11.08.2010, 18:52
Sorry for the delay, but here is the promised tutorial:
Instructions for setting up Mikkowl's Multi-Throttle program for multi-engine aircraft in IL-2. It has been suggested that nobody has ever got this program to work for separate control of engines in multi-engine aircraft in IL-2. Well, as the name of the program suggests, that is exactly what it was created to do, to allow players multi-axis controllers to assign separate controller axes to separate engines in IL-2. Properly installed and set up, it works as advertised.
The latest version, 4.0, was released, I think, in March, 2010. There is a post on M4T by the creator with that date:
http://mission4today.com/index.php?name ... pic&t=8475
You'll find a download link for the program in that post.
I've never used any of the earlier versions, so the following is based on version 4.0. Some early version used keyboard emulation, however the latest uses IL-2's DeviceLink interface.
Also, I don't actually have a multi-engine controller (quadrant), so technically, I don't need this program for it's main purpose, however it does other things for IL-2 axis controls, such as brakes, propeller pitch, and trim. Nonetheless, I went through the exercise of setting up separate engine controls on separate controller axes, just verify that it actually does work.
The following will describe how to set up a twin-engine aircraft for separate throttle controls. Since I don't actually have two throttle controls, I used the toe-brake axes on my Saitek rudder pedals.
First off, installing...extract the .zip file to the desired location. It will work anywhere. I have it is Program Files. The contents of the zip file includes a folder, so when extracted, you should end up with a folder called "Multi-Throttle 4.0 for IL-2 - By MikkOwl". Inside the folder should be the following:
About.txt
Disclaimer.txt
Instructions.txt
Multi-Throttle 4.0.exe
Setup.exe
DATA folder
I'm just going to copy and paste the instructions that are provided by mikkowl, then add any additional instructions and comments that I feel are needed, highlighted in yellow.
-------------------------------------------
SETTING UP MULTI-THROTTLE 4.0
-------------------------------------------
1/4 - SETTING UP THE CONTROL LINK
It uses the device link UDP network interface to communicate with IL-2. IL-2 listens on network port 3333 for instructions, and this program I made can send the instructions through a little network utility called "NetCat". Devicelink must be enabled in IL-2 or the link will not work. Your IL-2 program folder (Usually C:\Program Files\UBI\IL2\IL-2 Sturmovik-1946" or if you have the steam version, "C:\Program\Steam\SteamApps\common\IL-2 Sturmovik-1946") contains a file called "conf.ini". You must edit it with a text editor (notepad works) and insert the following section. do not forget to save afterwards:
[DeviceLink]
port=3333
Comment: The default port for DeviceLink, I think, is 1711, but it will work on any port. If you are already using DeviceLink for something else, such as San's FOV Changer, or external instruments, then you may have to change the DeviceLink port that those other programs use, as there does not seem to be any way to change it for Multi-Throttle...you are stuck with 3333
2/4 - Run SETUP.EXE in the Multi-Throttle folder and set up your controllers. If a G940 is detected, the throttles and toe brakes will automatically be assigned and a different, more awesome interface will appear. Configure your stuff.
Comments: "Configure your stuff"! What could be clearer, eh? Well, basically, it is similar to assigning an axis in IL-2 controls, with a couple of added wrinkles. For this post, we are going to be dealing with the two buttons labelled: "Assign Throttle 1" and "Assign Throttle 2". When you first click on the "Assign Throttle 1" button, a little popup will appear with the instruction "Click OK, then move the axis you want to assign to Throttle 1. Click CANCEL to clear assignment." So when you're ready, click OK, then move the desired axis through its entire range, than move it back a short distance, whereupon another little popup will appear, saying "Throttle 1 configured!"
