Setting up a modifier for your hotas?

[saintbrutal]

Hey all, was wondering if theres a way  to setup a modifier key with your hotas buttons?

 

Or if there isn't one implemented ingame, does anyone know how to set it up with gremlin?

nvm, i found an old guide on how to set it up with gremlin, works wonders! 

[Sokol1]

In game controls GUI - like is possible in DCS or CloD, no way for set a modifier button or key.

 

But you can set this manually editing current.action file, including there the button choose as modifier for a give command.

 

An Example:

Your stick button 2 (b2) is choose as "shift" (the modifier button that will modify other buttons action).

 

You set button 1 (b1) for fire Machine Guns, and want that when you press and hold "shift" button (b2) button 1 (b1) fire rockets.

 

So in game controls GUI you set:

machineguns_fire,                                 joy1_b1,                                         0| // Fire weapon group 1 (machine guns)

weapon_group3_fire,                             joy1_b1 ,                                        0| // Fire weapon group 3 (rockets)

 

Notice that the same button (b1) are making two actions, what is not you want, so go to current.action and change for:

machineguns_fire,                                 joy1_b1,                                         0| // Fire weapon group 1 (machine guns)

weapon_group3_fire,                             joy1_b1+joy1_b2 ,                      0| // Fire weapon group 3 (rockets)

 

Now b1 will only fire rockets if b2 is pressed.

 

And so on for each function that you want.

 

Advantage of this method, you can set a button in joystick 1 (joy1), eg. a VKB gladiator, for modify the buttons in a TWCS throttle (joy2), that use a different USB port.

 

weapon_group3_fire,                             joy1_b1+joy2_b2 ,                      0| // Fire weapon group 3 (rockets)

 

Option 2 - using a keymapper software (Joystick Gremlin, JoyTokey, RS-Mapper, SVMapper, Xpadder).

 

Here I show a example with JoyTokey for set a key press - through a joystick button, as modifier.

 

JoyToKey is very simple to use, no install is required, can be started after game, and simple to configure, but don't have advanced functions, like delays, pause.

 

And JoyToKey, SVMapper, RS-Mapper may don't work for combo keypress - due game short timing between keypress, e.g. button joystick 10 send "LCtrl+F", game see F, LCtrl+F.

 

Then, for this combos  you need use Joystick Gremlin or XPadder, setting "delay between LCtrl and F.

 

Other consideration, most of this softwares only allow you set a button in joystick 1 only for modify buttons in joystick 2. 

 

So as "universal tool" rest Joystick Gremlin, that use vJoy for create a virtual joystick combining your joystick and throttle.

vJoy may are a bit PITA to install in some computers, but is the price for the functionality.

 

BTW - What are you HOTAS?

Edited March 1, 2020 by Sokol1

[GAVCA/Jambock__33]

Hey,

 

Any ideas about setting a button as a "toggle" modifier, making pressing and holding a button not necessary? Eg: I would like to set a joy button to activate - toggle a GROUND mode, another as FLY, and other as COMBAT mode, that way after I press the joy button selected as GROUND I wouldn't need to hold two button at the same time.

 

Would need a some kind of script saying that after pressing joy button X defined as CRTL (or SHIFT, or whatever other modifier), all buttons pressed later on would have the modifier automatic inserted first.

 

Something like that.

 

 

 

 

[Lupus]

On 4/6/2020 at 12:08 AM, GAVCA/Jambock__33 said:

Hey,

 

Any ideas about setting a button as a "toggle" modifier, making pressing and holding a button not necessary? Eg: I would like to set a joy button to activate - toggle a GROUND mode, another as FLY, and other as COMBAT mode, that way after I press the joy button selected as GROUND I wouldn't need to hold two button at the same time.

 

Would need a some kind of script saying that after pressing joy button X defined as CRTL (or SHIFT, or whatever other modifier), all buttons pressed later on would have the modifier automatic inserted first.

 

Something like that.

 

 

 

 

 

I'm not sure if it can be done natively in IL-2, but something like Joystick Gremlin should be able to.  I know I can do that with my CH Products Control Panel and Joystick Gremlin claims to be capable of the same sorts of things.  Which is good as I'm looking to upgrade my CH Products setup.

[Sokol1]

On 4/6/2020 at 1:08 AM, GAVCA/Jambock__33 said:

Any ideas about setting a button as a "toggle" modifier, making pressing and holding a button not necessary? Eg: I would like to set a joy button to activate - toggle a GROUND mode, another as FLY, and other as COMBAT mode, that way after I press the joy button selected as GROUND I wouldn't need to hold two button at the same time.

