Boards to interface with DCS

[Distracto]

Hi all,

I noticed that a lot of members here use falcon 4 for the sim. I got into simming through DCS, and I was curious if anyone out there had any ideas how I could interface my controls in the pit with DCS rather than falcon 4?

Looking forward to any help!

[salaxi54]

No personal experience here on DCS, but JShep's PSCockpit system supports it: http://psfalcon.blogspot.com/

[Snoopy]

Some Arduino boards are recognized by Windows as an USB joystick. They work with any simulation software. For example, this weekend I finished making my ICP. All buttons, switches and thumbwheels are recognized in Windows. I can use them in BMS but also in any other simulator or game. Connecting and programming them is quite easy. For Arduino you will need an Arduino Micro board with the correct chipset.

There are also other very cheap solution available which can work with buttons and switches and require no programming at all. I ordered this one:
https://nl.aliexpress.com/item/4000620083956.html
Hasn't vbeen delivered yet. Only drawback is that it can take only 12 buttons.

[Cupra]

DCS is very complicate It is moer for Destop and VR Players. For Pit Builders it is the hell.. not just interfacing software. Also display extraction, reading out light status and so on... just pain 

That is the reason I stay at BMS and hope they will make the jump away from the 1998 code and DX9 engine in the near future…  I even would pay for BMS, no discussion.

[Snoopy]

The functionality of BMS and the visuals of DCS (or even better the new MS FlightSimulator) combined. 

[Nigel]

Be patient...

[Romanski]

Hi all,

I noticed that a lot of members here use falcon 4 for the sim. I got into simming through DCS, and I was curious if anyone out there had any ideas how I could interface my controls in the pit with DCS rather than falcon 4?

Looking forward to any help!

Check the DCS Forums , the 3  X-Keys interfaces which are for sale in the Classifieds are fully compatible and programable with DCS. You can use up to 128 switches with 1 interface .Of course you need panels and switches.

[Rufus]

If you're looking to dual-seat, I think Pokeys or Arduino are the most flexible - and you may also find that using Ethernet over USB may bring some additional advantages when it comes to interface protocols.

[MrWell]

I think PScockpit  https://psfalcon.blogspot.com is easier, more powerful and complete but you can use also this too https://dcs-bios.readthedocs.io/en/latest/
It is Arduino based.
Cheers

[Marvin]

Be patient there is stuff coming down the line for BMS that is going to make it so much better than DCS than it already is.  I am not trying to start a turf war, I am just saying, in due time there are big changes coming.  So stick with BMS.

[Rufus]

I wish the folks at BMS would put an equivalent effort into a Hornet model as they have into their Viper...and I AM trying to start a turf war... ...

[Marvin]

I wish the folks at BMS would put an equivalent effort into a Hornet model as they have into their Viper...and I AM trying to start a turf war... ...

I one of the strong voices to stop the hornet development! 

[Rufus]

Both sims have pluses and minuses...I like competition - it gives all players reason to improve!

I wish they would take all of the alternate-aircraft options out until they are all up to similar standards, frankly.

[Marvin]

Both sims have pluses and minuses...I like competition - it gives all players reason to improve!

BMS has always been split with guys that believe it is a VIPER sim and others that don't.  I certainly believe it will always be a VIPER sim. 

[Rufus]

Me too.  That's the main reason I refuse to fly anything BUT the Viper in it.

[Marvin]

Me too.  That's the main reason I refuse to fly anything BUT the Viper in it.

Sorry I think you misunderstood my original post or I didn’t explain it clearly.  I meant Hornet development with BMS.   With DCS I don’t see a point in doing anything  but the Viper.

[Rufus]

I think I got you.  And I prefer the VRS Hornet to the DCS one...so far.

My next pit WILL be a Hornet...I just haven't figured which one yet, but more than likely a Super - an F Model.  Then I may abandon all else.

[Pegasus]

Hello guys,

I plan to support in the near future also DCS with my DEDCapture system. But 1st I will finalize my new version 3.0 that support my new LAN PCB project. After this I will support also DCS 

Hope, this information can help you.

All the best and take care

Martin "Pegasus"

[Venom]

I wish the folks at BMS would put an equivalent effort into a Hornet model as they have into their Viper...and I AM trying to start a turf war... ...

Only need a coder with interest, know how and time.

You up for it?

[Rufus]

...well...if I got to run the show I would think you'd a Team of researchers/coders/testers for each airplane you were building a model for - so not an simple tasking, really.  Not to mention pulling all the "immature" code for sub-standard models and then re-introducing it.

I'm not really a coder, I'd certainly be willing to manage the project, or learn what I can and make a contribution.  Once I get rid of my day job... ...

[JCook]

Martin's got the solution.
The wait is almost over. It will be worth it.
The Pegasus products are top of the line.
 

[Cupra]

They are But as fas as I know is the main usage BMS and not DCS.

[JCook]

Yes. As Martin said, first BMS support and then DCS.

[Rufus]

I am SERIOUSLY looking forward to these new boards...DROOOOOL... .

[Cupra]

Singe I saw them working with all the possibilities and options they have... 

But that is much OT here.....

[Snoopy]

There are also other very cheap solution available which can work with buttons and switches and require no programming at all. I ordered this one:
https://nl.aliexpress.com/item/4000620083956.html
Hasn't vbeen delivered yet. Only drawback is that it can take only 12 buttons.

Today it was delivered and I quickly tested it with two switches. Just connect the included wire to the switch, plug it in and it works like a charm in any windows application. Great. For just 6 euro (about $6.50).

[Knight]

Thats cool..  Can you combine it too  more boards or bigger.? Hmm   Probable need to read the whole topic...

[Snoopy]

Thats cool..  Can you combine it too  more boards or bigger.? Hmm   Probable need to read the whole topic...

No I am afraid not. That is the problem. Each board would require its own USB connection and show up as a separate controller in Windows. S o you are limited to 12 switches/buttons and a joystick.

You could use a Robotdyn Micro which also automatically shows up in Windows as gamecontroller. That can be programmed (Arduino clone) and can handle much more connections. I use one for my ICP.
Here is a cheap address in Holland:
https://www.tinytronics.nl/shop/nl/arduino/main-boards/robotdyn-micro-atmega32u4

[viper26]

I have two of these cheap in price boards coming my way.  Maybe easier for me to use than the Pokeys board I could get to work.  I'll attack the Pokeys project whenever I have the time. 

[Smoked]

Also keep the bodnar boards in mind.   The pit I am building is for VR only.   Yep it will not look anything like the amazing pits I have seen here and I am ok with that.   For simple switches and knobs, there is nothing wrong with some Bodnar boards and DCS....    True importing the rest is a PITA....

As far as turf wars are concerned, once BMS gets the visual candy that DCS has to offer, then it will be a no brainier..... Not holding my breath though... After 1-1 head movement and depth perception, there is no way I can go back to 2d graphics... can't do it..

[viper26]

I just started with VR myself on DCS and I must say its really cool but I also prefer the hands on stuff.  I'm going for a dual purpose set up.