Gamer transforms iPad into peripheral for DCS A-10C

8th April, 2011 by adina
Tags: Controller, DCS A-10C, Gaming, iControl, iPad

A gamer has started a project to transform the iPad into a peripheral for the DCS A-10C combat flight sim. The iControl DCA application is using the iPad to replace several instruments that would need the in-game camera moving away from the outside environment. The implementation used by Boarder 2 member of Shacknews is based on Wi-Fi transmission of enough data to show live info from the MFCDs (Multi Function Control Displays), but also provides control of buttons in real time. Users have to tap in order to switch between the sections of the cockpit.

The application uses the official mod API of the game, which allows users hooking software and hardware into the game in order to expand control beyond the main screen. The core of the entire setup is completed with a Saitek X-52 Pro joystick, a matching throttle controller and a Vizio TV.

Despite of some features being still limited, a few days ago it was showing what was called “basically real-time video”. In the future, caution lights are to be brought into the iPad application. It is now in private testing and will depend on how fast it moves along. As a rough estimate, the finished version would be ready in late April. A controlled beta testing as well as a public launch in the App Store is likely to come too.

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