Hello,
After receiving so much from the people here I finally get to "give back." I have always been dissatisfied with running a train with a computer keyboard. For years I looked for an alternative. I knew about the RailDriver, but I neither had the room on my desk or bank account to accommodate it without eliminating my marine, truck and flight simulation opportunity. While not perfect, it was easy to use my existing hardware with the three of them. Now I can use all of them plus my train simulating activities. The RailDriver's reputation is well known, so I won't add anything here.
Thanks to a member of a different forum who goes by "Jester," I now have the solution in his scripting expertise wit AutoHotKey. His original code was written for the Saitek throtquad, but as a programmer myself, I was able to modify it to use with my CH Products throtquad; in fact, I made the modifications to match the RailDriver with some small concessions. At least, if I ever get a RailDriver I won't have to relearn the levers.
Essentially, if anyone is interested you will have to do the following, but it is not difficult and I can help.
Here is what needs to happen in the order listed below...
Basically, the script and AHK convert axis lever movements to virtual keyboard key presses and releases. Keep in mind this is a straightforward process which, if done carefully and correctly will net you the ability to run a train more intuitively and realistically. You will get to push and pull levers which is a lot more fun than just "typing," eh?
Compulsory Disclaimer - AutoHotKey, the scripts and even my help should in no way cause any problems on your computer, but you accept all responsibility for anything you do to your computer.
Whew! I'm glad that;s over with. Having said the above, if you don't stop the script after you are done your computer may print out wwwwwwwwww, sssssssssss, aaaaaaaaa, dddddddd, etc. if you move your controls. Remember the script causes key presses, so if you see this just stop the script. I would get in the habit of starting.stopping the script as needed. It's quick and painless.
So, is anyone interested?
Take care.
After receiving so much from the people here I finally get to "give back." I have always been dissatisfied with running a train with a computer keyboard. For years I looked for an alternative. I knew about the RailDriver, but I neither had the room on my desk or bank account to accommodate it without eliminating my marine, truck and flight simulation opportunity. While not perfect, it was easy to use my existing hardware with the three of them. Now I can use all of them plus my train simulating activities. The RailDriver's reputation is well known, so I won't add anything here.
Thanks to a member of a different forum who goes by "Jester," I now have the solution in his scripting expertise wit AutoHotKey. His original code was written for the Saitek throtquad, but as a programmer myself, I was able to modify it to use with my CH Products throtquad; in fact, I made the modifications to match the RailDriver with some small concessions. At least, if I ever get a RailDriver I won't have to relearn the levers.
Essentially, if anyone is interested you will have to do the following, but it is not difficult and I can help.
Here is what needs to happen in the order listed below...
- Download AutoHotKey (AHK) from the official website at, https://autohotkey.com/ and install it according to the instructions. It is free and uncomplicated.
- Take a little time to run the included scripts to familiarize yourself with AHK. Don't be surprised if you come up with other ways to use AHK.
- Open the included "Controller Test Script.ahk" script (its just a text file) and read the information how to use it. Write down each reading of each axis and buttons on all your controllers. This is needed for the script which you will have to edit.
- I recommend setting up your throtquad levers to match the RailDriver. If you want to arrange things differently you will need to decide how you want the levers set up.
Basically, the script and AHK convert axis lever movements to virtual keyboard key presses and releases. Keep in mind this is a straightforward process which, if done carefully and correctly will net you the ability to run a train more intuitively and realistically. You will get to push and pull levers which is a lot more fun than just "typing," eh?
Compulsory Disclaimer - AutoHotKey, the scripts and even my help should in no way cause any problems on your computer, but you accept all responsibility for anything you do to your computer.
Whew! I'm glad that;s over with. Having said the above, if you don't stop the script after you are done your computer may print out wwwwwwwwww, sssssssssss, aaaaaaaaa, dddddddd, etc. if you move your controls. Remember the script causes key presses, so if you see this just stop the script. I would get in the habit of starting.stopping the script as needed. It's quick and painless.
So, is anyone interested?
Take care.
Comment