I don't have one yet, but has anyone managed to change the color of the virpil alpha LED by scan mode. IE: blue for scan mode and orange for combat mode. I imagine it would be fairly difficult to do.
Virpil Alpha Color
- Thread starter BDelacroix
- Start date
I can verify it's possible. I have the 5-position rotary switch on my CM3 throttle set to change color on the Alpha and Throttle ("B" buttons). I've yet to map the switch to change modes though (not a high priority for me right now). I'm using Joystick Gremlin with a plugin to accomplish this. Although tedious to setup, it isn't very difficult.
I'll try to post more details later. I don't have access to my setup right now (at work).
I'll try to post more details later. I don't have access to my setup right now (at work).
The JG plugin can be found here: https://forum.virpil.com/index.php?/topic/5832-upgrade-to-vpc_ledspy-to-be-a-lot-faster/
There was an interesting project called EDLogReader that worked directly with ED. It was apparently abandoned after Oct 24, 2021. I helped the author with most of the early testing, but I didn't really play after June 2021. At that time, it appeared to be fully functional. It just needed a lot of polish.
You can find the EDLogReader thread here: https://forum.virpil.com/index.php?/topic/3500-elite-dangerous-and-virpil-leds/
There was an interesting project called EDLogReader that worked directly with ED. It was apparently abandoned after Oct 24, 2021. I helped the author with most of the early testing, but I didn't really play after June 2021. At that time, it appeared to be fully functional. It just needed a lot of polish.
You can find the EDLogReader thread here: https://forum.virpil.com/index.php?/topic/3500-elite-dangerous-and-virpil-leds/
I have the CM2 Throttle and a Constellation Alpha stick with a war bird base and they are amazing pieces of kit. People talk about the 32 button limit in Elite, however, the Virpil software has a setting that makes the device look like multiple 32 button devices to the system. No need for any additional software like Joystick Gremlin or vJoy. Button is found on the profile section of the setup software. Virpil also provides software that allows you to control the state of any LED based off of different game states. It polls the status.json file in the Game save folder where all the journal files are also stored. You can create rules based on various criteria to have buttons change color based on actual game state.
The LED software is the VPC Link Tool. You can find the latest version here: https://updates.virpil.com/#/
This page also has the latest instructions on how to use the software.
With this software I have all the LEDs on both the throttle and stick setup to Blue when in analysis mode and to Orange when in Combat mode. Then I also have the stick LED blink red when I am in FA Off Flight mode. The stick LED will also set to light blue when in super cruise and will blink light blue and red when the FSD is spooling up or cooling down. These are just a few of the LED settings I am using. There a many different data points of the game state exposed in the status.json file.
Once you get the hand of the software this is all supper easy to do.
The LED software is the VPC Link Tool. You can find the latest version here: https://updates.virpil.com/#/
This page also has the latest instructions on how to use the software.
With this software I have all the LEDs on both the throttle and stick setup to Blue when in analysis mode and to Orange when in Combat mode. Then I also have the stick LED blink red when I am in FA Off Flight mode. The stick LED will also set to light blue when in super cruise and will blink light blue and red when the FSD is spooling up or cooling down. These are just a few of the LED settings I am using. There a many different data points of the game state exposed in the status.json file.
Once you get the hand of the software this is all supper easy to do.
Thanks for the replies. I'll have to dig into it. I probably have a month or a little more before my new toys arrive.
Well, the virpil alpha and cm3 throttle came in. HUGE number of buttons. Glad the new software does the button splitting to 32 for you.
Now, the long task of figuring out what buttons I want to do what.
And how to get the LEDs to change the way I want under conditions that I want.
Now, the long task of figuring out what buttons I want to do what.
And how to get the LEDs to change the way I want under conditions that I want.
Yep, its quite the undertaking. So much configuration possible.
BTW - I had a question about the warbrd desktop base. It is Huge. That is to say, you won't be having a problem of pushing the entire stick and having it leave the desk. Also the grip action is very smooth. The x52 was getting tight and sticky.
