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Joystick with STO

mackermomomackermomo Member Posts: 247 Arc User
edited April 2014 in The Academy
I'm starting to feel some pain in the back of my left hand from all the ASDW over the last few months and have ordered a joystick as an alternative.

Does anyone have suggestions or know how to set up a joystick in STO? Does anyone use a joystick with success and perhaps have some tips for me? I'm wondering among other things, how the throttle will work.

I bought this joystick because it states it is adaptable to the left hand. I still use the mouse with my right.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001S0RTU0/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I assume there is a way to designate a controller in the options menu and will try that once the joystick is delivered late Wed. Thanks!
Post edited by mackermomo on
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Comments

  • elvis4410elvis4410 Member Posts: 18 Arc User
    edited April 2014
    i use this to configure my xbox windows controller. Works well for me. Been using it since season 3.

    http://www.xpadder.com/

    :cool:
  • edgecrysgeredgecrysger Member Posts: 2,740 Arc User
    edited April 2014
    That is bad luck. Some people will never notice anything playing years with a mouse / keyboard. In fact, problems in hands due to continous use of the mouse or the keyboard are really really weird.

    Now, using a joystick or a gamepad to play STO, lol, it is not recommended (actually its not for a lot of pc games) but if you dont have any other option, then there is nothing you can do.

    You can try also with special keyboards that are designed to be more ergonomic than the regular ones.
  • gralerongraleron Member Posts: 221 Arc User
    edited April 2014
    The deal-breaker for me with STO's joystick support is that there's no provision for a throttle axis, at least that I've been able to find.
    Vice Admiral Elaron, USS Hard Light
  • emperordeslokemperordeslok Member Posts: 0 Arc User
    edited April 2014
    you can always bind throttle to mouse wheel(something I did myself) using a bind file
    see how here -> http://sto.gamepedia.com/Guide:_Keybinds
  • razar2380razar2380 Member Posts: 1,187 Arc User
    edited April 2014
    Controllers can work just as good as the keyboard. Joysticks can, but they take a little more work to get to that point. Unless you download a program that is compatible with the joystick, you will need to identify what the designation for everything is.

    For example, to setup the keybinds for an Xbox 360 controller, you need to know the button designation is when you push the A button. That would be "joy9".

    The same is true for the up, down, left, and right movement. Some games have a different designation for it.

    Once you figure that out, you shouldn't have any problem setting it up, and using it. Just keep in mind that since you are using a controller, you might be more limited on what thing you can do with the hand that uses the joystick because of the limited buttons at your fingertips.

    I do wish you the best, and that you get it working for you.
    Leader of Elite Guardian Academy.Would you like to learn how to run a fleet? Would you like to know how to do ship builds (true budget as well as high end)?The join the Academy today!
  • chuckwolfchuckwolf Member Posts: 206 Arc User
    edited April 2014
    Either an x-box360 or logitech dual action controller works wonderfully. I personally use a Logitech Dial action with a custom set of binds.
    @Powerblast in game
  • chuckwolfchuckwolf Member Posts: 206 Arc User
    edited April 2014
    graleron wrote: »
    The deal-breaker for me with STO's joystick support is that there's no provision for a throttle axis, at least that I've been able to find.

    actually there is... I personally bound the d-pad up to increase throttle, and d-pad down to lower throttle the command actually lets you choose by what percentage it increases with each press of the assigned key

    just use /bind [key or button] throttleadjust [percentage] for speed increase and /bind [key or button] throttleadjust -[percentage] reducing speed
    @Powerblast in game
  • mackermomomackermomo Member Posts: 247 Arc User
    edited April 2014
    Wow, so many responses and great ideas. I'll play around with it a little bit once it arrives. If the joystick I chose isn't my cup of tea, I can easily return it and get one of the x-box/ Logitech type of controllers suggested.

    Have a great week!
  • shockwave85shockwave85 Member Posts: 1,040 Arc User
    edited April 2014
    My biggest issue with STO and controllers wasn't support, it was just the game itself. I don't honestly know how you would play this game on a controller when a typical max level captain has 30 or more clickable space powers. I could see maybe substituting a one handed joystick for WASD and the few other buttons that hand would manage, and keeping your other hand over on the numpad/mouse for triggering powers, clicking targets, moving camera, etc. And that's a maybe. STO is the sort of PC game that was just not designed for a controller, despite how ergonomically awful keyboards are for action games.
    ssog-maco-sig.jpg
  • gralerongraleron Member Posts: 221 Arc User
    edited April 2014
    emperordeslok wrote: »
    you can always bind throttle to mouse wheel(something I did myself) using a bind file
    see how here -> http://sto.gamepedia.com/Guide:_Keybinds
    chuckwolf wrote: »
    actually there is... I personally bound the d-pad up to increase throttle, and d-pad down to lower throttle the command actually lets you choose by what percentage it increases with each press of the assigned key

    just use /bind [key or button] throttleadjust [percentage] for speed increase and /bind [key or button] throttleadjust -[percentage] reducing speed

