x55 profiles for dk2 & voice attack

djbordie · May 15, 2015

folks, for the life of me I cant wrap my head around this new setup.

I have to say the logitech extreme 3d pro + VA was a breeze to setup and use functionally.

now the x55 is a biatch to setup with dk2 and VA

Anyone care to share concepts on how to set this up, or even your binds and VA profile?

ive tried the x55 profile from saitek, x55 setting in ED, and sandcracka from the VA files.

nothing seems intuitive.

never mind i have to reprogram VA eventually.

Im looking for a profile that works with dk2 and VA somewhat seamless.

maybe i should try sans dk2 for a bit to get setup, alt+tab to check what axis is what and what button is what is a pain in the dk2.

help :/

CylonSurfer · May 15, 2015

I ditched VA when my X55 arrived. Plenty of buttons on the device so no need to mess with VA and it's hit and miss functionality.

djbordie · May 15, 2015

i hear you, but i have to keep it.

care to share profiles?

ill start by setting up stick then after VA again for the fun stuff.
still cant beat "punch it" or "give er" for fsd hah

CMDR Holycow · May 15, 2015

CylonSurfer said:
I ditched VA when my X55 arrived. Plenty of buttons on the device so no need to mess with VA and it's hit and miss functionality.

No need to ditch VA just because you got a joystick. There is still a LOT you can do with VA. And FYI, my VA doesn't have a hit or miss functionality.. works perfect, every time. Of course every once in a while I will be flying along and it turns my ship lights on or something, but eehh... no biggy.

djbordie · May 15, 2015

profile shares!

haha, my next session will be solely x55 config...not as fun as playing

CylonSurfer · May 19, 2015

CMDR Holycow said:
No need to ditch VA just because you got a joystick. There is still a LOT you can do with VA. And FYI, my VA doesn't have a hit or miss functionality.. works perfect, every time. Of course every once in a while I will be flying along and it turns my ship lights on or something, but eehh... no biggy.

My experience with VA

ME: Computer
VA: Yes Commander
ME: Jump
VA: *Action Completes*
ME: Computer
VA: Yes Commander
ME: Gear Down
VA: *Gear goes down*
ME: Computer
ME: Computer
ME: COMPUTER!!!!!!
ME: COM-PUT-ER!!!!
ME: COMPUTER!!!
VA: Yes Commander
ME : Gear up
VA: *Gear goes up* (at last!!)
ME: Computer
VA: Yes Commander
ME : Prep for jump
ME: PREEEEP FOR JUMP!!!!
ME: PREP FOR JUMP!
ME PREP FOR JUMP!
ME: JUMP!
ME: JUMP!
ME: COMPUTER!!!!
ME: JUMP!!

Now don't get me wrong I have trained windows voice recognition over and over and over and over. I have tried many many different headsets. All yield the same flaky results..... My buttons work first time, every time....

djbordie · May 19, 2015

that is strange, even my little time to config/test yielded near perfect VA results.
I dont say "computer" though, i just say stuff like "punch it" or "next fire group" etc.
I was mostly amazed by how accurate it was out of the box without training.

is it the british accents? (alot of you here are brits...)

CMDR Holycow · May 20, 2015

CylonSurfer said:
My experience with VA

ME: Computer
VA: Yes Commander
ME: Jump
VA: *Action Completes*
ME: Computer
VA: Yes Commander
ME: Gear Down
VA: *Gear goes down*
ME: Computer
ME: Computer
ME: COMPUTER!!!!!!
ME: COM-PUT-ER!!!!
ME: COMPUTER!!!
VA: Yes Commander
ME : Gear up
VA: *Gear goes up* (at last!!)
ME: Computer
VA: Yes Commander
ME : Prep for jump
ME: PREEEEP FOR JUMP!!!!
ME: PREP FOR JUMP!
ME PREP FOR JUMP!
ME: JUMP!
ME: JUMP!
ME: COMPUTER!!!!
ME: JUMP!!

Now don't get me wrong I have trained windows voice recognition over and over and over and over. I have tried many many different headsets. All yield the same flaky results..... My buttons work first time, every time....

