Controller Layout 4 is the BEST option for the pad
 

I tried customizing my own control layout but it seems like this new feature is a failure :(

The good news is that I found a near perfect alternative (Controller Layout 4) and this is why:

* select = landing gear
* start = Pause menu

* L2 = left rudder
* R2 = right rudder
(even though, I prefer the rudder to be on the right analogue stick X-axis, by having the rudder on L2, and R2, you are able to have a smoother rudder control compared to that of the aviator layout (L1, R1) because you control the amount of pressure applied to it.

* Directional Pad = Commands to Flight
* Left Analogue stick = elevator/ailerons
* Right Analogue stick (Y-axis) = Throttle --- (no more keeping the R2 button pressed :) )
* X = fire
* O = map
* Square = rockets
* Triangle = bombs

R1 = Zoom, finally!!! :)

L1+Right Analogue stick = free look (works great, and feels comfortable)
L1+X = trimmer
L1+Square (or L3) = flaps (gives you an option on how to control flaps, nice :) )
R3 = Toggle camera view

- Unfortunately, you wont be able to enjoy the cannon/machine guns separation unless you use the default control layout :( which, in my opinion, sucks

** notice I was comparing this layout to the Aviator Layout (the all time favorite before the patch)

Customizing your own control layout is not working and I think this is the best alternative.
** Overall, this layout feels very comfortable

Agreed. I've been using that in the limited amount of time I've played since P-Day, and its a great layout. Its great to have zoom back, and throttle on the right stick rather than the triggers is great.

Yes I have been using this layout all day and I love it. The only problem is forgetting to let off of L1. You have to hold this to enable free look but if you forget to let off and try to fire guns it won't fire you have to remember to let off L1.

I still like aviator layout best. Analog rudder control is good to have, but good throttle control is even better.

I thought that, but having read the description of layout 4 coupled with your response to my blackout/redout poll, I'm now thinking having the throttle on the right stick (and "set it and leave it" style) may be better. With aviator I tend to either have full throttle, no throttle or 55%. Which is probably why I'm having so many issues with the blackouts.

Do you not find the ability to freely & smoothly look around the cockpit important? (a natural & slight movement of the thumb instead of having to jam the stick down then scan). Scanning the skies in SIM mode is the thing you do most!!!

I've been playing all this time with the wireless aviator pad setup in favour of this viewing option & being without zoom. I've really missed the zoom but realise now that I could've never done it the other way round (foregoing the smooth lookaround for the zoom).

The custom zoom feature for Sim needs fixing so Sim players can enjoy both with ease!!!

Question, at default layout, how is machinegun/canon seperated ?

The harder you press the R2 button the more guns fire.

Thx, man iv been firing only machineguns then on my spit :-x:-x:-x:-x:-x

Yea you have to look close to notice it, at half pull of the trigger, you'll see the Spit's outboard guns fire. Once you pull it all the way you'll see the cannons fire too, its great to rough an enemy up with the machine guns then get em with the cannon when you have a real clean shot.

I can't find where to get these controller options. I can only find default and aviator under the options menu. It may sound stupid, but where are they?

maybe you have not downloaded the patch yet. They are supposed to appear along with the default and aviator layouts

I have the patch for sure. I'll check again under the main menu options.

next time I pull a rolling scissors on you, listen for the changes in the sound of my engine... I like the energy fight, and being able to quickly and accurately adjust engine power is a big advantage to that. Easier to stay close to corner speed too. The blackouts favor the energy style, that's why I like them.

I like having a good rudder, and you can turn faster with good rudder control, but with the blackouts, that doesn't much matter except at low speed.

Excellent! I like the rudder being separate from the throttle... I always hated speeding up or slowing down unintentionally during a dogfight. This feels more realistic. Now, if only my brain would behave and wrap itself around this configuration!

When you go to options, it says in the bottom left to press square for control options (I think - something like that anyway). That will take you to all the available control configurations - although you may need to experiment, because it used to be the case that only the buttons for the default were listed ;)

Has anyone tested if there are independent ammo counts? So you could expend all your MG ammo, then just be left with cannons?


EDIT: thanks kozzm0 - I think I'm definitely going to have to try this set up. I went back to default controls for a few arcade games last night and it made me realise I do actually really miss having analogue throttle. Especially with blackouts. You may have just created a monster! ;)

I can't do it. Tried and tried in practise mode. Went online with it and cannot stop using default settings. My brain is trained one way and it refuses to retrain! I have a stick coming anyway and hopefully I can readjust to it.