Thanks for this. Wish I’d had it a couple of years ago! In my experience, the one item that really surprised me when I got them was rudder pedals. After two years, I had the head tracker, throttle and stick (nothing fancy) and didn’t even think I needed rudder pedals. After all, I had a twist grip and paddle (if I chose, which I didn’t). But flying IL2 and the war birds in DCS was a revelation with pedals. Once I got over using the opposite side of my body to move the rudder a certain way (I’d setup the twist grip naively, opposite to a traditional rudder setup) I didn’t need to fiddle with trim anywhere near as much, at least on those planes that even had yaw trim, and pointing the nose where I wanted it to go became intuitive. Twisting the grip is fine for a short time but many planes needed rudder input constantly just to fly co-ordinated, and keeping the grip twisted reduced the fidelity of my inputs to the pitch and roll axes. I still use the twist grip to steer tanks in IL2, it feels better there, but any rudder input is via the pedals. Also the brakes on the ground are sooo much easier to use. I agree totally with this video but wanted to emphasise the importance of rudder pedals to anyone like me who felt that they were less important than they are (to me, anyway). Also, I’ve gone down the VR route and back to head tracking. It’s not that I didn’t like the VR experience, to the contrary, it was amazing. Rather that real life is somewhat important to me and despite my level of immersion, there are not uncommon times when I need to attend to something. Something as simple as answering the door. When in a VR helmet, I was completely isolated. This is great for immersion but not so good when the wife is yelling at me to deal with the dog or some such :D.

I'm really appreciating the insights from the last couple of videos. I'm a 1,000 hour gliding instructor (many years ago) and just started with IL-2, largely thanks to your videos. I'm using a Windows partition on my MacBook Pro, with the Logitech joystick you showed and touchpad for head control. You are absolutely right about the key being practice! So far I've spent about 40 "flying" hours learning to fly the Yak 7-b from Kuban. I've worked out the key bindings and stick sensitivity which work for me. I've moved from basic handling to Complex Engine Management and unassisted navigation, and have just about arrived at a point where I'm reasonably competent and confident operating the aircraft in all conditions with no one shooting at me and no assists. Aerobatics and landings are still a bit "agricultural" sometimes! I plan to spend another 10 hours making it all second nature before I start a single player career in preparation for live action on the servers. All on ONE aircraft type! £ for £, fantastic value for money, especially since I was lucky enough to be too busy on the day I planned to buy the game: next day I got it at an 80% discount! Thanks for all you do: see you in the sky one day. I'll be the one heading downwards on the end of a black streak of smoke!

For those who get TrackIR (or any IR tracking device), check out Delanclip - it's Track clip pro but built to a way better standard and cheaper. Also the program Joytokey allows me to set up a modifier on my stick (thumb button is now shift) meaning I can turn 6 buttons into 12 by toggling between shift/ no shift - even the hat stick can be modified with shift... Also DXTweak for sticks that dont calibrate properly (like I found with the Logitech 3d pro). This all enables me to play on a very budget setup quite easily!

I started with a joystick. After I purchased a TrackIR and, it really improved the experience! I have bought the same throttle as you have and engine management was done quicker. I don't have rudder pedals but, I am thinking about it. Thx, this video can be very helpful for beginners.

Thank you, very informative. I've gone through CH and Thrustmaster Warthog stick/throttle combos, then VKB Gladiator/Gunfighter, now a Virpil Mongoos stick/ CM3 throttle setup with an extra Blackhog control box. Very, very happy with this most recent setup.

@AndrewR2130

2 жыл бұрын

i just got a virpil setup myself it’s absolutely amazing coming from an old potentiometer based joy stick its night an day

Boy I want a VR. Reverb is a must. But while I dont have the money, DIY head tracking is gonna be my acquisition. Thx sheriff your beginner tutorials are really good. I was planning some tutorials myself but yours are much better hahahha cheers!

