On my Christmas list for MS2024 (and MS2020 Dev Upgrades) would be a peripheral binding more like what DCS uses. By that I mean you select throttle 1 and assign it to your left throttle, throttle 2 goes to your right throttle. No more six different throttle settings and, or Lvar throttles.
Another thing I have noticed recently, and wish removed, are multiple controllers set to the same function conflicting. An example is the flaps switch. I have a flap switch on the Honeycomb Bravo for use when flying GA aircraft. I have a flap switch on my left next to the Wingwin throttle assembly for use when flying military jets. I used to be able to assign each one to flaps and they didn’t conflict. Not anymore. I have noticed on some complex aircraft that with the lefthand throttle flaps switch up, I have no control of the Bravo flap handle. It somehow overrides the Bravo switch. This used to not happen.
I currently use three different add-on apps to set bindings, outside of MSFS. I don’t like to use the MSFS control settings, unless I only use that function for every airplane. For instance, external lighting bindings seems to be “mostly” universal. I can assign the strobe light in MSFS and it will work for just about every airplane. However, I don’t want to have to go into the Options/Controls and change it for each and every airplane. So I use FSUIPC, Lobry’s Axis and Ohs, and more recently Spad.next.
FSUIPC is what I have been using forever. It is a good solid app. Axis and Ohs is a graphical app with an easy to use UI. It is also the easiest application to change one function’s controller binding to another controller. It along with FSUIPC have some powerful features under the hood, if you are willing to read the manuals and experiment.
Spad,next is easily the most powerful app. However, it is also the most complicated. It allows you to download profiles that will automatically populate your controller with functions to switches or axis. However, it is impossible to change the functions without delving into the xml/lua code. I find it too difficult for this old man and only use it to find lvars and check if a controller switch is working.
While I am grateful to the makers of these apps, I feel like I shouldn’t really need them. The MSFS controls interface should be able to read the loaded airplane and automatically assign the controller functions based on the airplane’s profile. All three of the add-on programs do that. Why not MSFS?
This has been my biggest complaint since building my new rig and having Win 11 shoved down my throat. I have many controllers, for differtent types of aircraft. Saitek Cessna yoke and throttles (3 throttle sets), and trim wheel, Logitek Saitek X-56 HOTAS, Honeycomb Alpha yoke and Beta throttles, Thrustmaster rudder pedals, and a complete set of Saitek panels, ie switch, multi, attenuation lights, and 2 radios, as well as 9 FIP instruments. All of these worked flawlessly in P3D and Win 10. Most even worked fine when MSFS first came out, on my older rig and Win 10. On my old rig, I could leave most of them plugged in, and no interference with each other. Now, I have to unplug each one when using the correct one for the aircraft I'm flying. And for the 4 engine jobs, my multiple Cessna throttles no longer control each engine reliably.
I have all the add-on apps you do for setting the controls, but I have almost zero programming/coding apptitude, and for some reason can't get any of them to work, including FSUIPC, which I had no trouble with on my old system and P3D, for the basics. Never needed it for the deeper stuff.
I am generally a CTRL-E person as I like to get up flying as quickly as possible. However, I found the Sim Skunk Works F-104's to be very rewarding in P3D and again in MSFS. They are beautifully modelled and there are some superbly realistic repaints. The sound and feel of a running 104 whether it's on German Air Base or at Edwards is totally immersive even if you never actually take off. They can be easily started, following the quick guide provided. I just hand fly them using the MSFS map as necessary. Flying simple pattern work in a 104 is quite enough of a thrill for one evening.
One thing I did want to mention is about my set up. For years I flew FSX, P3D and MSFS at a desktop PC just with an office chair. I had my Warthog HOTAS on the desk next to me and a set of Saitek pedals jammed in place with a towel under the desk. I could flop down in an evening after work and be up and running in seconds.
Last year I invested in a Flight Seat. With the help of a friend I have fixed this to a base board on which I have screwed my rudder pedals. The Warthog throttle and joystick are fixed to plates either side of the seat and I have a Honeycomb yoke fixed to a centre plate. The issue is however that I use the PC for other stuff ( like browsing on .TO!) So I have to switch between the office chair and the Flight Seat contraption. It's been very noticeable that just the thought of moving this heavy "lump of furniture" around just for a quick flight in the "Widow-Maker" is enough of a disincentive to persuade me not to bother. So my actual flying time has reduced to almost zero in recent months.
Interesting therefore that, at least in my experience, this hobby has to be convenient as well as simple!!
Lastly, I like many, I have a hanger (or hard drive) full of aircraft. Many of these I have looked at but never flown or flown once and never looked at again. My add-on purchasing has slowed mainly because of the looming uncertainty around November 19th. I still devour repaints simply because they are free. In many ways the situation is analogous with my 1/72 plastic kit affliction. I still buy those from Ebay in the hope that this retirement of mine will at some stage yield up enough free-time to convert some of this loft insulation into completed models.....
I was always a CRTL+E person also, in the early days. As I learned more, and started flying RL, (rt seat only) with my R/C instructor, and later with my ultralite, I wanted to do more correct startups in the GA aircraft. But now, half the buttons on my controls don't work half the time. Is it my controllers? All of them?? Because it's always for the same action, mostly camera controls.
As in your last paragraph, I have a large hange/ hard drive full of aircraft, for much the same reason. I have enough models to stock a well stocked hobby shop for 10-12 months. I guarantee
you won't find enough time to build them all. I have less time since I retired, than I had driving 50-60 hrs a week. I also have over 2000 model car and big truck/trailer kits, and I can't even get any of them finished. (at least 10 different ones started, but untouched in at least 10 years.)
John,
When I want to fly like I'm doing it for real, I fly something I know, something simple. The only WW II airplane I can fly from stand still to shut down is Got Friends Wildcat. That is just a charm of a flight model. Otherwise I stick to the NX Cubs, JB Logistics 152, a few ultralights, and on occasion a soaring plane, I keep it simple. Then why do I have all those WW II fighter and post-war jets and tube liners? Well, because I build plastic models and I love aircraft. When I do fly one I start in the air and just take screens. I love to repaint liveries too. But in all seriousness, I never fly anything complicated on a real start up and fly a point to point flight unless it is an airplane that is simple and I am familiar with. All the more reason I want the Champ! As to the tube liners, I have no choice with most. I surely have never paid for one.
Cazzie
I pretty much fly the same ones you do, Cazzie. Love that Wildcat! Carenado's Waco YMF5 is my usual ride. Like you, my hanger is full because of the models I have stored to build, "Some day."
I can't get my head around the paiunt programs, have tried again and again since FS9. I started simming with FS95, Jane's, and the other big name sims from back in the day. I never mastered any of the many fine sims, but I enjoyed playing with some of them. Now, my feeble memory can't keep up with all the control buttons and keyboard keys just in MSFS.
And YES, I want that Champ!
Yep! Don't any of you young guys think that retirement will give you all this FREE time. Nature abhors a vacuum.
I can back that up, big time! I finally got out of the truck I was driving last Aug. I still haven't finished a single project I had on my list of "must get done!" And now, my body is telling me, "you aren't going to do a lot of those things you could do just 5 years ago." (I'm 75 1/2)