 

What you want is a "mode" button - a permanent modifier.

 

Is not possible set in Il-2 editing file like the above "shift" - a momentary modifier.

 

You need a keymapper like Thrustmaster TARGET, CH Manager or the universal Joystick Gremlin.

 

 

 

[SvAF/F16_Goblin]

@Sokol1

I really hoped this would work, editing the "current.action" file adding buttons to the commands but sadly it does not for me.

No matter what extra button on any controller I add it will not operate as a "shift state".

[dburne]

4 hours ago, MA_Goblin said:

@Sokol1

I really hoped this would work, editing the "current.action" file adding buttons to the commands but sadly it does not for me.

No matter what extra button on any controller I add it will not operate as a "shift state".

 

What would be very nice would be if the Devs could add this functionality to the game controller settings.

Where one could assign a button as either a modifier or shift either one.

I know they have a lot on their plate so understand why they can not put resources into this. I am sure though a lot of folks would appreciate it.

[Skywarp]

Following this topic, I made this profile for my T.16000M FCS & TFRP Pedals.

 

P.S.: This profile assumes you have a Headtracker.

 

I downloaded JoytoKey and:

 

Keyboard key LShift Function was binded as the modifier button

Keyboard keys = and - were binded for Zoom + and -

Keyboard keys A and Q were binded for Prop Pitch CW and CCW

https://joytokey.net/en/download

 

I also use some keyboard keys as support for cockpit and external lights.

 

 

 

Edited January 6, 2022 by Skywarp

[Tonester]

Yep tried this and didnt work for me either...such a shame as it would be very handy. I dont have to run any extra

software to make this function in other sims so it surprises me that its not doable in this great sim.

[Sokol1]

16 hours ago, Tonester said:

Yep tried this and didnt work for me either...

 

What don't work?

 

Edit "current.action" or JoyTokey?

[TCW_Brzi_Joe]

Joy2key can do it, but it will work just for your 1 device. You can use a modifier to have 2 completely different layouts, like for attackers and bombers. And for each mode you can use also shift key to double your actual keys.

 

Easiest is if you have a switch for modifier (and not button, but it is doable with button too).

 

 

 

[dburne]

1CGS is in process of revamping the controller setup in IL-2. I know they are going to support controller setups per plane, hoping they also add the ability to assign a button as a modifier as well. Will have to see what they come out with when they finish it.

[Tonester]

7 hours ago, Sokol1 said:

 

What don't work?

 

Edit "current.action" or JoyTokey?

Edit current.action…i dont want to use extra software like joytokey…i dont use extra software with any of my peripherals…i find it cumbersome

 

[jollyjack]

So far i experimented in the past with a TM 1600 set, and now a Warthog set. TARGET  is too complicated.

For IL2, DCS and MS i never had problems setting it up, using no extra software.

 

I do have problems with Cliffs; loosing all axis functions; one of the reasons i never use the game anymore, thanks BTW for all the advise given by fellow forummens.

I got it working only after reprogramming therm. reimporting saved user config inis does not work.

 

Cliffs really needs a general overhaul for the axis, not Il2 Lol, but i am a gamer type and like to switch fav planes, being not too interested in plane specific controls.

So i hope they keep things a little as it is now, of at least an option to keep it this way. 

IMO only TC could use some better worked-out mappings if you use f.i a warthog or other set.

 

BTW one of the reasons i am not going for VR is that keyboard access is needed almost always.

I tried it, nice and wow especially for IL2, but for me headtracking seems the only alternative now.

[Sokol1]

8 hours ago, jollyjack said:

I do have problems with Cliffs; loosing all axis functions; 

 

 

This issue is due the Windows giving a new ID number for your controllers (number like 41DC2137, ABD81779...) this happens if you have the habit of unplug the controllers  after each game session, or use hibernating Windows function.

 

My workaround for this is save controllers profiles with the actual ID number, and next time I lost e assignments, just open the ConfUser.ini with Notepad++ and use the replace function for replace the old number - the one used in "Save as" with the new ID give by the Windows, and after make a new save with the new number.

 

BTW - The save as with the number instead a name is for know what number are the one used before the change.

[1Sascha]

On 4/30/2022 at 2:06 AM, Tonester said:

i dont want to use extra software like joytokey…i dont use extra software with any of my peripherals…i find it cumbersome

Nothing cumbersome about it IMO. I've been using it for years. IIRC, you can even link it to certain game .exes so that it'll activate the appropriate profile when you launch that game. It's a matter of setting stuff up once, saving it to a profile and after that you can either auto-associate the profile to the game you made it for or you have to do a couple of mouse-clicks before you launch the game. Once it's running, you won't even notice that it's active.

