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Contents HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE RECOMMENDATIONS 2 CONNECTION 2 INSTALLING THE SOFTWARE 4 QUICK DEFINITIONS 4 TESTING YOUR MARK II WCS 6 YOUR FIRST DOWNLOAD 8 BASE MODE AND HAT MODE SWITCH 9 HAT MODE SWITCH 12 BASE MODE SWITCHING RULES TO REMEMBER 12 PROGRAMMING AND THE MARK II WCS 13 PROGRAM EXAMPLE 15 CREATING YOUR OWN PROGRAMS 20 Step One - Create Program 20 BASIC PROGRAMMING TIPS 21 Step Two - Saving 23 Step Three - Downloading 23 Step Four - Running HOTAS 24 THROTTLE TYPES 25 Type One 25 Type Two 26 ANALOG THROTTLE 27 PROGRAMMING THE TRIGGER 27 FCS AND WCS SUPPORTED SOFTWARE GAMES 28 CALIBRATING THE WCS FOR DIGITAL THROTTLE 29 KEYTEST 29 DETENT TENSION ADJUSTMENT 29 LED LIGHTING 30 TMSA 30 GAME CARDS 31 WCC-REMAPPER 33 WCS2 TOOLS 35 APPENDIX 37 OPERATIONAL PROBLEMS/TROUBLESHOOTING 37 KEYBOARD COMMAND CODES 40 THE MARK II WCS WEAPONS CONTROL SYSTEM Congratulations on your purchase of the Mark II Weapons Control System - the most sophisticated and flexible PC game controller available. The Mark II WCS allows you to program the Mark II WCS and the Mark I Flight Control System, create multiple function buttons and macros. The Mark II WCS also features a non-volatile memory chip, retaining any single program you have downloaded to it, even when your computer's power is turned off. To change your Mark II WCS programs, simply download a new file, which will copy over the previous file. Please read all of the instructions carefully before beginning. HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE RECOMMENDATIONS 1 - DOS 5.0 or later. 2 - IBM specification, dual port game card - NOT DUAL CONNECTOR - DUAL PORT (see "Game Card" section Pg. 31) IMPORTANT - If you are using a joystick or yoke with its own throttle input device you MUST disable it. CONNECTION ALWAYS TURN OFF ALL POWER WHEN CONNECTING OR DISCONNECTING THE MARK II WCS. 1 - Turn off your computer. 2 - Plug your joystick into the 15-pin connector on the Mark II WCS. 3 - Plug your keyboard cable into the 5-pin connector on the Mark II WCS. (If you have a mini 6-pin connector you will need a pair of adapters. You can find adapters at your local electronics store, or ThrustMasterr.) 4 - Plug the Mark II WCS keyboard cable into your computer's keyboard port. 5 - Plug the Mark II WCS's 15-pin cable into your game card. If you are using rudder pedals, plug the Mark II WCS 15-pin cable into the rudder pedal Y-cable. Then plug your rudder pedals into your game card. 6 - Turn on your computer. NOTE - You will not be able boot up your computer with the Base Mode Switch in the forward position. If you do, you will probably get a keyboard error message. To clear the system place the 3-way Base Mode Switch in either Analog or Digital position and press button one (pinky button) on the Mark II WCS a couple of times. Then try re-booting your system. INSTALLING THE SOFTWARE Follow the directions on the software label. Place the Mark II WCS disk into your disk drive. Move to your disk drive root directory and type: README.1ST |MORE and press enter. (Please note that the | character is shown on your keyboard as a segmented vertical line). Follow the on-screen instructions. Once the install program runs it will create two directories and install all the appropriate files. The software will install the Mark II WCS program on your hard drive under the directory MARK II. It will also create a directory called REMAP, where the WCC re-mapper program will be installed (see Pg. 33), and a directory where WCS TOOLS will be loaded (see Pg. 35). QUICK DEFINITIONS FCSÖ - ThrustMaster's Flight Control System (joystick). MARK II WCSÖ - ThrustMaster's Weapons Control System (throttle). RCSÖ - ThrustMaster's Rudder Control System. Base Mode Switch - This is the red three-position switch on the top of the Base of the Mark II WCS. Each position is defined on the Base as Calibrate, Digital, and Analog. Hat Mode Switch - This is the black two-position switch on the top of the Base of the Mark II WCS. Each position is defined on the Base as Digital and Analog. Rocker Switch - This refers to the red three-way switch on the handle of the Mark II WCS. AB Detent - Roughly 2/3rds up on the throttle throw is a notch or click. This is to signal entry into AfterBurner stages for those games using afterburners. Idle Detent - Just forward of the full off position is another click or notch. This detent is used to indicate idle on the throttle throw. Hat Switch - This is the four-position switch on the very top of the ThrustMaster FCS. Mounted on the top of the switch is a black "HAT". Normally this switch is used for looking out of the cockpit of your chosen aircraft. HOTAS - Hands on throttle and stick. With the FCS plugged into the Mark II WCS a true HOTAS system is created. Naturally Occurring Characters - These are keyboard characters that you can see displayed on your computer's screen. For example, if you press the "H" key it will generate a lower case "h" or if you press the shift-key and the "]" key, this will generate a "}" character. These are naturally Occurring characters. A non-natural character is as a key press that does not generate a visible character. For example, if you press the "delete" key on your keyboard it does not generate a visible character. No-Op character - These are keyboard characters that do not perform any function in the software you are using. For example, in Yeager's Air Combat the " ? " is not used for any purpose. If you didn't want a button or Rocker position to perform any function in Yeager's then you would use this character in your programming. TESTING YOUR MARK II WCS First, test your HOTAS system and make sure everything is working properly. Move to your Mark II directory by typing CD\markII, and then type TESTMK2 . This will initiate the test. Follow the on screen instructions CAREFULLY. When the Calibration routine asks you to place the Mark II WCS Base Mode Switch in DIGITAL , PLEASE MAKE SURE IT IS IN DIGITAL POSITION. After the calibration routine is complete the program will download a test file. Once the download is 100% complete you will need to clear the Mark II WCS and check the input of all functions at the prompt. To clear the Mark II WCS press button 1 (pinky button) on the handle a few times. Make sure you have both mode switches in the Digital position. The buttons on the WCS Mark II WCS and ThrustMaster FCS should generate the characters listed below. (Please note that the output on button 1 will vary depending on the position of the Rocker [RKR] switch on the handle). A forward movement of the throttle should generate series of small letter i's, one capital