# FlySimWare Hardware Binding Tool

## OVERVIEW

This hardware binding tool is FlySimWare’s built-in solution for assigning controls that cannot reliably be bound using the default Microsoft Flight Simulator bindings.

This approach avoids the need to purchase or use third-party binding software while still allowing full access to advanced aircraft-specific controls.

The FlySimWare Hardware Binding Tool is designed to support multiple aircraft and will continue to expand over time as additional aircraft are added.

IMPORTANT:
Any control listed in this tool SHOULD NOT be bound using default MSFS bindings.
Doing so will cause conflicts and incorrect aircraft behavior.

You may use this tool to create hardware bindings, use third-party binding software, or choose to operate these controls using the mouse directly in the simulator cockpit.

Advanced users who already use external binding software may continue to do so.
This tool will still be useful because it displays the exact LVAR name at the bottom of the window after a binding is assigned.

This tool MUST be running in the background while flying the aircraft.
If it is not running, the bindings will not function.

Your bindings are saved automatically and remembered the next time you run the program.

## WHERE TO DOWNLOAD

The FlySimWare Hardware Binding Tool will always be available on the FlySimWare main website product pages (not the digital store).

Each supported aircraft product page will contain the latest version of the tool for download.

Inside the aircraft package you will also find a small text document that includes a direct link to the correct download page on the FlySimWare website.

This ensures you always have access to the newest version of the tool for the aircraft you own.

## SIMCONNECT CONNECTION

The tool must connect to Microsoft Flight Simulator using SimConnect.

You may start the binding tool before or after starting the simulator.

The program will automatically check for a SimConnect connection every 20 seconds if it is not connected.

A manual "Connect to Sim" button is also available within the tool if you prefer to initiate the connection manually.

## INSTALLATION

1. Extract the entire folder anywhere on your computer
   (Desktop, Documents, or any folder you prefer).

2. Open the extracted folder.

3. Locate the FlySimWare Hardware Binding Tool executable.

4. Right-click the EXE file

   * Select Properties
   * If you see an Unblock checkbox at the bottom, check it
   * Click Apply, then OK

5. (Optional) Right-click the EXE and choose
   "Send to → Desktop (Create shortcut)"

IMPORTANT:
Do NOT move the EXE out of its folder.
All required files must remain together for the program to function correctly.

## USAGE

1. Start Microsoft Flight Simulator.
2. Load a supported FlySimWare aircraft.
3. Run the FlySimWare Hardware Binding Tool.
4. The status will show whether SimConnect is connected.
5. Assign buttons by pressing the desired joystick button when prompted.

The program must remain running while you fly the aircraft.

## SWITCH TYPES EXPLAINED

TOGGLE SWITCHES

* Simple ON / OFF behavior.
* Press once to turn ON.
* Press again to turn OFF.

MOMENTARY SWITCHES

* Active only while the button is held.
* Releasing the button automatically returns the switch to the OFF position.

THREE-WAY POSITION SWITCHES

* These represent real multi-position aircraft switches.
* Each position is bound separately.

Behavior:

* If both positions are OFF, the switch is in the OFF (center) position.
* Pressing one position moves the switch to that position.
* Pressing the same position again returns it to OFF.
* If you press the opposite position, the switch moves to that position and the previous one is automatically turned OFF.

Only one position can be active at a time.

## THIRD-PARTY BINDING SOFTWARE

If you prefer to use external binding software:

1. Assign the control once using this tool.
2. Note the LVAR name displayed at the bottom of the window.
3. Use that LVAR inside your third-party software.

Experienced users may find this helpful even if they do not rely on this tool for day-to-day use.

FlySimWare
https://www.flysimware.com
