Understand and optimize force feedback and telemetry settings for your MOZA Flight hardware across all supported simulation titles.

Understanding Force Feedback Modes

Standard Force Feedback

Uses the game's built-in force feedback API. Compatible with any title that supports DirectInput force feedback. Provides basic effects — spring centering, constant forces, and vibration. Works without telemetry data. Best for games without dedicated telemetry output.

Telemetry Force Feedback

Uses real-time flight data from the game to generate accurate control forces. Provides dynamic forces based on airspeed, altitude, G-loading, angle of attack, and stall conditions. Supported in DCS World, MSFS 2020/2024, X-Plane 11/12, and IL-2 Sturmovik.

MCLS Model (MOZA Control Loading System)

An enhanced force feedback model available for DCS World. MCLS uses physics-based algorithms to calculate control forces, going beyond raw telemetry data. Enable it in MOZA Cockpit under the Force Feedback settings for your DCS preset.

Key Settings Explained

Setting What It Does Recommended Starting Point
Overall Strength Master gain for all force feedback forces 70–80%
Spring / Centering Force that returns the stick to center 50–60% for fixed-wing; 0% for helicopters
Damping Resistance to stick movement — simulates hydraulic feel 30–40%
Inertia Simulates control surface mass — resistance to rapid direction changes 20–30%
Friction Static friction feel — slight stickiness when moving from standstill 10–15%
Vibration High-frequency effects — engine vibration, buffet, stall warning 40–50%

Adjusting for Different Flight Scenarios

General Aviation / Airliners

Use moderate spring centering (50–60%) with light damping (20–30%). Enable telemetry force feedback if available. The controls should feel stable and smooth, with subtle vibration for engine and ground effects.

Fighter Jets (Fly-by-Wire)

For aircraft like the F-16 with force-sensing sticks, enable Force Sensing Mode in MOZA Cockpit. Spring centering should be very low or zero. For aircraft like the F/A-18 with traditional sticks, use moderate spring and high damping (40–50%) to simulate hydraulic control loading.

Helicopters

Enable Helicopter Mode in MOZA Cockpit to remove spring centering entirely. Set damping to moderate (30–40%) to provide realistic cyclic resistance. Use Force Trim functionality (bind in DCS) to hold the stick position. Never use spring centering with helicopters — it will fight your control inputs.

Warbirds (WWII / IL-2)

Use strong spring centering (60–80%) and moderate damping. Warbirds have direct cable/pushrod controls — the stick should feel heavy at high speeds and lighter at low speeds if telemetry FFB is enabled. Increase vibration slightly for gunfire and engine effects.

Telemetry Troubleshooting

Telemetry shows "Disconnected" in MOZA Cockpit

Verify you are in an active flight session (not the game's main menu). Check that the correct game preset is loaded in MOZA Cockpit. For DCS, ensure the aircraft is fully loaded into the world. Try restarting MOZA Cockpit as Administrator. Some games require telemetry output to be explicitly enabled in their settings menu.

Force feedback feels too strong or violent

Reduce the Overall Strength slider first. If specific effects are problematic: reduce Vibration for excessive shaking, reduce Spring if centering force fights you too aggressively, and reduce Damping if the stick feels sluggish. Use small adjustments (5–10% at a time) and test in-flight.

Force feedback feels too weak or absent

Increase Overall Strength. Ensure telemetry FFB is enabled for supported games. Verify the game preset is loaded in MOZA Cockpit. For DCS, check that the in-game Force Feedback option is disabled (MOZA Cockpit handles it). Run calibration on your base — incorrect calibration can suppress force output.

Need help? Contact MOZA Support