@andrewrymell1

3 жыл бұрын

Hey Rodrigo. The HP Reverb G2 is superb, I have used my friends a few times, and it has the edge over my own VR headset, however, I could not afford the best part of €700 here is Ireland. I ended up going for the €300 Quest 2 (I know it annoys people that you have to have a Facebook account to use, but I just created a basic facebook page just to use the headset). Using Virtual Desktop, or I prefer the Link Cable, it plays really well. Its got a larger "sweet spot" that the Reverb, so its easier to get the view in focus over a larger area, but its resolution is only about 90% as good I would say, but is still very good and for the price point I think it is still really good on IL-2. I am hoping to upgrade myself, but until I can afford the Reverb, this was a great solution for me, and I should still be able to get a most of the money back on the Quest 2 when I do finally have the cash for the HP.

@rodrigo_dm

3 жыл бұрын

@@andrewrymell1 that's good to know. Unfortunately 300 euros is more than twice the minimum wage here in this gutter called Brazil so that a bit too much for me right now. But I'll keep that in mind if the economy here improves in the next years. Half the price for 90% of the resolution is amazing.

Appreciate the insight. A full Virpil setup is on my Christmas list.

@TheCrash1983

3 жыл бұрын

the virpil stuff is great and are the best throttle and sticks you can get by a long way but the thrustmaster pedals are better, there solid metal and feel like they will never break.

Great vid for the beginner Sheriff! Apart from VR, I have exactly the same set-up as you and I have NO complaints whatsoever!!

Outstanding video and presentation

VKB has a $150 stick with twist that is absolutely amazing. Puts all other mainstream options to shame.

@reconminivan1853

3 жыл бұрын

Do you mean the Gladiator NXT? Thinking of getting it.

@Globalnet626

2 жыл бұрын

@@reconminivan1853 I just got it. It's amazing, only complaint is I wish the base was a smidge heavier because of bad habits from my HOTAS X makes me ride the gates a lot, but I think that will disappear slowly now that NXT is so fucking responsive in comparison.. No regrets.

@KvltKommando

2 жыл бұрын

@@Globalnet626 flying il2 with the hotas x was torture by comparison, I'm doing stuff in the game with the NXT I thought I didn't have the skills to perform but now know was mostly me being held back by my stick. I don't even miss not having a dedicated throttle anymore

@Globalnet626

2 жыл бұрын

@@KvltKommando it really is a fucking crutch. I almost quit flight Sims due to that thing lol

I bought a trackir 5 with the headphone attachment 2 weeks ago for 60€ from china with additional 20€ of shipping and taxes, it works fine. It solved my biggest issue I had with the game, situational awareness. I own a thrustmaster tca sidestick and a gladiator nxt (I use booth for Elite fa off flying and other simulators where translational thrust is needed) I recommend to buy a gladiator nxt from vkb for il2 although mine has some slight axis jitter it is better in almost every aspect and worth the money. I am currently looking to buy a control panel with three knobs for trim and to map some buttons to it.

@MrPanzerCatYT

3 жыл бұрын

Gotta say i cant wait for my track ir to get here and my new throttle because im using the one from my hotas X. I just dont have enough buttons to fly allied planes and spent 20 minutes figuring out i needed to bind prop rpm somewhere on the tempest to take off

@petercurrie9959

3 жыл бұрын

i got the same trackir 5 for £60. works perfectly straight out of the box.

@MrPanzerCatYT

3 жыл бұрын

@@petercurrie9959 were did you get it for 60 euros. I payed 164 usd from trackir site for it and the pro clip and that was the cheapest in america

@petercurrie9959

3 жыл бұрын

@@MrPanzerCatYT ebay. 60 english pounds with the hat clip.. look for TrackNP5 Head tracking. it is the same neutral point system. maybe made under license. maybe america has different import duties due to it coming from china. i dont know.. good luck.

@MrPanzerCatYT

3 жыл бұрын

@@petercurrie9959 ah ok i was just wondering. I already ordered it new just cause i dont wanna mess with ebay bs

I have been a subscriber of yours for a long time and find your videos very informative, educational, and entertaining, the 'How To' series have helped me transition from WW1 to WW2. In the video you reference the TWCS throttle. Like you I use a Gladiator JS, very happy with it. I am waiting for the VKB throttle, currently using a Logitech Quadrant, fine for WW! but feel more needed for WW2. I am interested in TWCS unit. Can I ask, is it plug and play or do you have to use the TARGET software to allocate commands? I have heard that it can be a pain to work with!

Pure value content.

