Stream Dock + AAO Tutorial: How to Build Advanced Controls for Microsoft Flight Simulator

Stream Dock + AAO Tutorial: How to Build Advanced Controls for Microsoft Flight Simulator

As flight simulation hardware and aircraft systems become increasingly advanced, many sim pilots are looking for ways to reduce mouse usage and improve realism.

This tutorial explains how to use Stream Dock together with AAO (AxisAndOhs) to achieve deep, reliable, and professional control in Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS).

Whether you fly default aircraft or complex add-ons, this setup allows you to build a custom physical control deck tailored to your workflow.


What Is Stream Dock + AAO?

Stream Dock is a programmable control device with buttons and encoder knobs, while AxisAndOhs (AAO) acts as a powerful bridge between external hardware and MSFS.

Together, they allow you to:

  • Trigger aircraft systems with one press

  • Use rotary encoders for precise value control

  • Access SimVars, LVars, and HVars

  • Build aircraft-specific control profiles

     

     


What You Can Achieve with This Setup

With Stream Dock + AAO, you can:

  • ✅ Control lights, landing gear, autopilot, and engines with one press

  • 🎛️ Adjust altitude, heading, vertical speed, and radios using encoder knobs

  • 📄 Create separate control pages for different flight phases

  • 🔗 Interact directly with advanced aircraft systems

Typical Workflow

Stream Dock Hardware
→ VSD Craft Software
→ AAO + Stream Dock Plugin
→ Microsoft Flight Simulator


Hardware & Software Requirements

Hardware

  • Stream Dock device

  • Windows PC

Software

  • VSD Craft (official Stream Dock software)

  • Microsoft Flight Simulator

  • AxisAndOhs (AAO)

  • AxisAndOhs Stream Dock Plugin

⚠️ Important: Do not use the Elgato Stream Deck AAO plugin. It is not compatible.


Step-by-Step: Installing AAO

Step 1: Install AxisAndOhs

Download from the official website:
👉 https://www.axisandohs.com/downloads.html

Before continuing, make sure:

  • AAO matches your MSFS version

  • MSFS has been launched at least once


Step 2: Install the Stream Dock Plugin for AAO

You can download the plugin from:


Binding AAO Actions in Stream Dock

Inside VSD Craft:

  1. Create a new button or encoder

  2. Select AAO / External Interface as the action type

  3. Bind an AAO command or script

  4. Configure:

    • Single press

    • Long press

    • Encoder clockwise / counter-clockwise

This allows complex aircraft systems to be controlled intuitively and reliably.


Example Page Layouts for MSFS

Ground Page

  • Engine start

  • Taxi and takeoff lights

  • Flap settings

Cruise Page

  • Altitude and heading encoders

  • Autopilot modes

  • NAV / APPR controls

Landing Page

  • Autobrake

  • Landing gear

  • Spoilers and reversers


Beginner Advice: Use Existing Profiles First

AAO is extremely powerful, but it has a learning curve.

For beginners, we strongly recommend:

  • Downloading ready-made Stream Dock + AAO profiles from FlightSim.to

  • Studying how experienced creators structure their scenes

  • Gradually customizing instead of starting from scratch

Always respect creators’ work and credit the original source when sharing profiles.

Special thanks to Guenseli for his guidance in helping us complete this tutorial. We are also happy to recommend his profiles to interested readers.

https://flightsim.to/profile/Guenseli


FAQ

Do I need separate profiles for different aircraft?
Yes. Complex aircraft such as A32NX, PMDG, or Fenix use different variables. One profile per aircraft is recommended.

Why do my buttons not respond?
Make sure MSFS is in flight, AAO is connected, and SimConnect is running correctly.

Why do encoder knobs behave like buttons?
Use encoder-type assignments in AAO and configure clockwise/counter-clockwise actions in VSD Craft.

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1 comentario
  • M
    Miguel Zepeda

    After you add the AAO plugin to the VSDinsode software. You cannot find a single pre made buttons. You will need to create. It’s my first day, I have no idea how to show radio frequencies and transponder on VSDinside screen. Practically impossible to use right now