Went through a ton of old reddit threads and how-tos on setting encoders as axis. The lag in MSFS 2020 is unbearable and leaves me feeling like I should take a sobriety test before every flight. This video knocked out weeks of stress in a couple of minutes. Now I have an analog Speedbrake and a smooth elevator trim. Thank you! One exception to note in this tutorial: when setting an encoder as an axis, the button function needs to be set to "No Function" in Profile>Buttons. MSFS will see both the axis and the button input and get really confused. Setting the buttons on the encoder to no function resolves this. Side note: As some have observed, recalibration is required.
After the setting axis 6 bit you say "if all went well", what if it didn't? I have the STEM attached to an SEM and following your instructions doesn't work. It stays as two buttons
I really wasn't expecting the 3 way switch to be an analog swtich. I actually like it as one with the detent in place, that way I can have it as both a switch or axis, whichever I want. Actually, now I want to make a 3d printed detent module for it that can be quickly configured for different detent positions
After I made the flip switch to axis, it was way off center until I recalibrated the stick. It doesn't seems to be perfectly in the center with the detent, but that doesn't matter that much. Before the calibration it was way off and it didn't cover the whole travel. I'm going to add encoder axes as well, I guess no calibration is needed for those. 😀 Also, don't try to configure the STECS while running DCS. Any newly created axis is not detected until the DCS restart. Device rescan did not help. BUT, the biggest but with this not so cheap controller... I set the encoders on the left grip as axis, but I have to admit, it's no replace for the actual axis for zooming. The zoom is either jittery (EDIT: meant "steppy", not that it shakes, but it goes in big steps), or very slow (requires many, many throws of the finger), or both at the same time. 😞 I'll have to decide on two buttons/hat positions for the zoom in/out press action instead. The upgrade in the the throttle action is great (I hope, long-term experience is still not there), but the lack of any axis, rotary, spring loaded axis, etc... is the biggest gripe with this product. The rotary on the thumb is the only semi-practical controller for zooming (semi- because of its position on the thumb, long throw and painful feel of the surface). I'll see whether it's even practical in the long term. But there goes my thorttle or RPM for warbirds. 😞That can perhaps be replaced by the not-so-precise encoder-axis, but it's still a poor supplement. Axes are seriously missing.
@@VKBSim "Jittery" was a bad word perhaps, I meant changing with obvious steps. And I used the same axis as previously - or compared the behavior of encoder-axis with real rotary axis on the thumb. Encoder with 15° step can't give you the fluency of axis. But I'll find some uses for less precise or slower axes or encoders themselves.
Hello, I have the gladiator nxt Evo and I was wondering if I can make the wheel to the right next to the throttle into an Axis? If I can, which of this examples should I follow since that wheel only has 2 commands
Can anyone help answer this question. I can’t find if the Gladiator NXT EVO 'Space Combat Edition', GNX WWII Throttle Combo, and the T-Rudders Mk.V Rudder Pedals arm capable of being used to play on Ace Combat one the PS4.
Love both my stick and stecs, but we really need more precise videos to help laymen players like myself. Step by step videos for specific functions. Took me 3 hours to figure out how to change the front triggers to Axis for rudder control. (Although this video helped a little. Still not even sure what I was doing. Just glad it finally works.
Can the two levers and the front of the panel be programmed as an Axis? This would be a crucial function to replace my old TWCS throttle as I don't own a seperate rudder controller.
Thanks ! The DevConfig software has a bit of learning curve, but once you start diving into it, it really opens up many new possibilities. Hope can sync the LEDs with what's actually going on the sim, eg the AP, ALT , HDG etc.
Loving the STECS Mini+ so far. I've followed the video instructions to convert the two left-hand throttle rotaries to virtual pots. They are assigned as Axis 7 and 8. They test ok in both the VKB software and the Win11 USB controller setup/test tabs/windows. I calibrated, also, but that doesn't seem to impact the virtual pots, only the X, Y, and Z axes. So, everything looks as if it should work, but then in both DCS and Falcon BMS, these two virtual pots on the left-hand throttle don't register to assign them to an axis in the simulator software. Any hints about how to solve?
