Wheel Encoder, Analog Ministick with center push, Rotary Switch….???

[DragonDaddy]

I just purchased the STECS Mini, which I really like. I fly Warbirds so this may be a bit of overkill for my usage. I never had a wheel encoder, analog ministick, rotary switch, analog wheel axis or five position hat. I have mapped them to different functions but am wondering what you use them for? The analog ministick with center push really has me baffled!

[AndyJWest]

Analog ministicks tend to be useful mostly for more modern aircraft - e.g. many of the DCS jets use them for target designation etc on their digital displays. If you can't find any other use for them in IL-2 GB you can always use JoyToKey or similar to map the axes to key-presses.

[LukeFF]

I use the hats on my VKB Gunfighter MCG for autopilot controls and for adjusting the range and target size for gunsights. You could also feasibly use them for trim, so yes, they do have a lot of functionality here.

 

For both autopilot controls and the gunsight adjustments, the center push resets everything to the middle, so it's especially handy when you want to center everything out before the start of a mission.

[spreckair]

Also, the various buttons and hats can be switched out for other buttons, etc.  If you don't have use for it, you can swap it for a button.  Unfortunately, the mini doesn't come with the additional buttons, but they can be purchased ala carte.