Good video, Sherriff's. It's a very educational hardware guide for simulation enthusiasts. I bought this Bonacell stick, the price was too good for the reality in the pandemic... It has the same design as the VKB you showed. It cost 81 Euros, with shipping by AliExpress. I paid for a modified IR headtrack made with a PS3 camera a total of 85 euros with shipping, here in Brazil. And yes, it's a high price!

Hello, first of all thanks for your work. I was wondering, do you happen to use but kicker or similar device to increase your immersion in the game? Kinda interested in this kind od hardware myself, thanks.

you need the rudder pedals for coordinated turns or any kind of flying plus for planes that use brake steering which is a lot of them. they are just as important as the throttle or joystick

There is (or was, I don't know if it's still active) a seller on Ebay selling the PS3 Eye camera with an IR filter on it and an IR LED 'clip' (which includes velcro) that you can strap to your headphones for $50 US. I bought one nearly 5 years ago and still use it to this day. And the PS3 camera has a built in microphone, so it's great for folks like me who don't have a headset with a mic.

What is the program you mentioned that you use to map the axis to buttons on your throttle? I'd like to do something similar.

Aruco Marker + Opentrack It is the most economical alternative that works perfectly and is reliable and fast. You don't have to build or get anything, just a camera, and a printed cardboard. and you have accurate tracking. It should be recommended more to new people. It surprises me that experienced people overlook it with how ridiculously expensive the TrackIR is.

I have trusty old Saitek rudder paddles, bought in 2012, still rocking with several 1000 hours on them, pretty good plastic 😜

@SheriffsSimShack

3 жыл бұрын

you are lucky then. or you really treat them well. because they broke down for others. I don't treat my hardware that well.

@zsoltmolnar1143

3 жыл бұрын

@@SheriffsSimShack I didn't treat them any special way, they even survived moving from US back to Europe, got them for unbelievable 120$ back in the day :D

Andre's Jetpad/Jetseat is bloody amazing. Not essential, pricey to import from Russia but once you use it, but flying without feels so sterile.

Great video - The TrackIR from NaturalPoint is expensive a-f... However: 1: Seems flimsy While looking flimsy, the NP-TIR will last a !long! time if one is moderately careful with it. I purchased mine right as the TIR5 was released in 2009 - (so about 13 years ago) - and it is still working good as new. The only thing that has broken for me, is the TrackClipPro (the head-wear with the LEDs) - which - granted is a cheap piece of ****). :) 2: TIR vs VR cost/performance As I understand it, there is basically no CPU overhead while using the NP-TIR5, as the camera does a lot of the math... Compare this to VR where one would have to spend an order of magnitude more money to get a PC able to run the game at a decent framerate. 3: Convenience Most of the time NP-TIR just works... (compared to my Franken-Freetrack, which gave me constant headache) Also - a VR helmet is hot, sweaty and blocks convenient access to the outside world coffee cup, keyboard, phone, etc. So I am choosing to not move over to a sweaty VR helmet. :)

how important is it to have your hotas mounted to some sort of desk or chair mount that lowers it? I have a pretty cramped desk where all the room underneath is taken up by my legs and a large drawer compartment that leaves no room at all for any clamps and I just dont want to spend more money anyways will using my controls on my desktop be viable or is there some great advantage i would be missing out on from not having a mounting system?

@SheriffsSimShack

10 ай бұрын

I have all my things on the desk since the beginning

A very good intro video.

Can you do a video of graphics set up? With i9900k and RTX2070 my graphics look like crap. Have in game AA set at 8 and yet i'm getting jaggy lines even with Nvida controller and inspecter .

While I agree that pedals are not necessary a must in IL-2, they feel absolutely needed in other sims where WWII is present, like DCS, which demands more precise and throughtfull work with a rudder for some reason, even though you can use auto-trim function there. I personally adopted my G29's pedals for flight sims via 3rd party software and use them both for racing and flight sim. Helicopters also benefit from dedicated hardware.

Sheriff's Sim Schak. I'm watching yours films. You're doing great job. I didn't played simulators since Amiga 600 and Gunship 2000. Later I was trying to play Birds of prey. I bought Il - 2 Bos and I'm playing singleplayer and I noticed that I miss something in this game (graphics, boring missions) . Which part of Il - 2 do you recommend to buy?

