Gamepad controller for flying

[Kite 0]

I realize some folks are using console-style gamepad controllers and I was seriously considering buying one to try it with ARMA.

Can anyone recommend what they use and what their experience is like? I'm not looking for a TRACK-IR solution, just a good satisfying way of controlling a chopper without using head-tracking.

Using the gamepad while flying a helicopter can you:

- spin left and right while hovering?

- strafe left and right?

and finally: What gamepad are you using and did you have any issues getting it to function with ARMA?

Thanks everyone for your time and help.

[paragraphic l 2]

here is a video of the xbox360 controller in use: youtube link

the mapped keys are included, you can map the keys just the way you want them so banking, spinning and strafing would all be possible.

I also do recommend the xbox360 controller, it feels better than flying with a flight stick

[Kite 0]

Fantastic! Thanks! Ignore my PM I sent earlier.

[frederf 0]

Personally (call this paranoia) but BIS specifically coded the aircraft to fly better using the XBox 360 controller for Windows than using any regular PC joystick.

[Kite 0]

I agree.  But also, for the amount of control you need to pilot a helicopter, the joystick alone does almost all it can though, by design, it's not enough for helicopters.  Personally, I just want better rudder control without using pedals.

[dab_burns 0]

When I tried out my xbox 360 controller with Arma I found it really hard to use.

I generally use my joystick, however seeing as that is about to break I might have to use my 360 controller soon. Just need a bit more practice probably

[paragraphic l 2]

There have been request to patch the controllers controls in a patch, they did that but the first approach would not let us set our own buttons.

After that I think they did tweak the controller but removed the previous tweak, so you may add this to your "they did design arma for console"-list but I rather think they listened to our request and patched the controls

you still need to learn and feel how the aircrafts behave

ps: I only use the controller for helicopters the rest is keyboard+mouse controlled

[Trapper 0]

I'm using a cheap Saitek PS3-lookalike controller. It was a perfect and small controller solution for helicopters but it took only two month until one of the little joysticks lost it's calibration.

Now I can't fly straight anymore.

[Sever26 0]

i have a 360 controller but cant get it activated can anybody help...thanks

[december 0]

I use an off the shelf gamepad for flying and love it.

11 configurable buttons, I don't have to touch my keyboard.

[dwringer 45]

Personally, I like ArmA with a joystick - true; before 1.11 the flight controls felt like you were actually flying some junk simulator that some redneck built in his garage out of old dishwasher parts, but now (with the improved yaw on planes and choppers) it's a lot easier (for me) to hover in choppers and do precision landings. Still can't get the feel for planes, but that's probably because I can't turn my view distance past about 3200k and that's just not far enough :\

[Blazen 0]

I use the Gemini Recoil PC game pad.

It's pretty nice when flying helicopters. I never really got into flying planes, even in OFP. However this works great. I use the duel analog sticks to steer pivot and increase/decrease elevation. I have two target buttons two buttons used to scroll up and down the scroll wheel options, an action button, a fire button, and a mini map button. best thing is that the regular controller on the left (highhat) works like track IR enabling the player to turn your head while flying. Of course it's much touchier than Track IR, but it's nice to be able to look right left up or down quickly while flying without touching the keyboard.

The downside to this controller is that the highhat is a little to touchy in my opinion and the controllers wire is very cheaply made.

[Juan 0]

After reading this I been trying to do it with one "off the shelf" controlers, and even knowing that I get no problems using this with other games, ArmA won't recognize it, and I have joystik enabled.

Any clues any one?

Thanks.

[mr.peanut 1]

I hate using a gamepad for ArmA because you must use the same axis settings for fixed-wing throttle and for helicopter collective. This means choosing to push forward for throttle means pushing forward also causes a helicopter to climb. This is not intuitive and is the opposite of how OFP worked.

[telejunky 0]

I'm using Logitech dual action, it is much easier to fly, or even to drive I like the PS Layout of the pad. The 2nd joystick gives you the ability to look around, if yu want