Hello guys,
today I want to start a Thread on a topic I'd really like to see improved. It's the hardware integration of our sim, especially the compatibility with high-quality flight-sim hardware, e.g from Saitek or CH Products.
I know that few people here use that kind of hardware, and many people just fly with their keyboards.
That's fine, allright.
BUT For many people, Flight Simulation is a hobby, and they are willing to spend money on extra hardware. For these people, it is a real disadvantage that a lot of panels or other hardware is not really usable. Just take a look at the Saitek product line, for instance the multi panel, the autopilot panel, and the radio panel. These are really amazing pieces of hardware, but we as FGFS flyers can not use them.
Another thing is, that even "normal" yokes or joysticks are limited. If I want to set up flaps and speed brakes as an axis, this requires a lot of work, and still, it's not 100% functional. Or another example, the autopilot disengage button on the yoke is a feature I'd really like to use, but it's very difficult to set that up, because in different planes, there are various autopilot systems and functions, everything works different, and so, it is hard to have a feature as simple as that, which works on every plane.
Now, my question would be, if there is any possibility to improve the things I mentioned.
I know it's difficult, I know that it requires hard work, but if there is any possibility, we should aim for it.
It would position FGFS more into the role of a competitor to XPlane and FSX, and this should be our goal.
If you have any thoughts on this, please share it with us.