Great video! Axis is axis, thanks for one real precise physical axis on the STEM module. But the conversion from encoder to axis is easy and probably good enough for most usages where total smoothness is not an issue. Various knobs, pots, etc. will be just fine - although for these we mostly have +/- bindings too and that is also fine with encoder. But the flexibility is good! BTW: That axis on STEM - is it a pot or contactless?
"although for these we mostly have +/- bindings too and that is also fine with encoder" To my annoyance I have found a LOT of DCS bindings like this to be really crappy, with inconsistent step sizes, and just unreliable functionality. It's great to have the option to fake an axis. =)
@@jubuttib Yeah, IF DCS offers an axis for such a knob in the first place - which is also hit-n-miss depending on the module. ;-) But sure, encoder to axis is a great option.
Give it a try, you can adjust the axis from the multiplier function. The 3 way switch is on pot, too small for a MaRS sensor; but pots are not the same with those from 10-15 years ago.
@@VKBSim Definitely will, order is in and the EU store is at least attempting to start sending them out by the end of next week. EDIT: Might end up selling mine if/when the premium models, particularly the linear one, come out but these should hold their value quite well and be in demand for a long time. For now I would like something better than my STECS. =)
One question: I have a STECs+SEM+THQ. This means that all 8 axes are already in use. If I wanted to add the encoders as axes on a second virtual controller, how do I make them communicate with the 2ND controller? Example, I can set axis 1 in the encoder config, but no matter what I do, the new axis (number 9, first axis on the second virtual controller) won't move. Is there something I have to set to tell the encoder that it's axis 1 on the SECOND virtual HID? I ask as the encoder axis select only goes up to 8.
I'd really like to know how to do this for the Gladiator premium stick, I find the elevator trims in both MSFS & DCS too harsh, need to slow them down for more finesse
It's exactly the same procedure on different buttons. If you need assistance please visit our Discord server and we'll guide you through it discord.gg/UJAdpdHpYm
Is there any way to smooth or interpolate the encoder axis in vkbdevcfg to remove the stepping? Just curious. Using the middle finger encoder ring for zoom in dcs currently and silky smooth zoom would be cool.
How can I go over 8 axes? Let's say I want to map all 4 encoders on Standard to axes, that is 6 real axes + 4 more... but I can't choose axis # over 8 in the encoder button dialog. I tried VC 1/2, no luck there. I've seen the video with Gladiator + some module, but there was this dropdown that is not there in my case. I can scroll to axes 9-16, but can't choose them for the encoder. How to do it, please? Q2: Is it possible to use the encoder BOTH as an axis and still preserve the function as an encoder, so I can choose what to bind in the game without switching the configuration in the STECS? What if it's good as an axis in one plane and as an encoder in the other one?
At 1:56 I see a couple of lines with OFF in the first box. Does this mean that I can enable multiple types of behavior at the same time? So if for example I have the first line as Discrete with But 57 (as per default), the enable the second line and set that to Trimmer with the appropriate axis number etc., I can have the encoder send both the encoder and axis commands simultaneously, and decide which I use based on whether in DCS I use the button or axis mapping section?
@@VKBSim Ah, I see. Shame about that, but it's understandable. I love the fact that I'm able to have the analog ministicks on your joysticks act simultaneously as analog and POV, and just choose where I want to bind them. Thanks!
Cool. But after setup, this axis dont work in msfs2020. For example I can not setup it for mixture axis. But in default in encoder mode all work (in button mode in msfs2020 setup)
To verify my words, go to the simulator and try to assign your axis to a mixture or prop. The simulator in the button assignment window sees a new axis once out of 100 scrolls, and that's not a fact. @@VKBSim
Great configuration options, but sadly still no mention of when this is available in my region. Unfortunately the delay of several years in bringing this to market is why I went with a competitors alternative, and ultimately their externally adjustable base and metal grip. I might consider VKB again in the future, were they to bring something like a FFB stick to market, but for now I’m established in an alternative eco system. Looks like a great product though based on what I’ve seen.