Great! However, in my case, for every single axis I assigned, Multi-Throttle mapped it backwards! This is not a big problem, because there is a little checkbox provided for each axis to Invert it. If you want to anticipate this little foible, move your selected axis all the way to the full on position, BEFORE you click the OK button, then assign it by moving it all the way back to the off position, then slightly forwards again to finish. Repeat the process for Assign Throttle 2, and whichever axis you want to assign to it. Then click CLOSE.
At this point, you should start up IL-2. If you proceed to step 3/4 below, you will get a popup telling you that IL-2 must be loaded and running before you can continue, so the proper procedure is to start IL-2 first. You will also need to address the instruction in 4/4 below, and clear your throttle axis in IL-2 Controls, under the HOTAS section, before everything will work properly.
3/4 - Run Multi-Throttle and follow on-screen instructions. If there are firewall alerts saying it is blocking something that wants access, you must choose to allow the connection. IL-2's devicelink uses UDP network protocol and if that is blocked, multi-throttle cannot communicate with IL-2.
Comment: When Multi-Throttle starts, a command window will open with a line or two of text confirming that the required ports are open. Instructions on how to allow programs and ports are beyond the scope of the instructions, and this tutorial. You should know how to configure your firewall, antivirus, and operating system to allow programs to run without interference, and allow you to configure those programs as you wish.
4/4 - Clear any controllers you use with Multi-Throttle inside IL-2. Just like you would not assign your controller to throttle and trim at the same time, you should not do double assignment here either. And remember to bind the LED button assignments on the G940 to the functions you want them to actually perform - Multi-Throttle only makes them change colour.
Comment: To clear an axis in IL-2 Controls that is already assigned, just temporarily assign another axis that you have assigned to something else in IL-2 (such as flaps, brakes, or prop pitch) to the throttle axis, then assign that axis back to what it was before. This procedure should leave the throttle axis assignment blank.
If you've made it this far, with IL-2 running, nothing assigned to throttle axis in IL-2, Multi-Throttle running in the background and not being blocked, the next step is to get yourself into a twin-engine aircraft, and test it out.
Hope I have covered everything clearly enough. Let me know if you have a problem, or need further clarification.
Instructions for setting up Mikkowl's Multi-Throttle program for multi-engine aircraft in IL-2. It has been suggested that nobody has ever got this program to work for separate control of engines in multi-engine aircraft in IL-2. Well, as the name of the program suggests, that is exactly what it was created to do, to allow players multi-axis controllers to assign separate controller axes to separate engines in IL-2. Properly installed and set up, it works as advertised.
The latest version, 4.0, was released, I think, in March, 2010. There is a post on M4T by the creator with that date:
http://mission4today.com/index.php?name ... pic&t=8475
You'll find a download link for the program in that post.
I've never used any of the earlier versions, so the following is based on version 4.0. Some early version used keyboard emulation, however the latest uses IL-2's DeviceLink interface.
Also, I don't actually have a multi-engine controller (quadrant), so technically, I don't need this program for it's main purpose, however it does other things for IL-2 axis controls, such as brakes, propeller pitch, and trim. Nonetheless, I went through the exercise of setting up separate engine controls on separate controller axes, just verify that it actually does work.
The following will describe how to set up a twin-engine aircraft for separate throttle controls. Since I don't actually have two throttle controls, I used the toe-brake axes on my Saitek rudder pedals.
First off, installing...extract the .zip file to the desired location. It will work anywhere. I have it is Program Files. The contents of the zip file includes a folder, so when extracted, you should end up with a folder called "Multi-Throttle 4.0 for IL-2 - By MikkOwl". Inside the folder should be the following:
About.txt
Disclaimer.txt
Instructions.txt
Multi-Throttle 4.0.exe
Setup.exe
DATA folder
I'm just going to copy and paste the instructions that are provided by mikkowl, then add any additional instructions and comments that I feel are needed, highlighted in yellow.
