push to talk on microsoft 2004

[rick223]

newb here, working on my instrument rating. i have horrid radio skills. my question is "Can I configure a button on my flight sim yoke as a push to talk". I suck at computer programs, so befofe I frustrate myself trying to set every thing up just want to make sure it will be as realistic as possilbe. All help appreciated.

[Keith Smith]

from the download page for the FS2004/FSX client:

The default Push to Talk key is the Scroll Lock key. There may be an existing function in the simulator mapped to the same key. You can either change the PilotEdge push to talk setting (Start→Options→Voice), or you can remove the simulator’s mapping from the Settings→Options→Controls menu.
If you’d like to map the Push to Talk feature to a button on the joystick or yoke, you can use FSUIPC to trigger the “Ptt Transmit On (rw Or Avc)” and “Ptt Transmit Off (rw Or Avc)” events, or a third party utility such as Joker to replicate the key press for you.

FSUIPC and Joker are linked from that page, which is available here: http://www.pilotedge.net/pages/download-software-msfs

[rick223]

have windows7 . where do i find default audio ? my sim page with plane was flashing irradically last night as I tried to connect to PE. seemed to want to lock up.Told you I suck at computers.

[Keith Smith]

We will try to put a video together to show the installation of PE on each platform, and the audio configuration.

In the mean time, here's the first search result for "default recording device windows 7" in Google:
http://www.7tutorials.com/how-change-de ... dio-device

I looked through it, and it seems reasonable.

As for setting up the Push To Talk on the yoke, we'll get to that after your basic setup is operational.

[rick223]

update:last night connected and could hear clearance delivery at Fullerton, and had 2004 minimized. PE radio poped on screen. will it always be there? couldnt minimize it. Then when I tried to maximize 2004 the screen would go black with PE radio still there , but never go to plane on ramp. escape button woulnt work. Had to use ctrl-alt- delete to get out.Sorry to be such a pain, but I really want this to work.Thanks

[Keith Smith]

If you don't want the PE radio panel (which is generally the only way to squawk normal/standby), you can disable it through the options in the PE client. Have a read through the few menu options there are there. I don't have easy access to the client right now or I'd check and let you know exactly where it is.

I'm guessing you're running FS2004 in 'full screen' mode. Try running it in Windowed mode. I hear people constantly having troubles trying to cycle between minimized and full screen, including Windows lockups. Just press ALT-ENTER and it will leave full screen mode and return to Windowed mode.

[rick223]

Thanks for all your help. Stumbled on to a way to minimize by using touchpad. Took first flight from L52 to KSBP. But with start up at any ramp I was facing buildings and was too close...kept running into them.started on runway( know that's not cool) but had to give it a try.I am hooked. To have a live person on the other end to interact with is invaluable . Any advice on start up with close proximity to buildings? Or how to program bird pointing to runway? Many Thanks

[gavink42]

I don't recall the options FS2004 gives for positioning at startup. Here's my suggestion if you can't convince it to start you at a safe location.

Before connecting to PE, tell FS2004 to place you on the runway. Then, taxi to nearby parking and connect to PE when you're ready to begin.

I do that in FSX at big airports sometimes. There are so many parking spots defined in FSX that it can be hard to find something on the proper side of the field. I also use that method to minimize taxi time to an active runway.

Gavin

[rick223]

Gavin, Thanks excellent suggestion!!!!

[Orest Skrypuch]

Personally I far prefer full screen mode, but entirely concur that there is an issue in switching back and forth. Happily, I have found the following to ALWAYS work, if you get stuck inbetween:

Push and hold ALT

Press TAB (this is just using Window's Alt-Tab window skipping) until FSX (or FS9) is highlighted in the dialog.

While still holding down ALT, with the TAB key no longer pressed, immediately press Enter.

Fingers off the keyboard.

Done. This seems to always work, all hardware, all setups. Anyone that I have suggested this to, has met with success. Also, Apple has not patented this key combo yet.

* Orest