realistic joystick

[LukeFF]

How do these Tarmac Ace controllers interface with IL2? IOW, is there any programming software that comes with these devices? I absolutely love the look of these controllers, but going from all of my buttons and modes on my CH setup could be a scary proposition.

[bolox]

Originally Posted by LukeFF

How do these Tarmac Ace controllers interface with IL2? IOW, is there any programming software that comes with these devices? I absolutely love the look of these controllers, but going from all of my buttons and modes on my CH setup could be a scary proposition.

as they are based on a leo bodner bu0836 controller they are recognised as such by windoze, and can be assigned directly as dx buttons in game- this is the way i'm running mine anyway.

tarmac aces don't recommend the use of software but any keyboard emulator should be fine, svmapper for xp (free)
http://forum.sukhoi.ru/showthread.php?t=46137
or digital transforms for vista
http://www.digitaltransforms.com/
(not free but free trial) would be my suggestions to look at- there are others.

for all those 'other' controls on your ch setup there are several ways forward:-

use ch throttle and you'll still have all these commands - use the stick aswell as a button bay?

make a custom controller (using another bu0836 or similar). i'm doing this using a beta innovations plasma lite for 88 buttons/switches/rotary encoders.
this transferred (nearly)all my cougar programmed controls.

get a touchscreen and use touchbuddy
http://www.touch-buddy.com/forums/fa...aster-faq.html

and with any of these if you haven't got tir- get it

hope this has given you some ideas and eased the scare factor

[Windturbin]

Originally Posted by LukeFF

How do these Tarmac Ace controllers interface with IL2? IOW, is there any programming software that comes with these devices? I absolutely love the look of these controllers, but going from all of my buttons and modes on my CH setup could be a scary proposition.

Concerning buttons for flight simulation..............

I fly with the full line of CH-products. I have a small space between my Fighterstick and throttle. Not quite enough room for a keyboard.

I do not like using my CH product buttons for certain things, such as the many possible flight and wingman commands.

I ordered me an X-key Professional yesterday it is about 9"x 8" and will fit perfectly in my cockpit right there between my Fighterstick and throttle.

http://www.piengineering.com/xkeys/xkpro.php

Comes with programming software for keystrokes and macros, also software and templets for labeling each button.

This could be a possible solution (58 keys should be enough) for the lack of buttons if using tarmac equipment.

[LukeFF]

Originally Posted by Windturbin

Concerning buttons for flight simulation..............

I fly with the full line of CH-products. I have a small space between my Fighterstick and throttle. Not quite enough room for a keyboard.

I do not like using my CH product buttons for certain things, such as the many possible flight and wingman commands.

I ordered me an X-key Professional yesterday it is about 9"x 8" and will fit perfectly in my cockpit right there between my Fighterstick and throttle.

http://www.piengineering.com/xkeys/xkpro.php

Comes with programming software for keystrokes and macros, also software and templets for labeling each button.

This could be a possible solution (58 keys should be enough) for the lack of buttons if using tarmac equipment.

X Keys could be a solution (or CH's rough equivalent with their MFP). Funny thing is, with my CH setup (throttle, throttle quad, fighterstick, plus TrackIR), I am able to shoehorn in all the commands I need for IL2, including flight, wingman, and ground control commands. I would really have to think long and hard about moving to a combination MFP / flightstick / throttle combination with these Tarmac Ace controllers. It's such a tough decision, because I really do like my CH setup, but I just love the look of those TA controllers.

Ah, decisions, decisions...

[Thunderbolt56]

Originally Posted by LukeFF

It's such a tough decision, because I really do like my CH setup, but I just love the look of those TA controllers.

Ah, decisions, decisions...

No one said you'd have to get rid of your CH stuff. If you're able, and not remorseful at spending on this stuff, I'd say get them.

I'll live vicariously for now.

[BadAim]

Feuerfalke, I want to thank you for posting the X52 mod. I tried it, and so far I'm impressed with the precision, after tightening up the top of the stick with tape (I dont use the twist, anyway), there is 0 movement without the sensors picking it up. I also modified the trigger, by removing the tip of the plunger for the first stage and bending the lever for the second stage just a bit, now the takeup is at the beginning of the triggers' travel, and the transition from guns, to guns and cannons is smooth as silk.

Thanks again, M8

[Feuerfalke]

You're welcome, BA.

I'm glad you like it, too.

[proton45]

I just took a look at the video clip of the "Tarmac" at work and I have to admit it is a very nice bit of work... I still think that its priced way out of reach for the average enthusiast (or even the virtual ace that is willing to go the extra mile) but if that is the lowest you can go then its just too bad for the rest of us... very nice.

[TX-EcoDragon]

I'm also curious about the non-centering. . .does it stay where you left it (ie not center) even at flight speeds?

[bolox]

Originally Posted by TX-EcoDragon

I'm also curious about the non-centering. . .does it stay where you left it (ie not center) even at flight speeds?

yes, it operates in just that fashion- there is no change in the 'damping force' with speed (or any other ingame parameter)..

there is rumour of some sort of 'force management' in the works but it's working fine for me i find it very immersive and very precise.