E and five capital I's. Pulling back on the throttle should generate capital D's, one capital L and a string of small d's. FCS TRIGGER = Trig HAT UP = U u HAT RT = R HAT DN = D d HAT LF = L HAT MD = Mid UP BTN = Top MD BTN = Mid LW BTN = Bot WCS BTN 1 = (RKR UP) U1 (RKR MD) M1 (RKR DN) D1 BTN 2 = 2 BTN 3 = 3 BTN 4 = 4 BTN 5 = 5 BTN 6 = 6 RKR UP = U RKR MD = M RKR DN = D THROTTLE INCREASE = i's, E, I's THROTTLE DECREASE = D's, L, d's Now that we have your Mark II WCS up and running, it is time to download a functional program. YOUR FIRST DOWNLOAD We have included a number of game program files which you can download and use immediately. A list of all included game files can be found in the MARK II directory. Go to the MARK II directory and type DIR to see the list. The game files will have an extension of .ADV. Pick the file you want to download and type DOWNLOAD (FILE NAME).ADV [ENTER]. Follow the instructions on your screen until the downloading process is complete. Once the download is complete place the Base Mode Switch in either the Digital or Analog position. Anytime you place the three-way Base Mode Switch into the calibrate position your Mark II and keyboard will be temporarily frozen in preparation for download. When you return the Base Mode Switch from the forward position to the Digital or Analog, it will be necessary to CLEAR the system. This is achieved by pressing button 1 on the Mark II WCS handle once or twice. You will know the system has been cleared when the Mark II WCS begins to generate characters again. The Mark II WCS will retain this program until you download another program. Each new download will replace the previous program. We have included a list of text files for each included game file that will explain what each button should do in the simulator. The text files also contain information that will help you in programming, and help you utilize your Mark II WCS to it fullest. To view a particular text file, move to the MARK II directory and type TYPE (FILE NAME).TXT |MORE [ENTER]. Before you begin playing, you must decide which positions you want the Base Mode Switch and Hat Mode Switch to be in. Read the "BASE MODE SWITCH AND HAT MODE SWITCH" section thoroughly, for further details. BASE MODE AND HAT MODE SWITCH On the Base of the Mark II WCS are two Mode Switches. The red Base Mode Switch affects throttle on the Mark II WCS. The black two-position Hat Mode Switch affects the Hat Switch on the FCS. BASE MODE SWITCH Definition of three-positions 1 - With the Base Mode Switch in Calibrate position, the Mark II WCS is automatically in download status. 2 - With the Base Mode Switch in Digital position, the entire Mark II WCS and the FCS buttons are converted to Digital output. (The only exception is the trigger on your joystick. The trigger is always passed as Analog and will function as it was designed in the game you are using. There is the option of programming the trigger. Please see "Programming the Trigger" Pg 27). 3 - With the Base Mode Switch in the Analog position, the Mark II WCS throttle is converted to Analog, while all else remains in Digital. Definition of Inputs DIGITAL INPUT - A keyboard input; functions are routed through the keyboard. ANALOG INPUT - Functions are routed through the game card. Digital and Analog Throttle Options There are two options to choose from when using your Mark II WCS throttle. Digital - When you have the Base Mode (red switch) in Digital, the throttle runs through the keyboard using keyboard characters as input for throttle increase and decrease. The throttle will generate whatever characters you have programmed on the throttle line of your game file. Occasionally, you may have to calibrate your Mark II WCS for Digital throttle. (Please see "Calibrating Digital Throttle" Pg. 28). Analog - With the Base Mode Switch in the Analog position, the throttle runs through the game card. Using electrical input for throttle increase and decrease, the throttle ignores the programmed throttle characters. Although the throttle characters are ignored it is still necessary to have commands on the throttle line of your program. Analog throttle can only be used in simulators that support an Analog throttle and have an Analog calibration routine. Generally, Analog throttle is defined in simulators as a second joystick or throttle wheel. If you choose to use Analog throttle, refer to each individual software manual for their calibration routine. Generally, Analog throttle is more reliable and responds more quickly than Digital input. There are many games, however, that don't have an Analog throttle option. For this reason, we've provided the Digital position. If you choose to use Analog Throttle input you must have the Hat Mode Switch in the Digital position. If the Hat switch and the Throttle input were both in Analog they would conflict with one another, as they run off the same electrical line. HAT MODE SWITCH Digital and Analog Options When the Hat Mode Switch is in Digital position, the Hat is routed through the keyboard and generates the characters you've programmed. Usually, you will need to deselect ThrustMaster FCS support in simulators to avoid conflict when using Digital Hat. When the Hat Mode is in Analog position, the Hat is routed through the game card and will function as determined by your game software. In Analog, the Hat will ignore anything you have programmed to it in your Mark II files. If you choose to use Analog Hat, remember to select ThrustMaster support in the software you are using. When you use the Hat in the Analog position you must have the Base Mode Switch is in the Digital position. The Hat Analog and throttle Analog use the same electrical line and therefore cannot be used at the same time. Please see the table on Pg. 11 for further clarification. BASE MODE SWITCHING RULES TO REMEMBER 1 - The Calibrate position on the Base Mode Switch is used, in most cases, for the downloading process. 2 - Anytime you put the Base Mode Switch in the Calibrate position, it freezes the keyboard and the ThrustMaster controls to prevent accidental input. When you return the Base Mode switch to either the Digital or Analog positions, you must clear the Mark II WCS by pressing button one, to regain keyboard input. A good rule to remember is, if you experience problems with the Mark II WCS or FCS not generating characters...press button 1 on the WCS handle. 