Most hardware controllers come ready to plug and play with Prepar3D. If any of the following symptoms occur, use the guidance below for assistance.
- The controller behaves erratically.
- The controller does not respond.
- The rudder or throttle does not respond.
Verify Latest Drivers
For best performance, verify that the latest version of the driver for your hardware controller is installed on your computer. Visit the Web site of your controller's manufacturer to check for availability of a newer driver.
Verify Controller Connection
Verify that the hardware controller is connected directly to the correct USB or joystick port in your computer. "Daisy chained" joystick controllers (a controller connected to another controller, which is in turn connected to the computer) or joystick port adapters can interfere with communication between the computer and the joystick controller.
If you use a USB joystick controller, verify that the controller is connected properly to the USB port in your computer or to a compatible USB hub that is connected to the USB port in your computer.
Calibrate the Controller
If your controller is behaving erratically, it might need to be calibrated. Calibration can be performed from within Prepar3D.
Test calibration of controller
- On the Options menu, click Settings.
- Select the Controls section.
- Select the device that you want to test in the Controller Type drop down menu, and then click Calibrate.
- If using the DirectInput API, Windows will allow you to test and calibrate all the functions of your controller. If using the Raw Input API, calibration will be handled by the Prepar3D application.
If you cannot calibrate your controller, or if your controller does not function properly when you test it, Windows may be unable to communicate properly with the controller. Contact the manufacturer of your controller for information about how to configure the device correctly in Windows. You may also need to obtain and install the latest version of the controller device driver.
If you calibrate and test the controller successfully, start the simulator to test the controller. If the issue continues to occur, try resetting to the controllers default values.
Resetting the Defaults
To reset the default actions assigned to the controller
- On the Options menu, click Settings.
- Select the Controls section.
- In the Controls dialog box, click Reset defaults.
- Click OK.
Rebuild the Configuration File
The simulator's configuration file contains settings for your joystick. Rebuilding this file may resolve problems you are having with the joystick.
To rebuild the simulator configuration file
- Press and hold down CTRL+CAPS LOCK as you start the application and start a new flight.
- Continue to hold down CTRL+CAPS LOCK until the simulator is in Cockpit
view.
Note: Upon rebuild of configuration file, all settings in the simulator will return to default values. (Ex: display, joystick controllers).
If your controller is installed properly and the devices configuration file contains the default settings for your controller, appropriate entries for your controller are added to the configuration file.
Input Method
Prepar3D offers the user the ability to choose between both Raw Input and DirectInput API's. The Raw Input API was introduced due to the deprecation of the DirectInput API. If you are experiencing issues with either API it is recommended you try the other.
Selecting the input method
- On the Options menu, click Settings.
- Select the Controls section.
- In the Controls dialog box, click the Other tab.
- Enable either the Raw Input or DirectInput API.
- Click OK.
Note: Key assignments may have to be reassigned when switching between input methods. It is recommended you select your input method before making any key assignments.
Installing DirectX
DirectX is a free software program that allows the simulator to communicate properly with the various hardware devices in your computer. DirectX is updated from time to time. Download and install the latest version of DirectX from http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=35