The construction is metal. Well worth the money. Configuration is going to overwhelm you if you let it, but its not that bad. You can do some really funky things with this. Changing how buttons map, how they operate. If they are repeating. Assign them to mode shift groups. There is a lot here.
The construction is metal. Well worth the money. Configuration is going to overwhelm you if you let it, but its not that bad. You can do some really funky things with this. Changing how buttons map, how they operate. If they are repeating. Assign them to mode shift groups. There is a lot here.
Virpil's software was a bit too complicated for my liking a few years ago. The option to split a device into virtual devices was missing at that time as well. That's why I started out with JG and VJoy. I'll eventually look into Virpil's latest software, but everything works for now.
My approach to programming was to start out with basic stuff, and write down what I wanted to add/change as I played. After each gaming session, I'd add the new binds. Eventually, I had a very functional setup. I don't have any modes or shift functions setup. I never found a need for them in ED.
I 3D printed a set of grommets to protect my base when I screwed it to my desktop. The desk is made out of scrap plywood, so surface finish doesn't matter. I'll eventually cut a hole in the desktop to lower the stick. I tend to prefer function over form, and everything functions extremely well. Looks are meh, and I could care less
My approach to programming was to start out with basic stuff, and write down what I wanted to add/change as I played. After each gaming session, I'd add the new binds. Eventually, I had a very functional setup. I don't have any modes or shift functions setup. I never found a need for them in ED.
I 3D printed a set of grommets to protect my base when I screwed it to my desktop. The desk is made out of scrap plywood, so surface finish doesn't matter. I'll eventually cut a hole in the desktop to lower the stick. I tend to prefer function over form, and everything functions extremely well. Looks are meh, and I could care less
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Yes, the newest stuff does the 32 button splitting.
I take a similar approach. Think about an action I want to take and determine what I naturally want to press to do that action.
I'm finding that I want to use the thumb hat on the constellation grip for secondary fire, but there is a big issue. I do not always squarely press down on just the button. So I'll get Button 23+24 or 23+27 or whatever.
Similar issue on the throttle where I want to hold to reverse but I sometimes get that button + something which farkles it all up.
I take a similar approach. Think about an action I want to take and determine what I naturally want to press to do that action.
I'm finding that I want to use the thumb hat on the constellation grip for secondary fire, but there is a big issue. I do not always squarely press down on just the button. So I'll get Button 23+24 or 23+27 or whatever.
Similar issue on the throttle where I want to hold to reverse but I sometimes get that button + something which farkles it all up.
In case anyone is stuggling with the same thing here is how you do a few things I've had issue with:
1) Red toggle switches on the cm3 throttle. They generally operate as 1 switch with up being off and down being on. I wanted to use them as a toggle like the metal toggle switches. Aside from setting up logical buttons for the up position, in order for Elite to see them you want to change their mode state to Toggle On. Now I can use one as enter/exit fss mode. I'd like to use a second as cockpit mode switch but the game itself doesn't look for that. I can probably just assign both the up and down to be the same button and that would work(ish).
2) This one is bigger. After setting up in a calm environment, I went on a hot run. Sorry to those who were there also fighting the thargoids. Not at my best as I was tweaking controls. I found that I really want to use the thumb stick of the constellation as secondary fire. Problem is, while maneuvering you will inevitably switch off center and abort the charge up. Had the devil of a time trying to figure out how to just use the thing as a button. Well, I stumbled upon the ALPS Decoding section. The lower thumbstick happens to be the forth one on that table. I first set the sides to be all the same virtual button as the center then set the mode to ---.
That worked. I don't think you have to set the sides, however, just set the mode to --- will be enough.
Bear in mind that any changes like this will effect every game. Its going to be ok for me, I'll probably have similar controls when playing say mechwarrior.
