DCS: AH-64D | Controls Setup

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In this DCS: AH-64D video, learn how to setup our controls to fly the -64.

[@bigrivercod]

Wags has 63 modules not yet installed. Maybe he needs us to set up a crowd funding page to help purchase a bigger hard drive? :)

[@cagneybillingsley2165]

or maybe those modules like combined arms, are just crap

[@ImperiumLibertas]

@@cagneybillingsley2165 hopefully they put work into the CA module now that we have a good ground attack helicopter.

[@Kingjoffyjofa]

The guy has a different physical Hotas setup for every individual Aircraft, I don’t think he needs our help when it comes to hardware :)

[@kamraam1464]

@@cagneybillingsley2165 oh c'mon, CA isn't that bad.

[@rex4730]

@@ImperiumLibertas Hind and Black Shark are equally good ground attack helicopters?

[@roccothamanoidis]

Finally made it through my setting process for the warthog. Great help of Matt for what to look for. And guys, make use of the "MODIFICATOR" function to double the controlls per button on the Hotas. Create a MODIFICATOR first (ie. the pinky switch on the stick) - Then assign a new function to whatever button while holding it + pinky together.

[@roccothamanoidis]

@@thomasmattesen9315 I mostly set everything as I know of the KA-50. Sure, some functions are new, but using modificator bindings is so convenient. The rest is muscle memory. Don't give up!

[@TheDevildogGamer]

So Ready!!! Can't wait this is gonna make my whole 2022!

[@bigsexy8707]

Keen af

[@user-nq3lv9xf7j]

@JockerLordz yes)

[@slyderace]

lol same!! All of my Steam library is going to be so jealous. 90% of my free time is going to be learning and creating missions in the editor for this Helo! :D

[@KomradeDoge]

@JockerLordz that's what I use. Plenty of buttons and hats. I fly the 14, 16, 18 and several mod aircraft and haven't had any trouble.

[@MrHitmanboy]

Daddy?

[@blackbird9168]

DCS really is the gold standard for control input.

[@northman77]

Sure it is.

[@goreoproductions6955]

Playing MSFS is hell. The controls setup is miserable

[@2xKTfc]

It's been a long time coming. Controls setup before DCS World? Some remember, can't ever forget that. It's amazing how much it was improved.

[@Criibzy]

@JockerLordz Yes it is.

[@blackbird9168]

@JockerLordz at the end of the day, you’ll still have a keyboard with a bunch of buttons to back you up

[@mastersheff37]

Get hyped boys! I'm already calling this your best module yet. I'm super excited!

[@Lexi-te5mq]

Just preordered it yesterday and was wondering what I was going to do control wise once it released. It’s my first helicopter and I have no idea what I’m doing when it comes to flying them. I can’t wait, thank you all for doing amazing work!!

[@JamesW81]

It's a challenge to learn to fly helos when you're used to fixed wing, but it's very rewarding once you nail it.

[@fuzzybloodpc9291]

I also pre-ordered the ah64 in December I'm not crying because of the 4th delay, no no no definitely not because of that

[@llambo163]

It's going to be a lot of controls and systems to remember, right now I'm practicing just the flying aspect, getting used to the collective using thrustmaster throttle and stick before it gets released. I recommend trying out the UH-60 mod from Helisimmer and practice flying around. It's pretty fun!

[@denesk2794]

You could get any of the Helis in the "free trial" program to get a feel.... Get the Huey as it is simple, but will give you an idea of how to fly one. I *assume* the Apache has auto hover and other fancy features. If you aim for that then get the Ka-50 trial I think Steam versions don't have a trial though ... :O

[@minty_1fighter498]

@@denesk2794 I was gonna same the same thing so yeah I agree and no I believe steam dose not have trials unless you can activate them on your Ed account and link you Ed account to your steam one or something hope that helps anyway

[@RamadiTaxiDriver60M]

These are the types of videos I need to get started. Thanks wags.

