key map configs

[Natives-Soul_Finger]

I sure wish I could create and and save different key mapping configurations for different aircraft. I keep lists of mappings for the the 30 minute ritual of changing that mappings and then testing and correcting changes between aircraft. I haven't yet found a mapping that works well for me for say both a Fw-190 and P-39. Any advice? Again I apologize if this has been covered 20 times already. I looked but did not find.

[Thad]

Salutations,

 

Currently, there is no simple way to achieve what you desire. One can attempt to map crafts (common) 'mutually used actions' to as many aircraft as possible.

 

Another option is to make separate mapping 'input' files for each aircraft or more reasonably for each aircraft 'type'. 

 

I have a separate tank 'input' keymapping folder that I load up when I want to go tanking. This method is very cumbersome but it is a option. 

 

 

[sniperton]

7 minutes ago, Thad said:

Another option is to make separate mapping 'input' files for each aircraft or more reasonably for each aircraft 'type'. 

^This. And if you're familiar with mod activation tools like JSGME, you can quite comfortably change between such layouts before you start the game. The only drawback is that you can't change mapping layouts from within the game, you have to exit and to restart. Note that changing layouts via JSGME does not require a "mods on" mode.

[Thad]

Wow, I hadn't thought about that. You mean I can enable a particular 'input' folder like a mod? That could save some time. ?

[Eclipse4349]

Hi Vic - 

What peripherals are you using? Is there software that goes with it? If so, it might offer the ability to store and load different profiles. For example, CH Products has the Control Manager software. There is a ton of functionality with the software, including using the game's default key commands and assigning them to controller buttons in profiles which you can switch on the fly. 

 

After several iterations, I have a setup now that doesn't change no matter what aircraft I fly, without ever changing the in-game keybinds. If you have a similar button layout I could share the labeled controller image so you can see how I laid it out. 

[Natives-Soul_Finger]

Eclipse - I am in fact using the CH Products Combat Stick and pedals. I am not sure what you are saying.

[spudkopf]

9 hours ago, Eclipse4349 said:

After several iterations, I have a setup now that doesn't change no matter what aircraft I fly, without ever changing the in-game keybinds. If you have a similar button layout I could share the labeled controller image so you can see how I laid it out. 

 

Please do share....

[sniperton]

17 hours ago, Thad said:

Wow, I hadn't thought about that. You mean I can enable a particular 'input' folder like a mod? That could save some time. ?

Yep, create a layout, and copy the files to a mod folder called 'tanks', then create another layout, and copy the files to another mod folder called 'bombers'. Then you can activate whichever layout you want with a single click. Just be careful with making adjustments to any layout enabled as a mod, as changes are not retained automatically. Before you disable/change that layout, you have to copy the changed files again to the 'master' mod folder manually.

[Thad]

Roger that. Thanks. 

[Eclipse4349]

14 hours ago, VicNighthorse said:

Eclipse - I am in fact using the CH Products Combat Stick and pedals. I am not sure what you are saying.

CH Products has software called Control Manager. It hasn't been updated in a long time, but the functionality is there. You can put the controllers into "mapped mode" and never have to touch the key binds in game. You can create a key mapping profile with controls laid out how you want, for as many different profiles as you want. You can load a profile on the fly and download it to the controllers and you're good to go.

 

The easiest way to work it is use a "command file", which is a list of all the game's default keybinds following a specific format and syntax. I can send you the one I wrote. With the command file linked, you can assign the controls by name by selecting off a list, which makes it very easy to rearrange controls as often as you want until you decide on a final layout. 

 

This is probably not the easiest read. I'm on my phone at work atm. I can walk you through it, it isn't that bad, lol.  Once you have a command file (which I can give you) assigning and rearranging controls is very easy and very visual. You can even print out a cheat sheet that shows you the mapping. There is other functionality with the software too, like using modes and a shift function. If you were to use both of those, a single button could have 6 different functions (3 modes with a regular function and a shift function). There are way more button options than you'll likely ever need! 

[Eclipse4349]

14 hours ago, spudkopf said:

 

Please do share....

 

16 hours ago, VicNighthorse said:

Eclipse - I am in fact using the CH Products Combat Stick and pedals. I am not sure what you are saying.

Here is the link for the Control Manager software from CH:

http://www.chproducts.com/13-29170-Downloads-and-Community.php.html

The CH Hangar is a very helpful forum, also. 