Great job finally releasing the trottle you announced almost a decade ago, long after everyone who cared, including me, bought from the compitition. Had you actually given estimates of when the release date was, as was requested literally thousands of times, I might have even waited.
"long after everyone who cared, including me, bought from the compitition" No offense, but the way these are flying off the shelves would suggest a lot of people didn't.
Incredible thought gone into this. No more messy DCS config coding for 'if not then' switches! As many axis as I can eat! Well done.
not something I've ever wanted to do yet, but wow, what a powerful capability!
Thanks guys, ThoughtSpiral and VKB-Operator killing it again!
Went through a ton of old reddit threads and how-tos on setting encoders as axis. The lag in MSFS 2020 is unbearable and leaves me feeling like I should take a sobriety test before every flight. This video knocked out weeks of stress in a couple of minutes. Now I have an analog Speedbrake and a smooth elevator trim. Thank you!
One exception to note in this tutorial: when setting an encoder as an axis, the button function needs to be set to "No Function" in Profile>Buttons. MSFS will see both the axis and the button input and get really confused. Setting the buttons on the encoder to no function resolves this.
Side note: As some have observed, recalibration is required.
I do not regret this purchase at all! Always learning something new. Thanks for the helpful video.
Hahahaha this is unbelivable. Best throttle design seen so far
Nice! Visual guide for it should make things a little easier absorb.
After the setting axis 6 bit you say "if all went well", what if it didn't? I have the STEM attached to an SEM and following your instructions doesn't work. It stays as two buttons
I really wasn't expecting the 3 way switch to be an analog swtich.
I actually like it as one with the detent in place, that way I can have it as both a switch or axis, whichever I want.
Actually, now I want to make a 3d printed detent module for it that can be quickly configured for different detent positions
After I made the flip switch to axis, it was way off center until I recalibrated the stick. It doesn't seems to be perfectly in the center with the detent, but that doesn't matter that much. Before the calibration it was way off and it didn't cover the whole travel. I'm going to add encoder axes as well, I guess no calibration is needed for those. 😀
Also, don't try to configure the STECS while running DCS. Any newly created axis is not detected until the DCS restart. Device rescan did not help.
BUT, the biggest but with this not so cheap controller... I set the encoders on the left grip as axis, but I have to admit, it's no replace for the actual axis for zooming. The zoom is either jittery (EDIT: meant "steppy", not that it shakes, but it goes in big steps), or very slow (requires many, many throws of the finger), or both at the same time. 😞 I'll have to decide on two buttons/hat positions for the zoom in/out press action instead.
The upgrade in the the throttle action is great (I hope, long-term experience is still not there), but the lack of any axis, rotary, spring loaded axis, etc... is the biggest gripe with this product. The rotary on the thumb is the only semi-practical controller for zooming (semi- because of its position on the thumb, long throw and painful feel of the surface). I'll see whether it's even practical in the long term. But there goes my thorttle or RPM for warbirds. 😞That can perhaps be replaced by the not-so-precise encoder-axis, but it's still a poor supplement. Axes are seriously missing.
There are details in the video on how to speed up the axis. If it's jittery maybe it's not configured as analog in game.
@@VKBSim "Jittery" was a bad word perhaps, I meant changing with obvious steps. And I used the same axis as previously - or compared the behavior of encoder-axis with real rotary axis on the thumb. Encoder with 15° step can't give you the fluency of axis. But I'll find some uses for less precise or slower axes or encoders themselves.
Hello, I have the gladiator nxt Evo and I was wondering if I can make the wheel to the right next to the throttle into an Axis? If I can, which of this examples should I follow since that wheel only has 2 commands
why cant i assign axis above 8 to encoders?