[@lanceismyfirstname1361]

So thankful to have this content before release so we can jump right into action when we finally get our hands on this gem

[@LtRiot]

If by jump right into action, you mean spend an hour setting up your controls, fly just long enough to crash and then call it a night, then yes lol. I'm not complaining. It's a rite of passage with every new release and half the fun is getting everything justtttt right.

[@Error-33]

@@LtRiot so true im gonna crash soooo much on this module especially because its my first heli

[@lanceismyfirstname1361]

@@LtRiot hahaha so true 🤣 setting up key bindings and tweaking controls takes at least an hour with an aircraft I’m already familiar with. This took me a lot longer

[@epoch71]

Thank you very much for the IHADSS render eye option, making this module as accessible as possible.

[@kevin1873]

Keep in mind that a lot of these bindings can be cloned over to the CP/G as well. Awesome up as always Wags. Thanks for the help!

[@Tigermoto]

Exactly what I did, then used an XBOX one layout made my Tuuvas for the TEDAC. I'll try it out soon. Too busy learning to fly 🤣

[@silasgray7971]

Cant wait for this beauty to come out, Great work you guys

[@slyderace]

I have the exact same Throttle and Stick as you so I've mapped everything exactly as you have! :D If this doesn't work for me and I decide to move things around, I will :) I'm going on now to try it out! :D Thank you SO MUCH to you and your team for working on this amazing helo!

[@HeliSimmer]

Congratulations, guys. You're almost there!

[@MavicAir1]

Picked up this module a couple days ago and after watching this I learnt why things weren't working so well. Thanks for this.

[@MattWagner]

You are very welcome.

[@selwynmurray8383]

Thanks for the info, Wags that really help. ED great work.

[@Devinci297]

Just bought it and I was able to fly this around for my first time ever using my Thrustmaster T16000 joystick and Honeycomb Bravo throttle. Also it was my first time flying a helicopter in DCS as I rarely even play it, but it was very fun in VR!

[@Greenlightmike33]

Glad to know others are using the Bravo throttle as well for this! I’m planning on setting it all up tonight for the weekend 🍻

[@Devinci297]

@@Greenlightmike33 It works well for now, better than spending another couple hundreds. I do need a better joystick though for DCS.

[@doubleugly1594]

@@Devinci297 Go with Winwing... I have never been more blown away by a product for the price

[@Brooks__EU]

@@doubleugly1594 there is sadly a high chance if importing into the EU that the Zoll/Duane takes it away thanks to its lacking CE certification :(

[@TommyTactix]

Thank you for this video. I’m finding your AH-64 Series very helpful.

[@reaper378]

Just discovered this channel really superb and a massive help many thanks for doing the vids !

[@lukaswhite362]

Thank you for allowing rendering of the left eye, I'm nearly blind in the right and still use VR

[@kurothas2181]

Thank you, wags! Highly appreciated!

[@robertschubert4809]

This is amazing wagz, I can’t wait for that startup tutorial 🤓.

[@after_midnight9592]

Startup itself looks real easy. Turn on battery, APU, start both engines and bring the power to 100%. Avionics, though...

[@NoFear1979]

Thanks Matt for giving us a good ground start on bindings on this sexy beast of a machine 8-)

[@CueDriver]

This video is great since I have the same controls. The only difference is I have the CM2 throttle. Thanks for the vid, Wags.

[@frostycab]

It's so close I can almost smell it, and it smells really good!

[@Ereshkigal616]

I sure hope the time off i have planned for this coming week was well timed. :)

[@tonicarrera9647]

Another fantastic video from all things great creator Wags About half way through the video, I realised that despite having a Logitech G19S Programable Keyboard, a Logitech G13 USB Gaming Pad, A Stream Deck XL, TM Warthog Throttle & TM F/A-18C & TM A-10C's Joystick, I still might not have enough buttons at my disposal to fully program this thing Other than that, another first class video form the master Thanks Wags ps. I remember when I created 20 of 21 missions for a full campaign of a official addon via Activision for a game I used to play long ago called Battlezone, literally I found an issue with one mission, that was a game stopper the day after it went 'Gold' and, in those days, had gone to press the official CD's for release. Nowadays, it would just be a change to the downloadable file, but back then, 1st day release patches were kind of criticized

[@jefftucker7236]

@wags i would like to note that you have 63 modules to install ;-) seriously though. i appreciate all you and the rest of team does to make this amazing sim more amazing.

