's not a touch screen monitor though. Although I have seen some touch screen things that go over normal monitors to make them touchscreen - are these any good do you know? Cheers

[Harzach]

Perhaps a second programmable keyboard, like something by RAZER or the like? I use a pair of Genovation Controlpads for UFC/CDU and a few other functions, which are a little expensive, but you could get a single full-sized programmable keyboard for $70US or less.

[mr_mojo97]

Cheers for that mate. I'll look into programmable keyboards. I only wanted a small one as it'll be in front of me but there are a couple of options out there. like the Genovation Controlpad 682 you mentioned looks more the size I'd prefer. Ta

[cichlidfan]

Ok, thanks for that. I noticed you had Helios too mate. I've got a spare 19in monitor that I was thinking about using for my MFCDs, do you think it would be worthwhile using a monitor this size for the MFCDs and maybe the UFC as well. It's not a touch screen monitor though. Although I have seen some touch screen things that go over normal monitors to make them touchscreen - are these any good do you know? Cheers

 

I don't know anything about the touch screen overlays. I have seen them in adverts but never considered them as they just seem too much of a hack.

 

I did use Helios before I got the touch screen and it is still quite useful. If you are not using TrackIR then it can be very nice for panels that are less accessable, otherwise just having your MFDs and such is still quite convenient. I also found that a second mouse (a left handed model) to be quite handy. I am right handed but the lefty mouse was good for hitting switches without taking my right hand from the stick.

[shagrat]

Cheers for that mate. I'll look into programmable keyboards. I only wanted a small one as it'll be in front of me but there are a couple of options out there. like the Genovation Controlpad 682 you mentioned looks more the size I'd prefer. Ta

There's a total simple solution with the keyboard or ANY keyboard, depending on your Joystick.

-Set any key you do not use on your stick as a MODIFIER.

-Now map in DCS: Modifier+A as CDU A

- ...Modifier+B as CDU B etc.

-If you use a TM Warthog HOTAS you can "move" the default G for Gear up/down to modifier+Silence L/G Horn on the throttle for Gear up/down (I use the paddle switch on the stick as modifier) now there shouldn't be any necessary key on the keyboard left. So you can assign all standard ABC and BACKSPACE, No. Keys etc. to the keyboard. :smartass:

EDIT: to be precise - with no keys necessary on the keyboard to press you can directly assign ALL A,B,C,...Z buttons plus ENTER, BACKSPACE for Clear and NUMBERS to the keyboard. The whole CDU to type TGT waypoint names or enter coordinates...

Edited June 18, 2012 by shagrat

[Harzach]

There's a total simple solution with the keyboard or ANY keyboard, depending on your Joystick.

-Set any key you do not use on your stick as a MODIFIER.

-Now map in DCS: Modifier+A as CDU A

- ...Modifier+B as CDU B etc.

-If you use a TM Warthog HOTAS you can "move" the default G for Gear up/down to modifier+Silence L/G Horn on the throttle for Gear up/down (I use the paddle switch on the stick as modifier) now there shouldn't be any necessary key on the keyboard left. So you can assign all standard ABC and BACKSPACE, No. Keys etc. to the keyboard. :smartass:

EDIT: to be precise - with no keys necessary on the keyboard to press you can directly assign ALL A,B,C,...Z buttons plus ENTER, BACKSPACE for Clear and NUMBERS to the keyboard. The whole CDU to type TGT waypoint names or enter coordinates...

 

Good point, shagrat!

[mr_mojo97]

I use a Warthog yes, I just wanted to have a UFC to make the sim more immersive. Good idea about the mapping of Warthog buttons though for some items. I've started using VAC for radio so a I have a couple of others like gear up/ down is on there too as well as pause, eject and exit. Maybe I'll add some UFC functions to it. I ended up buying a Logitech G13 to see what that's like as a UFC. Less main keyboard commands the better I reckon

[Nu-NRG]

Might I be so bold to point out default keyboard maps for CDU in the DCS with LEFT CTRL and LEFT WIn key :D

 

I have my keyboard mapped to CDU and I hardly ever touch UFC.