My Elite Dangerous control panel (cheap jury rig/iprovized setup)

Sergio Smegolia

Sergio Smegolia
I bet the game is trying to focus on the comms panel. Bit worrying as I have just started using the track hat clip (great piece of kit).

I'll try it tonight, see if I get the same problem.

Tried it, had no problems. How is your macro setup? I tried a simple broadcast to local macro: "enter", " /" , "l", "M", "e", "s", "s", "a", "g", "e". Worked a charm. I'm using track hat clip and facetracknoir and obviously voice attack. Hope this helps.
 
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Jakspratt

Jakspratt
I was intrigued by this design and immediately went to look on ebay for a keyboard I could use. Ideally I would like to position it between to the 2 elements of my HOTAS and this seems to be a problem. My Thrustmaster X can be separated by a gap between the 2 section of 22cm but most mini keyboards (no numberpad) are around 28cm. more research needed
 

mossfoot

mossfoot
Globusdiablo said:
Sweet setup you've got there Mr. Moss. :)
Click to expand...

It's gotten even better. I've mounted the PS3 camera directly to the control panel (giving a kind of HAL 9000 vibe), a better sized desk I can mount everything in and still fit my legs under. And set it up so I could raise the control panel angle to something more like a control panel and less like a keyboard.

I'll have to update it after Christmas.
 

Globusdiablo

Globusdiablo
Jakspratt said:
I was intrigued by this design and immediately went to look on ebay for a keyboard I could use. Ideally I would like to position it between to the 2 elements of my HOTAS and this seems to be a problem. My Thrustmaster X can be separated by a gap between the 2 section of 22cm but most mini keyboards (no numberpad) are around 28cm. more research needed
Click to expand...

Mr. Moss and I both use the wireless Logitech keyboard (note the built in touchpad/mouse - very handy) that easily fits between: https://forums.frontier.co.uk/showthread.php?t=214235&p=3279227&viewfull=1#post3279227

Cheap and sturdy. Highly recommended by me (and Moss I presume). :)

mossfoot said:
...I'll have to update it after Christmas.
Click to expand...

Indeed. Pictures needed. :)
 
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Jakspratt

Jakspratt
Globusdiablo said:
Mr. Moss and I both use the wireless Logitech keyboard (note the built in touchpad/mouse - very handy) that easily fits between: https://forums.frontier.co.uk/showthread.php?t=214235&p=3279227&viewfull=1#post3279227
Click to expand...

Thanks for info - was just going to post that the cable on my HOTAS would not be long enough to fit the Logitech (according to dimensions on ebay) than I had a look underneath and discovered that a complete coil of cable was still unwound under the throttle - I've suddenly been liberated!!
 
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mossfoot

mossfoot
I've been toying with the idea of adding a numerical keypad next to my throttle for use for certain macros/hotkeys.

Communications come to mind. As I mentioned earlier my Voice Attack attempt at such Macros for some reason results in permanent headlook misalignment, and I still can't figure out how or why.

So maybe a numberpad (or more expensive gamer keypad) could fit the same bill, allowing me with one hand to bring up coms and select one of X number of prewritten responses.

So, questions: Is there a program where I could set such macros to a basic keypad like this:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00T5J6GK0?psc=1

Or do I need a specialized piece of kit like this:

http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-G13-...6qq88h9umc489hd_1_3_ttl?ie=UTF8&s=electronics
 

Hammerhai

H
Not at all: With Autohotkey you can do it, and Voice Attack can also nowadays program non spoken macros, just key actuated.
Since VA is only 8 Dollars for a licence, give it a try or fall back on AHK. Note you want the AHK files from autohotkey.org (.net?), as autohotkey.com is peddling an outdated build available for free from the community. So stay away from Autohotkey.com

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If you are serious about the G13, you might as well get the MFD Panels from either CH Products or Thrustmaster for the looks. I do not think that is at all necessary though.:D

Oh, and I forgot about Roccat Powergrid, though that is also pay to play if you go beyond the absolute basics.
 