[@cow77cow]

Many thanks for the great video.

[@davidmcrae4791]

These videos are astounding

[@CRAZY6256]

Omg i think this is the video I was looking for

[@Uselessnoobcow]

Beyond excited for this module, might have to book time off for this!

[@nunyabiz6952]

Hoping it drops on a Friday leaving a whole weekend for playing it!

[@minty_1fighter498]

@@nunyabiz6952 yeah that would be amazing

[@MrPhantom453]

Getting all those necessary buttons assigned to your existing HOTAS and them remembering them all: Possibly the hardest task on the AH-64 so far 😣 Might have been helpful for those new here to show the use of "modifiers" in the controller setup. I certainly anticipate their heavy use for the AH-64. From memory, I think Matt does show their use in one of his earlier controller setup videos.

[@Iceman_2005]

I always look forwards to these videos! Keep it up!

[@alcmann]

Still hopeful under "Custom Controls" section we will be able, if we are really lucky, to "stow those S- Hooks in our flight bag. Thanks for the upload Matt

[@nmnmnm35]

they said that will be an option, just maybe not on initial release. !

[@shagrat47]

What are these used for? I mean it's sure not to hang your jacket or raincoat to dry...

[@alcmann]

@@shagrat47 no clue. Maybe to hang the IHADSS or helmet on when the crew is getting in or out ? So it’s not in the way. My guess is it’s something an SME or consultant told them about that’s just a standard hack in the field for quality of life.

[@baomao7243]

Don’t panic. You should only be triggered with the … trigger.

[@ummyeah641]

@@alcmann Ihadss goes under door on right console next to m4 mount

[@JTACRIFLE]

There are just too many modules I love to learn them all and have the associated muscle memory. I guess these are good problems to have. Thanks for the vid, I can't wait to integrate this RW platform into the close air support matrix.

[@someonedoe9591]

Thank you King.

[@augiehicks4588]

Looking good Wags.

[@colinjaques9905]

That actually helped a lot I had button allocation fear LOL

[@northman77]

I am ready! Ready since first day pre release... Common give it to me.

[@sloppydog4831]

Who else had a heartache when Matt clicked the 'Clear Category' button?

[@ColonelAkirNakesh]

Came for the Apache, stayed for 'Hardware AB Detent'!

[@Rozzco]

Thanks again. I have a X52 pro on one rig and a Warthog and all the fixings on a better rig and just wrote down everything you did here. Good list of most important functions. Won't be able to get them all on X52 without modifier and that dam mouse on X52 doesn't seem to want to register. I'll use modifier and only hat switch on throttle. Thanks again.

[@GottHoldNicetomeet]

Can't wait integrate the controls into my Joypro profile :P

[@mikavaliaho7143]

Matt, you should really think about doing audiobooks. Your voice is just so calming and reassuring. Thanks for great tutorials.

[@MattWagner]

Naaa, my voice grates on some.

[@mbarr691]

I wish there was a profile for the pilot and co-pilot seats for the AH-64D in Helios. But what I really really wish, is that DCS would incorporate a little box labeled Exportable cockpits to secondary monitor, in Factory Fresh, Dirty Bird or Owl mode for night time ops. (Being able to adjust the brightness on the instruments would also be a plus.) Heck, just buy or license Helios and make it as a (free)supported add on option. !!Works great with both, mouse and touchscreens!! !!Predefined monitor resolution layouts!! !!Both left and right consoles included with either one click of the mouse or one touch of your finger!! !! Get yours........ ... ... Today!!! Sorry that last part was my sales pitch.

[@antimushroomsd7266]

AWESOME!