1) why in the world would you first say "computer" and wait for an answer?
2) it seems you either have issues with your voice, you don't have your mic at the identical position every time you wear it, or you have a crappy mic.

The only time my VA fails to pick up a voice command, is if I am not silent for long enough before I issue a command. For example, I might be talking to my wingman, and .5 seconds after I am done with my sentence, I issue a command... but VA thinks the command was part of the entire previous sentence. You need a nice 1 second pause. I just speak clearly and it works like a charm.

Other then that, I have zero issues with my VA... like most people. I don't think it's your VA.

CylonSurfer · May 21, 2015

CMDR Holycow said:
1) why in the world would you first say "computer" and wait for an answer?

Did you not hear about the 'Activate VA via a "command" word' option?? Clearly you didn't.. "Computer" was my activation word. It stops someone walking in your room and VA boosting you into a wall because it picked up their voice...

Oh and immersion, it was nice talking to ASTRA and setting up a number of randomized answers. I spent hours configuring it all so I didn't get a standard reply everytime.

CMDR Holycow said:
2) it seems you either have issues with your voice, you don't have your mic at the identical position every time you wear it, or you have a crappy mic.

A little personal? Although I'm sure you didn't mean it that way.... "Issues with your voice"... ummm. As for the rest - you did read my post, right? The part about using many different mics? Yeah? Well it doesn't seem like you did...

Anyway, a button, no matter what way you look at it, is a lot more precise than any voice recognition to macro software available at this time. No matter the quality of mic and regardless of the end users voice any issues that may surround it....

I am happy that you enjoy using VA, I did for a time but with the 'hit 'n' miss' voice recognition and when the novelty wore off I'm happier with a HOTAS that provides all of the buttons, axis, rotaries and switches that I need to play this game with precision.

Just my humble opinion based on my experience with both the X55 HOTAS and the VA software.

djbordie · May 21, 2015

wow that escalated...

thanks for contributing

ranix · May 21, 2015

you're using it wrong imho

You can set your own trigger phrases for the actions and use the phrases that have high accuracy for your voice and accent. The "computer" keyword is obviously going to add a ton of latency to every command. I don't use it. With the keyword, every single command you successfully dictate to the computer takes as many phrases as one of mine that fails (and mine rarely fails). You can use the "astra, go to sleep" command to tell the computer to stop listening when your buddy walks in.

As for microphones, I'm using an AKG P220 and I have a mixer to allow me to alter the gain for various frequency ranges... you say you tried "different mics" but I doubt pretty strongly you tried the kind of setup some of us use successfully.

You're in the VR forum, this isn't the kiddie pool.

ranix · May 21, 2015

To the OP: for every controller except the X52 I've had to totally redo my controls from scratch (it takes a long time). Went through it a couple times now because I lost my X55 config in a Windows reinstall and then upgraded to a Warthog and had to do it again. It kind of sucks to do, and looking at the menu wall for long periods of time to remap controls makes me nauseous too. I'd share a good X55 profile with ya if I had one. You're probably going to have to spend a bunch of time remapping your own controls like I did.

It's probably worth turning off VR and using a monitor until you get your controls set up right, the menus reaaaally suck for the Rift.

CMDR Holycow · May 21, 2015

CylonSurfer said:
Did you not hear about the 'Activate VA via a "command" word' option?? Clearly you didn't.. "Computer" was my activation word. It stops someone walking in your room and VA boosting you into a wall because it picked up their voice...

Oh and immersion, it was nice talking to ASTRA and setting up a number of randomized answers. I spent hours configuring it all so I didn't get a standard reply everytime.

A little personal? Although I'm sure you didn't mean it that way.... "Issues with your voice"... ummm. As for the rest - you did read my post, right? The part about using many different mics? Yeah? Well it doesn't seem like you did...

Anyway, a button, no matter what way you look at it, is a lot more precise than any voice recognition to macro software available at this time. No matter the quality of mic and regardless of the end users voice any issues that may surround it....

I am happy that you enjoy using VA, I did for a time but with the 'hit 'n' miss' voice recognition and when the novelty wore off I'm happier with a HOTAS that provides all of the buttons, axis, rotaries and switches that I need to play this game with precision.