    Thank you both, but what you're suggesting isn't what I'm after. I've got a joystick with a separate throttle slider presented as an analog axis. I'd like to be able to use that, not a mousewheel or repeated button presses.
    Vice Admiral Elaron, USS Hard Light
  • edgecrysgeredgecrysger Member Posts: 2,740 Arc User
    edited April 2014
    razar2380 wrote: »
    Controllers can work just as good as the keyboard. Joysticks can, but they take a little more work to get to that point. Unless you download a program that is compatible with the joystick, you will need to identify what the designation for everything is.

    For example, to setup the keybinds for an Xbox 360 controller, you need to know the button designation is when you push the A button. That would be "joy9".

    The same is true for the up, down, left, and right movement. Some games have a different designation for it.

    Once you figure that out, you shouldn't have any problem setting it up, and using it. Just keep in mind that since you are using a controller, you might be more limited on what thing you can do with the hand that uses the joystick because of the limited buttons at your fingertips.

    I do wish you the best, and that you get it working for you.

    I guess hes talking about gamepads.. and anyways, they are threated the same way as joysticks. Joystick doesnt need a special driver or anything else, its the same as gamepads (or controlers universally speaking).

    And no, controlers doesnt work the same as the keyboard. A keyborad have a lot more response, more accuracy, and of course, more options. If you use a gamepad or controler, you will need anywyas to use some keys from the keyboard, and it is a waste to use keyboard + joystick. But as i said, if the mouse is not an option (the mouse is thousands of times better than any controler), then a gamepad will do just find. He will not have the same control as using keyboard, but he will be able to play more or less. Until he get used to it.
  • chuckwolfchuckwolf Member Posts: 206 Arc User
    edited April 2014
    shockwave85 wrote: »
    My biggest issue with STO and controllers wasn't support, it was just the game itself. I don't honestly know how you would play this game on a controller when a typical max level captain has 30 or more clickable space powers. I could see maybe substituting a one handed joystick for WASD and the few other buttons that hand would manage, and keeping your other hand over on the numpad/mouse for triggering powers, clicking targets, moving camera, etc. And that's a maybe. STO is the sort of PC game that was just not designed for a controller, despite how ergonomically awful keyboards are for action games.

    Actually I personally use a custom set of binds that not only uses all 30 tray powers, but throttle control, carrier commands, shield re-balancing, etc. all from a Logitech dual action controller. It's actually posted somewhere in the archives under my old (pre pwe) username of "PowerBlast" there is also a ground set.
    @Powerblast in game
  • shockwave85shockwave85 Member Posts: 1,040 Arc User
    edited April 2014
    I suppose you could make it work by grouping skills together and binding whole groups to each button. It seems like it would be difficult to manage though, and to me would seem to have the problem of overdepending on keybinds. When I first learned to do it, I was binding everything. Then I realized this was causing me timing issues because I was just spamming skills on the binds instead of using each one at its appropriate time. Now I'll put like my EPtX and A2B (if I'm using A2B) on a bind, and do everything else by hand. Even Tac Team.

    I'd be curious to see what your setup is though if you can repost it and explain how you use it. I have nerve pathway issues in my hands that really flare up after long play sessions, similar to the OP. If you've really made the controller work, I'd love to know how.
    ssog-maco-sig.jpg
  • chuckwolfchuckwolf Member Posts: 206 Arc User
    edited April 2014
    shockwave85 wrote: »
    I suppose you could make it work by grouping skills together and binding whole groups to each button. It seems like it would be difficult to manage though, and to me would seem to have the problem of overdepending on keybinds. When I first learned to do it, I was binding everything. Then I realized this was causing me timing issues because I was just spamming skills on the binds instead of using each one at its appropriate time. Now I'll put like my EPtX and A2B (if I'm using A2B) on a bind, and do everything else by hand. Even Tac Team.

    I'd be curious to see what your setup is though if you can repost it and explain how you use it. I have nerve pathway issues in my hands that really flare up after long play sessions, similar to the OP. If you've really made the controller work, I'd love to know how.

