AeroGator wrote:rtrski wrote:multiple throttles
Please don't milk me for more
at least, now.
....
I shall cease and desist. But thank you for the information offered.
RecklessPrudence wrote:Another suggestion, and this one is for both the Space Throttle (my priority) and something that could be useful for the Modern Throttle. An infinite scrollwheel, like the one most mice have. In the brief time I spent with a pre-Logitech buyout Saitek X52 Pro before it degraded past usability, I found the scrollwheel tremendously useful for subsystem targeting, it allowed me to select the relevant subtarget and start applying weapons fire much more quickly than using a hat, as well as be useful controlling zoom on maps and going through menu options. Perhaps under the little finger, instead of a button?
This is similar to what I was trying to say (poorly?) except I'd like it under the middle finger so it's an ergonomic left-hand equivalent of using a mouse wheel on the right hand. Quick brain training.
My ideal space throttle:
--quadrant primary axis (rotary), with detente options (e.g. to split range into forward or back, or separate primary thrust from a final boost segment)
(--don't care if it's "split" personally to provide 2 main thrust axes for differential engines, but won't complain if so)
--a slight 'roll' motion of the throttle handle which can be mapped to an axis like yaw or lateral strafing thrusters or whatever
--a middle finger encoder/wheel with button near identical to a mouse wheel. This can be mapped to another axis that has more mental 'fore/aft' or 'up/down' connotations
From the above you've got a full 3DOF without moving the hand from the grip or even engaging the highly motile thumb yet, and the 3 motions are decoupled mechanically (actuation of one shouldn't accidentally actuate the other). Plus the physical motion (rotary fore/aft, finger rotate fore/aft, handle rock left/right) should be mentally well isolated as different axes as well. Exact mapping of course is up to the individual preference e.g. some people even put 'roll' on pedals and yaw on the joystick X axis. Weird to me, but that's what freedom of binding is for.
Then additional controls would be:
--pinky up/down dual control button (more I think is too difficult to actuate well, although I do use the X56 pinky-side encoder wheel some e.g. menu 'page' or tabbing)
--ring finger single button
--index finger can probably handle an up/down dual button. Not personally a fan of a 'hat' or a small concave-faced ministick in the throttle front index finger position, but would try it if one existed. Could always choose to only map up/down if I found the lateral axis too fiddly for fine control.
--Thumb: two hats (4-8way, maybe one is optional analog to add 2 actual axes) and a separate simple press button (very similar placement in my mind to X56).
--the X56-like rotaries that are mostly thumb actuated (one upper and one lower side of throttle handle, both with push) are useful but these tend to remove your hand from the throttle partially so for secondary tasks, e.g. I use one in Elite for sensor range adjustment and the other for galaxy map zooming in/out
A forward 'paddle rocker' isn't a bad idea either but as it engages a couple of fingers for really only one axis, I think the wheel or grip-roll action is a better option.
As far as 'base' options go I personally like a mix of toggles that stay thrown vs. return-to-centers, since I use these for things like cargo scoop, gear down, flaps, whatever that I might like to glance at to see status (or feel for in VR). I also loved the old raised forward control-panel on the 65 that you could just reach and index or middle finger toward while still resting your hand on the throttle body, especially in VR it's easier than letting go the handle completely to fish for controls 'behind' the throttle. I hope a front control panel is one of the things implied by "modular".
Jeez for someone who said he didn't want to turn a "when" thread into a feature-fest, I sure jumped on your permission to do so, didn't I?? Mouthy internet no-one, indeed.
(FYI at this point I'm 100% sold on an MCG-pro on a Gunfighter base...just awaiting the NA pre-order availability...guess I can use the stick with my existing X56 throttle for a while).