EZDoc enabled me to move from 2 to 3d. I can click easily between apenls using the yoke hat switch and I use the PTT button to enter panning mode. It is easy to use and you do not have to wear a hat.

Personally, I have Track IR 5 and rarely use it with FS. However, the MAJOR thing for me in using the VC, was when I discovered that holding down space, then moving the mouse around panned the view around and the scroll wheel zoomed in and out. I could easily go without Track IR, but would consider VC non-functional without the space+mouse feature.

However, the MAJOR thing for me in using the VC, was when I discovered that holding down space, then moving the mouse around panned the view around and the scroll wheel zoomed in and out. ... but would consider VC non-functional without the space+mouse feature.

OH MY GOSH! I just did a rough taxi out and take off in the MD11. The virtual cockpit is like .... wow! I quickly found though that for start up and checking stuff the virtual cockpit is quite good. But on the take off when I need to keep my head straight, I went back to the 2D panel although I could easily have done the take off in VC. The mouse+space bar seems to be ok too for me for now, without buying additional software or hardware. Wow! You guys may make a VC convert of me yet ....

I am a novice at EZdok and find it great when it works well but sometimes it is just stupid. If only it was easier to configure.

I will also recommend the track IR. I personally use it during taxi and when handflying. At cruise with AP I often pause the track IR and use spacebar + mouse to navigate the VC and external views etc.

Hey Guys, Ok. I'm think I'm starting to get the hang of the VC. The zoomed out perspective so see the instruments while looking forward looks distorted but that could be because I'm not used to that view. The only thing that seems like an issue is the overhead panel. Does anyone know how I can lean across to see it properly? What do you guys do? Also does anyone use Radar Contact 4 with the VC? This seems silly but the interaction with that is still the same, right? For all the folks recommending Track IR, I've heard you but as I'm making an upgrade to my pc, that hardware is not a consideration at this stage. The controls I was given to manipulate the VC, space bar+mouse seem very adequate for me for the time being.

Press 'A' twice to get a view that is roughly what would be seen from the jump seat. then use the mouse view to pan up and down giving you a very clear view from the top of the overhead to the back of the pedestal. Similar to a pilot moving his shoulders in his seat and then scanning with his head up and down. Pess 'Shift+ A' twice to return to the normal view.

Thanks Paul, A gives me a cycle through view that includes the co-pilot's side (I hadn't asked that yet but I'm sure I was going to!) and what I wanted in the over head panel. Its certainly a new way to fly. I'm still finding that I'm needing to keep my head straight through certain scenarios (like take off), I guess that's where Track IR comes in. I'd love it but that has to come later down. Quick question. All the VC control are independent of aircraft. Do any PMDG aircraft (MD11 and 737NGX specifically) have any special VC controls?

I am not sure what you mean by "special VC controls"?

Kirk - as a recent convertee to VCs (JS41 & NGX only) I found an invaluable aid is to set one joystick button to give you the "straight ahead view". So I'm happy panning around using the HAT and +/- for zooming, "A" to get to the overhead but for t/o and landing being able to hit one button to immediatey snap me back to "normal" ahead view to see out of the front window and the PFD/ND. No need for extra hardware or addons software :)

I love Trackir (have the g´old V.3Pro....:-), use it in Racesim, Il2, Rof aso. .. but not in Fsx- its too quirky fro me- and the viewpoint "bug" makes me crazy (with trackir you can´t move the Seat anymore, means that you have to edit the plane specific config file).In Fsx i use the joystick HAT only (eg ch Yoke)- with a keyboard programmed "center view" button, that works flawless fro me, is very accurate.. and cheap

For ezdok newbies, look at this. It is all you need to know. Watch three vedios from the same source, part 1,2 and 3.

Track IR is great, and if you buy it and get to like it, that's fine. But following on from BillC I no longer use it. It is not essential to enjoy the VC on this plane. When you are in VC you can use your A button to cycle through the VC options, and the many outside views. In what might seem a somewhat strange choice I have allocated the S (next view), and the A (next in the same view) to a rocker switch on my joystick. That is the most convenient way of getting around all the views that I know. Also I have allocated a joystick button to the Look ahead 3D view. Why? It gets me straight back into flying the plane, even if I have got a panel in the strangest place, or even disoriented myself: or I'm in an outside view and can go directly back to flying. I am in the pilot's seat. So good is this VC that what I call the jumpseat view gives you a complete view of the flight deck, and by zooming in and out, you can manipulate switches on the lower overhead, the MCP, Panel, quadrant or the radio panel between the seats with no difficulty. Radios, the TA/RA and HGS controls are there also. Importantly you can start engines with the engine switches, the gauges and the fuel cutoff levers all in sight. This is the best ever The pilot's view, the FOs and about two others allow you to zoom into the CDU to go through the setup routine and also the FSActions. And the ability to knock the pilot's control column down to free up the view of the CDU is a totally thoughtful option given to us by PMDG. And, I also have allocated the Zoom buttons to the yoke as well. You might then ask what flying controls have I left? Not many, But we spend most of our time managing the simulator as separate from flying the plane that I find this arrangement hugely convenient. Trim, the Hat Switch (the key to the VC) and the autopilot connect/disconnect I have left on the yoke. I use a Saitek quadrant for the control levers and reverse thrust, and it also has keys that I use for the gear, cowl flaps and FS2 Crew etc. A cheapy Saitek MCP/Autoflight panel has flaps, a trim wheel if I want, and a series of autoflight panel readouts and options. For me the sole use of the 2D panel was for setup, but now the many views, including my jumpseat view make it quite unnecessary in this plane. And with the HGS in the VC a whole new step forward has been taken in simming I confess to never buying an add-on without a good VC, but this has rendered all the others out of date in one fell swoop.

Thanks Guys, I've got extra buttons on the joystick and it didn't occur to me to map them to specific functions, like that forward view. I'm getting along pretty good in the VC and doing it the way suggested I can see will make the VC even easier to handle. By the way, I want to thank every one who responded with suggestions. Some of the stuff you guys suggested I would have never thought of myself. Good thing I asked some questions. You have almost made me a VC convert but I need another week or two. I made a comment in another post about the 3D panel not giving the feeling of 'being there' any more than the 2D. I take that back. This VC thing is actually quite immersive if you use it long enough.