Click here to go to that page.
I previously mention that I had "dabbled" with Flight Sim. using just the computer keyboard as control inputs. Naturally,
this is difficult and far from realistic. I should add that I was concentrating on fairly sophicated aircraft, principally
the 737, as I had learnt "how to drive" the auto pilot (and later, the auto throttle). I found those automatic functions
allowed one to, after take offs (which I could manage), fly the aircraft automatically. Should changes in course, heading
or speed be desired, one just dialled the new figures into the auto pilot .. and it all happened!
I also mentioned in the previous page, how I was inspired to get somewhat more involved with Flight Sim. after visiting my
friend on the Gold Coast. I figured that I would go ahead and add a joystick. Looking around, I found a Logitech EXTREME 30
PRO joystick on sale for around $60. It used a USB port to interfaced to a computer. This was purchased and I went ahead and
installed it. The installation, using the supplied CD went without a hitch and I was pleasantly surprised that it recognized
my installed Flight Sim. 2002.
Thus, the following was set up:
a) the expected elevator and aileron controls using the joystick.
b) rudder control with twisting the joystick.
c) elevator trim using two buttons on the top of the joystick.
d) flaps extend and retract using another pair of buttons on the top of the joystick.
e) brakes using the "fire" trigger on the joystick.
f) throttle using a lever type knob on a potentiometer in the base of the joystick.
g) under carriage extend and retract using a button on the base of the joystick.
h) the 8 position hat switch selected "views" in 8 various directions.
i) another button on the side of the joystick cycled through "cockpit view, chase plane view and tower view".
So, I was pleased with all that .. it added a large degree of extra functionality to my Flight Sim. for 60 odd dollars!
This paragraph was added some weeks later. I had to replace the motherboard and hard drive in my computer. When reinstalling
Flight Sim., I has the joystick already plugged into its USB port. I envisaged that I would have to eventually reinstall the
joystick with its above mentioned CD. However, Flight Sim. reconized the joystick and automatically installed the functions
"a" to "i" above.
After my new found success, I decided to investigate further. With Flight Sim. running, the "ALT" key brings up a menu in the
top left corner of the screen. Selecting "Options", "Controls", "Assignments", lets one assign keyboard or (selected)
joystick controls to effect various "Events" (aircraft commands). In other words, this is how one allocates various inputs
(from keyboard, joystick or other devices we may add later) to the "Event" we desire to happen with our aircraft.
At this stage, we can only command the "Events" which are available in the Flight Sim. programme. However, they are
reasonably numerous and do cover the essential aircraft controls.
As an exercise, I went and programmed 2 spare buttons on the base of my joystick to act as "aileron trim" controls.
I programmed another button to, in effect, remove the instrument panel from the cockpit, thus giving a good view to the
front of the aircraft. I suggest you try a couple of similar exercises, just for the experience. If you decide to add, at a
later date, further inputs (controls) to your Flight Sim., you will need to be quite familiar with changing those "Assignments" .. plus
"Sensitivities" etc. Thus, this could be good experience, for other things we haven't yet had to deal with.
Click here to go to that page.
There is a "Send an e-mail to Ron" link at the bottom of that HOMEPAGE.