First time in the sky!

[SteelValkyrie]

Hi guys,

 

This is my first post on the forum and next week will be the first time I play a flight sim, ever. I come from a background of playing War Thunder (I know, I know..) and increasingly became interested in aviation as a whole. After months deliberation I have invested in some series kit (A-10 Warthog Hotas, Saitek pro pedals, headtracking gear). I will be setting this all up beginning of next week, and so thought it would be an idea to introduce myself and save myself some trouble and ask you old hares about a few things. Sorry in advance for the plethora of questions, I know some of these could perhaps go in other areas of the forum but I figured it'd be easy to keep everything to one post.

 

Firstly, in regards to the gear, is there anything I should be particularly worried about in regards to taking apart the warthog to solve the stiction? What is the best lubricant to be used to solve the issue? Also, what would you guys recommend to stop the saitek pedals from sliding? I was also hoping you would have some good suggestions in regards to a platform for the joystick/thruster? I can imagine sitting them on the desk can be uncomfortable after prolonged playing. Lastly, can all the controls be configured in game or will I have to use TARGET? Any advice on setting up the headtracking gear as well (I hear you can get custom profiles for head placement and stuff?) As well as sensitivity and anything else I may overlook?

 

Next I was hoping you guys would be able to advise me on the game itself; should I activate unlocks? I don't want to get frustrated trying to learn in a stock plane, but at the same time I don't want to skip what could potentially be an enjoyable grind, so to speak. My plan is to play through the campaign and then look to flying in beginner servers with people on TS, I'm mainly interested in german planes. If you're willing to help out a newbie trying to fly the nest let me know, I live in the UK and will be on most evenings and weekends I imagine. Any youtube videos or other materials would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance

[BlueHeron]

Warthog HOTAS and Saitek pedals?  That's an exciting way to start out! 

 

Don't know about the Warthog specifically, but I place my CH throttle and stick on a pair of adjustable, flat-top speaker stands.  This allows me to have the stick between my knees and the throttle at my side.  This is far more comfortable than placing them on a desk; I can play for hours without fatigue!

 

Also, I find placing my Saitek Combat pedals closer to the base of my chair helps reduce sliding.  

 

Unlocks don't interest me much, but if you do the SP campaign first you should be able to unlock most items for the planes you want in the process.  

 

Good luck!

[SteelValkyrie]

Never thought about using speaker stands! And I'm a sucker for decent gear, I did a bit of research a few months back as I was originally looking for something mid-range, but most people said if you have some spare money to go for the a-10.. If I bought something cheaper I would have ended up with the pricier stuff anyway, false economy is my excuse

 

I was also hoping people would be able to help me distinguish the advantages and disadvantages of the bf109 variants? Though I'm thinking the fw190 will be a better place to start, to my knowledge it's easier to take off and land, as well as a bit more rugged?

Edited July 22, 2015 by Aphelion

[6./ZG26_Emil]

Those seitek peddles come with velcro type stuff to stick on the base of the to stop the sliding, they are great if you ahve carpets maybe not so good if the floor is smooth/tiled.

[Jade_Monkey]

Personally I would just unlock it all and then use things when needed.

 

It's not like most of the unlocks are 100% ideal for every flight.

[Sokol1]

Firstly, in regards to the gear, is there anything I should be particularly worried about in regards to taking apart the warthog to solve the stiction? What is the best lubricant to be used to solve the issue?

 

I suggest look at Input & Output of Eagle Forum, where are many "recipe' for Warthog issues.

 

 

 

 

Next I was hoping you guys would be able to advise me on the game itself; should I activate unlocks? I don't want to get frustrated trying to learn in a stock plane,

 

The unlocks are most "cosmetic", no win factor in then. A "stock" plane dont put you in disadvantage - If you know uses it - is not like in WT.

 

Try the unlocks first, if like continues, if not use the magical button.

Edited July 22, 2015 by Sokol1

[6./ZG26_Emil]

Personally I would just unlock it all and then use things when needed.

 

It's not like most of the unlocks are 100% ideal for every flight.

 

and you still get the 'pleasure' of unlocking skins if that's your thing...which is how it should have been from the start imho (although for offline I'm still 50/50).

[Rothary]

I have my own Saitek pedals against a wall so I don't need to personally worry about sliding. I did, however, once try having this rubber web thingie under them that's meant to stop carpets from sliding, and with that thing the pedals felt as if they were glued to the smooth wooden floor. I highly recommend trying that if you have a smooth slippery floor.