[@thert.hon.thelordnicholson7261]

Hey Wags, excited for this. Have you flown this in VR and if yes, do you have any preference for monocle on/off in VR? Cheers

[@mhe0815]

Thank you so much for the Apache, Wags! I have 2 questions about this binding menu that you are using: 1.) What is this symbol to the left of "Reset category to default"? It looks like a magic wand 2.) When will we get the "Hardware AB detent" in the axis tune menu visible at 9:10? I assume you can then set where your throttle has the detent and don't have to mess about with user curves anymore to line that up between hardware and software?

[@CSeraphym]

I appreciate the FFB options. There are dozens of us! Dozens!

[@MattWagner]

Lol

[@NWGJulian]

hey wags. 9:07 hardware ab detent, that is new isnt it? i am using my warthog throttle with ab detent and i always had to set up a weird collective custom curve to get rid of the last afterburner detent zone. i am not sure but i guess that has something to do with it?

[@chrismcdonald5775]

Hey Wags! Please post an updated guide for the new Apache collective that just started shipping! Love you forever!

[@MrChaosProf]

Man, I wish I had seen this vid this when I started with the SU-25T a few years ago...

[@duikaserver]

THIS WEEKEND WOOHO

[@ED-988]

this video is a saver.

[@itzdabbzz]

With your descriptions of the settings so accurate, This is a time taking task but, why not go through and make tooltips for each setting value explaining each and every one?

[@brettreynolds6960]

Great vid as always. CPG gunner. Single player. I'm invisaging being in the front seat quite a bit of the time flying AND targetting - a bit like the FA-18. I did this with the Enemy engaged series, swapping between seats and the like. This *will* be viable, won't it? Harder yes, but still possible....?

[@ughleegamer5598]

Thanks!

[@user-ed4cc9sh6f]

gotta love wags. cant possibly go wrong. If I need to know, wags is where I go.

[@WarrenPostma]

It would help when explaining this to have a picture in picture or photos showing some controllers that could be used in combination to be a decent AH64D hotas setup.

[@Musix4me-Clarinet]

Along the same lines, these videos should have a cut to the controller being operated in the game to have a visual connection to their purpose. For example, when assigning an axis to a cursor movement, jump to a clip of moving the cursor with that axis so we see where it is connected.

[@VisualBasic6]

thanks for fixing your Sssing from your audio since the last video.

[@Knoppers1854]

Will there be a preset for the thrustmaster warthog throttle/stick? (with the upcoming open beta release?)

[@kenhelmers2603]

Thanks Wags, just adding to the drool factor aren't you ;) LOL Luv it!

[@rain3422]

Hey wags, weird question compared to CPG & Pilot which one in your opinion is more user friendly with the George AI system?

[@brianbarnettsnowboarding]

For the power levers on your throttle, how do you differentiate between engine 1 and engine 2 for startup if your left power lever is set to both?

[@NWestmoreland]

Voice Attack and Vaicompro are going to be working overtime with my George commands.

[@djpaki99]

cant wait

[@luish19779]

DCS Serve really heavy today… some difficult, but I fly my Apache

[@Tuuvas]

Will any buttons bound for "AH-64D George AI Helper" cause issues when also used for either the "AH-64D Pilot" or "AH-64D CP/G"? Edit: Just confirmed with BigNewy - the "George AI Helper Interface Show/Hide" will act as a toggle for the buttons set under "AH-64D George AI Helper". For example, if you set both AH-64D George Menu Up/Down/Left/Right and AH-64D Pilot Trim Up/Down/Left/Right to the same Hat, the George actions will take priority only when the AI Menu is visible

[@lapulapu3186]

Mr.Wagner what Stick and Throttle u use for the Apache and for the A 10 C ? Thnx for Info

[@MeliokFR]

Hey Matt, at 3:57 We see a "Airdrome free camera" item in the menu. Do you know how to "enable" it ? ( It would be really useful for those of us not having a qwerty keyboard to remap the forward and left key ^^ )

[@mikepatriot9963]

