Pioneer Custom Game Controller Profiles

[Baobobafet]

Due to keyboard space limitations and simple ergonomics in the past, I sinfully never used all the piloting and thruster features that Pioneer provides.

The only sensible solution I have found is to add other controllers to take the load off the keyboard and mouse combo.

Joysticks are a great comfort solution for general and low alttitude flight - but I wouldn't yet rely on it in any serious dogfight, I still prefer my Trackman Marble. But for general maneuvers I find a joystick a perfect addition to the control suite. (others may prefer their gamepads)

I've also added an old Nostromo N50 speedpad to compliment my set-up - all working through the excellent Xpadder game Utility

In any case I thought, (if there isn't one) A repository of some sort could be set-up for users to brouse that would include various custom Pioneer controller Profiles.

Such profiles serve to reduce the workload on pilots and making the game more enjoyable - while offering more of Pioneer's control features in an intuitive manner.

Here's my present set-up (a work in progress) It may help others visualize some control options.

[Baobobafet]

A small update for those looking for or considering a speedpad similar to the Nostromo. (Both are Xpadder supported)

The Belkin Nostromo N52TE is the alternate newer choice for this favorite compact ergonomic keypad style device. It sports a WASD thumb keypad and scroll wheel. It also support 3 shift modes or control teirs.

I recently purchased a Logitech G13 to upgrade from my old Nostromo N50.

It's not as compact as the Belkin N52TE, but does support an analog stick in place of the WASD thumbpad on the Belkin N52TE. (This opens up multiple joystick options for those ambidexterous flyers :) It also supports multicolor backlight, multiple shift modes. Using Xpadder's software, it's easy to dumb down the analog stick to do the WASD keyboard emulation.

For that reason and the fact that it supports more programable keys is why I made my choice. As for comfort, positioning and height of these devices during their use, is always a major factor on whether they live up to your expectations of being ergonomic or not.

Here is a size comparison between the G13 (left) and the N52TE (right)

[Baobobafet]

This is my latest control template for Pioneer. (using only Logitech's profiling software for the G13)

Almost all Pioneer's controls are on a single tier in this config. Over time, I will probably remap keys and designate other tiers to separate functions ie: the Stardreamer controls and perhaps the view keys.

Maybe the template is a helpful starter config for those who have or are considering adding a similar device to their control setup.

[Baobobafet]

Nope, this is not a new sort of controller ;) I took a wee bit-o artistic license to abbreviate the relevant control sections.

This is an update to my Logitech Extreme 3D Pro template highlighting the ability to change between 3 joystick modes while in game. (graphic posted earlier in this thread)

I think the new graphical layout is easier to read even in smaller formats. I also have a .png version with a transparent background (for those who may prefer to add their own background images).

[Baobobafet]

Until some repository for such controller files exists, I will start things off.

Okay so all the bits are here in one zip (not including the G13 profile) This has all the relevant Xpadder files and enough info to allow you to set up the above config. and/or any variations there-after :) Also included are 2 transparent .png versions of my above new custom 3D Pro Joystick control template.

Edit: Sorry a few corrections required - will repost files asap

[Baobobafet]

This is an update of my previous template to avoid accidental setting off of the Stardreamer during Lift-Offs and gear lowering and retraction when the Thrust Limiter (trigger) is engaged. Two solutions were - remove the Thrust Limit Engager from the trigger -or- Move the Manual/Auto and Gear Up/Down buttons to the base of the joystick or remove them from the stick altogether and handle those functions via keyboard or alternate device.

[Baobobafet]

Changes;

After further experimentation, I have concluded that the (TLE) Thrust Limit Engager (mapped to the joystick trigger in vers 1.0) Is better situated on the keyboard or other left hand available controller. (This was a recent choice on my part to add the TLE to the trigger)

The decision to remove it for vers 2.0 is mainly due to the issue that once the thrust limit is set, the joystick's thruster controls will never operate at their full 100% thrust levels. (since the trigger auto-engages the thrust limiter whenever the joystick thrusters are used.)

Due to there being no means to restore thrust limit settings back to 100% - the end result is diminished thruster power range on the joystick from the time of whenever thrust limit is set, as a result joystick controlled thrusters can no longer exceed more than 75% of available thrust.

I have also opted to move the Lift-Off Auto/Manual button to the Joystick base (this command is likely also better handled via keyboard controls.) It also reduces the chance of accidentaly engaging the Stardreamer if the Shift key is accidently depressed. Also moved to the joystick base is - the Gear Up/Down function. (while there is yet no Shift F6 function) - It seemed prudent to also remap this F6 key

• (another key that may ultimately be better served via keyboard control)

In place of the Lift-Off -Auto/Manual button is now the "View Currently Selected Target" In place of the Gear Up/Down button is now the "Scanner Modes" selector.

These are the corrected files with omissions fixed in one zip file.

http://www.mediafire.com/?oau8katdxwv67f6

[Baobobafet]

Latest update:

v2.5 Changes: Created small macro for enabling secondary trigger to fire weapon when joystick not in mouse emulation mode. Swapped zoom controls to correct IN vs Out. Updated "Extreme3DProXpadderProfileShowingKeyAssigns[No Submenues]v2.5.png" to reflect changes. Updated "IMPORTANT Using Pioneers Xpadder Profile.txt"

Here in one zip file are all the templates, Xpadder files and help texts you might need to get your kit set-up:

Download link: (3 megabyte file size)

http://www.mediafire.com/?xrdb3vh48n8obj6

[Baobobafet]

v2.6:

Made for current Xpadder version v2012.05.01 Default Pioneer keys no longer need to be remapped and can be used as is. Labels added - Key Functions in Xpadder template program window visible when labels turned on. Updated all installation info. Two reference Xpadder profile pictures, with and without labels. Xpadder Pioneer Theme backgrounds.

Included also is a custom Pioneer Logitech G13 and Mouse basic keymap reference pic. Added G13 custom.lgp basic profile for Pioneer. Made using Logitech's G13 keymap software.

Link to all above files (including my G13.lgp profile) in one downloadable archive available here: Extreme3D.Pro.Xpadder.&G13.Pioneer.Profiles.10.2012.zip http://www.mediafire.com/?lg00c77y16xggb3

[Luomu]

I recommend you put these available on SpaceSimCentral instead - it's not going to reach the players here.

[Ae-2222]

Nice work:) The wiki is now probably a better place to integrate this as part of an online manual, if you wouldn't mind Baobobafet.

If that manual is to be later distributed with Pioneer, it would be necessary to ensure all the pictures of equipment are under a suitable license (some like the mouse are from a product picture online?) :)

[robn]

I deliberately set the wiki license to be compatible with Pioneer's license (CC BY-SA). Anything that you want to host there has to be under that license. Of course, you're free to do as you please with your work if you don't want to put it on the wiki.

[Baobobafet]

Thanks guys, I have already put the profile on Xpadder's site - should give (Pioneer some added exposure there as well). Also have added the post to Spacesim Central. Will try to get it up on the Wiki ASAP...