[SharpeXB]

I put my pedals on a piece of this rubber shelf liner, like is in the photo here. It sticks right to carpet or probably any floor and they don't slide at all.

 

PS just like Rothary said above. It's like a carpet pad too.

Edited July 23, 2015 by SharpeXB

[7.GShAP/Silas]

This post made me smile. It's great to have people coming into the community!

 

All things aside, after maybe one or two flights to get your controls sorted, I would very much recommend flying on full-sim settings(in the quick mission builder or the campaign, both are perfect for learning) rather than beginner settings.  You'll have the all the gear you need to compensate for any loss of situational awareness that happens in games, and you don't want to pick up any bad habits that are hard to drop later on. But that's just my advice.

[[CPT]milopugdog]

You are going to want to spend a few minuets looking up, and adjusting your controls as you see fit. I personally set mine up to be slightly similar to WT (as I also come from that background). I would also download this: http://forum.il2sturmovik.com/topic/16752-il-2bos-user-manual-released-first-edition-english/. It'll tell you basic stuff, and there is also sections on each model in the back (engine management, specifications, summary of history of model). 

I hope you enjoy your time in the skies of IL-2: Bos 

[=EXPEND=Dendro]

Welcome!! Salut

[Guest deleted@50488]

I put my pedals on a piece of this rubber shelf liner, like is in the photo here. It sticks right to carpet or probably any floor and they don't slide at all.

 

PS just like Rothary said above. It's like a carpet pad too.

 

Superb !!!!

 

I should have thought about it long ago - after all I used that solution for years in my carpets, when the kids were young and used to run allover the house...

[SR-F_Winger]

Hi guys,

 

This is my first post on the forum and next week will be the first time I play a flight sim, ever. I come from a background of playing War Thunder (I know, I know..) and increasingly became interested in aviation as a whole. After months deliberation I have invested in some series kit (A-10 Warthog Hotas, Saitek pro pedals, headtracking gear). I will be setting this all up beginning of next week, and so thought it would be an idea to introduce myself and save myself some trouble and ask you old hares about a few things. Sorry in advance for the plethora of questions, I know some of these could perhaps go in other areas of the forum but I figured it'd be easy to keep everything to one post.

 

Firstly, in regards to the gear, is there anything I should be particularly worried about in regards to taking apart the warthog to solve the stiction? What is the best lubricant to be used to solve the issue? Also, what would you guys recommend to stop the saitek pedals from sliding? I was also hoping you would have some good suggestions in regards to a platform for the joystick/thruster? I can imagine sitting them on the desk can be uncomfortable after prolonged playing. Lastly, can all the controls be configured in game or will I have to use TARGET? Any advice on setting up the headtracking gear as well (I hear you can get custom profiles for head placement and stuff?) As well as sensitivity and anything else I may overlook?

 

Next I was hoping you guys would be able to advise me on the game itself; should I activate unlocks? I don't want to get frustrated trying to learn in a stock plane, but at the same time I don't want to skip what could potentially be an enjoyable grind, so to speak. My plan is to play through the campaign and then look to flying in beginner servers with people on TS, I'm mainly interested in german planes. If you're willing to help out a newbie trying to fly the nest let me know, I live in the UK and will be on most evenings and weekends I imagine. Any youtube videos or other materials would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance

Heres a vid on the Warthog issue. Take your time and do this fix and there wont be any sticktion anymore.

The first warthogs werent produced with this issue. Possibly they changed the supplier for the gimbal for a cheaper one that now produces the "problemgimbals". But the fix is fairly easy and straight forward if yoiu dont have two left hands.

 

As for the unlocks i can only recommend to use the unlock button. Its a grind and no fun making the campaign (IMO). Better use your time and come fly online.

[KoN_]

Do NOT strip down your warthogs .!!!!!!!!

 

They wont need any grease as they will be NEW............ i have had mine four years kept clean and covered when not in use . only now have i sanded and greased the ball joint . Be very careful when putting back together as wires get caught and break . Lots of complaints about right angles against thin wires that snag and twist and then break  . its a fantastic stick outside but made in china inside . You can pick up warthogs now for £235.00

[6./ZG26_Emil]

Do NOT strip down your warthogs .!!!!!!!!

 

They wont need any grease as they will be NEW............ i have had mine four years kept clean and covered when not in use . only now have i sanded and greased the ball joint . Be very careful when putting back together as wires get caught and break . Lots of complaints about right angles against thin wires that snag and twist and then break  . its a fantastic stick outside but made in china inside . You can pick up warthogs now for £235.00

 

Yeh surely it's best to send it back if there's issues with it, I imagine once opened the warranty is void. I've never heard of sticking issues though.

