Joystick Support in Infinite Flight

We recently added support for Joystick and other peripherals on Android and iOS in our latest 15.10 update.

Here’s what it looks like with the ideal setup:


#Android

What you need to reproduce this setup:

  1. Android Device
    Phone, tablet, game console… most should work.
  2. USB/OTG Cable
    This is a special cable that acts as a converter for Mini USB to Full Size USB. We recommend getting one that has multiple input.
    We have tested with this one but feel free to report the cables you have tried which work.
  3. A USB Joystick/Gamepad
    There are plenty of budget joysticks that will do the trick. Note that we also support regular gamepads (even via Bluetooth). We have tested with the Saitek X52 Pro, Logitech Extreme 3D Pro, but most should work without issues.
  4. A USB/Bluetooth Mouse and Keyboard
    Just plug them in or pair them in the device settings.

Once you have everything plugged in, start the app and go to the Settings Page. In the Controls Tab, tap on the “Show Devices” button to make sure Infinite Flight has detected your controller.

It should look similar to this:

Note that the device list will never be empty. The accelerometer is considered as an input device and so it the network controller that is used when Infinite Flight Connect API is used.

When it first detects a device, Infinite Flight will try to bind the axes as best as it can. That is not something that will work for all devices as manufacturers take some liberty in naming their axes and buttons, so there is no guarantee that the default setup will work.


#iOS

Setting up joysticks with iOS requires a bit more setup, but it’s still very easy.

You need:

  1. An iOS Device
    iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch…

  2. A PC/Mac
    Joysticks cannot be plugged into iOS devices due to restrictions by Apple - we’ll be using an app that sends commands over the network to Infinite Flight.

  3. LiveFlight Connect
    Free, open source client software. Available to download at connect.liveflightapp.com (note: Windows version will be available soon)

  4. A local WiFi network
    Your PC/Mac and device running Infinite Flight need to be on the same local WiFi network. A standard home network should work fine, as would a portable hotspot on a phone.

  5. A USB Joystick/Gamepad
    LiveFlight Connect should work with most joysticks. @carmalonso has tested with the Saitek X52 Pro, Logitech Extreme 3D Pro and Thrustmaster T Flight Hotas X.

Plug the joystick into the PC/Mac and install LiveFlight Connect (if you have any issues, please send a PM to @carmalonso).

Setup Guide:

  1. In Infinite Flight, go to Settings (top left corner), scroll to the bottom and enable Infinite Flight Connect.

  2. Open LiveFlight Connect - if both devices are on the same network and Connect is enabled, it should quickly say “Connected!”.

  3. Go to the Joystick tab.

  4. If your joystick is recognised (should say “your joystick is setup correctly!”), skip this step.
    LiveFlight Connect will try and auto-map axes if your joystick isn’t recognised. If something isn’t working right, tap reset axes. You will need to manually assign axes. Check this thread for more info.

It should look as below when done (with different numbers):

  1. In Infinite Flight, go to Settings, followed by Controls (fifth tab). Assign each flight control an axis by tapping on the corresponding button under Key/Axis, and assign buttons under the Commands tab.

#Important

All keys and axis assignments are configurable, to bind an axis like the ailerons, just tap on the axis, then move the device control you want to bind it to.
For the commands, which are bound to keyboard keys or controller buttons, go to the commands tab, at the top of the page. To bind the commands, just tap on the current assignments, then press the keyboard or controller you want to bind them to.

Here is a quick chart and list of instructions created by @Swang007. It is important to follow the steps above exactly to have a successful setup. Messing up the order could result in a failed setup! Remember that joystick support is only available using a USB OTG cable, which only works for Android. LiveFlight Connect is not available yet

Please feel free to ask for help on the forum if you require assistance and let us know if you have any feedback about this new functionality.

Poll: Would a video tutorial make joystick setup easier, or is the information above substantial enough?

  • A video tutorial would be great
  • No thanks, information above is substantial

0 voters

202 Likes

Matt you should pin this

7 Likes

I’m just a regular user here, I’ll let the mods do it :) @Swang007

35 Likes

You can text with a joystick ;)?

Anyway, this is awesome! I might buy myself a joystick and try this out. Makes flying Airbus aircraft even more realistic and amazing.

12 Likes

Ha a regular user ok mr. Modest :)

4 Likes

Wait so is it only for android

3 Likes

Android buddy android

My bad 😂😂😂😂😂😂

Fixed Thanks!

5 Likes

No problem @matt

2 Likes

It works for iOS as well

2 Likes

May I please make a notation for you on today’s update, went to record and a sign came up saying this device not supported … HTC Google Nexus 9 on Marshmallow, all stock.

This is really urging me to buy a joystick…

14 Likes

Oh, awesome.

Yes, get joysticks! It’s good for the economy

10 Likes

The question really is though, is it better than flying it hand-held?

6 Likes

Depends: I’m still getting used to it. I think it’s a lot more realistic, but I’ve spent so many hours landing hand-held that it’s like second-nature for me.

5 Likes

Hello. I have a question. I don’t have a joystick and I have iOS. Can I do the live flight connect but use the keyboard? I don’t know if you can fly on that but just to know if it works or what it does.

Thanks

Srry if you think I’m a total idiot asking this question.

3 Likes

iOS should be able to receive keyboard input through LiveFlight Connect, but it might not be possible yet. Again, LiveFlight Connect is not available yet so we’ll see.

1 Like