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#4056875 - 12/28/14 06:41 PM Using Pots for key input  
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Watchmann Offline
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Watchmann  Offline
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Hello!

I want to make a trim wheel set for flight sims. I know some sims can be setup to use the pot directly, but others require keyboard input to adjust trim. I'd like to use software to emulate the keyboard input, so I can use the pots for either kind of input depending on the sim I'm playing. I used to use a pot on my HOTAS Cougar (using the Foxy software) to control prop pitch.

I have two Bodnar BU0836X controllers.

What software can I use to map key input to a pot?

Thanks!
matt

Inline advert (2nd and 3rd post)

#4056903 - 12/28/14 07:45 PM Re: Using Pots for key input [Re: Watchmann]  
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Sokol1 Offline
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Instead pot use Encoder. BU0836' support them.

Turn encoder knob clockwise press on (trim) button momentarily and repeatedly
Turn encoder knob counterclockwise press other (trim button) momentarily and repeatedly

Bonus: if press encoder knob send other button, can be useful for reset trim (not dependent of knob position.

Using pot maybe you can use Autohotkey to divide axis in bands to set key press, but this soft don't have graphical GUI, is need deal with code.

EDIT - To illustrate, in this short video the (CloD Br.20) trims are handled with Encoder (the top wheel) for Elevator
and potentiometer, the two bottom wheels, for Aileron, Rudder.


#4057408 - 12/29/14 09:46 PM Re: Using Pots for key input [Re: Watchmann]  
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Watchmann Offline
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Thank you for the quick reply, Sokol1.

I like the idea of the reset button on the encoder. I have made the hand wheels already, and I had planned on painting graduations on the wheels so I can reset them visually.

I am using encoders for flap position and supercharger steps.

Do you have a picture of your setup? I'd love to see it.

#4059528 - 01/04/15 05:49 AM Re: Using Pots for key input [Re: Watchmann]  
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HitchHikingFlatlander Offline
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What sim are you using. I know in Il2 1946 trim could be assigned to an axis I'd venture to guess that any sim newer than that will allow you to do the same.


I've got a bad feeling about this.....
#4059532 - 01/04/15 06:16 AM Re: Using Pots for key input [Re: Watchmann]  
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Sokol1 Offline
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Quote:
I know in Il2 1946 trim could be assigned to an axis I'd venture to guess that any sim newer than that will allow you to do the same.


You know (1c/777) il-2 Sturmovik: Battle of Stalingrad?

Of its 10 planes, only two - Bf 109F and Bf 109G allow set trim (stabilizer adjust) in axis.
The others only in keys (or buttons/HAT)...

#4059650 - 01/04/15 04:33 PM Re: Using Pots for key input [Re: HitchHikingFlatlander]  
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Watchmann Offline
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Originally Posted By: HitchHikingFlatlander
What sim are you using. I know in Il2 1946 trim could be assigned to an axis I'd venture to guess that any sim newer than that will allow you to do the same.


Thank you for the reply. Yes, I'm playing 1946. I found the axis assignment is under HOTAS control. I wanted to use pots with software so I can do either; in case there is a sim I want to play that doesn't allow axis control. Thankfully there are no trim tabs in Rise of Flight. wink

#4059776 - 01/04/15 09:20 PM Re: Using Pots for key input [Re: Watchmann]  
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HitchHikingFlatlander Offline
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Yeah and the great thing about Il2 is you can use pots or key presses. I tried both back when I flew it but always preferred pot controls to key presses.


I've got a bad feeling about this.....
#4059823 - 01/04/15 10:55 PM Re: Using Pots for key input [Re: Watchmann]  
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Sokol1 Offline
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Pot' for trim only worth if are multiturn pot.

Conventional pot (~270 degress) make the response to fast to allow sensible adjust, resulting in use keys be more effective.

#4127217 - 05/31/15 11:29 PM Re: Using Pots for key input [Re: Watchmann]  
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Watchmann Offline
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Watchmann  Offline
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Again, Thanks for the input. I decided to go with encoders, since I had some in stock and IL2 is the only SIM I play that needs trim tabs.

I failed to coat the wood in sanding sealer prior to painting, so the wood grain is very obvious. Perhaps I'll redo the finish at a later date.

Here are some pictures.






Last edited by Watchmann; 05/31/15 11:29 PM.
#4130107 - 06/06/15 03:54 AM Re: Using Pots for key input [Re: Watchmann]  
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hannibal Offline
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cool! smile

#4130282 - 06/06/15 07:32 PM Re: Using Pots for key input [Re: Watchmann]  
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Watchmann Offline
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Watchmann  Offline
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Thank you. smile


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