[=EXPEND=Capt_Yorkshire]

Hi dude i use Requiems trackir profile its pretty sweet thx requiem 

[unreasonable]

Welcome, let us just hope that you do not get burned up when you reach perihelion.

 

"What is the best lubricant to be used to solve the issue?" I use KY, never had any complaints. To stop them sliding about, double sided Velcro works a treat, but so do handcuffs.

 

"I can imagine sitting them on the desk can be uncomfortable after prolonged playing." You are so right, what is worse, you might disturb your joystick calibration!

 

Any devotee of von Sacher-Masoch will love grinding for unlocks, why it is almost as though the game has been designed by a sadist...

[KoN_]

Ive heard bicycle grease for chains or Vaseline is good the first lot of grease  i used was too thick so i went to Vaseline .  Warranty is on two years. 

[SteelValkyrie]

I put my pedals on a piece of this rubber shelf liner, like is in the photo here. It sticks right to carpet or probably any floor and they don't slide at all.

 

PS just like Rothary said above. It's like a carpet pad too.

 

I totally didn't think about that stuff, genius idea! I was thinking velcro as it will be sitting on carpet but I won't have to faff around if I get some of this.

 

Heres a vid on the Warthog issue. Take your time and do this fix and there wont be any sticktion anymore.

The first warthogs werent produced with this issue. Possibly they changed the supplier for the gimbal for a cheaper one that now produces the "problemgimbals". But the fix is fairly easy and straight forward if yoiu dont have two left hands.

 

As for the unlocks i can only recommend to use the unlock button. Its a grind and no fun making the campaign (IMO). Better use your time and come fly online.

 

 

Do NOT strip down your warthogs .!!!!!!!!

 

They wont need any grease as they will be NEW............ i have had mine four years kept clean and covered when not in use . only now have i sanded and greased the ball joint . Be very careful when putting back together as wires get caught and break . Lots of complaints about right angles against thin wires that snag and twist and then break  . its a fantastic stick outside but made in china inside . You can pick up warthogs now for £235.00

 

Thanks for the link Winger, my dad is an engineer so I imagine he will be able to do quite well helping me dissemble it without much hassle. As Con has said it may be unnecessary, though other people have mentioned that the stiction is so bad out of the box that the stick will almost stay in the last position you put it. I guess I will have to see what sort of condition it's in when the stick turns up on Friday! 

[PatrickShiva]

I recommend to go watch Requiem's aircraft familiarization tutorials on youtube. Type: The Air Combat Tutorial Library

Also have a look at Chuck's Manuals. Anybody got the link to those?

[BeastyBaiter]

1) For anything both electronic and mechanical, such as joysticks, the proper lubricant is silicone grease. You can get a lifetime supply of it in the electrical or plumbing section of your local hardware store for the loose change under your couch.

 

2) My CH pedals tended to slide a bit too, my solution was to stick a board between them and the wall that I can push the whole thing up against. It doesn't budge now and the board is wide and low enough that I'm not smacking my toes up against anything.

 

3) I use a Saitek X-55 + CH Pedals rather than your setup, but generally speaking I recommend using the in game configurations regardless of controller. There is a lot to be said for keeping things simple, especially when it comes to software interacting with other pieces of software.

 

4) Head tracking profiles are highly dependent on the physical layout of your stuff. No one can give you a good profile without standing over you with a tape measure.

 

5) Unlocks are your call, nothing is stopping you from starting with the XP based unlocks and then doing the insta-unlock bit later. Grind does nothing for me in a game like this, so I instantly unlocked everything. It's worth pointing out that the Bf-109F4 is in fact the highest performance plane in the game. The LaGG-3 is the worst at killing other fighters, but it's better than most at killing bombers and ground units. So calling either aircraft poor isn't justified, they do what they do exceptionally well.

[SteelValkyrie]

Welcome, let us just hope that you do not get burned up when you reach perihelion.

 

"What is the best lubricant to be used to solve the issue?" I use KY, never had any complaints. To stop them sliding about, double sided Velcro works a treat, but so do handcuffs.

 

"I can imagine sitting them on the desk can be uncomfortable after prolonged playing." You are so right, what is worse, you might disturb your joystick calibration!

 

Any devotee of von Sacher-Masoch will love grinding for unlocks, why it is almost as though the game has been designed by a sadist...