    There's a link to the old post/thread:

    http://sto-forum.perfectworld.com/showthread.php?t=270163
    @Powerblast in game
  • shockwave85shockwave85 Member Posts: 1,040 Arc User
    edited April 2014
    Ah, of course. It never occurred to me to use the triggers/bumpers as modifier keys. I have these import PS2 games, Another Century's Episode 2 and 3, that use a similar setup. Your robot has access to basic shoot/melee/boost/lock on/ascend/descend, but holding the L1 button remaps everything to various subweapons. Your setup works similarly, just with more modifiers and fewer buttons to achieve 30 skills.

    Only shortfalls I see with it as stands:
    - No target cancel/stop shooting, could cause problems in some situations like not blowing up the gens in ISE or trying to avoid aggroing something
    - Manual firing of torpedoes requires two buttons and taking your thumb off the steering, which could make well timed torpedo shots difficult
    - No key for maintaining your full time defensive buff cycle

    I could probably rework stuff to eliminate some things I don't need and work those others in. Maybe a project for a slow Saturday to see if I can get something I'm comfortable with. Thanks for the info though.
    ssog-maco-sig.jpg
  • razar2380razar2380 Member Posts: 1,187 Arc User
    edited April 2014
    shockwave85 wrote: »
    My biggest issue with STO and controllers wasn't support, it was just the game itself. I don't honestly know how you would play this game on a controller when a typical max level captain has 30 or more clickable space powers. I could see maybe substituting a one handed joystick for WASD and the few other buttons that hand would manage, and keeping your other hand over on the numpad/mouse for triggering powers, clicking targets, moving camera, etc. And that's a maybe. STO is the sort of PC game that was just not designed for a controller, despite how ergonomically awful keyboards are for action games.


    With just 12 buttons, you can have over 75 button combinations (not including the four directions of the joysticks, and clicking on them). Each button can be used individually, then you can also set them up so that two buttons together will activate a single skill. And, the Xbox 360 controller actually has 24 different designations or buttons.

    For example, 2 triggers and 2 shoulder buttons, the 4 directions of the D-Pad, Back and Start buttons, A, B, X, and Y, and pressing down on both of the joysticks makes another 2. Then, you also have each of their individual movements in all four directions which adds another 8.

    So, it isn't a matter of not having enough buttons. I can set mine up to activate each individual skill that I want, when I want, and even drop the weapons in the skill tray so that each can be fired individually also, just like a keyboard can. And, I can do it with a controller in the palm of my hands.

    However, I prefer to use a macro. I will press a single button a few times, and can activate up to 10 skills or more. Some players can play more comfortably with a controller, and can still be able to do everything the keyboard can. The only time you will see a difference is when you need to type, or use the mouse to click on something.
    Leader of Elite Guardian Academy.Would you like to learn how to run a fleet? Would you like to know how to do ship builds (true budget as well as high end)?The join the Academy today!
  • razar2380razar2380 Member Posts: 1,187 Arc User
    edited April 2014
    shockwave85 wrote: »
    Ah, of course. It never occurred to me to use the triggers/bumpers as modifier keys. I have these import PS2 games, Another Century's Episode 2 and 3, that use a similar setup. Your robot has access to basic shoot/melee/boost/lock on/ascend/descend, but holding the L1 button remaps everything to various subweapons. Your setup works similarly, just with more modifiers and fewer buttons to achieve 30 skills.

    Only shortfalls I see with it as stands:
    - No target cancel/stop shooting, could cause problems in some situations like not blowing up the gens in ISE or trying to avoid aggroing something
    - Manual firing of torpedoes requires two buttons and taking your thumb off the steering, which could make well timed torpedo shots difficult
    - No key for maintaining your full time defensive buff cycle

    I could probably rework stuff to eliminate some things I don't need and work those others in. Maybe a project for a slow Saturday to see if I can get something I'm comfortable with. Thanks for the info though.


    By playing around with it, you might find ways that will work with you. The one that chuckwolf used is a pretty good setup. I have a Xbox 360 controller, so I went a little differently with it. However, any of the commands in the Keybinds tab in the options menu can be linked with a button, or set of buttons.

    I actually have 5 different space setups for my controller. Depending on which of my characters I am on, and what class they are. Even ones of the same class might have different gear, consoles, or active abilities. This will let me individualize the setup to each character.

