Use Of "Aircraft Yoke" in MSTSX

[boleyd]

FSX enables the simulated pilot to use yokes and pedals that are close to those used in a real airplane. I was wondering if Microsoft will be making any provisions for the use of either the yoke or the pedals (CH Products)to manage a train?

[cyclone1234]

How exactly would you use a Yoke and Pedals to run a train?

P.S., they've already announced/hinted at support for Raildriver.

[ns4eva]

I for one hope RailDriver is supported out of the box :D

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[boleyd]

While the yoke directional variable devices have no utility driving a train the three analog potentiometers could be used for throttle and braking functions. There are 10 switches available as well as an 8 position hat switch. These may be the most useful. Or you could drive the train like a car using the pedals - right throttle, left brake. Finally the yoke could be used to control outside views to position dynamic cameras in what is a helicopter like outside viewing function.

While this would make a purist cringe it might allow the customer to avoid spending more money and cluttering up the desktop. The code is in FSX to link all of the yoke variables and switches to almost anything so there is no big design challenge.



>How exactly would you use a Yoke and Pedals to run a train?
>
>P.S., they've already announced/hinted at support for
>Raildriver.

[SD50]

Just my opinion, and in no way intend to be critical, but I feel that using flight controls to control MSTS would be no more realistic, or convenient, than using the keyboard.

But perhaps, on a related note, one could use a CH throttle quadrant to control the train, using its 6 levers and umpteen buttons and switches.

Like I said, just my humble opinion, nothing more.

[NW_611]

I've often wondered if the throttle quadrant from a HOTAS rig would be useful for railroad simulation. If nothing else, it'd be unusual to see a standard RailDriver posed against a Saitek X52 Pro or similar.

"Been waiting in the siding too long? Switch to missiles and zap that oncoming train so you can be back on your way!"

[Claude350]

Using a flight yoke would IMO take away the feel of a true control stand. There would be no feel of the notches as you work the throttle. It's hard to imagine working the throttle or brakes with rudder controls. I'd continue to use the keyboard or invest in a Raildriver system.

[rrc_tx]

I believe the general question would be: “will TS2 provide an input/output interface to support external devices, similar to FSX?” It’s my understanding that the answer is “yes, in the form of SimConnect”.

I’m particularly interested in this subject as it is the key to finally bringing my steam locomotive cab simulator to life:

http://forums.flightsim.com/vbts/up1/125958.jpg

http://forums.flightsim.com/vbts/up1/125959.jpg

Since initial design, I’ve waited over four years for one of the software products to provide an interface capability. For now the simulator only functions with MSTS using keyboard equivalent commands. While this is adequate for testing and developing/exploring routes, it does not produce the full experience of driving the locomotive with prototypical controls and gauges. Kind of like building a boat only to find that the lake dried up!

If the Microsoft development team is reading this, I hope you share my vision that TS2 equipped with an interface to support physical cab controls and displays has the potential to revolutionize the model railroading hobby (or at least create a new facet). I don’t see RailDriver (TMTS), Auran (Trainz), or Kuju (RS) sharing this vision by virtue of the time that has lapsed without producing an interface capability in their software products. Having been a model railroader, I found that a simulated cab in comparison to a typical model train layout can be built for about the same investment of time and money, occupies less floor space, and offers much more versatile operation (such as different routes and weather conditions). It certainly was as much fun constructing as a layout and required essentially all the same skills that has made model railroading such a popular hobby, plus the added challenges of software programming and 3D modeling.

More information about my project is at http://www.virtualrailroader.com/SLCabSim.html.

[scfe_fan]

ok...so will TS2 be compatible with say RailDriver????

[rrc_tx]

According to RailDriver the answer is "yes" as stated at http://www.raildriver.com/products/raildriver.php.

[buzzbenz]

Using a flight yoke would IMO take away the feel of a true control stand. There would be no feel of the notches as you work the throttle. It's hard to imagine working the throttle or brakes with rudder controls. I'd continue to use the keyboard or invest in a Raildriver system.

Not entirely...

Now, i have the RailDriver, so obviously that'll be my main control.

But for those that DON'T have it, something like the CH Products Throttle Quandrant would be a pretty close stand-in... Especially considerin the RailDriver doesn't have physical notches either :)

Also, consider that not all trains are controlled the same... The St. Louis Metrolink light rail system for instance is controlled via foot pedals just like a car. So a set of rudder pedals like the CH ones chocked for "car mode" would be completely accurate for that system.

What i'm REALLY hoping is that the controller setup is just like FS, which also allows for multiple controllers and saves the joystick config in a file. What i did for FS is set up two different configs - one for Jets, one for Props, and use a batch file to switch between them. Those of us with FS setups as well as RailDriver would be able to do something just like that to switch between Steam, Diesel/Electric, and Light Rail. Now how cool would THAT be!! :)