1) Red toggle switches on the cm3 throttle. They generally operate as 1 switch with up being off and down being on. I wanted to use them as a toggle like the metal toggle switches. Aside from setting up logical buttons for the up position, in order for Elite to see them you want to change their mode state to Toggle On. Now I can use one as enter/exit fss mode. I'd like to use a second as cockpit mode switch but the game itself doesn't look for that. I can probably just assign both the up and down to be the same button and that would work(ish).
2) This one is bigger. After setting up in a calm environment, I went on a hot run. Sorry to those who were there also fighting the thargoids. Not at my best as I was tweaking controls. I found that I really want to use the thumb stick of the constellation as secondary fire. Problem is, while maneuvering you will inevitably switch off center and abort the charge up. Had the devil of a time trying to figure out how to just use the thing as a button. Well, I stumbled upon the ALPS Decoding section. The lower thumbstick happens to be the forth one on that table. I first set the sides to be all the same virtual button as the center then set the mode to ---.
That worked. I don't think you have to set the sides, however, just set the mode to --- will be enough.
Bear in mind that any changes like this will effect every game. Its going to be ok for me, I'll probably have similar controls when playing say mechwarrior.
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FWIW, I'm using the thumb hat, for secondary fire, but I bound it to right instead of press. Works better for me, though I'm still playing around with my bindings occasionally, so that might change.
If you are referring to the shutdown field neutralizer by charging, you can give it a keybind all of it's own (same with heatsinks, chaff, etc). I'm using the pinkie button together with one of the main buttons on the stick for that.
If you are referring to the shutdown field neutralizer by charging, you can give it a keybind all of it's own (same with heatsinks, chaff, etc). I'm using the pinkie button together with one of the main buttons on the stick for that.
I found in practice that when using the thumb button in the heat of battle I'd end up with joy 23+27 which ED would then stop the charge.
As or the neutralizer, I put that on the top switch in front of the trigger. Works petty well. I just use it as a flip switch.
Tried using the top fire button as second fire but in battle my hand was having to do extreme contortional gymnastics if I had to also roll, fire and pitch+yaw.
If you want (and want to run another script on your PC): I'm using dual Virpil sticks as HOSAS, and use the two flip triggers to switch cockpit mode (left) and deploy weapons (right) via a small Autohotkey script and the information available from the status.json.
GitHub - markus-i/AHK-EDToggle: AutoHotKey script for handling joystick toggle switches in Elite:Dangerous
AutoHotKey script for handling joystick toggle switches in Elite:Dangerous - markus-i/AHK-EDToggle
github.com
It still isn't 100% reliable until the first command has "caught", but works usually well enough through a game session after that.
I use the flip trigger on my alpha-r for mode switch as well. I believe it worked out of the box though. I just mapped the mode switch toggle to the forward position in-game. To switch modes, I just pull the flip trigger backwards slightly and release.If you want (and want to run another script on your PC): I'm using dual Virpil sticks as HOSAS, and use the two flip triggers to switch cockpit mode (left) and deploy weapons (right) via a small Autohotkey script and the information available from the status.json.
GitHub - markus-i/AHK-EDToggle: AutoHotKey script for handling joystick toggle switches in Elite:Dangerous
AutoHotKey script for handling joystick toggle switches in Elite:Dangerous - markus-i/AHK-EDToggle
It still isn't 100% reliable until the first command has "caught", but works usually well enough through a game session after that.
The trick I ended up with is to set the red switches to toggle on, add a logical button to the up position and then set the primary and secondary controls to the down and up switch position.If you want (and want to run another script on your PC): I'm using dual Virpil sticks as HOSAS, and use the two flip triggers to switch cockpit mode (left) and deploy weapons (right) via a small Autohotkey script and the information available from the status.json.
GitHub - markus-i/AHK-EDToggle: AutoHotKey script for handling joystick toggle switches in Elite:Dangerous
AutoHotKey script for handling joystick toggle switches in Elite:Dangerous - markus-i/AHK-EDToggle
It still isn't 100% reliable until the first command has "caught", but works usually well enough through a game session after that.