3 - Occasionally, when you put the Base Mode Switch in the Calibrate position, the download sequence may not be initiated. If this occurs, reset the Base Mode Switch by putting it in the Analog position and returning it to the Calibrate position. If you still encounter difficulty initiating the download sequence, return the Base Mode switch to Analog, press button 1 on the WCS handle a few times, and briskly pop it into the calibrate position. PROGRAMMING AND THE MARK II WCS Welcome to the exciting and wonderful world of programming. The Mark II WCS software will allow you to program additional functions to your Mark II WCS and Mark I FCS that you never had before. Some of these functions include: 1 - Programming macros to a single button press (i.e.. with a single press of the macro-programmed button, you could drop two flares, one chaff and eject from your burning plane). 2 - Programming button functions dependent upon the position of the three-way Rocker Switch on the Mark II WCS handle. (For example, a single button could function as guns, missiles or a gun camera depending on the position of the Rocker Switch.) We will be using the DOS editor to create and edit programs for the Mark II WCS. If you aren't familiar with DOS editor, it may be helpful to read up on it before continuing. DOS 5.0 or later are the only versions that have DOS editor. If you have an earlier version, we suggest you use Notepad in Windows or Text File Editor in Geoworks or any other DOS text editor you may have. Some of the instructions pertaining to DOS Editor will not pertain to you if you are using a different program. PROGRAM EXAMPLE At the MARK II directory, type EDIT EXAMPLF3.ADV [ENTER]. DOS Editor will automatically engage and the file below should appear on your screen. This file is a functional program for Falcon 3.0. We are going to use it to describe each command line, how it works and what functions it will perform. Each Command Line below, corresponds to a button or function switch on the FCS and Mark II WCS. Refer to the Figure on page 14 so you know which button each command line is referring to. Each Command line consists of two separate entities; First - a standard command code (in bold), which must always be present, second - a series of arguments (in italics) which are the commands you enter to program each button function on the Mark II WCS and FCS. Please Note- the bold and italics are only added here for ease of differentiation between the Command Code and arguments. FCS GAME 1 BTN TG (optional-please see Trigger Programming) BTN UB ENT BTN MB BSP BTN LB RU n RM n RD \ BTN HU 3 8 BTN HR 6 BTN HD 5 5 BTN HL 4 BTN HM ~ WCS BTN 1 RU DEL INS DEL RM DEL INS DEL RD g BTN 2 RU F8 RM ' RD f BTN 3 b BTN 4 t BTN 5 x BTN 6 z RKR UP F5 RKR MD F6 RKR DN F7 THR 40 5 = - / / . , We will now go through each command line and define what each argument is programmed to do. The Command Codes for each line (in bold) can also be used as a reference when creating your own program. For any program to run successfully it's imperative that each Command line contain the Code Names exactly as they appear (in bold). FCS - This line will never have arguments programmed to it. This Command Code indicates that the FCS buttons are to be programmed. GAME 1 - Game 1 command defines the Digital throttle types you may use. There are two types of Digital throttle to choose from. Type One throttle uses continuous characters, such as a series of +++++++ signs for increasing throttle and a series of ----- for decreasing throttle. Type Two throttle uses sequential characters, such as 1 2 3 4 etc. for throttle action. In the EXAMPLF3 program we use Type One throttle, so Game 1 is entered on the command line. If Type Two throttle was used in the game, we would have entered Game 2 on this line. One or the other must be present. If you use Analog throttle this line will be ignored. NO change will be necessary. (please see "Throttle Types" on Pg. 24). BTN TG - The trigger will always be passed as Analog, and will function as the game designed it. Generally, you will not need to have this line on your programs. There is however, an option for programming the trigger. (Please see "Trigger Programming" section on Pg. 27) BTN UB - This button performs a single function. It will select A-A weapons when pressed. BTN MB - This button performs a single function. It will select A-G weapons when pressed. BTN LB - This button is programmed to perform three functions, depending on the position of the Rocker Switch on the WCS handle. We entered "n" for Rocker Up (RU) and Rocker Middle (RM), and a backslash for Rocker Down (RD). So, if the Rocker Switch is in the up or middle position, IFF is activated. If the Rocker Switch is in the down position, ILS is activated. You can program any button on the FCS, except for the Hat Switch, to perform three different functions depending on the Rocker Switch position (on the handle of the Mark II WCS). NOTE - Button Codes (RU, RM and RD) were used for this command line. If you want to program other buttons in this manner, you must use the same Rocker Position Button Codes. Enter the function after each rocker position command. If you want the same function in two of the rocker positions, enter the same character after both positions. Remember to single space between all arguments. BTN HU - The Hat Up position is a two-stage toggle. We programmed it to toggle between Front View (3) and Padlock View (8). If you push the Hat up once, Front View will activate. Push the Hat up again, and Padlock View will activate. NOTE - You must enter two arguments on this line. If you enter one, the up view will not work. If you only want one view, enter the same character twice. The HU and HD will not allow macro programming. BTN HR - We programmed Right View on this Hat position (Hat Right). BTN HD - This position (Hat Down) is also a two-stage toggle. Two arguments must be entered with a single space in between. We programmed the same function (Back View) on both positions, so the toggle will not be apparent. Macro programming is not available on this line. BTN HL - We programmed Left View on this Hat position (Hat Left). BTN HM - We entered a No-Op character for this position. This is done so that the Hat up, down, left and right views remain when the Hat returns to the center or middle. If we entered an operational character it would be activated when the Hat is released from any other position. Now we move to the WCS portion of the program. WCS - This line will never have arguments programmed to it. This command code indicates that the WCS buttons are to be programmed. BTN 1 - This button has a macro and a single command depending on the position of the Rocker Switch. With the Rocker Switch in the up position, button one will activate one chaff, one flare and another chaff (macro). The same is true if the Rocker Switch is in the middle position. If the Rocker Switch is down, button one activates landing gear (single command). NOTE - For