Joysticks: How to Configure

[Cholmondely]

Are there any tips on how to configure one's joystick?

Or advice about mistakes to avoid?

My own experimentation has thrown up the need to not use buttons on the base for emergency combat functions.
E.g.. Don't have the button for engaging Witchspace injectors on the base of the throttle or the joystick as you will need to take a hand off one of those two to use this feature in red alert. This is not a wise move.

* But are there any other tips you can offer?

* Or lists of keybindings for a particular model?

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Another point: the CH Pro-Throttle seems very well designed in that all the buttons/switches are located on the throttle (the 4 four-way hats on the throttle give one some 16 buttons to add to the three buttons on the back of the throttle). Other than durability - and aesthetics - are there any other points to consider in buying one of these contraptions?

[Cody]

This thread is required reading when configuring joysticks. Diz has a way of explaining stuff!

My Logitech Extreme 3D Pro is set up thus:

[Cholmondely]

My Logitech Extreme 3D Pro is set up thus

Thanking thee, noble knight!

Do you not use button 8 (outer middle button on the base)?

First draft is here: http://wiki.alioth.net/index.php/Joysti ... Setting_Up

[Cody]

Do you not use button 8...

I did, I think for docking clearance. Once I began using splines, I had less need of the roll/pitch precision toggle (which was the thumb button - #2), and switched docking clearance to #2. I'll find another use for #8 soon, I expect.

FIrst draft is looking good, btw.

[Cody]

What has me puzzled is why I have two buttons wasted on docking computers (which I never use).
I hadn't used the stick for a year 'til yesterday, so I can't explain it. They'll be re-assigned later.

[Nite Owl]

A slightly more combat orientated setup for a Logitech Extreme 3D Pro joystick.

Button #          What it does
1              Fire main weapon (Laser)
2              Fire secondary weapon (Pylon)
3              Targeting I.D. On/Off
4              Weapons On/Off
5              Torus Drive On/Off
6              Fuel Injectors (Hold to Use)
7              Set Equipment Mode
8              Prime Equipment
9              Target Incoming Missile
10             Fast Target Selector (OXZ set up as Fast Activate 1, key = zero, and then the zero key is mapped to the Joystick)
11             Scanner Zoom
12             Activate E.C.M.

Plus:
The hat switch for changing views in the obvious manner.
The throttle axis for the ship's Throttle.
Joystick forward and back axis as Pitch Up and Down.
Joystick left and right axis as Left and Right Roll.
Joystick left and right twist axis as Pitch Left and Right.

These last two may seem counter intuitive but it works for me. My guess is that most Commanders would have these two reversed. Also have some very nice spline curves set up as per the DIZ THREAD that Cody mentioned earlier. Everything else is accessed via the keyboard controls. The Advanced Navigation Computer (OXZ) is mapped to Fast Activate 2, key = Tab. Docking Clearance (mandatory at all but Rock Hermits in my Ooniverse) is accessed via the Communications M.F.D. (OXZ). With the Communications M.F.D. active use the b key to select the "Request Docking Clearance" option and then press n to activate that option. All other keyboard commands are at their default settings.

*edit*
Messed up the b and n key usage, now corrected. That is what happens to an elder brain when you do not get a chance to fly about for a few days.

[Cody]

Also have some very nice spline curves set up...

If you use a stick, then it's really worth while finding a spline curve that suits you. I often tinker with mine, but currently run with this:

[Cholmondely]

I use an X52 FCS. There's a lot of buttons and controls on this HOTAS beastie, all of them programmable so I A) don't have to go messing about with keycontrol.plist, and B) have everything right there in my happy hands. I rarely have to touch the keyboard, and can open up the giant economy sized can of whupass.

Wyvern (and any one else concerned...),

if you are still using a joystick, is there any chance you can post your settings so that I can add them to the Joysticks: Guide to Setting Up wiki page?

And do you go for the spline option?

Cholmondeley