Control Tips for Folks with less than perfect controllers

[Fuggzy]

Mine, for example, is a stock Cougar HOTAS that's old and abused -- lots of spring slop around center, and a little bit of pot spiking in the first 1/4 of throws. Trying to get to an acceptable level of control has been a real summabich, but gents... I believe I've arrived. Here's how I got there:

 

First off, after much struggle I found that I had to get my Cougar calibrated correctly at a base level using the Cougar HOTAS utility. Bypassing putting in the time to do that properly only means frustration. I first did as careful a calibration I could to get all the raw values in accurately. Then I set NO curves (all linear) in the Cougar, and then carefully set Center deadzones on X and Y axis so that movement of the stick would only affect input at the precise moment I begin to push against the spring tensions -- in effect, I made all the mechanical slop at center null and void for input. This was probably the biggest gain for good control, as now I can really feel when I am inputting. My deadzones ended up being 15% on Y, and 12% on X. After doing those two things, carefully calibrating and setting deadzones, I am able to visually see a substantial increase in smoothness and precision in the Utility's Input Viewer. Pot spikes are way less noticeable too, for whatever reason. Victory!

 

After much playing around with Axis curves in the sim, I saw mentioned on here that reducing the Y Saturation on the pitch and roll axis could be helpful. I set all axis back to straight linear (0 curve values), and then set Cyclic Pitch and Roll both to 70% Y Saturation. VOILA! Amazingly solid control of the Huey now, it's like a different beast altogether. :) Granted, lower saturation values reduces the max throw available, but the way I figure it is if you ever find yourself wanting for more max deflection, you're doing it wrong in the first place! Reducing Y saturation effectively reduces sensitivity along the whole axis travel, while avoiding all of the weirdness that comes with curves.

 

Anyways, hope this might give folks with crappy controllers like me some things to chew on and try. There is hope, keep at it.