characters that are not "naturally occurring" (such as Delete or Insert), refer to "Keyboard Command Codes" (appendix - Pg. 39-41) for the proper designation. BTN 2 - This button has a single command for each position of the Rocker Switch. If the Rocker Switch is up, button two activates Radar Scan Distance. If the Rocker Switch is in the middle, it activates Increase Ripple. If the Rocker Switch is down, it activates Flaps. BTN 3 - Button three activates one function - Brakes. BTN 4 - Button four activates one function - Target Select. BTN 5 - Button five activates one function - CLR Lock. BTN 6 - Button six activates one function - Radar Lock. RKR UP - Rocker Up has a single function - NAM. RKR MD - Rocker Middle has a single function - ACM. RKR DN - Rocker Down has a single function - GM. THR - This line programs information for Digital throttle performance. The first argument records the number of throttle steps it takes to reach full throttle. In this case, it takes 40 equal signs to reach full throttle. The second argument records the number of afterburner steps. It takes five throttle steps for this afterburner. Argument three records the character for increasing throttle. The equal sign increases throttle for Falcon 3.0. Argument four records the character for decreasing throttle. The minus sign decreases throttle for Falcon 3.0. Argument five records the character that EXITS afterburner (the slash). Argument six records the character that ENTERS the afterburner (also the slash). Argument seven records the character that increases afterburner (the period). Argument eight records the character that decreases afterburner (the comma). NOTE - All eight arguments were used for Falcon 3.0, which is the maximum amount of arguments for this line. However, the number of arguments you enter will depend on the simulator. You must have throttle arguments in all your Mark II WCS programs, even if you intend to use the Analog throttle option. For more information, refer to the "Throttle Types" section on Pg. 24. SUMMARY The above example provides you with the basic format necessary to create your own programs and even edit existing files with the Mark II WCS software. The bold Command Codes will appear in every program you create and are the foundation for successful operation of your HOTAS system. The "arguments" are the variable. You program the arguments, telling the program what funcitons you want the buttons to perform. Now you are ready to begin your own programming. CREATING YOUR OWN PROGRAMS Step One - Create Program We have included a basic template for you to use when setting up your own programs. The Template.mk2 file, in the Mark II WCS software, will provide you with the Command Codes already in place. All you will need to do is know what arguments you want on which buttons of your HOTAS system. Retrieve the template file by typing EDIT TEMPLATE.MK2 at the MARK II directory prompt. DOS Editor will pull up the file with a list of the Button Code Names, beginning with FCS. We strongly suggest that you move around in DOS EDITOR with your mouse cursor or arrow keys. Using the ENTER key on you keyboard will undoubtedly create confusion as it adds spaces between the lines. Please note the following tips when programming. BASIC PROGRAMMING TIPS 1. Macros can only be programmed to BTN 1 - 6 on the WCS, BTN UB, MB and LB on the FCS handle, and Hat positions BTN HR and HL. 2. Always leave a single space between each argument on the command line. 3. If you want a non-operational button, delete the entire line in your program. However, you must always have the three RKR commands and Throttle arguments present in your program. If for some reason you don't want the RKR commands to perform a function then you must enter a no-op character. A no-op character is a character not used in a particular game. For example: if you don't want the RKR UP to perform a function then you might enter a ( ~ ) character, assuming it does nothing in the game you're playing. 4. All Command Codes (BTN UB, GAME 1 etc.) and all on the commands on the Keyboard Code List (appendix - pg. 40 -42) must be entered in capitals. 5. You can program RKR UP (rocker up), RKR MD (rocker middle) and RKR DN (rocker down) positions to any BTN (button) line EXCEPT the "HAT" positions (BTN HU, BTN HR, BTN HL, etc.). 6. Make sure you differentiate between lower and upper case characters. The Mark II WCS programming software is case sensitive. If you enter an upper case letter (capital or shifted character) when the simulator uses a lower case letter, the button will not perform as you expect. NOTE - Many of the software manuals and keyboard layouts are not accurate with respect to lower case and upper case. For example, AV8B Harrier states that a capital F activates flares, when in fact it does nothing. The flare is only deployed when the lower case f is pressed. You should check your games once with the keyboard before programming. 7. The BTN HU (Hat up) and BTN HD (Hat down) positions are always two-stage functions. You must enter two arguments on these lines. If you want only one function activated when you move the Hat Switch up or down, then use the same argument twice. Remember that Macros are not available on these lines. 8. For some simulators, you might want to confirm the number of throttle steps. Count from engine off to full power and full throttle to shut-off. For example, some games will spool the engines up to some pre-determined RPM with one press of the throttle key, therefore requiring more deceleration characters than acceleration. Enter the greater number of throttle steps if there is a difference between acceleration and deceleration. 9. Make sure you use Keyboard Command Codes when using the CTRL or ALT combinations. For example, if you needed to use CTRL-F3, you would enter the following command; CTLD F3 CTLU (where CTLD is control down and CTRLU is control up). If you were to actually press CTRL-F3 on your keyboard the computer reads it as; Press CTRL and F3, then let up on CTRL. This produces an non-natural ASCII character that the Mark II WCS download program cannot recognize. For this reason you enter the arguments in the sequence manually. The same applies with the ALT key. Please see the keyboard command code list for the specific program entries in these types of situations. You do not have to enter the up and down Keyboard Codes for a shifted combination that produce naturally occurring characters. For example, if you wanted to program an asterisk you would press SHIFT-8 on your keyboard, which produces an asterisk. However, there are situations where you would have to use SHFTD and SHFTU combinations. Primarily, this is for non-natural occurring characters. For example a shift-F5 combination would require SHFTD F5 SHFTU. 