I have a question, as I was a bit confused. Do you have the throttle controls on the right hand side of the desk and the stick on the left hand side of the desk (ie, cyclic in left hand and throttle / collective in right hand)? It almost appeared that way when I was watching the programming. Maybe I was just confused, though, as I'm right handed and usually fly cyclic in right hand. EDIT: OK, so I'm an idiot. After watching the video again, I understand it. I guess it didn't help that I was a bit sleep deprived when I watched it the first time. lol

[@Veyron1967]

I appreciate the control setup advice but I need a video that explains what the axis controls actually do. I am using a Warthog HOTAS with no pedals so my rudder is assigned to a hat switch and the collective is assigned to the throttle. I tried splitting the throttle between Collective and Power but all it seemed to do was switch the electrical power off and the Apache crashed. I can manage to control the general direction but I always seem to be in a slight drift either to right or left instead of flying straight and I have no idea how to prevent this. Similarly, I can bring the helo to a stop by pitching back but I have no clue how to decrease/increase height to find cover as the collective (power) just puts the helo out of control. Yes, I am new to helos, and this is really frustrating. :)

[@maxvogan8183]

TY Wags

[@jozsefveverka7398]

At the axis tune panel i can see a "Hardware AB detent" clickbox... any idea roughly when we will have acces to that?

[@nickcawley9959]

Having an issue keybinding my rudder pedals. I have a TM 16000 fcs hotas setup. When i try to bind my axis rudder, it only binds for one pedal. I cant use both. Any ideas?

[@gangsterwafflesthe7th508]

what kind of head movement tracker would yall recomend for DCS?

[@captainwealthy]

Can you fly the Apache with true Collective control? I have the VIRPIL Hawk-60 grip on a Base Plus with twist-grip.

[@MarcMouvet]

Hey Wags, thanks for the in-depth look at controls mapping. I did notice that your Axis Tune UI is different to mine. Is this a developer build of the UI?

[@MattWagner]

No, no difference. You are probably on a different sub-page element.

[@haackhaack4217]

What is the stabilizer used for ? 3 bindings for it

[@markusawrightus7512]

Thanks for the video Wags! I wondered, is it possible to play this module purely via keyboard and mouse, or does it really need a stick to work correctly?

[@uve_beendoogied9222]

It is possible to play with keyboard and mouse....much more difficult, but I guess it can be done.

[@mrGTRspec]

Just wondering why you didn't map the force trim/hold mode down switch.

[@johneaston7559]

I use the search function religiously in the drop-down menu for the controls!

[@SvenCheddar]

I think he just said super gucci lol love it

[@ClaptrapRapture]

Hey your home screen only has installed/not all modules... Is there a way to hide all the modules you don't own?! I got three buttons for A-10 planes, for example

[@baardk2]

Hello. Great video. At 24:35 I see that Trackir are assigned to Head Tracker. Is that by default?

[@arkady86]

it usually is, never had to assign mine...

[@joshprout1726]

Hey wags, quick question! I’m not getting any feedback on cyclic through my x-56 joystick. All buttons and throttles work. Just pitch and roll are not working. Any suggestions? I’ve changed the setting under special for the spring joystick as well. Thank you

[@joshprout1726]

Also pitch and roll works with all other modules

[@eyemack]

I want to know what that 'magic wand' icon is between 'foldable view' and 'reset category...'!

[@FuzzyKedama]

@Matt Wagner - Oh man love that background image. Also I saw ATA Missile Cage/Uncage Button - Depress option. (HEAVY BREATHING). Stinger missile for Final Release or possible AH-64D Apache Longbow 2 update in future?

[@MattWagner]

That would not be accurate.

[@FuzzyKedama]

@@MattWagner darn lol

[@anthonyj5298]

if i remember right the stinger is used for countries that can't rely on their air to air or none U.S. apaches

[@FuzzyKedama]

@@anthonyj5298 Yeah they don't use it unfortunately due to big wigs within the Army and DOD thinking the pilots will just go about looking for aircraft to hunt instead of focusing on the ground objectives. But still having the option in the game would be nice nonetheless.