Just my humble opinion based on my experience with both the X55 HOTAS and the VA software.

You're right.. it can't be you that has the problem... must be either the program itself that nobody else seems to have problems with... ot the problem is actually with everybody else. I hope it all works out for ya.

djbordie · May 21, 2015

haha yup holycow...must be that $8 software...hahaha

CylonSurfer · May 21, 2015

ranix said:
You're in the VR forum, this isn't the kiddie pool.

Correct. This ain't my first rodeo. How rude.....

I had VA setup with so many random replies you wouldn't believe. However, it fails to do what a button can do when you need that precision only a button can give. Fine, if you are happy with something, and I'm being generous here, that works shall we say works 97% of the time. Good for you, pat on the head... The X55, and other HOTAS do it 100% of the time all of the time. All i'm saying is that if you have the luxury of owning such a device then there is no point in turning to VA unless you want the immersion of talking to ASTRA or alike. Buttons do it better..
I'm happy to put to put it to the test - are you?.

Sorry OP. I'don't be more than happy to share my mappings but I use pedals and custom axis for vertical thrust on the toe breaks so it likely wouldn't help. PM me if you want what I use.

CMDR Holycow · May 22, 2015

CylonSurfer said:
Correct. This ain't my first rodeo. How rude.....

I had VA setup with so many random replies you wouldn't believe. However, it fails to do what a button can do when you need that precision only a button can give. Fine, if you are happy with something, and I'm being generous here, that works shall we say works 97% of the time. Good for you, pat on the head... The X55, and other HOTAS do it 100% of the time all of the time. All i'm saying is that if you have the luxury of owning such a device then there is no point in turning to VA unless you want the immersion of talking to ASTRA or alike. Buttons do it better..
I'm happy to put to put it to the test.... are you?

The point isn't that the buttons do it better... I personally don't use VA because I lack buttons or because VA triggers them too slowly (i find it pretty fast actually). I run a Thrustmaster Warthog, and with TARGET software, I can run hundreds of buttons, stacked in many different layers, and program them to press, hold, pulse, release any combination of keys I want.

I run VA because I like to keep my buttons as simple as possible, so that in tight/hairy/combat paced conflicts in the game, I don't have 25 buttons to have to quickly reference in my brain to pull off my fight. All my basics and important "MUST TRIGGER NOW" functions, I run directly on my HOTAS. What I DON'T need... is a button burned for things like... "lights on". or "reset" (for my oculus reset), or "landing gear", or a dozen others that I only use in VA. Keeps my important functions uncluttered on my hotas. More effecient during combat.

And also, nobody walking in your room will setoff your VA by talking near you, if you're using the correct type of head mounted mic. Heck, if my mic is even 1" off center from where it is supposed to be, VA won't recognise it. 50% of the time I play, my open-ear headphones are blasting into the room, and my 500watt subwoofer is shaking the walls apart... and my Mic and VA never miss a beat. I haven't once seen the need for a command to get VA to listen for the next command.

One funny thing though... I did UNmap my "boost" from VA, because windows voice recognition can't tell "boost", "oops", and "b0obs" apart from each other when I speak... and I say the other two words pretty often. Once my wife stuck her sweater kittens in my face while I was playing, and I said "b0obs", and it almost boosted me into a station wall. So that one is strictly on a trigger.

(please don't bust me for the language filter bypass mods! Since this is a discussion about VA, and it's potential short commings, this is an actual example! I can edit if needed)

CylonSurfer · May 22, 2015

CMDR Holycow said:
The point isn't that the buttons do it better... I personally don't use VA because I lack buttons or because VA triggers them too slowly (i find it pretty fast actually). I run a Thrustmaster Warthog, and with TARGET software, I can run hundreds of buttons, stacked in many different layers, and program them to press, hold, pulse, release any combination of keys I want.