10. If you are using arguments from the keypad check to see if the NUMLOCK light needs to be on or off. The NUMLOCK key should be on if you are using numbers from the keypad in your programming. If your using HOME, END etc., then the NUMLOCK light should be off. Step Two - Saving Now that your program is complete, you need to save it. In DOS editor there is a menu bar at the top of your screen. Click your mouse on FILE. Then, click on SAVE AS. Next, you need to name your program. We recommended that you use the game title you designed it for and a .ADV extension. For example, save Falcon 3.0 program as FALCON3.ADV. CAUTION - DO NOT just "SAVE" this file or you will lose your template. Whenever you are working from the Template file you will want to SAVE AS, and rename it. Now, you're ready to download to the Mark II WCS. Click your mouse cursor on EXIT and you will be returned to the Mark II prompt. Step Three - Downloading To download your program, type in DOWNLOAD (at the Mark II prompt) and the name of your file. For example, download the Falcon program by typing DOWNLOAD FALCON.ADV [ENTER]. The DOWNLOAD program will ask you to put the Base Mode Switch in the forward position, which starts the download process (see "BASE MODE SWITCH" Pg. 9-11). The length of the download procedure will vary depending on the complexity of the program. If the download procedure doesn't start, put the Base Mode Switch in Analog position and snap it forward to the Calibrate position. Once the download sequence is complete, put the Base Mode Switch in the Digital position. If you intend to use Analog throttle Remember to clear your WCS by clicking button one on the WCS a few times before proceeding. Quickly check all your buttons while at the Mark II prompt, pressing them to make sure they are generating the characters you just programmed. Exceeding memory - If you program too many rocker functions and macros, you can exceed the memory of the chip in the Mark II WCS. You will receive a message that states; "ERROR memory has been exceeded." It will also tell you which line has exceeded memory. By counting the lines (beginning with FCS) you can find which line has exceeded memory. Count the number of commands you've entered after the line that exceeded memory. Now you know how many commands have exceeded memory and how many you have to work with. Step Four - Running HOTAS Now that you have everything downloaded, select the Mode you want to operate in (see the table on pg. 11). Your WCS and FCS are now programmed and will become highly effective instruments of death in your hands. You're SET and READY TO GO!!! Happy Hunting! And CHECK SIX. THROTTLE TYPES Two types of Digital throttle action are available. Type One programming is for simulators that use continuous characters for throttle. An example of this type would be a series of +++ characters for increasing throttle and a series of - - - characters for decreasing throttle. Type Two programming is for simulators that use a sequential list for throttle action - such as 1 2 3 4 5, etc. You can tell which type you have by reading your flight simulator manual. The third type of throttle input is Analog. Many of today's sims and games have the option of using either Type One, Type Two or Analog. Generally, Analog is the fastest responding throttle input, and is rarely subject to synchronizing (synching) problems. Synching problems are a result of the typematic rates established by game software, where keyboard inputs are lost in the keyboard buffers. Of the two types of Digital throttle, Type Two input is less subject to being lost than Type One. If you're using Type One throttle, follow the directions in the next section. If you're going to use Type Two, skip to the Type Two section. Type One 1. Enter the number of throttle steps required to reach full throttle. If you do not know this number, count the number of key-presses required to achieve full throttle in the simulator. It should be the same as the number of Key-presses used to return to throttle shut-off. If the two numbers are different, use the higher number. Enter the number as a two digit number, such as 06 or 13. 2. Enter the number of afterburner steps. (If the simulator does not have afterburner - enter 1.) 3. Enter the character used to increase throttle. 4. Enter the character used to decrease throttle. 5. Enter the character that EXITS afterburner. (If the simulator does not have afterburner, enter the throttle character used to decrease throttle.) 6. Enter the character that ENTERS afterburner. (If the simulator does not have afterburner, enter the throttle character used to increase throttle.) 7. Enter the character that increases afterburner. (If the simulator does not have afterburner, enter the throttle character used to increase throttle.) 8. Enter the character that decreases afterburner. (If the simulator does not have afterburner, enter the throttle character used to decrease throttle.) Type Two 1. Enter the number of throttle steps required to reach full throttle (including afterburner). There is a maximum of 15 steps allowed. 2. Enter the number of afterburner steps (if your simulator does not have afterburner, enter 1). 3. Enter the sequence of characters that moves the simulator to full throttle. Be sure to put a space in between. If it doesn't take 15 steps for the simulator to reach full throttle, you should enter no-op characters for the rest of the steps up to 15, or duplicate a few of the sequence characters. No-op characters are characters that the simulator doesn't use. Remember, if you are programming a Type Two throttle, you need to change Game 1 to Game 2 in your program. ANALOG THROTTLE Analog throttle is available by placing the three-way Base Mode Switch in the Analog position. Now the throttle input is going directly through the game card, ignoring the throttle portion of your downloaded program. However, even when using the Analog throttle you must have GAME 1 or 2 specified as well as throttle arguments on the THR command line. You can use Analog throttle only when the game supports it. In Analog mode you will need to calibrate the throttle in the game. Please note that calibrating in the game for Analog throttle is NOT the same thing as calibrating in the Mark II WCS software. The CAL.EXE file is for calibrating Digital throttle. Remember, you cannot use Analog HAT when using Analog throttle. Both the Hat Analog and Throttle Analog run off the same line and only one can be used at a time. PROGRAMMING THE TRIGGER The trigger on the ThrustMaster FCS (or any standard Joystick) is designed to pass as