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PC-Dash 2
By Kurt GiesselmanThe original PC-Dash has been an important central piece of my cockpit for several years. It is the ICP panel in my F-16, data entry panel in my F-18, and UPD in my F/A-18E. I found it useful for AI commands in Team Alligator and EECH where some of the AI commands are not voice commands (Transmit Data for example) or the command structure is complex enough to tax my admittedly poor memory.
The keyboard still has a flip up cover to allow placing an overlay over the membrane keyboard. Unfortunately the reduction in size means the old PCdash overlays created with the Saitek Command Center won’t fit. The original icon library is still the correct size but the phrase ‘cut and paste’ takes on a whole new meaning if you want to reuse your old overlays. Some great news is that the much requested print function has been added to the latest version of the SGE software.
The print functions included with this first version are not particularly powerful or flexible. However, it does allow a review of key assignments and printing out an overlay size map for the PCdash2. The PC-Dash 2 will include a copy of Paint Shop Pro on the installation disk. Paint Shop Pro allows layering and transparent foregrounds so fancy ‘dash2’ overlays should be popping up all over in short order. No doubt the old SCC icons will find their way via PSP into the new ‘dash2’ overlays.
Mini-joystick functions
The mini-joystick mounted on the left handgrip can be set up for a number of different function including a four or eight way mappable hat, mouse emulation, DPad, or a POV hat. A number of simulations use the mouse or a POV hat for scrolling cursors of MFDs. If you are using a HOTAS with only one hat then this additional control is a big help. I have my PCdash2 mounted vertically. I find the mini-joystick somewhat awkward to use in the position. I have lent the ‘dash2’ to a friend who is an Age of Kings fan. I can only say that I was not sure I was going to get it back.
The shift key is on the left handgrip. It can be set to latch. This doubles the number of programmable keys. The second shift key is the ‘Attach’ key (paperclip symbol) found at the lower left of the main keyboard. This gives the possibility of four states for the ‘dash2’ (unshifted, left shift, right shift, left and right shift). With this kind of flexibility we could simulate realistic MFDs with the keys mapped for each mode even for simulations that do not support key mapped MFD buttons (like Team Alligator and EECH).
In the few short weeks I have had the new ‘dash2’ I have found it easy to use, much more flexible that the original PCdash, and more applicable to a wider assortment of games. I am just married to my ‘dash2’ for playing Thief II. All the commands are easily mapped to the PC-Dash 2 and the mini-joystick is mapped for movements. I still use the mouse for leaning and firing weapons but the new ‘dash2’ is so compact and lightweight that holding it with one hand is certainly not difficult.
Most surprising for me has been using the new ‘dash2’ with my portable. When using the ‘dash2’ I have a number keypad with Excel, formatting keys with Word, and rarely use the touchpad with Internet Explorer. The Autoconfiguration program switches the key mapping quickly and seamlessly with each new application launched.
I recommend this product wholeheartedly. I have been told the proposed price point, although the price has not been announced. I will say that it will be less than the MSRP of a Master Pilot or Xkey keypad. It is much more flexible than either one.
Future features:
- The LEDs at the base of the mini-joystick will change color to indicate the shift state of the PC-Dash 2
- Improved print software
Wish list:
- Shift keys mapped to any key (not just the Shift or Attach key)
- A track ball in the right handgrip (in addition to the joystick on the left side)
- Two to three quick access buttons on the underside of both handgrips (four to six buttons total)
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