-------------------------------------------
SETTING UP MULTI-THROTTLE 4.0
-------------------------------------------
1/4 - SETTING UP THE CONTROL LINK
It uses the device link UDP network interface to communicate with IL-2. IL-2 listens on network port 3333 for instructions, and this program I made can send the instructions through a little network utility called "NetCat". Devicelink must be enabled in IL-2 or the link will not work. Your IL-2 program folder (Usually C:\Program Files\UBI\IL2\IL-2 Sturmovik-1946" or if you have the steam version, "C:\Program\Steam\SteamApps\common\IL-2 Sturmovik-1946") contains a file called "conf.ini". You must edit it with a text editor (notepad works) and insert the following section. do not forget to save afterwards:
[DeviceLink]
port=3333
Comment: The default port for DeviceLink, I think, is 1711, but it will work on any port. If you are already using DeviceLink for something else, such as San's FOV Changer, or external instruments, then you may have to change the DeviceLink port that those other programs use, as there does not seem to be any way to change it for Multi-Throttle...you are stuck with 3333
2/4 - Run SETUP.EXE in the Multi-Throttle folder and set up your controllers. If a G940 is detected, the throttles and toe brakes will automatically be assigned and a different, more awesome interface will appear. Configure your stuff.
Comments: "Configure your stuff"! What could be clearer, eh? Well, basically, it is similar to assigning an axis in IL-2 controls, with a couple of added wrinkles. For this post, we are going to be dealing with the two buttons labelled: "Assign Throttle 1" and "Assign Throttle 2". When you first click on the "Assign Throttle 1" button, a little popup will appear with the instruction "Click OK, then move the axis you want to assign to Throttle 1. Click CANCEL to clear assignment." So when you're ready, click OK, then move the desired axis through its entire range, than move it back a short distance, whereupon another little popup will appear, saying "Throttle 1 configured!"
Great! However, in my case, for every single axis I assigned, Multi-Throttle mapped it backwards! This is not a big problem, because there is a little checkbox provided for each axis to Invert it. If you want to anticipate this little foible, move your selected axis all the way to the full on position, BEFORE you click the OK button, then assign it by moving it all the way back to the off position, then slightly forwards again to finish. Repeat the process for Assign Throttle 2, and whichever axis you want to assign to it. Then click CLOSE.
At this point, you should start up IL-2. If you proceed to step 3/4 below, you will get a popup telling you that IL-2 must be loaded and running before you can continue, so the proper procedure is to start IL-2 first. You will also need to address the instruction in 4/4 below, and clear your throttle axis in IL-2 Controls, under the HOTAS section, before everything will work properly.
3/4 - Run Multi-Throttle and follow on-screen instructions. If there are firewall alerts saying it is blocking something that wants access, you must choose to allow the connection. IL-2's devicelink uses UDP network protocol and if that is blocked, multi-throttle cannot communicate with IL-2.
Comment: When Multi-Throttle starts, a command window will open with a line or two of text confirming that the required ports are open. Instructions on how to allow programs and ports are beyond the scope of the instructions, and this tutorial. You should know how to configure your firewall, antivirus, and operating system to allow programs to run without interference, and allow you to configure those programs as you wish.
4/4 - Clear any controllers you use with Multi-Throttle inside IL-2. Just like you would not assign your controller to throttle and trim at the same time, you should not do double assignment here either. And remember to bind the LED button assignments on the G940 to the functions you want them to actually perform - Multi-Throttle only makes them change colour.
Comment: To clear an axis in IL-2 Controls that is already assigned, just temporarily assign another axis that you have assigned to something else in IL-2 (such as flaps, brakes, or prop pitch) to the throttle axis, then assign that axis back to what it was before. This procedure should leave the throttle axis assignment blank.
If you've made it this far, with IL-2 running, nothing assigned to throttle axis in IL-2, Multi-Throttle running in the background and not being blocked, the next step is to get yourself into a twin-engine aircraft, and test it out.
Hope I have covered everything clearly enough. Let me know if you have a problem, or need further clarification.