Analog. It will function as designed in the games. You can however, program the trigger. Place the Command Code BTN TG in your program under the GAME 1 command, followed by your desired argument. The trigger will now perform as programmed by you, and by the game. For example - programming CTLD r CTLU on the trigger line in your Falcon program would turn the gun camera on and off as well as fire your weapons. To avoid confusion, we recommend that you do not program the trigger unless there is no function for it in the game. FCS AND WCS SUPPORTED SOFTWARE GAMES Always de-select WCS in games that have the option for WCS and select keyboard. If you're using Analog throttle you will most likely select joystick 2. In some instances it will be necessary to de-select FCS options, depending on your Mode Switch selection. The easiest solution is de-select ThrustMaster FCS in every game unless your using the Hat in Analog Mode. With the Hat in Analog it would be necessary to select the FCS option so the Hat will operate as designed in the game. NOTE - To use the FCS or other joystick as a regular joystick, switch the Base Mode Switch to the Calibrate position and press button 1 to clear the Mark II WCS. When you operate your FCS and Mark II WCS in the calibrate position the joystick acts just as it would if plugged directly into the game card, performing whatever functions the game determines. The Hat on the FCS must remain Digital as the Mark II WCS throttle automatically becomes Analog. The Mark II WCS buttons and Hat will still be programmable . You can also separate the Mark II WCS and your joystick and use them as individual entities. If you have an additional game card on your computer that has been disabled you can use this as a power source for the Mark II WCS. Plug your joystick directly into your active game card, and plug your Mark II WCS into the non-active game card. Your Mark II WCS will then function as a fully programmable Digital unit. The same results can be achieved with ThrustMaster's ACM game card. There are two connectors on the ThrustMaster game card, each accessing a separate dual port game card. One connector accesses an active dual port game card, while the other accesses a non-active game card. The second connector, although not active, will supply power. CALIBRATING THE WCS FOR DIGITAL THROTTLE Calibrate the Mark II WCS immediately after initial connection. You should not have to calibrate your Mark II WCS more than once or twice. However, if you suspect that your throttle characters are not being generated correctly, re-calibrate. We encourage you to run the Keytest program (see "KEYTEST" below) to verify the characters HOTAS is generating. Please remember that this calibration is for Digital throttle only. If you're using Analog throttle this calibration routine is not applicable. To calibrate, go to your MARK II directory and type CAL. This should start up the Mark II WCS calibration routine. Follow the on-screen instructions carefully, being sure that you place the three-way Mode switch in Digital Mode when requested. KEYTEST We have included a Keytest program with the Mark II WCS software. This program checks all the buttons on the HOTAS system and verifies the characters they are generating. To start the Keytest program type: Keytest at your Mark II directory and press enter. If you are not able to bring up the Keytest program then type: keytest /? .The Keytest /? will show you the two display options for the keytest program; Keytest /v and Keytest /t . One of these options should work. DETENT TENSION ADJUSTMENT The Mark II WCS has a tension screw for the throttle detents. Two Phillips screws are located underneath the Mark II WCS near the center of the base. Turn the smaller screw until the desired tension is obtained. LED LIGHTING The LED lights on the top of the Mark II WCS will indicate when certain functions are active. The top light is not functional at this time. It will be implemented in the future. The middle two LEDs indicate when Button 4 and Button 6 on the Mark II WCS are activated. The lower two LEDs indicate when the top and middle positions on the Rocker Switch are activated. TMSA Included with your Mark II WCS software is a diagnostic program called TMSA. From your Mark II prompt type: TMSA and press enter. A screen with two boxes and columns of data in the upper right hand corner will appear. The movement of your joystick will be shown in the right hand box as a "Star Shaped" figure. The upper right hand corner data will display the value readings from the "HAT" on your FCS, Mark II WCS Analog throttle, Joystick and Rudder input. When using a speed adjustable game card set the "HAT" value at approximately 82. Make sure that your Base Mode switch is in Digital and the Hat Mode switch is in Analog if your running your FCS through the Mark II WCS. With the Hat switch in the center position the value should be 82. With the Hat forward the value under the Hat column should change to approximately 2. Hat right should be around 20. Hat down - 40. Hat left - 60. To check the Mark II WCS Analog throttle, put the Base Mode switch in Analog and the Hat Mode switch in Digital. Throttle values should read under the HAT column as you move the handle forward and backwards. Ideally, the throttle should read around 10-15 in the full forward position. If your throttle reads something different, adjust the potentiometer by removing the Base of your Mark II WCS and rotating it. Gently rotate the potentiometer with a pair of pliers, while in the TMSA program, until the desired results are achieved. Your Rudder pedals should show input under the Rudder column. GAME CARDS Your game card will be the functional foundation for your new FCS. A joystick will only work as well as the game card it is plugged into. It is important that you are aware of the type of game card you are going to use. To get full function and proper range from your FCS, YOU MUST HAVE AT LEAST A DUAL PORT GAME CARD. Please do not get this confused with a two-connector or two-plug game card. When we refer to PORTS we refer to the CIRCUITRY on the card itself. A dual port game card is one that is designed to support two, two-button joysticks. Often times these two ports are called "A" and "B". A single port game card would only have an "A" while a dual port game card would have an "A" and a "B". For specific details on the features of your game card refer to your game card owners manual. The following is a list of tips to help you determine if your game card is suitable for your FCS. There are a number of combinations possible in game cards currently out on the market. For example: ∙ Many game cards have only one connector, but