@E69Qpassa

2 жыл бұрын

Jump to multi-player after joining a squad

let me learn again!

@ Sheriff's Sim Shack - could you make a video about setting up controls for a first time? I have been playing all IL2 since first till 1946 and I am planning to get into GB, but setting up controls looks like a chore by itself

@SheriffsSimShack

3 жыл бұрын

That's the idea

Hey Sherriif, I just got vr, I have a rtx 3060, and I run vr great. But everything looks blurry outside of my cockpit, any idea why? Is that how vr is?

@mesomebody774

3 жыл бұрын

playing racing or flygin games where you are looking at the horizon a lot does this in vr. Il-2 is a lot of pixel hunting for planes and markers, which is why it all looks fuzzy.

there is a machine learning software which is suprisingly good for it's price on steam - viewTracker. I have to say this is probably the best way to go mid way before going full vr or even track ir

I recommend skipping the thrustmaster stuff and going straight for the VKB NXT for any beginner. It holds value much better so you can pretty much sell it for a minimal loss if you decide you don't like sim flying enough. It also has a simple but accurate throttle on the base which means you don't have to buy a seperate throttle right away. I upgraded from a very cheap stick to an X52 throttle and stick combo to a Gladiator and I really regretted buying the first two because I realized how much the hardware was frustrating my attempts to aim well. It really sucks to be skillcapped by a piece of hardware. To any new sim player I would recommend VKB Gladiator NXT -> Headtracking/VR (the Quest 2 is competitive and cheap) -> cheap separate throttle -> rudder pedals (VKB again who provide the cheapest long-lasting quality option at around $200). Unlike normal computer parts, like graphics cards, good quality flight sim hardware barely loses value over time. So jumping straight into the mid-range is a smart choice. I'm also really looking forward to that VKB throttel but my god does it take them forever to release it.

@SheriffsSimShack

3 жыл бұрын

the T16kM is really ok. The VKB is right away twice as much. Even tho the entry level players dont keep it long (I kept mine for 2 years) its still better to shoot a bit lower. The T16kM has a much better sensor than the competition and I got very good results.

@priest9235

3 жыл бұрын

@@SheriffsSimShack Yep, I dropped my sims for a couple years a while back and recently got back into it. Got my track ir, its just something I couldn't go without after having it, and picked up the t16000m as a 'mean time' stick, while I get the feel as to if I want to continue with it. The stick is great and actually far better than my old hotas and a lot cheaper (x55 rhino) Think what I've got my eye on atm is the Virpil Stick+throttle. VKB I can't seem to get my hands on in AUS.

@Jajalaatmaar

3 жыл бұрын

​@@SheriffsSimShack Only if you don't want the hassle of reselling your NXT, really or shipping costs are very high. Imo it's cheaper to go straight to the NXT.

@SheriffsSimShack

3 жыл бұрын

@@Jajalaatmaar I am sure the nxt is good too. But many wont return it if hte dont like the game in the end. So I rather recommend cheaper hardware, even tho I agree that it would be better to invest a bit more. (like i did on crosswinds)

@Jajalaatmaar

3 жыл бұрын

​@@SheriffsSimShack My point is that most newbies approach it from a general computer hardware point of view, where hardware devalues a lot in few years. With higher quality flight sim kit that approach is wrong. You can often sell your stuff for pretty much the same price years laters.

Very nice! How much??

@Sheriff's Sim Shack >>> FWIW, I found your channel while watching a Stuka SIM livestream on _Military Aviation History's_ channel. Regarding VR headsets -- which I have never tried -- how well do they work for someone that wears prescription eyeglasses? Is that a problem? Also FWIW: My daughter plays non-aviation online RPGs, and she has tried to get me into it. TBH, I am _not_ that interested, but an AVIATION SIM is something I might like to try...👍👍

@SheriffsSimShack

2 жыл бұрын

I myself have glasses and they were no problem with the G2. But that is dependend on the particular headset

@Allan_aka_RocKITEman

2 жыл бұрын

@@SheriffsSimShack >>> Rodger that -- THANK YOU...👍👍

Mouse view can be competitive, lots of pilots use it, but if I had the PC and money I would go to VR as I've heard it's super imersive

@Boslandschap1

3 жыл бұрын

I fly VR and depending on what you want to go for, I can't recommend it enough. The experience of being in the cockpit and in the air is amazing, I absolutely love it. However, I do feel that TrackIR or alternative in combination with a large monitor still is best if you want to be the most competitive.

