I’m hoping to reduce how often I need my mouse for cockpit inputs, to avoid having to change my camera positioning all the time. My biggest focus is wanting a hard panel for autopilot items (altitude, heading, speed, NAV/LOC/APP, etc). I exclusively fly the FBW A320 (and eventually their A380) so the Garmin-replica stuff I’ve found wouldn’t feel super authentic.
Anybody have any suggestions?
I did find this, but it’s not clear to me whether the rotary knobs would actually work as intended (“turn until you reach what you need”) or if it’s a “turn, let go, turn, let go, etc” like a rotary spring switch: https://www.flightsimpm.com/web-store/GA-Autopilot-p234158103
But the Bravo Throttle Quadrant has all those built in and you get the other stuff as well, and can configure it for all types of AC. Although the link makes that look interesting. I do not want to build a cockpit for this Sim.
The Bravo Quadrant looks really compelling, but I already have a HOTAS system. I was hoping to add a peripheral to handle autopilot, but the Branco is definitely something I’ve been looking at, too. I do see that the Bravo has only one dial (with many buttons). Can it handle the various Airbus AP functions, such as “managed” mode and “selected” mode for SPD, HDG, ALT (and switching between them) or is it not that smart/capable?
Dead easy. Streamdeck. I use 2 of them, a 32 button and a 15 button and now have dumped all the autopilot functions onto that. My mouse gets a lot less use.
I use the FlightSimPM GA Autopilot panel and I‘m quite happy with it. Only the G1000nxi altitude works bad, it has lost the acceleration the original WT mod version had.
Yeah, I thought about a Streamdeck, I think I’d like to find a more authentic-looking solution, but the Streamdeck will definitely do what I want, functionally. I’ll consider this if other options fall through, thanks!
You can assign it how you want to but of the rotaries only the Speed and Baro knob are depressable. It’s not a dedicated Airbus AP panel. I see now that you mentioned the A320 as exclusive in your OP, I missed that when I read it on the phone earlier.
All - First this is not totally on topic in this thread; however, the point is, any device you are considering purchasing, make sure it works in the Sims you are going to play with the most.
The honeycomb has drivers/software for all three main sims, i.e., msfs, fsx, x-Plane 11.
Virpil makes software to configure device, and it stores those configuration/calibrations in the profile of the device. Converting those actions may make brain fry.
I can attest to the fact the Virpil TM3 Throttle unit will not configure everything in FSX. You can setup Engine One Throttle axis, but when you go to setup Engine 02 throttle axis it writes over Engine 01. Same with 03 and 04. Using keyboard for engine control. Did configure all the rest but not AP, since making mouse do it is easier. For instance, FSX sees 32 physical buttons, but I want to use 33 for Parking brake since I won’t hit it by accident, nope, only 32. Going to put PB back on Joystick since it was there before and works.
I knew going in, FSX was going to be problematic.
I am now working on MSFS. I sure hope MSFS is more up to date. From several videos, know MSFS sees about 128 odd buttons, so think it’s going to work. I am going to see if aftermarket settings option is available for FSX. I aint even going to mess with X-Plane 11 yet, as brain is getting fried trying to keep button same in all of them. Guess going to take picture and then label each button with what it supposed to do.
You didn’t give your thoughts on the Air Manager solution. There is no better solution unless you use VR and even then the hardware interfacing can be used.
Some benefits
Authentic looking.
Exact controls that are in the aircraft.
Interface with additional hardware if you want.
Can be used for other controls besides the autopilot.
Very versatile.
Single solution for a no mouse flight experience.
I’ll admit I’m not familiar with Air Manager, but it surprises me that a screen-based software would allow the elimination of mouse usage. How do you trigger all of the controls if not with a mouse? (I don’t have a touch screen). Do you mean that I need to buy a whole bunch of their knobsters?
Touch screen is the way to go. To get started you can use just a tablet but ultimately I’d recommend a normal touch screen monitor. Price wise it’s still much better value for money. Don’t forget you can also add physical hardware switches etc if you want so you get to choose the split.
In some cases and possibly yours you may be able to justify using the mouse. What that gives you is the instrument panel instruments and controls always in view and eliminates the need to move your view and fiddle with the super sensitive MSFS vc mouse interaction. So no more looking down in the cockpit and wondering if terrain is ahead. Upgrading from mouse to touch is simply the addition of a touch display. Once you’ve used it you’ll never want to go back to having to interact with a vc.
BTW you only need a single knobster because it performs the job of all the rotary controls. It’s simply brilliant.
I’m afraid I can’t answer wrt airliners as I don’t fly them often. The basic stuff, hdg, alt, vs etc. did seem to work. Perhaps someone else can offer more info.