actually access a dual port card, such as the SoundBlasterÖsound card. With the faster 486 + computer systems, these combination Sound/Game cards are generally not adequate for game play. The SoundBlaster game port in particular can suffer from timing problems. More information on this malady can be found in the back of your SoundBlaster manual in the appendix under "Quick Reference for Problem Solving". See "Problem: Joystick not working properly in some programs." ∙ Many game cards have two connectors and are dualport cards. In these instances there is a primary connector that accesses both ports. The other connector accesses the "B" port only. ∙ Some game cards have one plug or connector and are only wired for one port. This is typical of many Multi I/O cards (cards with parallel, serial and game port combinations). These Multi I/O game ports can be found on many of today's computers. WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT ALL MULTI I/O GAME PORTS BE DISABLED AND NOT USED. In some instances you may not know how to disable your Multi I\O game port or see no way to disable it. You will need to refer to your owners manual or contact your computer dealer. NOTE - In order to effectively disable most game ports you must pull jumpers (little clips) on the card itself. For details,see your game card owner's manual. Quality Dual port game cards are necessary because the FCS requires the information from, and access to, both ports on a game card (this is also true if you intend to run two, two-button joysticks at the same time). A dual port game card is essential. We recommend the ThrustMasterr ACMÖ game card. Please also remember that you cannot have more than one game card active and running at the same time. If two cards are running at the same time they will conflict with each other, causing your controls to work erratically and inconsistently. You cannot have another joystick plugged into your game card while using the FCS. If another joystick is plugged in at the same time you are running your FCS the two sticks will conflict and both will behave erratically. WCC-REMAPPER The WCC remapper program allows you create up to five alternate button Modes for your Mark II WCS, or WCS Mark I. This will allow you to press a pre-determined key or button to re-map your original Mark II WCS ADV files. Your buttons can then perform an entirely different set of functions. For example, in Falcon, using the Remapper, you could program a separate set of functions on your Mark II WCS buttons. One Mode could be for Air to Air action, another for Air to Ground action, and another for the Landing sequence. The use of WCC Remapper would proceed as follows: 1 - Create your Mark II WCS program for Falcon. Write down the key presses you have designated to the various buttons on your HOTAS system. These functions will be used as the foundation for setting up your WCC program. 2 - Lets say your original Mark II WCS set-up is designed around Air to Air combat and you want one Mode of your WCC program to be specifically for Air to Ground activities and another for landing. In the WCC program it asks you which keys you want changed, and what you want them changed to. For example, you might have button three of your Mark II WCS set-up for IFF in your download program. Now you want a separate Mode for Air to Ground, and you want button three to become Bomb Ripple. In the Remapper you would specify that you want key press n (IFF) changed to ' (Bomb Ripple). Continuing in this manner, specify only those keys you want changed with the implementation of the first Mode. For the second Mode follow the same procedure, once again using the original Mark II WCS program as your foundation. Having programmed two Modes in the WCC re-mapper you might have designated the F11 key as the toggle between the two Modes and the F12 key as the Remapper ON/OFF toggle. Lets say you chose Mode one, your Air to Ground Mode, as the start-up Mode. This will be the Mode that your Mark II WCS will be in at the start of your game. By pressing F12 to toggle the re-mapper TSR off you can return to your basic Mark II WCS program, or you could press F11 to toggle to the second Mode. While you only programmed two Modes with the WCC program there are actually three Modes available. The First, our basic Mark II WCS program which we set-up as Air to Air Mode. The second Mode which we created in Remapper, our Air to Ground Mode, and the third, a landing mode. To determine which Mode you are currently in, note what functions your buttons are generating and refer to your notes. Remember that once the TSR is loaded it is immediately active. To get back to your basic Mark II WCS program you will need to turn the TSR OFF using the re-map on/off toggle. 3 - You may or may not choose to use the BAT file creator in the WCC software. When you set up the BAT file it will load the REMAP file you just created, which is a TSR (terminate and stay resident) program. It will then load the game software you have designated. Once in the game, the TSR is active, using whatever Mode you have designated as the start-up Mode. NOTE - To manually load your Remapper TSR file type KBDRMP at the WCC directory. Then type TBL_FLL (filename).RMP. To un-install the re-mapper TSR type: KBDRMP and press enter. The TSR will then be removed. To use the WCC Remapper program, go to your REMAP directory by typing: CD\remap. Once at the REMAP directory type: WCC. Detailed instructions for using the WCC re-mapper program can be found in the HELP menu selection. Please be sure and read the WCC re-mapper instructions carefully for all the details on creating Mode files with WCC. These can be found in the help section of the WCC program. WCS2 TOOLS Included with your Mark II WCS software are a number of shareware programs. These programs are designed by ThrustMaster users and address things ranging from fixes for problem calibration routines to custom Hat switch programs. All the WCS2 tools should have been installed in a directory WCS2TOOL on your C drive. Read the READWCS2.txt in WCS2TOOL directory for further details. Most of these files are in a "Zipped" (compressed) format and will require "Un-Zipping before they can be used. The shareware version of PKZIP (PK204G.exe) has been provided, and should have been installed in the PKUNZIP directory on your C drive. PK204G is the utility program that you will use to "Un-Zip" the WCS2 "Zip" files. You should read the README.DOC in the PKUNZIP directory for instructions on using PK204G.exe. FINAL WORDS The Mark II WCS is much like life, the more you know, the better off you'll be. However, there will always be something that doesn't make any sense. Every software