Use 2nd joystick as collective

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I have been experimenting with using a 2nd (Logitech Extreme 3d) Joystick on my system to use as the collective when flying helicopters. I would configure the “collective” joystick to use the twist function as the throttle and only enable the longitudinal axis together with some buttons. The “cyclic” joystick twist function would be configured for tail rotor yaw control.
This initially appeared to work however I have run into a variety of issues that suggest that this is easier said than done and I would appreciate comments from others who have already gone down this path.
I understand that there is no way to change the controller name and that this may result in conflict, especially if the controllers USB ports get switched.
Thanks in advance
Mike

2

I do it with 2 joysticks, a thrustmaster with twist as collective, and an old logitech I had hanging around as cyclic. So there are 2 different controllers and definitions and it works great.

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Thanks, seems my challenge is that I have 2 identical joysticks🥹

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You should still see two separate sticks in the controller section.
You must create a new profile for at least one of them, with absolutely no duplicate mappings, for anything.

Rename them also, so you know which is doing what.

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5

MSFS maps the controller ID, not the joystick name, and that ID is unique provided that Windows is able to see the joystick. So identical joysticks can be used, with or without custom profiles. You can assign a custom profile to each, the same to both, only to one or use no profile at all. Sensitivity settings can be also changed independently.

Cheers

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Correct, but in this case they want to use both simultaneously, so one must remapped for collective use and any other flight controls removed.

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I should have emphasised that both JS are the same - Logitech Extreme 4D

Tks

Mike

8

I have 2 nearly identical joysticks, they are very old analog types with slider on the base that allows release of the spring tension. This is necessary for helicopter use. Assignments: Stick on my left is assigned to cyclic - that would be like ailerons and elevators in a plane. Stick on my right has X axis assigned to tail rotor, like rudder on a plane, and right Y is the collective. Works very well!

After getting all the axis assignments correct save it as a profile. Then fly and adjust sensitivities so it works for you, and save profile again.