FS2020 - Two Yoke Test - Part Two

Dual Yoke Experiments in FS2020: Progress and Challenges

Near the end of my last blog, I summed up the two-yoke setup under FS2020 with: 

“Not perfect yet - but workable!” 

And that’s exactly what it was: workable, but far from seamless.

Digging Deeper into the Problem

In the second test video (repeated from the last post), you’ll notice something subtle but important. 

When turning the Alpha yoke on the left, the on-screen yoke hesitates and fails to move smoothly. Let’s call this the submissive yoke. By contrast, the CH Yoke on the right - the dominant yoke - communicates fluidly with the simulator.

Through repeated tests, I confirmed that this dominant/submissive relationship is dictated entirely by the software. No matter how I plugged or unplugged the devices, the CH Yoke consistently assumed dominance.

Visible Consequences

This imbalance isn’t just noticeable on the instrument panel - it’s obvious from the external view as well. 

Attempts at a Workaround

Over the past few days, I’ve invested significant time trying to engineer a software-based fix. Unfortunately, no luck so far. The simulator simply doesn’t handle dual yokes as equals.

Of course, one alternative would be to build a mechanically linked twin-yoke setup, like the example below:

Dual Linked Yoke Setup.

More video's like this at CardboardSim

Looking Ahead

Despite these challenges, my vision remains unchanged. I still plan to use my simulator as a two-seat, side-by-side trainer. This environment is central to my broader idea: integrating flight simulation into real-world training as a way to lower the cost of flight instruction. I’ll share more about that in future posts.

For now, I’ll pause this experiment and revisit the subject after the first of the year.

Your thoughts? 

Kenneth (Ken) Butterly, Founder