Can anyone help answer this question. I can’t find if the Gladiator NXT EVO 'Space
Combat Edition', GNX WWII Throttle Combo, and the T-Rudders Mk.V Rudder Pedals arm capable of being used to play on Ace Combat one the PS4.
Love both my stick and stecs, but we really need more precise videos to help laymen players like myself. Step by step videos for specific functions. Took me 3 hours to figure out how to change the front triggers to Axis for rudder control. (Although this video helped a little. Still not even sure what I was doing. Just glad it finally works.
ENCODER AS AXIS rolling middle thing, turning nipple thing as AXIS. 1:30
0:28 Thanks
Friends. I’m in dire need of configing my TDC slew. Top hat switch, purdy please!
Can the two levers and the front of the panel be programmed as an Axis? This would be a crucial function to replace my old TWCS throttle as I don't own a seperate rudder controller.
Of course, just assign Trim+ and Trim- to those 2 triggers; exactly the same as the K switch is programmed in the guide.
@@VKBSim thanks alot. Then it's a safe purchase for me
Thanks ! The DevConfig software has a bit of learning curve, but once you start diving into it, it really opens up many new possibilities. Hope can sync the LEDs with what's actually going on the sim, eg the AP, ALT , HDG etc.
Loving the STECS Mini+ so far. I've followed the video instructions to convert the two left-hand throttle rotaries to virtual pots. They are assigned as Axis 7 and 8. They test ok in both the VKB software and the Win11 USB controller setup/test tabs/windows. I calibrated, also, but that doesn't seem to impact the virtual pots, only the X, Y, and Z axes. So, everything looks as if it should work, but then in both DCS and Falcon BMS, these two virtual pots on the left-hand throttle don't register to assign them to an axis in the simulator software. Any hints about how to solve?
Come on our Discord server to discuss about it please. discord.gg/UJAdpdHpYm
thanks alot! I suppose the pinky encoder could be programmed into an axis in the same way
I did it.
When you programmed the encoder into an axis, could it retain the button function?
@@doantuanduongYes, you could use booleans to read the encoder's physical layer buttons even when its logical function is a trimmer.
Great video! Axis is axis, thanks for one real precise physical axis on the STEM module. But the conversion from encoder to axis is easy and probably good enough for most usages where total smoothness is not an issue. Various knobs, pots, etc. will be just fine - although for these we mostly have +/- bindings too and that is also fine with encoder. But the flexibility is good!
BTW: That axis on STEM - is it a pot or contactless?
"although for these we mostly have +/- bindings too and that is also fine with encoder"
To my annoyance I have found a LOT of DCS bindings like this to be really crappy, with inconsistent step sizes, and just unreliable functionality. It's great to have the option to fake an axis. =)
@@jubuttib Yeah, IF DCS offers an axis for such a knob in the first place - which is also hit-n-miss depending on the module. ;-) But sure, encoder to axis is a great option.
@@virgo47Yeah, that is indeed a big issue. =)
Give it a try, you can adjust the axis from the multiplier function.
The 3 way switch is on pot, too small for a MaRS sensor; but pots are not the same with those from 10-15 years ago.
@@VKBSim Definitely will, order is in and the EU store is at least attempting to start sending them out by the end of next week.
EDIT: Might end up selling mine if/when the premium models, particularly the linear one, come out but these should hold their value quite well and be in demand for a long time. For now I would like something better than my STECS. =)
Would like to order one, but last it was available the site went down. Any news on when you will get more in the EU shop ?
Now
One question:
I have a STECs+SEM+THQ. This means that all 8 axes are already in use.
If I wanted to add the encoders as axes on a second virtual controller, how do I make them communicate with the 2ND controller? Example, I can set axis 1 in the encoder config, but no matter what I do, the new axis (number 9, first axis on the second virtual controller) won't move. Is there something I have to set to tell the encoder that it's axis 1 on the SECOND virtual HID?
I ask as the encoder axis select only goes up to 8.
