The basics of LAC's standard flight control setup

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Here's a picture of the popular Logitech Extreme 3d Pro joystick labeled with associated LAC functions according to our standard mapping arrangement:

That control arrangement should ALWAYS be supplemented with a numeric keypad mapped as follows:

CLICK HERE for a copy of our standard LacControls.txt file set up for that standard joystick and numeric keyboard as shown above. (The numeric keypad control arrangement shown above includes zoom in/out functions for radar and Field-Of-View according to our standard setup. If these have been disabled, you can re-enable them as described in LAC FAQ #52.)
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Here's a picture of a typical USB "Game Controller" labeled with associated LAC functions according to one successful, customized mapping arrangement:

Our experience shows that players using one of these USB Game Controllers are not enthusiastic about reaching for the numeric keypad to access the very important functions to look left, right, forward, back, up, or down. Accordingly, six of the Game Controller's buttons are dedicated to activation of those six view directions. As you can see, the traditional joystick /numeric keypad system has more buttons and delivers more options, but all of the most important, most urgently-needed functions are conveniently available with either setup.

Note that typical USB Game Controllers also have two "hidden" buttons that are not obvious in the above illustration. Each is activated by pressing in on one of the two axis controls, whereupon the player feels a satisfying "click". LAC users can map those two hidden buttons to additional functions according to their personal preference.
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EasySMX Wireless USB Game Controller
CLICK HERE for a copy of the LacControls.txt file that has been used with success according to the layout shown above with the popular "EasySMX"wireless USB Game Controller. (If your chosen USB Game Controller is different, you might need to edit some of the details, but this should get you off to a pretty good start.)
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Vilros USB Game Controller
CLICK HERE for an alternative LacControls.txt file that has been used with success according to the layout shown above with a different USB Game Controller from Vilros (not a wireless one this time). The Vilros model number is "VILP096". As you will see, the details are similar but not identical. (When using this Vilros game controller, be sure to press the "ANALOG" button and observe that the red indicator light immediately beneath it is glowing to ensure that your joysticks are operating in the required analog mode.) Like the prior example, this is offered for your convenience with no guarantee it will work for you. You may need to edit it. Please consider these as examples to get you started as you experiment.

Last edit: bbosen 2022-12-19

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One other important detail is configured from the bit-coded "NetworkMode" variable within LAC's main configuration file, named "LacConfig.txt". That file is located in the same hidden folder as the "LacControls.txt" file, at ~home/.LAC/LacConfig.txt. As explained in that file's commentary text introducing "NetworkMode", you can use the "32 bit" component of "NetworkMode" to specify an important detail of the hardware control you choose for control of your throttle. Conventional joysticks intended for aircraft simulations (like the Logitech Extreme 3dPro) have a dedicated axis control intended for use as your throttle. Known as "Throttle Levers", these controls can be set to represent any throttle position from "idle" to "maximum power", and they remain in the selected position after you let go of them. Real airplanes have a similar throttle control, and once a real pilot sets his throttle at an appropriate setting for a flight segment, it is commonplace for him to leave that setting unchanged for long periods of time. Game Controllers, on the other hand, generally do not have a "Throttle Lever". Any Game Controller axis lever that you choose for your throttle is likely to have a "return to center" spring that makes it impossible to leave it at your chosen setting while your hand is busy with something else.

LAC implements a workable compromise for this situation: If you set the "32 bit" component of "Network Mode", LAC will interpret your spring-loaded throttle axis differently: Your throttle setting will INCREASE while you push upward on your spring-loaded throttle lever, and it will DECREASE while you pull downward. It will REMAIN UNCHANGED when the spring pulls it to the center. Many LAC players, lacking a proper joystick and substituting a console game controller instead, have used this configuration option with good success. With a little practice, you'll find it works almost as well as the dedicated throttle lever of a more conventional, aircraft-oriented joystick.

You can get further information on this subject from FAQ #53 in our "LacFaq.htm" page here:

https://askmisterwizard.com/2019/LinuxAirCombat/LacFaq.htm