So, just got a HOTAS and...

[Darkfyre99]

Thanks for the words of advice (and encouragement) guys/gals! How would I go about setting up the "shift" functions that were mentioned here? Is that something I'd do in-game or to the hardware itself?

You can do it both ways in Elite: Dangerous. Most controllers include software that lets you modify how it sends commands to a game. For example, CH's control manager has a "mapped" mode where you can assign a "shift" button, and send various commands, key strokes, macros, and Direct X controls, that way. More expensive controllers (such as CH's hardware, like my CH HOTAS) also can be programmed via their own scripting language. For example, I have a small script that toggles both rotational assist AND my landing gear with a single "shift util-hat down" combo.

You can also do it in-game, when setting up your controller in the options menu. E: D has for some time let you enter two button combos to activate a control.

 

[sivrintear]

I started from the beginning with a Thrustmaster T Flight Hotas X and the extra immersion is awesome, though it takes me forever to kill something those last fine adjustments when you have a bead on your target are where I struggle.

 

[damientgerard]

Thanks Mike. i'm like a five year old at Christmas now!

 

[MikeB]

Pleasure! You'll love it!

 

[Kramster]

I recently switched to Joystick from mouse.
I tried the T Flight and had real trouble getting it set up, especially sensitivity and it felt too awkward
.
I have now switched to a Logitech extreme 3D pro and my trusty Razer Tartarus which is nice...combat is great but still having more difficulty with docking though.
.
As others have rightly said....whatever your chosen setup, practice is the key

 

[flint read]

the biggest trick with any joystick control method is to not over control use smooth gentle movements and learn to feel and aticipate the effect your having (it will come)

throttle control is the same and probably the most subtle and therefore hardest part to master especially in combat (again keep at it you will learn it, the trick is to remember that you won't notice that your learning it until you have )

if you can fly with a friend and try to fly behind them as they manoeuvre and then try by their side this way it can be fun and you can compare speeds and get used to how it feels.

 

[Togg]

most people, when they start using a HOTAS develop a "Deathgrip" while piloting. this causes strain and fatigue, which leads to over compensating. i keep my hand in contact with the stick, but my grip is very light and that allows me to make very small controlled movements while still allowing me to make the sudden wild maneuvers if needed.

pay attention to how you grip the stick, if need be, make a conscious effort to treat the stick as if it were made of fine china . you will discover that you have much more control over it than when you grip it tightly.

 

[MikeB]

most people, when they start using a HOTAS develop a "Deathgrip" while piloting. this causes strain and fatigue, which leads to over compensating. i keep my hand in contact with the stick, but my grip is very light and that allows me to make very small controlled movements while still allowing me to make the sudden wild maneuvers if needed.

pay attention to how you grip the stick, if need be, make a conscious effort to treat the stick as if it were made of fine china . you will discover that you have much more control over it than when you grip it tightly.

I do the exact same as you, which is why I put my x55 on the lightest spring. So, OP, absolutely no slamming the stick around as if you were in Battlestar Galactica...

 

[Ozram]

Good advice. I treat my CH HOTAS the same way. Gentle does it.