I run VA because I like to keep my buttons as simple as possible, so that in tight/hairy/combat paced conflicts in the game, I don't have 25 buttons to have to quickly reference in my brain to pull off my fight. All my basics and important "MUST TRIGGER NOW" functions, I run directly on my HOTAS. What I DON'T need... is a button burned for things like... "lights on". or "reset" (for my oculus reset), or "landing gear", or a dozen others that I only use in VA. Keeps my important functions uncluttered on my hotas. More effecient during combat.

And also, nobody walking in your room will setoff your VA by talking near you, if you're using the correct type of head mounted mic. Heck, if my mic is even 1" off center from where it is supposed to be, VA won't recognise it. 50% of the time I play, my open-ear headphones are blasting into the room, and my 500watt subwoofer is shaking the walls apart... and my Mic and VA never miss a beat. I haven't once seen the need for a command to get VA to listen for the next command.

One funny thing though... I did UNmap my "boost" from VA, because windows voice recognition can't tell "boost", "oops", and "b0obs" apart from each other when I speak... and I say the other two words pretty often. Once my wife stuck her sweater kittens in my face while I was playing, and I said "b0obs", and it almost boosted me into a station wall. So that one is strictly on a trigger.

(please don't bust me for the language filter bypass mods! Since this is a discussion about VA, and it's potential short commings, this is an actual example! I can edit if needed)

Haha. This is exactly what I'm saying. VA is great addition, but just that. Nice example BTW......

Warthog you say. How could you not have a free switch for lights or gear down...it has so many..

DamnTheseVoices · May 22, 2015

I love VA. The recognition is spot on. I whisper and try to speak less intelligibly to test it's limits and the voice recognition passes seamlessly every time. Frankly I am amazed at its response time and accuracy.

I have an x52pro however I don't understand your issue with VA regarding changing your stick...

My VA profile is bound to keyboard keys. IN ED I have both x52 bindings in the first column and chose key binds for the second column specifically for VA commands to use.

BTW, my best use of VA by far is for preset Power Distributor Configs even though I use it for stuff like saying "Shield Cell" to "Jump". Or if you're a Picard fan, you can say "Engage" LOL

The combinations are endless for your needs. Here are some of my VA macros for Power:

"Balance" - 2 pips per (standard reset)

"Shields" - 4 pips to SYS, 2 pips to ENG

"Defense" - 4 Pips to SYS, 1 to WEP, 1 to ENG

"Combat" - 4 pips to WEP, 1 to SYS, 1 to ENG

"Engine" - 4 pips to ENG, 2 to SYS

"Evade" - 4 pips to ENG, 1 to SYS, 1 to WEP

*My choices may not be the best so just an example...

Example config for "Shields":

I have keyboard arrow keys bound to Power Dist. In VA I have a macro for "Shields" is set to key presses and pauses at .02 seconds

>Down Arrow Key (to reset)
>Left Arrow Key
>Left Arrow Key
>Up Arrow Key
>Left Arrow Key

Down to reset to 2 pips per, Left Left gives 4 to SYS, up to give 1/2 pip of WEP and 1/2 pip of SYS to ENG, and Left once more to give the last 1/2 pip from WEP back to SYS.

Total time to initiate macro is .18 sec after voice recognition. MUCH faster even with the added voice initiation than doing it manually IMO.

Anyhow, seamless voice activation while in the heat of battle allows for smooth power management transitioning along with saying "assist" for FA on/off makes it very fluid for me. Love it!! Esp the consistent voice accuracy.

Just my 2 cents.

Take Care.

CMDR Holycow · May 22, 2015

CylonSurfer said:
Warthog you say. How could you not have a free switch for lights or gear down...it has so many..

Read what I typed again.

ranix · May 22, 2015

I duplicate some functionality of voice attack on my controller so I can press the button or switch if I want to. When precisely strafing a target with two joysticks and foot pedals though I don't really have any appendages left unused to use for switching from kill warrant scanning to all fire groups hot, or diverting power to weapons. Moving your hand around to press all those buttons while tracking a target is not a reliable approach. The way I see it, there are two options. I could just sit there not firing my third hardpoint and just wait it out, or I could master the skill of talking to the ship computer and thereby become a better pilot. I think it's more fun to do that second one but ymmv