DirectLink for TelemFFB
TelemFFB is widely regarded as the most mature, feature-rich force-feedback companion software in flight simulation. But, it has traditionally been limited to the VPforce Rhino joystick and the DIY FFB devices built on VPforce electronics, such as pedals, collectives, and trim-wheels.
DirectLink removes that limit by enabling TelemFFB to connect to force-feedback devices from any manufacturer. With DirectLink installed, a generic DirectInput force-feedback device appears in TelemFFB's device selectors and can be assigned to any role: joystick, pedals, collective, or trim-wheel. The device then receives the full effect suite including dynamic spring forces, trim and autopilot following, buffeting, weapons effects, and much more. Every aircraft profile, tuned effect, and simulator integration in the TelemFFB manual is enabled for DirectInput devices.
DirectLink is not a standalone application. TelemFFB computes the effects; DirectLink carries them to the device.
Every simulator TelemFFB supports
| Simulator | TelemFFB's effect suite | The game's own force feedback |
|---|---|---|
| MSFS 2020/2024 | Full FFB implementation | The game has none; TelemFFB provides it all |
| X-Plane 11/12 | Full FFB implementation | The game has none; TelemFFB provides it all |
| DCS | Full effect suite | Captured and rendered via the DirectInput Tap |
| IL-2 Great Battles | Full effect suite | Captured and rendered via the Tap |
| IL-2 Korea | Full effect suite, joystick and pedals | Captured and rendered via the Tap, pedals included |
| Falcon BMS | Full effect suite | Captured and rendered via the Tap |
The game's spring via the Tap is one choice among several in DCS, IL-2, and BMS: all of TelemFFB's own spring modes - static, dynamic, and the advanced dynamic model - are available as well, selectable per aircraft. And the ancillary effects - buffeting, weapons, runway rumble, and the rest - run regardless of which spring is in charge.
What makes DirectLink for TelemFFB different than other companion software?
No other vendor-agnostic, DirectInput-based companion software supports DCS, IL-2, or BMS.
Via DirectInput, these simulators take exclusive control of a force-feedback device when they load, so an external application cannot reach the device to add effects. Device vendors work around this by speaking to their own hardware through private protocols, a route that does not exist for generic DirectInput hardware.
DirectLink combined with the DirectInput Tap TelemFFB feature solve that limitation. The Tap captures the force feedback the game computes, and TelemFFB renders it on the device alongside its own effects, with per-effect controls the games themselves do not offer.
What you need
- DirectLink itself. See Installation.
- TelemFFB, installed and working. TelemFFB is freely available; this manual covers only what DirectLink adds, and the TelemFFB manual covers everything else.
- A DirectInput force-feedback device. DirectLink drives any device that exposes force feedback through DirectInput.
- For DCS, IL-2, and Falcon BMS: the DirectInput Tap. The Tap is bundled with TelemFFB, which installs and configures it for you. MSFS and X-Plane need nothing extra.