Falcon BMS Alternative Launcher (Easy Setup, Keep Joystick Assignments)
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That is what I would do, very simple. I guess also that is why it is not anything chihirobelmo has seen as urgent to implement.
Method would be to set up two key files. When done, name one F16.key, the other F18.key. Then before launching AL, make a copy of the one you need and rename the copy “BMS - Full.key”.
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Hi,
I don’t really use or understand the “.key” files. I gave up on BMS in a previous version before I tried AL because I could not get mappings to stick. I’m spoiled by AL now that I don’t have to look at that!
But, what you’ve written gives me hope! I will read the input section in the manuals. At this stage, I assume that once I start in AL and click launch, that will generate a keyfile, which I can then save. Then I can exit, go back to AL, remap the keys to the alternative configuration, click launch and save the second generated keyfile for the alternative mapping. Then I swap the keyfile, depending on what mapping I want, and launch AL as usual. To Be Confirmed!
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Hi!
I don’t really use or understand the “.key” files. I gave up on BMS in a previous version before I tried AL because I could not get mappings to stick.
You don’t need to mess with .key …
Simply go into SETUP/CONTROLLER … then mouse click on the function you want to set, then, press your joystick button, apply … done.Playing with .key files is for specific needs for complex HOTAS configurations, additional device such ad ICPs and for pit-builders.
Regards.
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At this stage, I assume that once I start in AL and click launch, that will generate a keyfile, which I can then save. Then I can exit, go back to AL, remap the keys to the alternative configuration, click launch and save the second generated keyfile for the alternative mapping. Then I swap the keyfile, depending on what mapping I want, and launch AL as usual. To Be Confirmed!
hi mypc, that is indeed what AL does. Just to understand better, try opening an explorer window next to BMS, the explorer should be open in the “\…\Falcon BMS 4.34\User\Config” folder. Then when you press launch from within AL, you can directly see the files it generates as they are being written. Order the view by Modified date, that way you see the new files up top. Armed with that knowledge, you will be fully aware of how to make the two mappings work.
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hi mypc, that is indeed what AL does. Just to understand better, try opening an explorer window next to BMS, the explorer should be open in the “\…\Falcon BMS 4.34\User\Config” folder. Then when you press launch from within AL, you can directly see the files it generates as they are being written. Order the view by Modified date, that way you see the new files up top. Armed with that knowledge, you will be fully aware of how to make the two mappings work.
As mypc has CH gear, and assuming no other peripherals (like TM MFDs, ICP, etc) he should see something like (all .xml files) “Setup.v100.CH FIGHTERSTICK USB {xxxxxxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxxxxxxxxxx}”, “Setup.v100.CH PRO THROTTLE USB {xxxxxxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxxxxxxxxxx}”, and “Setup.v100.CH PRO PEDALS USB {xxxxxxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxxxxxxxxxx}” in the User/Config folder. Program for the F16 and save these (with the latest dates) in the “F16 Backup” folder you will create (just put it under the User/Config folder), then program it for the F18 and save them in the “F18 Backup” folder. I haven’t tried it but if the proper files are in the “Config” folder when AL starts I think they will work fine… let us know!
Edit: You may also see “Setup.v100.MouseWheel.xml” and “Setup.v100.Throttle Position.xml” but I assume those will remain unchanged between configurations.
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Yes, there are several files being generated by AL. Better save all of them, including of course the “BMS - Full.key” file.
In the config folder there are also files getting generated by BMS itself which are not in the domain of AL. For instance the logbook. On my system, AL generates the following files:
- Setup.v100.ThrottlePosition.xml
- Setup.v100.MouseWheel.xml
- Setup.v100.Logitech Extreme 3D {E6E0DE60-AF74-11E2-8001-444553540000}.xml
- windowconfig.dat
- JayB.pop
- BMS - Full.key
- falcon bms.cfg
- DeviceSorting.txt
- joystick.cal
- axismapping.dat
-JB
Edit: I just noticed that the list is incomplete, my throttle was not plugged in at the time when I launched AL and closed it. That would produce another .xml file
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Thank you! There is a bit more to it than just the .key file, so I’m glad I asked. I didn’t realize AL changed/generated so much. Thanks Chihirobelmo!
I’m probably a week or two away from checking this as I have to build familiarity with other parts of the F/A-18 before I remap controls to make it more like an F/A-18.
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Is it 4.35 compatible?
Thank you!
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Is it 4.35 compatible?
Thank you!
Launcher itself not. Don’t know if config files will work or not, if you transfer them from 4.34
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@chihirobelmo: We need you here….:-)
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Launcher itself not. Don’t know if config files will work or not, if you transfer them from 4.34
I was wondering the same thing. I have never used the alternate installer before, but I am so tired of having to update my control setup from time to time, so with the new 4.35 release, I was thinking that maybe I should take the plunge and figure out how the alternate launcher works. Well, for now I will have enough to do to get 4.35 set up, but also, thanks to you guys for making the alternate launcher as well.
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I just installed id but it doesn
t work/or launching 4.34 . Guess I
ll have to reinstall 4.35 .How to transfer config files from 4.34
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How to transfer config files from 4.34
Guys please be patient, give Chihiro time, he’s not a robot.
If you can’t wait: https://www.benchmarksims.org/forum/showthread.php?40666-Getting-HOTAS-working-in-4-35&p=557235&viewfull=1#post557235
Go slowly, read carefully!
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v1.60 Released, Now Supports BMS 4.35.
To Transfer setup files to 4.35, copy all XML files in User/Config from 4.34 folder to 4.35.
https://github.com/chihirobelmo/FalconBMS-Alternative-Launcher/releases/tag/v1.60
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Wow thanks for getting that done post haste!
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Maybe Chihiro is a robot :rofl:
Thanks for getting this done so fast!
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Thanks Chihiro,
Do I only need to copy the *.xml files to 4.35 without re-specifying it?
will it just start 4.34 after launch? -
v1.60 Released, Now Supports BMS 4.35.
To Transfer setup files to 4.35, copy all XML files in User/Config from 4.34 folder to 4.35.
https://github.com/chihirobelmo/FalconBMS-Alternative-Launcher/releases/tag/v1.60
C, if you were here I’d kiss you!
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Thank you so much for getting this done so quickly. Alt Launcher IMHO makes all the difference when introducing new people to BMS control schemes, so it’s a really important tool.
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Thanks chihiro for your great effort in getting this ready for 4.35. Once you are used to AL you cannot go back to the setup screen for key bindings