 

 

It seems like everyone uses various lubricants, I've watched a video not long ago where the guy mentioned the official stuff to use (silicone grease as Hrothgar mentioned) was only effective for a short while? I'm hoping that lubrication will have to be done once if not very rarely, it's a shame that such a beautiful stick is burdened by lazy shortcuts on the internals!

 

In regards to some form of platform for the hotas, I was thinking maybe some form of desk mounting like this would be an idea: https://www.obutto.eu/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=70

 

If anyone can find anything similar or better, perhaps even some blueprints for a DIY version that'd be awesome. I've looked at some adjustable speaker stands, and for the price it seems better to go ahead with something actually specified for a hotas.

 

Also thanks for all the advice and warm welcomes, this is perhaps the least toxic game forum I've ever been on!

[unreasonable]

Also thanks for all the advice and warm welcomes, this is perhaps the least toxic game forum I've ever been on!

Give it time, dear boy, give it time....

[-NW-ChiefRedCloud]

Welcome to BoS and flight simming in general.

 

Chief

[6./ZG26_Gielow]

Be careful if you try to fly russian planes. I have heard that the ghost is back online. Rumours say that a La5 was shot down during take off yesterday and the rest of the squad was bombed on parking area near Velikie Luki sector.

Edited July 23, 2015 by =[Coffin]=Gielow

[SteelValkyrie]

Be careful if you try to fly russian planes. I have heard that the ghost is back online. Rumours say that a La5 was shot down during take off yesterday and the rest of the squad was bombed on parking area near Velikie Luki sector.

 

Luckily I will be flying German planes, though I don't really know what to make of this.. Are we talking about a glitch? Hacker? Or some otherworldly pilot with refractive stealth armour created by Hitler's crazy nazi scientists?

[BeastyBaiter]

I have no clue, probably referring to a high flying He-111 with a big bomb. In any case, I lubed my X-55 with silicone grease back in January when I got it, I haven't had to grease it since. With my previous X-52 Pro, I greased it about once a year. It only takes a couple minutes, no need to unscrew anything on either stick as only the shaft and plate need to be lubed. The internal bits were never sticky. So I'd say that lasts pretty well.

Edited July 23, 2015 by King_Hrothgar

[Sokol1]

Ive heard bicycle grease for chains or Vaseline is good the first lot of grease  i used was too thick so i went to Vaseline .  Warranty is on two years. 

 

These are not petrol based? In this case is no good for plastic (yes, the "all metal" Warthog has the gimbal in plastic  ), maybe melt the parts after some time...

Edited July 23, 2015 by Sokol1

[SAG]

WELOCME! :D

[Y29.Layin_Scunion]

I come from War Thunder also.  They are two different games, apples and oranges if you will.  The unlocks in IL-2 do not effect performance.  You unlock skins, bombs, bigger guns for gunners and things of that nature.

That said, I play both and enjoy IL-2 MUCH more than WT.  The only thing is that when I play the IL-2 population is sadly offline most of the time. I recommend starting out with expert settings.  You'll be fine.  It takes a little patience but nothing you can't handle I'm sure.  

Most questions can be answered here:  https://www.youtube.com/user/RequiemBoS

For me, I enjoy flying and doing missions and messing around with the campaign just as much as MP.  Learning to fly an aircraft to certain specs is satisfying.  It isn't start up, take off and that's it.  I recently just completed a "proper" dive bomb with an 1800 kg bomb on the Stuka.  Such fun.

The physics in this game are much better as well.  I can barely play WT anymore....I have to be drunk.

I hope you to see you out there bud!

[BlueHeron]

Last night I went out to get a shelf liner as Sharpe suggested.  What a difference!  My pedals are utterly fixed in place now, and my performance has improved just from not having to worry about them sliding around.

 

Can't wait to try helicopters after this $2.50 "upgrade".  Thanks for the tip!

[SteelValkyrie]

Hey guys,

 

So I got everything set up today, had some teething issues getting the pedals to work correctly. For some reason they wanted to full rudder right constantly at first so my first attempt at taking off consisted of me going around in circles thinking "man, these guys in the youtube videos make it look at a lot easier than it actually is"

 

Once I mapped them correctly I managed a few iffy takeoffs, it's a fine line between controlling the torque of the engine and overcompensating - then you become occupied trying to dodge trees and nose down without breaking your prop. I've only flown the tutorial missions and then a couple more on top of that - the most recent downing two Pe2's. Patience and finesse in your timing and aim really pays off, the first went down with one decent burst but I ended up getting a bit impatient with the second, making passes at dodgy angles and firing too soon/late with too much or little deflection. 