[@Musix4me-Clarinet]

I'm here a year later (November 2023), so I'm not sure what changes have been made since this walk-through. When I switch to *CP/G,* it still remembers the mappings to the *Pilot*, so the axis and things I would use are already taken, though they do not _show_ in the CP/G mappings. [I am using Winwing hardware.] Understanding that it would be a lot more work, it would be immensely beneficial to people like myself if you (Eagle Dynamics) could add cut scenes to the mappings being used to show what they are actually doing. For example, you are about to map the cursor movement, so you show the cursor movement being used in the sim and then come back and map the controls to it. Obviously, some are quite self-explanatory. Nevertheless, it would be a good and beneficial practice.

[@carleb]

Will it be possible to interact with the handgrip controls as clickable cockpit items as well? This would be as very useful option to still have available for less frequently used functions

[@MrPhantom453]

That would be quite hard given that several of the hadgrip controls are four-way switches with a depress. Then you have buttons on the other side of the grip.

[@carleb]

@@MrPhantom453 could try and do it like on the f16 icp switch where you click on the direction you want like how when you want "return" you click left of the switch on return. For depress it could just be clicking on the switch directly. Doesn't have to be all of the switches clickable just the ones where its possible to have it it would be a useful option

[@MrPhantom453]

@@carleb Possibly, but I think it might be hard with all those switches. you never know though. If they do it, its a bonus for those who like that option.

[@after_midnight9592]

I don't think this will be possible, so far no plane has a clickable HOTAS. Modifiers will be an option for that. A single switch on your hotas can be used as a modifier, to switch between 'flight' and 'combat' modes. This way the same hat can be used for sights select and searchlight and don't have to look around the virtual cockpit.

[@bigbengamer]

I don't see that as any kind of effective way to control the aircraft unless you're playing VR with its controllers. But I agree doing it that way, would be sweet.

[@caliside7449]

Don't suppose you could have the same keybind for 2 different things? Unfortunately I only have 1 axis knob on my thruster which is inconvenient for the CP/G side of things (and I of course can't use my joystick unless maybe I can if the chances of flying are slim?)

[@MattWagner]

No

[@sinepilot]

If IHADSS monocle visibility is unchecked from the "Special" Settings tab, can it still be brought up in-sim using the 'I' key?

[@MattWagner]

Yes

[@markhiggins6683]

What if I don't have a Minnie stick on my stick for the HOCAS controller for RHG?

[@raymondyee2008]

Cool.

[@wildone106]

11:03 - this doesn't work with hat switches. Mine work on other functions but for some reason it wont let me assign any hat to this. Using X55.

[@eatthisvr6]

force trim the same as the huey?

[@brettallen2129]

I still think 31st and it’s no later then 31st, plus it will be a big update this Wednesday to test the Syria map and viper prior to the Apache, makes sense to release 31st

[@FilmModeler]

The only pre order in the last few years to live up to the hype!!

[@bulletstop100]

Only took 4 times watching this to find my salvation on the pvs tads button, lmao. Thanks Wags. I get it now, lol.. 16:54 mark, lmao

[@MattWagner]

My pleasure

[@sinepilot]

Wags, I never zoom out from normal, I only zoom in (and then back to normal). I would love to be able to use the pinky lever on the VPC Constellation for this purpose. Pull the pinky lever to briefly zoom in a variable amount, then simply let go and have zoom snap back to normal. Unfortunately it doesn't snap back to normal, it snaps back all the way to fully zoomed out, and because it's spring loaded it can't be held at normal zoom. No amount of axis tuning will achieve what I want. I can almost get there by reducing Y saturation to 50, but unfortunately I can't choose which half of the Y saturation curve I'm eliminating (the software eliminates the bottom half of the curve, I need to eliminate the top half) and the result is now I'm zoomed all the way out, and pulling the pinky lever only brings zoom to normal. Inverting the curve doesn't work because now I'm pulling to zoom out instead of pulling to zoom in. My kingdom for a way to choose which half of the curve I'm eliminating so I can set zoom range from normal to fully zoomed in, not normal to fully zoomed out.

[@frederf3227]

A user curve 50, 55, 60, 65...95,100 almost does what you want I think.