Beta version of the controls update is now available! If you wish to test the new version, open your Steam client and right-click on the game, then select Properties from the pop-up menu. From the properties window go to the Betas tab and choose "beta" from the drop-down menu (no password required).
This update improves input handling and has better support for various controllers like gamepads and joysticks, without having to resort to Joy2Key or a similar program. RailDriver levers and buttons are probably supported, but its speaker and LED are not.
When using mouse, the camera is turned and moved ("unlocked") by holding down the right mouse button, just like in the earlier versions. This is the default setting and can be changed to another key or button. In addition there's a new separate camera lock toggling function that switches between locked and unlocked modes, instead of having to hold down the key or button. This is the default behaviour for gamepads, the mode being changed from the left stick button.
This beta version should also fix the "sticky" or "stuck" keys problems: 1. Key repeat rate is now independent of the Windows keyboard settings. 2. Cab controls again respond to keys when the camera is unlocked (moving or turning).
The old style of vacuum brake handling with separate keys (E, D, C) for releasing, lapping and applying brakes has also been restored. Free movement of the brake handle is still possible with keys T and G.
What's the difference between "+/-" and "notch +/-" in the controls configuration screen? The "notch +/-" inputs move the throttle/brake/etc. handle in either direction while you hold down the key. Note that the movement is not necessarily "notched". The other +/- inputs move the handle to the maximum or minimum value when you hold down the key and return it to zero when the key is released (simulating a joystick axis with a keyboard).
Other changes
- Made signal and distant maximum AI sighting distances editable in route editor
- Added option to disable undo in route editor in order to speed it up
- Other smaller fixes and optimisations
Still missing
- Controls configuration screen fonts, colours and translations
- Correct label for camera unlocking input (now says "lock" instead of "unlock")
- Key helper translations for new inputs like gamepad controls
- Various optimisations
Routes and trains saved with this beta version are incompatible with the current release version.
There will be at least one more beta version before the official release.