Xbox 360 gamepad pre-sets

[Jumbik]

Hello everybody. So I have found about DCS few days back and was playing since on my keyboard and mouse controls. I was able to take off at least :)

 

I own x360 controller for PC and as It is my only controller that has some analogue inputs on it I though I will give it a try...

 

But man that basic pre-set is just horrible. Throttle control especially.

 

I will eventually do my own control setup but before I will do so I would like to ask fellow pilots something.

 

Is there any site/mod where I could get already created pre-sets for x360 gamepad for DCS? Or does anybody here have some already?

 

Thanks for any info at all.

[Home Fries]

Since there's no slider on the Xbox controller, there's no way to properly map a throttle from within DCS. You would need to program a relative axis, and you would need some 3rd party software to do that (since you can't directly program the Xbox controller in Windows). Even the HOTAS controller for the Xbox doesn't have a slider axis, but uses a relative axis for throttle (it actually uses the throttle quadrants as the two analog triggers).

 

You need to decide whether DCS and flight sims are for you, and to what degree, because that will dictate your investment. If you just want to get your feet wet to see if this is for you, then many recommend the Logitech Extreme 3D Pro joystick (which goes for $20-30US). Logitech has its own GUI programming interface, and the stick includes a throttle axis and a twist rudder.

 

If you know flight simming is for you and you want to go all-in, you'll want to pick up a HOTAS (stick and throttle combination). Your budget and programming skills will help you with your choice, but there is a lot out there to help you with your decision. Also, whether you wish to stick with the Su-25T and Flaming Cliffs 3 level aircraft or go with a hardcore module like the A-10C Warthog will be a deciding factor on which HOTAS you choose.

 

Regardless of what HOTAS you choose to go with, you will eventually want to get real rudder pedals and unmap the twist rudder as soon as you can.

 

I know this doesn't answer your question, but I'm not sure that there is a good answer.

Edited January 21, 2014 by Home Fries

[Jumbik]

Thank you a lot for your answer. Now I know that the throttle pads on x360 will not work as I want them anyway and I can move on for some other solution.

 

My friend has the Logitech Extreme 3D pro joystick so I will borrow it and check for my self.

 

I LOVE how this game is made. I saw already few videos about the other DLC's and to be honest I'm most interested in the Ka-50 one.

 

I know that the controls for Helis are completely different to the planes regarding to how you have to control them. So if I would go the helicopter way, does your advise still apply to what controller to choose?

 

I originally thought that the gamepad would eventually be a good way how to control the Heli, but if the back analogues cannot be set properly as pedals for example then I will have to buy something else.

[Faith]

Jumbik, as an interim measure for throttle control you might be able to map the right and left bumper on the xbox controller to the "page up" and "page down" keyboard assignments to increase and decrease throttle. It won't be as comfortable as an axis assignment but at least your throttle will be on the controller instead of keyboard.

 

Try not to get frustrated with the sim using a xbox controller since it is designed for a basic joystick at least and really shines with a HOTAS. In that regard I would highly recommend you checking out the Saitek X-55 HOTAS controller that is soon to be released. It would be a great entry joystick if you know you are serious about flight simming in the future and would work well with the study sims such as Ka-50/A-10C/MiG-21 and also the Flaming Cliffs aircraft.

[Home Fries]

Thank you a lot for your answer. Now I know that the throttle pads on x360 will not work as I want them anyway and I can move on for some other solution.

 

My friend has the Logitech Extreme 3D pro joystick so I will borrow it and check for my self.

 

I LOVE how this game is made. I saw already few videos about the other DLC's and to be honest I'm most interested in the Ka-50 one.

 

I know that the controls for Helis are completely different to the planes regarding to how you have to control them. So if I would go the helicopter way, does your advise still apply to what controller to choose?

 

I originally thought that the gamepad would eventually be a good way how to control the Heli, but if the back analogues cannot be set properly as pedals for example then I will have to buy something else.

 

Honestly, going with the Ka-50 doesn't really narrow your options any. The conventional wisdom is that force feedback is more important in helos than in fixed wing due to force trim, and I tend to agree. However, the Ka-50 has enough stuff on both the stick and collective that I still prefer to use a HOTAS for it, and it has enough stability augmentation that using a centering HOTAS (as opposed to a force trim stick) isn't difficult at all. If you want to fly the Huey, though, a FFB stick is much more important.

 

That said, if you go with any helo you really want separate rudder pedals, as you need to use them constantly and with a precise touch.

Edited January 21, 2014 by Home Fries

[Jumbik]

Thank you for your replies. I will try to map the controller somehow so it could use both analogue inputs. I have already thought about the digital button throtle as you have sugested and it seems to be the best way at the moment. I will borrow the logitech joystick and then see where it will take me. :)

[doveman]

I've used the Xbox360 controller with the KA-50 and I actually find it rather better for controlling the cyclic (pitch/bank) than my Thrustmaster Hotas X stick, as that's just not precise/sensitive enough and has too large a deadzone to be able to make the fine adjustments necessary to balance the helo. I don't really find it practical for overall control of the helo though and really need a proper throttle/stick so I'm looking at alternative HOTAS at the moment. The Thrustmaster 16000M http://www.thrustmaster.com/products/t16000m has hall sensors and I've been told is great for controlling the KA-50 but I really need a proper throttle and the extra buttons under my left hand, so I might have to save up for the Saitek X55 http://www.saitek.com/x55/ or similar, which will also be good for the A-10C.

 

For planes it's probably fine though, although a bit short on hats/buttons for something like the A10C but here the Xbox360 controller comes in very useful again, as I can use the two sticks and D-Pad for the DMS/CMS/TMS and the four buttons for the Coolie Switch or Mic Switch. Then I can use three buttons on the stick for the Boat Switch and (with modifier buttons) the Pinky Switch and China Hat.

 

I use Xpadder just to map the controller buttons outside of DCSW to the default keyboard commands as I find it makes it easier having a visual display of the mappings both as I do them and for later tweaking and reference but I'm sure you could do just fine mapping everything within DCSW controller settings.

Edited January 22, 2014 by doveman