Map Connect + | an Extension Mod for Map Connect v2 (development)

ThirdParty
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Hello!

I’m not sure if it’s only me, but I was annoyed by the lack of commands/controls available in third-party apps that provide joystick support for Infinite Flight (IF), especially with camera, autopilot, and axis controls. Bothered by this, I decided to try modifying the existing source code of Map Connect v2… well because I was too lazy to develop my own third-party app, and because alternative apps required a subscription.

To get to the point, I discovered that adding additional axes and button commands to the source code was incredibly easy, but I’ll spare you the technical and coding side, so nothing groundbreaking here. Before starting the development of this community mod, which is Map Connect +, I wasn’t sure what commands IF players would want to add that were missing in Map Connect v2 nor do I even know if such an extension is really needed. Ever since Map Connect v2’s last update years ago, more and more API Controller commands have been added, especially after the very recent release of IF v26.4. The command list can be viewed in Settings > Controls > API Controller.

That’s why I’m calling on everyone to give YOUR SUGGESTIONS on which missing controls you would actually want to use with a joystick based on the currently available API Controller commands, since I simply don’t want to add any unnecessary commands, plus navigating and binding these newly added controls would be a headache for users if I simply added all missing commands. Your suggestions will help me understand what additional controls the community interested in using joysticks in IF actually wants, and whether an extension like this would be useful and in demand in the first place. Do note that the current limit for an API controller is 32 axes and 128 buttons.

I am planning to release Map Connect + on Windows via GitHub and on macOS once I figure out how to package it. It may take several weeks to develop because I am often quite busy due to studies, but stay tuned for any updates.

Anyways, hope you all have a good day!

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You have to email [email protected], and request a API Key. Once you do, Staff will automaticly give you access to ThirdParty.

Hope that helped!

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Hello, first, welcome to IFC. Good start helping community with third-party ideas. Can’t wait to see what you bring to us.

MapConnectV2 was full of bugs when I tried it, so I never really had chance to use it properly. I don’t even know what actions it currently has.

but talking about me What I usually use when flying MSFS with my controller:

  • Flight controls: AXIS (aileron, elevator, rudder) — controller analog

  • Landing gear

  • Spoilers

  • Flaps

  • Trim control — very needed in MSFS as well

  • Throttle

  • AP toggle / AP button — only engage/disengage autopilot

  • PTT button — I use this when flying on VATSIM. so If you figure out the ATC entry number that only responds to ATC commands, that would also be very useful.

For camera control, I would rather use mouse or finger/touch than controller buttons

2 handy suggestions I would like to see in upgrade:

  • have a multi input function. this Extends action assignments so one action can be excuted by multiple inputs instead of one button per action\ I do have (left arrow + L1) set to idle throttle regardless of current position. Super handy, and it prevents filling up controller buttons with actions. Otherwise, we quickly run out of buttons and get mad because we need to assign more.

  • You could implement all available Connect API actions, but keep them auto-deactivated until assigned to a button. This would save API limit usage while still making all community actions available.

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