Configuring the input
Potentiometers are typically connected to simulator variables that expect a range of values. The following steps demonstrate how to configure a potentiometer to control the throttle in a Cessna 172 in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.
Tip
The steps for using a potentiometer in an X-Plane project are similar. Use the X-Plane (All versions) type when configuring the Action type.
Add a new input config
Click the Add Input Config button in the main MobiFlight window to open the input configuration dialog.
Name the config
Type in a meaningful name for the new config in the header of the dialog, for example Throttle, and press enter to apply the change.
Select the board and device for the input
In the Trigger section, use the Select controller… and Select device… dropdowns to select your connected board and potentiometer.
Alternatively, press the Scan for input button and rotate the potentiometer to automatically detect and select the correct potentiometer.
Set the On Change action type
In the Actions section, select the On Change button. Use the Action Type dropdown to select Microsoft Flight Simulator (all versions).
Filter the presets list
Use the Select preset dropdowns to filter by Microsoft, Generic, and Engines.
Select the THROTTLE1_SET preset
Use the preset list to select the THROTTLE1_SET preset, then click Go back.
Tip
The @ symbol in the event is the placeholder that gets filled with the current potentiometer value.
The default THROTTLE1_SET preset is designed for a potentiometer with a range of 0–1023 and a throttle with a range of 0 to 16383. Many potentiometers provide a slightly different range. Follow the troubleshooting guide to obtain the specific range for your potentiometer.
If the simulator event expects a different range, use the HubHop potentiometer tool to generate the correct custom input event.
Close the dialog and try out the event
Click the Apply changes button to close the dialog.
Launch Microsoft Flight Simulator. Make sure the MobiFlight Run button is clicked in the toolbar, then try adjusting the throttle by turning the potentiometer. The throttle in the simulator should move.
Tip
Even though these steps are for a Cessna 172, the same throttle event should work for most single-engine planes in Microsoft Flight Simulator.