 

Here is a link to the "Control Manager for Dummies" guide that will show you how to use all the features:

http://simhq.net/downloads/technology/CM_D3.zip

 

Here is the Command File I wrote for use with Control Manager. It can be opened with a text editor to read the notes (I use Notepad++):

https://1drv.ms/u/s!AvsT7RSoxuzFu1Sh6iYDxILBYnbQ

 

And here are my button layouts:

https://1drv.ms/u/s!AvsT7RSoxuzFu1GZBN6mXiRZNyZy

https://1drv.ms/u/s!AvsT7RSoxuzFu1LSvOWUkP-tcAla

The commands being shown three times in different colors is because I have modes enabled, and the button has the same function in each of the 3 modes. 

Commands separated by a "/" are buttons that I used the shift function for. The first function is the normal button press, and the function after the / is a shift+button press. 

 

Hope that helps. Let me know if I can help further. 

Edited September 25, 2018 by Eclipse4349

[Remontti]

Note that you can bind mutiple commands for single button. For example you could bind airbrakes and siren for the same button.

 

I've engine cooling covered with six buttons. It doesn't matter if I fly Russian or German planes. I got it all covered:

Two for oil radiators 

Two for water radiators (outlet cowls here too)

Two for inlet controls (la5, i-16...)

 

I'm not on my computer at the moment, but I can give you later the exact controls I have on same buttons if this is what you have trouble with.

[Natives-Soul_Finger]

Eclipse - Thank you very much. I am very slowly grasping it. I am quite a bit past my prime and just now getting into combat flight sims. I blankly stare and drool a lot. I moved your CMS file to the Maps directory, launched the manager, and then  created a map file according to the For Dummies instructions. However, when I then went to the program tab to enter the name of your map I got the attached error. Any advice. I used to be a computer guy, programmer, and IT manager but that was thirty years ago and now I almost am easily confused as someone who was never a computer adept. I learned to program on an IBM 360 with punch cards - if that helps you understand how old my skills are.

Edited September 26, 2018 by VicNighthorse

[Eclipse4349]

I'm glad it helped you! Regarding the error, I would try a couple simple things first:

1) restart your pc and try again - Windows is notorious for having issues with lower power and sleep modes and not waking up properly. Make sure you have a clean slate and try again. 

2) try running Control Manager as an administrator

3) try reinstalling Control Manager

 

Feel free to keep pinging me if you need help getting it working or with how to go about setting things up. If there is something you would like to set up, there is probably a way to make it happen. There is a lot of functionality with their software. For example, engine switching for bombers - I use 1 button, and can switch to either of the engines individually or to controlling both at once. I used the "list" function, so that each button press cycles one step through a list of commands in sequence:

engine 1 only - >engine 2 only - > both engines - > engine 1 only, etc. 

 

The CH Hangar forum is a good resource, also.  Now that Microsoft fixed their USB issues that they introduced in one of their updates a while back, it has been working flawlessly again for me. 

[Natives-Soul_Finger]

Eclipse - Thanks again. Restarting worked. I can't tell you how many times I gave that advice myself. That I should forget such a first step for myself is embarrassing. I think I will get there now. Since I am concentrating on the P-39 and basic combat maneuvers now I have time before I will need to get back to other planes. I think I will get the CH throttle as using the left wheel on my combat stick is a piss poor way to control the throttle. I think I will go blather about other issues for the time being.

[Eclipse4349]

19 minutes ago, VicNighthorse said:

Eclipse - Thanks again. Restarting worked. I can't tell you how many times I gave that advice myself. That I should forget such a first step for myself is embarrassing. I think I will get there now. Since I am concentrating on the P-39 and basic combat maneuvers now I have time before I will need to get back to other planes. I think I will get the CH throttle as using the left wheel on my combat stick is a piss poor way to control the throttle. I think I will go blather about other issues for the time being.

Haha, great! I highly recommend the CH Pro Throttle. With that and the fighterstick, you will have endless options for control bindings along with the software.  Feel free to PM me if you have more questions about the CH stuff or some aspect of flying. Chances are I've already gone through the learning curve or I can at least point you in a direction to get through it. 

 

Happy flying ?️?

[peregrine7]

My setup doesn't change depending on aircraft either. It's not perfect but it works. I've recently bound airbrakes, siren (stuka) and a few other missing bindings.

 

It's a decent guide as to what is really necessary to have bound (and what controls can overlap)

 

Hope this is useful!

 

 

Missing binds:

Bailout (now on eject key, though that makes me kinda uneasy still!) 
Airbrakes (now on throttle base plate above water rads)
Bomb bay door (opposite airbrakes)

Edited September 27, 2018 by peregrine7