Possible to use on/off-switches properly?

[Lombra]

Hi,
Considering getting a "button box" with a bunch on/off switches which works so that in the on position a button is being pressed, and in the off position it's released. Is there proper software support for this in the game? So that I can use one switch for landing gear for example, and when I switch on, landing gear will always go up, and vice versa, instead of working as a toggle.

Thanks

 

http://www.derekspearedesigns.com/2014-race-king.html

[Bando]

Gear is a toggle, no matter what buttons you have.

For flaps it could be used.

[Lombra]

Ok, wasn't sure about gear, but yeah for stuff that uses such switches IRL at least. It is possible, then, or are you just giving a better example?

[Bando]

You'd have to check the settings in game.

For a lot of functions it will work, but not for all.

[Sokol1]

The proper use of ON-OF or ON-OFF-ON switch requires game support - map function for both states, e.g. Gear Up and Gear Down, but unless for flaps this is not provide in this game.

 

Workarounds:

 

Use keymapper software with "mapped key on press" and "mapped key on release" functions, e.g. Joy2key, SVMapper, XPadder, Autohotkey... this will allow you map functions for switch OFF state. E.g:

 

Switch up (ON) press L = cockpits lights ON

Switch down (OFF) press L = cockpit lights OFF

Or both pressing G for landing gear, etc.

 

This above for simple SPST ON-OFF switch - they have only 2 pins:

 

http://www.rapidonline.com/electronic-components/sci-ta101a1-miniature-toggle-switch-spst-on-off-75-0125

 

For avoid use additional keymapper software,  use 2 or 3 position (ON_OFF and ON-OFF-ON) switch SPDT (4 pins) or DPDT (6pins) - that are 2 electrical switches circuits controlled by one lever:

 

http://vignette2.wikia.nocookie.net/guitarbuilding/images/6/6a/DPST_Switch.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20081008054258

http://cdo.seymourduncan.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/DPDT-300x291.jpg

 

So switch up you map circuit 1 to press G, switch down map circuit 2 to press G, but you have a visual feedback of gear position.

 

As they are workaround this solutions require a careful "check-list" * before hit fly or specially re-fly because is easy end out of sync, switch down and landing gear UP or vice versa.

Anyway use the keyboard key for fix this cases.

 

The only "flight game" that can prevent this is DCS with the "Synchronize cockpit controls with HOTAS  controls at mission start" - but even this require HOTAS switches in proper position, and many lazy DCS users want "PS3/XBOX" commands.

Edited March 20, 2016 by Sokol1

[Lombra]

Thanks for your reply!

 

I'm not too happy about needing to manually sync functions to reflect the switches, though. I can see how it might be technically quirky with applying all functions properly on mission start based on switch positions and possibly making the binding menus more complex, but I don't find it all that unreasonable from a player perspective. If I want to start with flaps down, canopy closed, ignition on and what-have-you I don't see why that should be unreasonable. I am but a flight school student yet, but so far I know that landing gear is one thing you have to make sure is properly set up while on the ground, but even then I think it's reasonable that I have to be responsible for that myself.

 

I just think it's a shame that this kind of functionality can not be taken for granted in what I believe is an otherwise great simulator. I can't afford any crazy expensive equipment, but I would love to have one of those button boxes. Switches like those especially goes perfectly with all the stuff present in these cockpits. Was going to use it for Euro Truck Simulator as well, but unfortunately it suffers from the same issue. I mean I can see why, I guess, I just don't think it should be so much more niche than just using a joystick or a wheel.