SurClaro Flight Simulator Resources

Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2009 11:50 pm Post subject: Unnamed cockpit switches

How to find out which key functions relate to which cockpit switches? Some switches in the cockpit are not named... How do I find them on the Controls list and later map with my X52 progile editor???
Thnx!

Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2009 5:21 am Post subject:

if you could supply a picture of your panel, then I or probably Mel could figure out what the switches are then could tell you a way to go about getting that command on your flight stick.

Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2009 8:00 am Post subject:

Hello,

My name is Darek Gurtowski. I was a friend of Steve Hinson shortly before he passed away.

Sorry, but the comment in this spot has been edited out by Ardie / RD, for reasons of security of the "Phoenix Project". For anyone in the know, you may PM me (Glenn-Chris). That is all. RD

I have recently bought the IRIS F-14A/B Tomcat PRO package and I must admit that the flight model has been significantly improved. I enjoy flying this bird in FSX and that is why I started configuring my X52+Rudder Pedals from Saitek to do the job without having to take my hands of the HOTAS.
I got stuck however within three areas:

1. I have a few VC switches that are unlabelled and I simply don't know which actions are connected to them in the Settings/Controls menu. Let me give you the list:
- Extending and retracting the Refuelling Boom
- All 5 HUD modes
- Fuel Dump On/Off
I would really appreciate if you helped me in finding their key mappings.

2. I have experienced a strange behaviour of two key bindings:
- "." which works as the wheel brake for all wheels has a habit of "disappearing" in certain moments. Sometimes I press it and it works just fine, sometimes not only the effect of braking is missing but also the red lower left corner information window saying BRAKES doesn't appear... I suspected this could be related to me pressing toebrakes together on the Rudder Pedals and somehow resetting the keyboard mapping for ".", until it turned out that sometimes both of those braking methods would work at the same time! Using Rudder toebrkaes doesn't conflict with using the keyboard ".". I am clueless...
- Same thing goes to the Oversweep option. I have created a non-conflict mapping for this feature (Shift+#) only to learn that although when pressing the VC switch with my mouse all works fine, pressing the above mentioned key combo results in the wings oversweeping and then instantly starting to return to their un-overswept position... As I said - all the required circumstances for this effect to take place were met as it worked when pressed from inside the cockpit. Only using the keyboard (or the mapped X52 button) made the wings go back and forward again... Why?

3. Now, the third and last issue I'm having is related to the Flaps. I believe they can be mapped to the big Rotary One on the X52 Throttle. FSX allows that in the Axis menu but the flaps only seem to react within 50% of the rotary's movement area... even with Sensitivity set to 100% and Null Zone to 0%. Physically, the rotary twists for about 180 degrees but only last 90 degrees of that movement make the Flaps react - from 0% to 50% they remain stationary. This may be to the way IRIS had their Tomcat modelled but perhaps the movement area can be "extended" to cover the rotary's WHOLE area of movement. This way it would be more precise. As a matter of fact using 50% of the rotary for implementing 4 Flap positions is way too little. Imprecise settings lead to the flaps changing state on their own (because the borders are too close to each other and the rotary has a habit of "shaking")! Constantly keeping an eye (and ear) on the flap lever is something a Tomcateer cannot afford when being on the final... Wink

Failing to set that up right I even tried to create Bands in the X52 Profile Editor. The "flaps fully extended" and "fully retracted" settings are easy to acquire with the use of an advanced command (e.g. when the rotary is Max down I made the F8 being pressed for 0.1 seconds). However, the two "mid-way" flap positions cannot work both ways (while lowering and retracting flaps) as they are not separately mapped. F6 and F7 only make them go one step down on or up... Having them setup as Bands would lead to their improper work. Again, I am clueless...

Well, I guess neither you or me was expecting this mail to grow THAT big... Sorry for that but I have tried three hours yesterday and failed in every aspect. I am quite new to FSX (flew FS9 thou) and I believe only help from someone experienced could save me from distress... Smile

I would certainly appreciate your help.
Thank you for reading... Wink

-darek

Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2009 8:42 am Post subject:

Darek, you have a PM. Please read it as soon as you can.

Ardie / RD

Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2009 11:22 pm Post subject:

flaps, put them on a "button" instead of the Throttle Rotary... they are controlled a lot better on buttons (see pic for button placement)

FUEL DUMP - SHIFT + D ... put it on one of the toggle buttons below the joystick.

refueling Boom???..... you mean the TAIL HOOK???? {mine is set to keys T + H} index finger button up-down on the throttle... see pic.

Breaks ..... "." key.... set it to TRIGGER on the joystick.

SPOILERS/speedbreaks - "/" key... i would set it as the PINKY TRIGGER

Landing Gear - G .. set it to the blue button above the small rotary on the Throttle {see pic}

----- RUDDER TRIM - DISABLE! make sure in your key assignments that there is nothing for RUDDER TRIM, cause the BIG ROTARY controls the rudder trim and if it gets bumped a hair, you will be back saying "WHY IS MY PLANE ALWAYS CRABBING AND I AM HAVING TO COMPENSATE FOR IT"

There are a few others but i would have to hook up my x-52 to get everything down on paper for you, and right now my 1 1/2 year old is tearing up the house.... Rolling Eyes

if you need a more detailed work up, just let me know and ill make one up for you.

Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2009 11:40 pm Post subject:

There is a basic set up for the buttons on the X-52 already, the flaps are usually controlled by the thumb activated button below the coolie cap on the stick side of things.

I might suggest that you take a look at the command buttons already set by FSX and then relate that information back to what makes you most comfortable during a flight.
It sounds as if you have already changed a few things though.