I have read through this post and the suggested "fix" for throttle issues. I believe I have a much simpler solution that seems to work perfectly for me. I am using the thrustmaster T.Flight.
First off, you will need a program that will change your direct X values for your controller. For this, I chose "DXTweak2". I would post a link, but I just created a login today and I'm not allowed yet. It is easy to find though at w w w wingmanteam . com
Once you have that, simply run the executable. There is nothing to install.
you should see a panel open with tabs at the top. Select your "throttle" from the tab. For the thrustmaster it will be listed as "Z axis". In the values on the right, look where it says calibration and we want to change the "cen" or center value. Change this to "190" and click apply.
That's it...Here is how it works out
In game, hop into a hummingbird sized heli (see note below for why), and go ahead and put it into auto hover so that no other direction changes will effect your testing. As you approach the center position of the throttle, the heli should start to produce lift. Not enough to take off, but it should be obvious its getting light. Once you reach center, the heli should start to rise quickly to 2-3 meters off the ground and slowly settle to 4-5 meters and stop. This initial height is most likely due to prop wash and ground effects from the rotors. Ignore it. At this point, you should be able to increase the throttle to any height (above 5 meters) and hover once you put the throttle back to center. Moving the throttle below center should cause the heli to start descending in proportion to how much below center you move the throttle. At any altitude going down, moving the throttle back to center should again lock in that altitude and the heli should hover there (this is assuming you have no forward or back motion and is anything above 5 meters of course). When at the 5 meter ground effect threshold, moving the throttle to anything less than center will land the heli. The throttle should be perfectly setup for helicopters now. I have tested with fixed wings and it seems to work just as well there, but I have a bit more testing to do in that area.
NOTE: Testing was done using a hummingbird. Larger craft will of course be heavier and require more throttle to achieve "neutral" with these settings. In testing I was able to achieve this with the largest helo's using a throttle setting just above center. If you normally fly smaller or larger helo's, I would suggest going back Into the Direct X control app and using a value of +/- 5 or so instead of exactly 190. This will create a smaller or larger "ground effect" and adjust hover point based on heli size.The 190 was perfect for a hummingbird sized heli.
Hope that solves some headaches!