For PC Hardware: I've been playing the game with an i7 4790, gtx 970, 16gb ram on medium to high details at 1440p for a while and it runs great at 60fps. you really don't need modern specs (at least for single player)

Could you share your in-game settings please? I also have a Reverb G2 and would like a comparison :) I see that you do 70% in steam resolution but I would like to see your in-game as well if possible! Thanks!

@SheriffsSimShack

3 жыл бұрын

drive.google.com/file/d/12uhNeqC0qg-x2tdBAhHDYa8aLueE3YUQ/view?usp=sharing

@dirty_mike

3 жыл бұрын

@@SheriffsSimShack thanks!

VR FOR THE WIN

Really throttle before pedals? I think my aim and stall control improved by a mile after getting used to pedals.

@SheriffsSimShack

3 жыл бұрын

obviously personal preference. But I would do it that way.

@buggerall

3 жыл бұрын

Agreed. I tried really hard to aim with twister in CLoD but it was impossible. And my wrist was so tensed it hurt a lot.

If you dont already have One, could you do a video in which you explain Everything aubout Multiplayer and Server in il-2

@SheriffsSimShack

3 жыл бұрын

Coming!

@lukosluminos1271

3 жыл бұрын

@@SheriffsSimShack cool. I just startet again with il-2 After i got i new PC and now im tired of playing solo

Where did you download the software to get Buttons from the axis on the front of the twcs?

@SheriffsSimShack

3 жыл бұрын

www.xpadder.com/

@SheriffsSimShack

3 жыл бұрын

its super confusing piece of software but works for me and is low profile

@thurbine2411

3 жыл бұрын

@@SheriffsSimShack ok thank you.

@thurbine2411

3 жыл бұрын

@@SheriffsSimShack is it free?

@SheriffsSimShack

3 жыл бұрын

@@thurbine2411 no i think it did cost a small licence fee. not much. edit: I payed 8€

I fly with an xbox controller and perform better than most pilots I encounter in il 2 multiplayer. It did take many years of practice to have sensitive enough thumb control.

No one mentioned best joystick in the world: Microsoft Sidewinder Force Feedback 2. IL-2 has great support for it and is really immersive to feel the speed and aircraft generally in the joystick.

@SheriffsSimShack

Жыл бұрын

The sensors are not modern anymore. The resolution against recent sticks pales and is in no way comparable.

@Jyrgenstrator

Жыл бұрын

@@SheriffsSimShack I have read it uses optical sensors and 10bit (1024 points) on X and Y axis. I dont know what new "more accurate" sticks use, other than hall sensors and VKB using MARS.. MS FFB2 is already more accurate than any human can be and very respected among enthusiasts. People who own it usually own more than one (like I do) in case it breaks, but never heard them going bad. Theres nothing that would make me go back to joystick without forcefeedback. On the side note I also have TWCS throttle and MFG Crosswind pedals. In Warthunder I used twist fuction of the stick (Logitech 3D Pro) for rudder inputs and did great, but it didnt work out so well anymore in IL-2 and had to invest in rudderpedals. I went through 3x Logitech sticks, they didnt last (accuracy was no issue when they worked, even tho it had potentiometers) and finally bought FFB2 which is lightyears ahead in quality, overengineered piece of equipment. I dont say other joysticks are not good, I just happen to think that this old marvel is still best of them all.

I have a cobra m5 and a gtx trottle

Hello there, appreciate the info, I spent nearly 3 grand on my setup and the wife nearly killed me but long story short My dog eaten my track IR im gutted and wont be getting one as were expecting our 4th child, is there any other ways that will help me with looking around the cockpit using the joystick or HOTAS. Again appreciate your upload 😊

@BobGnarley.