 

On the way back to the base I noticed a couple of Lagg-3's being chased down, I thought it was a simple but nice touch as I was originally under the impression the missions went "locate x amount of aircraft, take them down, go home." but it really added to the immersion of this game (It's a big step coming from WT). Finally I managed to land without killing myself or any ground crew, and I only bounced once! Lets not talk about the several previous attempts though.

 

One thing I noticed with the warthog joystick is that it can feel a bit like I'm battling it sometimes, it doesn't have any stiction though at the same time it's not butter smooth. I've left the in game sensitivity as is, it gives a good amount of response for manoeuvres but fine tuning my aim can be tricky - is this to do with my airspeed and the physics of the game in general, or is it worth turning it down a notch? Also, there's so many goddamn buttons! Accidentally pressing the wrong button and turning off your engine instead of kicking the supercharger up a stage made me panic a bit I'm using one of Requiem's profiles for trackir, it's had a couple of hissy fits but overall works as I imagined - there is a knack I'm yet to learn when it comes to flying in one direction and looking in the other though.

 

I've tried a few quick scenarios on expert was fine but I'm finding navigation and spotting a bit tricky for campaign, perhaps something I will have to work towards, or will learn in time flying with others. Overall the game is a blast, I can't believe people give it so much flak over it's various shortcomings (maybe I will say different in a few months, but every game has it's flaws and for a small dedicated team working on a flight sim, lets just say it's more solid than the most recent Assassins Creed game)

[Ace_Pilto]

Holy cow, you went all in lashing out for a Warthog OP. Nice one.

 

I also have the same pedals as you and you might be interested modding them also to get rid of the annoying lug in the center position. I found that having to exert the extra force to push past it was very annoying and made gunnery very hard. 

 

It's pretty straight forward and there's a good tutorial here:

 

http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=73311

[II/JG17_HerrMurf]

This is my first post on the forum and next week will be the first time I play a flight sim, ever. I come from a background of playing War Thunder (I know, I know..) and increasingly became interested in aviation as a whole. After months deliberation I have invested in some series kit (A-10 Warthog Hotas, Saitek pro pedals, headtracking gear). I will be setting this all up beginning of next week, and so thought it would be an idea to introduce myself and save myself some trouble and ask you old hares about a few things. Sorry in advance for the plethora of questions, I know some of these could perhaps go in other areas of the forum but I figured it'd be easy to keep everything to one post.

 

 

Firstly, in regards to the gear, is there anything I should be particularly worried about in regards to taking apart the warthog to solve the stiction? What is the best lubricant to be used to solve the issue?

 

A little late to the party but you should not have any stiction early on with the stick. I've had mine for about seven months and haven't had to break it down yet. The springs are pretty strong for a desk mount. Don't confuse this with a problem. DO NOT use an oil based product on you stick. There are several excellent YouTube videos on breaking down the Warthog.

This guy is kinda disgusting but the video is informative:  

 

Also, what would you guys recommend to stop the saitek pedals from sliding? I was also hoping you would have some good suggestions in regards to a platform for the joystick/thruster? I can imagine sitting them on the desk can be uncomfortable after prolonged playing.

 

Check out this thread for controller setups. I use larger diameter PVC for mine. It is easy to work with and easy to prototype to get it just so. Mine is near the bottom of page 1.

http://forum.il2sturmovik.com/topic/8441-show-us-your-cockpit/?hl=%20show%20%20cockpit

 

I highly recommend using an extension from Sahaj:

 

http://forum.il2sturmovik.com/topic/2042-selling-thrustmaster-warthog-extensions/

 

 

Lastly, can all the controls be configured in game or will I have to use TARGET? Any advice on setting up the headtracking gear as well (I hear you can get custom profiles for head placement and stuff?) As well as sensitivity and anything else I may overlook?

 

Programming just through the game interface is easy and what I chose to do. One of my teammates used target and really likes the end result but it was a PITA as far as I can tell.

 

Welcome aboard.

Edited July 26, 2015 by [TBC]HerrMurf

[Sokol1]

 

 

Accidentally pressing the wrong button and turning off your engine instead of kicking the supercharger up a stage made me panic a bit 

 

Dont map things like start/stop engines in joystick, leave for a less accessible switch on throttle, this is used at the best 2 times per mission - typically one.