writer has his/her own ideas about the way things should be done. We have tried to accommodate as many of the variations as we could find. If you encounter some oddity, try various set-ups and Mode combinations. If all else fails, give us a call. GOOD LUCK......and have fun!!!!! *ThrustMaster is a registered trademark of ThrustMaster Inc. and WCS, FCS, RCS, ACM and HOTAS are all trademarks of ThrustMaster Inc. FCC ID: KP3WCS This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. APPENDIX OPERATIONAL PROBLEMS/TROUBLESHOOTING Q - Why does my Mark II WCS give me a keyboard error and lock out my keyboard when I hook it up to my computer? A - There are a couple things you can try. First - Flip the Base Mode switch through all it's positions, press button 1 (pinky button) on the WCS, and return the Base Mode switch to Digital. Now turn off your computer system and start it again. Second - Try booting with a clean system boot disk, void of all TSR's. We do not recommend booting up into Windows. Third - Try booting with the WCS throttle handle in the center of the throttle throw, between AB and Idle detents. Fourth - If you are still not able to boot up with your Mark II WCS you may have a Keyboard BIOS compatibility problem. See ** for further details. Q - During Digital calibration of the Mark II WCS the program will not recognize the pressing of Button one on the WCS. A - Restart the Calibration program. Make sure you place the three-way Base Mode Switch in Digital when requested by the calibration routine. Q - The Download program will not start when I place the Base Mode switch in the Calibrate position. A - Restart the Download program. When asked to move the switch to the Calibrate position move it back to the Analog position first, then snap it forward to the Calibrate position. Q - One of my buttons is not working or it's generating the wrong function in my game. A - First - check your Mark II WCS program file. Make sure you have the argument entered correctly. Second - either in the Keytest program or at any prompt, check to see what character the button generates. Third - while in the game you're playing, check to confirm that the keyboard character you have programmed actually functions as it's supposed too. Q - The upper thumb button on the FCS does not roll my spacecraft in X-WingÖ. A - When the FCS is plugged into the Mark II WCS all the buttons (except the trigger) become Digital. Any program function that requires a continuous keypress, (where you have to hold the button down) cannot be duplicated when plugged into the Mark II WCS. When the FCS is routed through the Mark II WCS the buttons will only generate one character (or macro command) per button press. There is no way to duplicate a continuous keypress through the Mark II WCS. Two solutions are available. One - separate your Mark II WCS and FCS and use them as separate entities. Two - Place the Base Mode Switch in Calibrate position. (see FCS and WCS software supported game section for details.) ** If your Mark II WCS still does not download or allow you to boot up, you may have a keyboard BIOS compatibility problem. On your computers motherboard are two BIOS chips which are responsible for major operations in your system. One BIOS chip is the motherboard BIOS, the other is the keyboard BIOS. Often times the keyboard BIOS is referred to as the keyboard controller chip. These terms are synonymous. A few older versions of the AMI BIOS chips have been found to be potentially problematic, as well as a few clone AMI BIOS versions. If you have versions "D", "B", "8", "0" and "9" we encourage you to update your keyboard BIOS. To determine what version of keyboard BIOS you have, re-boot your computer system. During the boot up process you will see information flashing by. Press your PAUSE/BREAK key and the screen will pause. Hit enter to continue. You are looking for your AMI serial number, a lengthy string of letters and numbers following an AMI statement. The last letter or number in the string will determine the version of your keyboard BIOS. For example: AMI-40-0101-ZZ1123-00101111-060691-OPWB-F (this serial number tells us that the keyboard BIOS is an "F" series.) AMI-30-0000-01128-00101111-070791-S1SD-8 (this version tells us that the keyboard BIOS is an "8" version. This has been identified as potentially problematic.) Generally, most keyboard controller chips are socketed and can be easily replaced. Keyboard BIOS chips are usually located on your computers motherboard near your keyboard port. For more information and ordering keyboard BIOS contact: TTI Technologies 1-800-541-1943 2432-A Palma Dr. Ventura, CA 93003 Phone-805-650-2030 Fax-805-650-6515 AWARD keyboard BIOS chips are available directly from ThrustMaster. $10.00 + $1.00 shipping and handling. At this time we have also determined that ACER computer systems are potentially problematic. We are currently working with ACER for a solution. Contact ThrustMaster for the current status on this situation. If you continue to have problems with your Mark II WCS please call ThrustMaster Technical support. M - F 8:00 - 5:00 Pacific time. In order to better assist you with diagnosis of your problem we ask that you gather as much information as you can before calling. Knowing what brand of game card you are using, and speed, make, and Model of your computer system is very helpful information. We would also encourage you to try your Mark II WCS on other computer systems if available. This will help us determine if the Mark II WCS is faulty or if something in your system is creating a compatibility problem. KEYBOARD COMMAND CODES BTN... Define a button macro arg 1 Button # arg 2-n Keycode RKR... Define the rocker key return arg 1 Position (UP, MD, DN) arg 2 Shift state (ALT, SHFT, CTL, NONE) arg 3 Character The following keys have special designations; BSP Back Space TAB Tab CAPS Caps Lock ENT Enter LSFT Left Shift Key RSFT Right Shift Key LCTL Left Control Key LALT Left Alt Key SPC Space Bar RALT Right Alt Key RCTL Right Control Key INS Insert DEL Delete LAROW Left Arrow HOME Home END End UAROW Up Arrow DAROW Down Arrow PGUP Page Up PGDN Page Down RAROW Right Arrow NUML Number Lock KP7 Key Pad 7 KP4 Key Pad 4 KP1 Key Pad 1 KP/ Key Pad / KP8 Key Pad 8 KP5 Key Pad 5 KP2 Key Pad 2 KP0 Key Pad 0 KP* Key Pad * KP9 Key Pad 9 KP6 Key Pad 6 KP3 Key Pad 3 KP. Key Pad . KP- Key Pad - KP+ Key Pad + KPENT Key Pad Enter ESC F1 F2 F3 F4 F5 F6 F7 F8 F9 F10 F11 F12 SCRLCK Scroll Lock The following codes are the modal keys CTLD Control Key Down CTLU Control Key Up SHFTD Shift Down SHFTU Shift Up ALTD ALT Down ALTU ALT Up The following codes set the Rocker State key condition RD Rocker Down RU Rocker Up RM Rocker Middle