    The possibilities are there. Sometimes it just takes a little tweaking to get it where it works best for you.
    Leader of Elite Guardian Academy.Would you like to learn how to run a fleet? Would you like to know how to do ship builds (true budget as well as high end)?The join the Academy today!
  • mustrumridcully0mustrumridcully0 Member Posts: 12,963 Arc User
    edited April 2014
    chuckwolf wrote: »
    Actually I personally use a custom set of binds that not only uses all 30 tray powers, but throttle control, carrier commands, shield re-balancing, etc. all from a Logitech dual action controller. It's actually posted somewhere in the archives under my old (pre pwe) username of "PowerBlast" there is also a ground set.
    You mean your old username "Archived Post"?


    The archived threads are really difficult to use or follow. :(
    Star Trek Online Advancement: You start with lowbie gear, you end with Lobi gear.
  • chuckwolfchuckwolf Member Posts: 206 Arc User
    edited April 2014
    mustrumridcully0 wrote: »
    You mean your old username "Archived Post"?


    The archived threads are really difficult to use or follow. :(

    Yeah it's under "Archived Post" but a search of the name for "controller" and "powerblast" would point you to the correct thread

    I can't help it that PWE stole my old username
    @Powerblast in game
  • emperordeslokemperordeslok Member Posts: 0 Arc User
    edited April 2014
    graleron wrote: »
    Thank you both, but what you're suggesting isn't what I'm after. I've got a joystick with a separate throttle slider presented as an analog axis. I'd like to be able to use that, not a mousewheel or repeated button presses.

    Actually what I was getting at is you should be able to map that throttle to the mouse wheel if you wanted, or possibly directly using some of the information there
  • bds007bds007 Member Posts: 114 Arc User
    edited April 2014
    graleron wrote: »
    Thank you both, but what you're suggesting isn't what I'm after. I've got a joystick with a separate throttle slider presented as an analog axis. I'd like to be able to use that, not a mousewheel or repeated button presses.

    I have been using the Saitek X65F for over three years. I changed the analog setting to 13 zones and then use the following keybinds:

    Control+1 "throttleset 1"
    Control+2 "throttleset .9"
    Control+3 "throttleset .8"
    Control+4 "throttleset .7"
    Control+5 "throttleset .6"
    Control+6 "throttleset .5"
    Control+7 "throttleset .4"
    Control+8 "throttleset .3"
    Control+9 "throttleset .2"
    Control+0 "throttleset .1"
    Control+- "throttleset 0"
    Control+` "throttleset -1"
    ' "GenSendMessage Throttle_FullImpulse_Button FullThrottle"

    This allows me to put the joystick throttle in any position for the corresponding STO throttle setting.
  • themariethemarie Member Posts: 1,055 Arc User
    edited April 2014
    Patch is up... log in... can't use my joystick. Can't play without it. Of course no help from Cryptic yack yack blah blah open a ticket and all that.

    Anyone else?
  • neotrident12neotrident12 Member Posts: 287 Arc User
    edited April 2014
    same, joystick not working
    [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
  • themariethemarie Member Posts: 1,055 Arc User
    edited April 2014
    Ok I opened a thread down in bugs-and-bull****.

    Can't play until this is resolved.
  • markhawkmanmarkhawkman Member Posts: 35,236 Arc User
    edited April 2014
    *points at sig* I haven't tested it in S9 yet though.... :(
    -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
    My character Tsin'xing
    Costume_marhawkman_Tsin%27xing_CC_Comic_Page_Blue_488916968.jpg
  • themariethemarie Member Posts: 1,055 Arc User
    edited April 2014
    I've always been able to log in and go, never had to map anything.
  • trekkiemelissatrekkiemelissa Member Posts: 242 Arc User
    edited April 2014
    It was reported on tribble that this was a problem. They never fixed it. If you have a controller that can be switched to Xbox, it should work.
  • chuckwolfchuckwolf Member Posts: 206 Arc User
    edited April 2014
    If they don't fix it I want a refund of my $300 or I'm suing PWE
    @Powerblast in game
  • sonnikkusonnikku Member Posts: 77 Arc User
    edited April 2014
    REAL men fly their ships Riker style. :eek:
    [SIGPIC]http://sto-forum.perfectworld.com/image.php?type=sigpic&userid=94154940000&dateline=1390007378[/SIGPIC]
  • chuckwolfchuckwolf Member Posts: 206 Arc User
    edited April 2014
    sonnikku wrote: »
    REAL men fly their ships Riker style. :eek:

    Riker flew the ship by telling Wesley to set coordinates and engage, I don't have a Wesley
    @Powerblast in game
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