 

Plus for certain functions, at least in IL-2, you have no other choice but to use a helper app. I've used joy2key to turn one of my stick's buttons into a toggle-switch to activate gunsight view in IL-2 (doing that through VKB's software now, but it worked via Joy2Key as well). Plus I use it to turn my TWCS' rudder axis paddle into two key-presses so that I can activate the toe brakes with it. Same with the TWCS's analog stick whose 180° position I turned into a key-command to lock/unlock the tailwheel in game. Without joy2key (or a highly configurable stick like the VKB), those functions wouldn't be possible thanks to IL-2's limitations in the mapping-department. And of course, I have to use it for PTT in discord, because that thing is just a mess when it comes to controllers. It's too dumb to distinguish between two controllers, so if I map PTT to button 2 on my throttle, my joystick's button 2 will also activate PTT. Which is pretty annoying.

 

As sokol said: modifiers in joy2key (shift/alt/ctrl) can be a bit tricky with IL-2 in my experience, but generally speaking they do work.

 

What I like to do before I map a game to my HOTAS is make a diagram (kinda like what Skywarp posted further up) while I have both my throttle and stick in their gaming positions - to try out which buttons will be used for which functions. I find it easier to decide beforehand where I want to put all the functions and, more importantly, which functions I even want to map and which I can probably leave on the keyboard. Not just because my TWCS/VKB Gladiator Evo KG12 combo isn't exactly overflowing with buttons/hats, but also because I usually only want to have the most important functions mapped to my HOTAS because, at least initially, I want to keep my HOTAS mapping simple. Once the important stuff in any given game becomes second nature to me, if I have buttons left, I will map other functions that are only "nice to have" but not essential.

 

 

 

 

S.

Edited May 1, 2022 by 1Sascha

[Sokol1]

On 4/29/2022 at 9:06 PM, Tonester said:

Edit current.action…i dont want to use extra software like joytokey…i dont use extra software with any of my peripherals…i find it cumbersome

 

You are right. - EDIT - But see replies bellow. 

I test there now and unfortunately use a button as modifier for another button (like in Il-2:CloD, DCS) editing the "current.acion" file don't work anymore, something change in updates.

 

Quote

EDIT - My issue of button modifier don't work was due a "ghost" pedal (plugged for test) in "Devices.txt" - deleting this file and assign joystick again solve the problem.

BTW - For avoid reassign all controls I assign just one axis or button for know the current joystick ID and use I use Find and Replace of Notepad++, the reassignment is done in minutes.

 

I set joystick button 1 (b0 for the game) as modifier for button 17 - already set alone for fire cannons, and the game keep firing cannons when I press b0+b17.

 

 

If set joystick button 1 (b0) for press Shift (or L-Shift) in JoyTokey, works correctly.

 

Since now there is no other option left than using external keymapper, for these simple things JoyToKey is convenient because:

 

- Just run from a exe.

- Use few resources (memory, CPU cycles).

- Can be started after the game, just Alt+Tab

- Can be reconfigured "on the fly".

- Is shareware - cost ~$7, remind once a mount and even unregistered never stop of work. An old free version is available.

 

But if want combos (e.g. L-Control + A) JoyToKey have timing issues, so for this case use Autohotkey (scripts) or Joystick Gremlin, that allow set delay between the two keypress.

Edited May 8, 2022 by Sokol1

[wju]

On 4/30/2022 at 9:23 PM, Sokol1 said:

 

You are right. I test there now and unfortunately use a button as modifier for another button (like in Il-2:CloD, DCS) editing the "current.acion" file don't work anymore, something change in updates.

 

I set joystick button 1 (b0 for the game) as modifier for button 17 - already set alone for fire cannons, and the game keep firing cannons when I press b0+b17.

 

 

 

I have found the trick with replacing Keyboard BTN by JOY BTN few months ago here on forum, implemented and it is working flawlessly so far, even in the very last version 4.704.   

I do map LShift in game gui and then replace LShift by desired Joy button in both current.map & current.actions editted in Notepad++.

See below, joy2 is stick, joy0 is button box.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Sokol1]

wju

Thanks for posting, I look at this again and at first don't work, then I realize that I have no reason for my joystick be the "joy3", I have only joystick and pedal.

So delete the file "devices.txt" and assign again, and now a joystick button (joy1_b0) as modifier for another joystick (joy1_b17) button are working. 

 

Edited May 8, 2022 by Sokol1