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mossfoot

mossfoot
Hammerhai said:
Not at all: With Autohotkey you can do it, and Voice Attack can also nowadays program non spoken macros, just key actuated.
Since VA is only 8 Dollars for a licence, give it a try or fall back on AHK. Note you want the AHK files from autohotkey.org (.net?), as autohotkey.com is peddling an outdated build available for free from the community. So stay away from Autohotkey.com

- - - - - Additional Content Posted / Auto Merge - - - - -


If you are serious about the G13, you might as well get the MFD Panels from either CH Products or Thrustmaster for the looks. I do not think that is at all necessary though.:D

Oh, and I forgot about Roccat Powergrid, though that is also pay to play if you go beyond the absolute basics.
Click to expand...


Ah, I already have Voice Attack - so the cheaper normal keypad might be the way to go, had a dedicated "comm" panel next to the throttle. Will need to build an extension on the desk I currently use, though ;) Or maybe get something to go on the arm rests that I can put a keypad on the left and mouse on the right ;)

Thanks!
 

mossfoot

mossfoot
Ha! Got a USB keypad for free the other day. Unfortunately I won't be home at my desk until after the holidays :( But I look forward to the idea of modding my rig a bit more then. Better Hat cover, keypad for Comm shortcuts... should be good :)
 

[VR] Frank_G

[VR] Frank_G
mossfoot said:
I've been toying with the idea of adding a numerical keypad next to my throttle for use for certain macros/hotkeys.

Communications come to mind. As I mentioned earlier my Voice Attack attempt at such Macros for some reason results in permanent headlook misalignment, and I still can't figure out how or why.

So maybe a numberpad (or more expensive gamer keypad) could fit the same bill, allowing me with one hand to bring up coms and select one of X number of prewritten responses.

So, questions: Is there a program where I could set such macros to a basic keypad like this:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00T5J6GK0?psc=1

Or do I need a specialized piece of kit like this:

http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-G13-...6qq88h9umc489hd_1_3_ttl?ie=UTF8&s=electronics
Click to expand...

I plan to get one of those game-controllers myself. I am sure the little stick (which is hopefully analog) will add some more feeling to the directional thrusters. And it will be much easier to handle when you wear a VR Headset. Your de-keyed keyboard is a very nice idea and a cheap way to build a complex but nice to handle control unit, but that stick of the G13... that is the key feature while providing keyboard-access as well.
 

FunGas

FunGas
One thing I found about using VoiceAttack is that it replays commands too quickly for the game, try adding a 10ms delay between keypresses - it worked for me!
 

mossfoot

mossfoot
Hampstor said:
I dunno if you could use a ipad to create a star trek TNG style control panel, is that possible?
Click to expand...

It is indeed. I might be doing something like that in the future too.

Of course, physical controls have a strong appeal too. Bit more visceral, you know? And there's always the joy of jury-rigging something from one purpose to another (making that keyboard was pretty cool, even though it's not exactly a "perfect" kind of control panel.
 

Hampstor

Hampstor
mossfoot said:
It is indeed. I might be doing something like that in the future too.

Of course, physical controls have a strong appeal too. Bit more visceral, you know? And there's always the joy of jury-rigging something from one purpose to another (making that keyboard was pretty cool, even though it's not exactly a "perfect" kind of control panel.
Click to expand...

I would like to see it in action when you do. :D
 

mossfoot

mossfoot
I'll be posting new pics soon, but I'm rather proud with this development - I spraypainted the numerical keypad to match my control panel and mounted it using a bracket directly onto the throttle (sitting just below the SE and ST buttons at the bottom).

My only difficulty now is setting up text macros so I can use it to quickly sent standard hails/requests/demands/begging, etc...

I was able to set it up easy enough on Voice Attack, but the problem is the macro for some reason interferes with Head Tracking and I can't figure out why. I use FaceTrackNoIR with a PS3 camera and an IR clip mounted on my headset. The text macros work great when not using head tracking, but as soon as I turn it on any text macro will skew my head "center" permanently (as in pressing the recenter button won't fix it, I have to leave and come back). When setting up the macro in Voice Attack the only buttons commands involved are the keypress and a fixed 0.01 second pause between. Suggestions or a workaround would be welcomed.
 
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