Setting up new HOTAS

Hello fellows

I am coming off from a Saitek X52 hotas to a Thrustmaster Hotas.

The thrustmaster hotas is not full fledged as I have it as a combination of:

1. Thrustmaster Warthog flightstick

2. Thrustmaster TWCS throttle.

Mapped a few buttons in-game and experience has been nice so far but very limited in functionality.

Going the Thrustmaster Target software way to realistically maximize the hotas is a bit daunting as I am still reading the manual.

So I would be glad to get a profile for the FA-18 to start with or build upon from anyone using or familiar with this combination of hotas systems to enjoy dcs while I get my head around the Target software.

Thanks guys.

Most of the buttons you can just map in DCS.

If you want a few more just add a modifier joystick key in DCS under the Hornet.

I have CH gear and I can use the CH manager software if I choose. For the hornet I've just made my throttle pinky key a modifier.

Once this is set in DCS as a modifier, that's all it can be used for.

Now, when this key is pressed it allows me to program all the buttons on the "throttle" and "stick" again, doubling the keys available.

Example: Hold pinky key + Trim up. This could be your zoom in view. Hold pinky key + Trim right to reset.

Once the key is set, you just bind the key(s) you want the normal way except add the modifier key too.

See this guide to lean more about modifiers and how to set them.

How To Setup Controls and Joystick

The main ones I've add are the gear and flaps. Fiddling around with these on a keyboard is a nightmare for the case 1 break. So I recommend mapping these buttons first.

Most of the buttons you can just map in DCS.

 

If you want a few more just add a modifier joystick key in DCS under the Hornet.

 

I have CH gear and I can use the CH manager software if I choose. For the hornet I've just made my throttle pinky key a modifier.

 

Once this is set in DCS as a modifier, that's all it can be used for.

 

Now, when this key is pressed it allows me to program all the buttons on the "throttle" and "stick" again, doubling the keys available.

 

Example: Hold pinky key + Trim up. This could be your zoom in view. Hold pinky key + Trim right to reset.

 

Once the key is set, you just bind the key(s) you want the normal way except add the modifier key too.

 

See this guide to lean more about modifiers and how to set them.

How To Setup Controls and Joystick

 

The main ones I've add are the gear and flaps. Fiddling around with these on a keyboard is a nightmare for the case 1 break. So I recommend mapping these buttons first.

I would have to go through the route you suggested.

I am quite familiar with using the modifier in dcs.

Have started search for best realistic mapping possible for the warthog flightstick and the twcs throttle.

I would just use Chuck's F/A-18C Hornet Guide

The F/A-18 is not to bad with the controls, well compared with the A-10C fire hands.

Chuck also has a pic of the real controls and warthog, that's how I set my controls up, just mimicking as close to the real stick as I could get it. Then add in a few modifiers to make VR and the carrier break easier.

I would just use Chuck's F/A-18C Hornet Guide

 

 

The F/A-18 is not to bad with the controls, well compared with the A-10C fire hands.

 

 

Chuck also has a pic of the real controls and warthog, that's how I set my controls up, just mimicking as close to the real stick as I could get it. Then add in a few modifiers to make VR and the carrier break easier.

I use the TM WH throttle, a TM WH grip in a VPC base, and a DSD button box (Flight 2). The button box at about 100 USD is a good investment. I would never manage a modern aircraft without the added switches and buttons.

Attached .xls file shows my bindings on sheet "View".

Input_Config_FA-18C_TMWH Grip_T-50 Base.zip

I use the TM WH throttle, a TM WH grip in a VPC base, and a DSD button box (Flight 2). The button box at about 100 USD is a good investment. I would never manage a modern aircraft without the added switches and buttons.

 

Attached .xls file shows my bindings on sheet "View".