3 жыл бұрын

omg that's a bad doggo! .. this will help if you are looking to operate the camera using the stick or HOTAS - kzread.info/dash/bejne/dWR225idc9fdj7w.html

The Reverb is nice, but it is pricy. I use either my Rift S or the original Quest. Both are fantastic in game, and I imagine the newer Quest is even better. If you can stand the Crapbook nonsense. Fortunately, I got in before it was a requirement to tie the headsets to an account. And I imagine by now people have popped the firmware to get around it. However you do it, they are great options at a significantly cheaper price. And honestly, since flying in VR, I just can't go back to a screen anymore. Actually one of the things that turns me off a bit in regards to Star Citizen is the lack of VR support in the cockpit. The all around better situational and positional awareness just makes a world of difference. And as for equipment, VKB is some of the best stuff out there. I have a Gladiator Mk.II, Gladiator Pro, and an early Gunfighter. They are all top notch. But holy crap, are they hard as heck to get a hold of. They absolutely fly out of stock the minute they get any in. And the shipping costs are pucker-inducing as well. Honestly, the best thing to do is haunt Ebay until you find a good deal. I do see Gladiator Mk.IIs pop up pretty often, usually right around, or just a tad under retail cost. Rudder pedals can be ungodly expensive as well. Even the old Saitek ones catch a premium these days, but can be reasonable if you're willing to wait. But, if you have a 3D printer and at least some soldering skills, there are a LOT of options available on the various 3D printer model sharing sites. I have a set of replica Bf 109 pedals on an aluminum extrusion type of frame that are fantastic. Much better than my Saitek ones, in my opinion. Oh, and for a lower cost set of authentic controls, Authentikit has an extremely cool Spitfire stick and throttle/mixture/trim control setup and they offer the models for you to print for free. The rig is modular, and they have plans to introduce different aircraft controls in the future. They also have ways for you to get the parts printed if you don't have a printer yourself, and offer parts kits for the all electronics at a bit of a cheaper price than buying them yourself. I've partially finished mine, just been too stupid busy at work to finish with the motorcycle season really spinning up here where I live.

I personally just went from the logitech 3d pro thats dying and doesnt track properly anymore. to the vkb gladiator mk3 and pedals cant wait for the big upgrade lol

@snow1-2pinkkush46

3 жыл бұрын

Is the logitech any good for an entry joystick planing on starting my journey with this one

@SheriffsSimShack

3 жыл бұрын

It's pretty outdated but will work

@snow1-2pinkkush46

3 жыл бұрын

@@SheriffsSimShack do you recommend any other more recent for entry level can be a little more expensive

@SheriffsSimShack

3 жыл бұрын

www.flugsimwebshop.de/products/thrustmaster-t16000m-fcs?gclid=CjwKCAjwzMeFBhBwEiwAzwS8zN7e2OR36VNR9oXzScNvJVlSJbvcTMR2O7SR8zOr6ogxT6TDgaBejxoCDI0QAvD_BwE T16000m

@snow1-2pinkkush46

3 жыл бұрын

@@SheriffsSimShack big thanks will check this one

instead of built in mouse controls, its better to use the mouse to emulate a joystick, that way that white circle wont be visible, and mouse guys wont be banned from lobbies....

I just play with simple gamepad i use to play racing and other sports games, and with track ir, and found no need to get more as there is no lack in performance vs players with sticks and rudders dedicated for flying sims. I used sticks and ruders before, and compared to gamepad only diff was i could be slightly more accurate at long distances, not so mutch important online. High end equiment in my eys is waist of money, in online enviroments game expiriance in positioning and planing attacks mathers more, especialy on servers with no icons.

@SheriffsSimShack

3 жыл бұрын

well in the end its also nice to fly the virtual aircraft "like" a real one. A gamepad really doesn't feature that. Also the longer joystick brings accuracy. That is a mathematical fact. Sure you can get used to such a small stick, but aircraft like the Spitfire are already hard to fly with a normal JS. A gamepad cant be as accurate.

Cheap 20€ Joystick + 400€ VR headset. Thats me :D

If only the game was capable of recognizing a basic T16000 joystick, like DCS, like MS FS, like Elite Dangerous, like every other game that a joystick is input device on...

@SheriffsSimShack

2 жыл бұрын

That should be no problem. Many used that one for the game. Usually the game does no care about device types as long as windows detects it.

Can you do a video of graphics set up? With i9900k and RTX2070 my graphics look like crap. Have in game AA set at 8 and yet i'm getting jaggy lines even with Nvida controller and inspecter .