"Set Afterburner/Idle cutoff positions"

[Headwarp]

With many people using TM Warthog throttles or the new Virpil release.. it'd be nice to simplify the process (for the end user at least) for configuring an axis for a physical detent.    Personally, I'm against using curves on my throttle axis.   Linear travel allows one to develop a feel for power increases and decreases, where a curved axis will vary more in how much a millimeter or two of throttle movement affects the engine RPM depending on where the stick lies.. generally becoming more sensitive as you move away from the center. 

 

Currently the only way to use detents in DCS is to adjust the curves of your throttle axes.    I'm not going to specifically name them, but at least one other title has a very simple solution to this where you can press a button on the screen and it will mark the position of your throttle as the point at which your afterburners engage, and there's another button to set an idle stop position. 

 

This allows the user to keep a linear axis from 0-100%  between the two points on the axis, as well as allowing users to utilize their throttle detents with two simple clicks of a button rather than back and forth into the axis tune menus. 

 

It may not sound like a big deal.. but the fact that this feature doesn't exist in DCS World generally means simply not using the physical detents provided with our throttles for me.   I can't imagine the feature being difficult to an experienced coder, and I think it would go a long way with your biggest fans who throw down hundreds of dollars on gear to enjoy your program.  

 

Please.. let's not turn this thread into a discussion about another sim.   I'd prefer to leave titles out of it, and my only reason for bringing it up was because it provides an example of a feature I'd really love to see in DCSW.  

 

If anybody ED reads this.. I appreciate your time and hope this resonates as a good idea with you guys.

[Simba11]

I use the new Virpil CM3 and the virpil software. My throttle doesn't register the cut off area. i have a virtual button that actuates from 1-2% range that is tied to move the throttle from cut off to idle. when i program that axis travel it only registers from the idle stop to full burner as the 0-100% travel. for all U.S. aircraft this lines up perfect with the burner detents. the only axis curve i tweek is on the Russian planes but after about 2 or 3 mins on the first set up they too are gtg.  But i do understand what you are saying. That is what make the Virpil worth it to me. i can do all of that in the Virpil Software and the game recognizes it.

[Gierasimov]

It's a very good "nice to have feature" for sure. Actually one of the reasons I decided not to throw $$$ towards TM/Virpil throttle units is lack of it's full support in DCS - meaning exactly AB/Idle positions. 

I would definitely consider upgrading that hardware if DCS natively supported it.

[mhe]

Even if I have a CM3 throttle running with idle cutoffs and afterburner detent perfectly tuned for my go-to planes, it would still be very nice if DCS offered this capability, just like BMS does. It sure isn't rocket science, but it would go a long way for people who don't want to spend hours messing about with firmware configs, deadzones etc. In the end, if you have better or same capability with a lot less friction in usability, your product will be superior for it. 

[imacken]

Guys, have a look at my thread here on this topic. you might find some stuff useful

Virpil CM3 throttle – setting up detents and comparison with CM2 - VIRPIL Controls - ED Forums (eagle.ru)

Edited March 19, 2021 by imacken

[Headwarp]

5 hours ago, imacken said:

Guys, have a look at my thread here on this topic. you might find some stuff useful

Virpil CM3 throttle – setting up detents and comparison with CM2 - VIRPIL Controls - ED Forums (eagle.ru)

 

 

While appreciated, the whole point of asking for a feature like this built into the DCS Engine, which has been done before by at least one other engine  and could probably be done easily again,  is to reduce the amount of time we spend configuring devices.    I'm fully aware of that post and it's good info.. but as I said on the virpil forums there are software solutions that would reduce the tedium involved in the current options we have for doing things.   The fact that you felt an urge to write a guide for people just kind of makes my point, that this simple feature would make users lives easier.  

 

My wishlist includes a solution that doesn't require a written or video guide or hours of tinkering to get into the game and using your controls.   Hopefully Virpil provides a solution within their software sooner than ED ever gets to this.. but I think a feature like this in DCS World would make all of us that have the option of using detents happy campers.     At least on the setup of input configuration.  

 

I mean.. like many of you I have the A-10C, Harrier, Hornet, F-16C, F-14, JF-17, Viggen all of the available helos in DCS world.  FC3.   It can be a pretty daunting task sitting down to a fresh installation of DCS W, even with control exports on hand. 

Edited March 19, 2021 by Headwarp

[jojyrocks]

Would certainly be handy in missions that need more better handle on fuel economy. A handy extra feature that would help a lot!