Let's move this on our Discord channel, the right place for technical assistance discord.gg/UJAdpdHpYm
I'd really like to know how to do this for the Gladiator premium stick, I find the elevator trims in both MSFS & DCS too harsh, need to slow them down for more finesse
It's exactly the same procedure on different buttons. If you need assistance please visit our Discord server and we'll guide you through it discord.gg/UJAdpdHpYm
Amazing bit of Kit got mine today love it .
Is there any way to smooth or interpolate the encoder axis in vkbdevcfg to remove the stepping? Just curious. Using the middle finger encoder ring for zoom in dcs currently and silky smooth zoom would be cool.
Not sure what you mean, but programming it as an axis is as smooth as it goes. Binding the encoder to digital would feel choppy, that's true.
How can I go over 8 axes? Let's say I want to map all 4 encoders on Standard to axes, that is 6 real axes + 4 more... but I can't choose axis # over 8 in the encoder button dialog. I tried VC 1/2, no luck there. I've seen the video with Gladiator + some module, but there was this dropdown that is not there in my case. I can scroll to axes 9-16, but can't choose them for the encoder. How to do it, please?
Q2: Is it possible to use the encoder BOTH as an axis and still preserve the function as an encoder, so I can choose what to bind in the game without switching the configuration in the STECS? What if it's good as an axis in one plane and as an encoder in the other one?
There are currently some issues with the virtual controllers; hopefully they'll get fixed soon.
@@VKBSim Hello, I have the same issue. Is there a solution in sight?
DCS is picking up the throttle axis as inverted, are there anyways to fix this or any plans to help the game recognize it the right way?
You can invert the axes in the native software, but the easiest is to do that through DCS.
At 1:56 I see a couple of lines with OFF in the first box. Does this mean that I can enable multiple types of behavior at the same time? So if for example I have the first line as Discrete with But 57 (as per default), the enable the second line and set that to Trimmer with the appropriate axis number etc., I can have the encoder send both the encoder and axis commands simultaneously, and decide which I use based on whether in DCS I use the button or axis mapping section?
The extra controls are Shift activated, so you'll have to program a button to swap the action type.
@@VKBSim Ah, I see. Shame about that, but it's understandable. I love the fact that I'm able to have the analog ministicks on your joysticks act simultaneously as analog and POV, and just choose where I want to bind them.
Thanks!
Give it a week before people are 3d-printing detent blocks for 4+ flap positions
Yup, that could work too, combined with the Buttons2Axes feature :)
Cool. But after setup, this axis dont work in msfs2020. For example I can not setup it for mixture axis. But in default in encoder mode all work (in button mode in msfs2020 setup)
Hm, did the axis behave properly in the Test tab?
If you made the changes now you have an axis, which has to be sent to analog controls. The encoder is digital/buttons.
Yes. in test tab all work as intended@@TheOneThreeFour
Sure. I understan it and do config accordingly in msfs but no luck@@VKBSim
To verify my words, go to the simulator and try to assign your axis to a mixture or prop. The simulator in the button assignment window sees a new axis once out of 100 scrolls, and that's not a fact. @@VKBSim
why do you insist putting music in your tutorials. it annoying. and counterproductive
Great configuration options, but sadly still no mention of when this is available in my region.
Unfortunately the delay of several years in bringing this to market is why I went with a competitors alternative, and ultimately their externally adjustable base and metal grip. I might consider VKB again in the future, were they to bring something like a FFB stick to market, but for now I’m established in an alternative eco system.
Looks like a great product though based on what I’ve seen.
Great job finally releasing the trottle you announced almost a decade ago, long after everyone who cared, including me, bought from the compitition. Had you actually given estimates of when the release date was, as was requested literally thousands of times, I might have even waited.
You should keep a journal about schlepping salt.
"long after everyone who cared, including me, bought from the compitition"
No offense, but the way these are flying off the shelves would suggest a lot of people didn't.
I bought one and I love it.
What’s a trottle? They took their time and made it right. I’m happy with mine.