Author Topic: Stick-throttle Where to buy (Read 1126 times)

DREDIOCK · « **on:** February 04, 2007, 09:31:26 PM »

Ok enough is enough.

spent 4+ hours doing repairs for the last time on this Beat up old XFighter.
Now Im at the point where I HAVE to get a new Stick.

See I dont buy online alot. Im the type that wants to se and actually be able to touch and hold something before I buy it. so Im not real comforatble buying online.
so I been putting it off doing repair after repair.

But now Im backed into a corner

Considering no stores around me carry CH sticks I have no other option

Its gonna be a CH. that much I've already made up my mind about
Question is, Outside of buying directly from CH itself. Which online place is the most reputable to buy from?

Next question.

On the CH throttle I see it has 3 buttons on the far side.
Can these be programed to individual game functions?
Or are they strictly mode selector switches?

In my case I want ot use those 3 buttons for my rudder like I would use the S,D,and F keys on the keyboard

also I see alot of people preferring the Saitech throttle over CHs.

Why?

TequilaChaser · « **Reply #1 on:** February 04, 2007, 10:36:08 PM »

for CH Products try these following sites:

http://www.provantage.com

http://www.securemart.com

http://www.newegg.com

yes you can program the front/fingers side of the throttle ( 3 buttons ) via keymapping individually for rudder use.......

I think people buy the Sateik stuff for the price....... but that is an opinion.......

also alot don't like the reach one needs on the CH sticks ( need a larger hand most claim )

I would say if your hand measured 7 1/2" or better, stretched out from wrist line to tip/end of your middle finger you should be ok with the CH sticks........under that and your reach would be a stretch for the farthest hats/buttons......unless you make a rest on the stick as some on here have done and posted pics of...

Mintaka · « **Reply #2 on:** February 05, 2007, 04:17:57 AM »

I decided to go with the Saitek X52 over the CH stick only because of the price. According to the reviews that I read the CH is a better performing joystick but the Saitek is much more ergonomic. Apparently the CH is a close replica of an actual F16 stick so it is quite large. The X52 is adjustable and is designed to a bit more comfortable to use. The CH software is more versatile because it allows more control over keymapping but the Saitek software is easier to use.

If the CH stick/throttle would have been cheaper I would have gotten it. You can buy the X52, which includes the stick and throttle, for the price of just the stick or throttle from CH.

DREDIOCK · « **Reply #3 on:** February 05, 2007, 07:35:23 AM »

About Saitech Vrs CH preferenceI was referring to the throttle comparison and prefrence of one Vrs the other

Fortunately I can and have touched and held the Saitech stuff.
But in every single store I've been in the pinky switch has been busted on the display model. which has been one reason why I'm not going Saitech on the stick

I might end up buying both, a CH stick. and a Saitech combo as pricewise it works out to about the same as if I went all CH (plus I get the benifit of having a spare stick)

But. if the general prefrence is for CH. then maybe I'll just go all CH

Blagard · « **Reply #4 on:** February 05, 2007, 03:50:41 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by TequilaChaser
I would say if your hand measured 7 1/2" or better, stretched out from wrist line to tip/end of your middle finger you should be ok with the CH sticks........under that and your reach would be a stretch for the farthest hats/buttons......unless you make a rest on the stick as some on here have done and posted pics of...

Combat and Fighter sticks are a bit of stretch for my thumb. Finger/wrist length is not I think as critical as across the palm with thumb extended.
Now that dimension from side of palm to tip of extended thumb is 6 1/2" for me. If it was 7" it would be no trouble at all ! As it is because I find that eight way hat such a stretch I use it for other keys and not the views where you need a comfortable setting for extended use.

The throttle on the other hand (literally if you wish!) is no trouble at all.
In another thread a CH throttle user has set their mini stick for Yaw which sounds quite an interesting idea. However I would urge all CH users to get the pedals and do it properly:)

Edit.
I thought I have some scrap 12mm MDF and so knocked up a rest after initial posting! It works and can now comfortably reach the top 8 way hat.
Too late to change habit though so I don't think it will stay.

TequilaChaser · « **Reply #5 on:** February 05, 2007, 05:25:52 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Blagard
Combat and Fighter sticks are a bit of stretch for my thumb. Finger/wrist length is not I think as critical as across the palm with thumb extended.
Now that dimension from side of palm to tip of extended thumb is 6 1/2" for me. If it was 7" it would be no trouble at all ! As it is because I find that eight way hat such a stretch I use it for other keys and not the views where you need a comfortable setting for extended use.

The throttle on the other hand (literally if you wish!) is no trouble at all.
In another thread a CH throttle user has set their mini stick for Yaw which sounds quite an interesting idea. However I would urge all CH users to get the pedals and do it properly:)

Edit.
I thought I have some scrap 12mm MDF and so knocked up a rest after initial posting! It works and can now comfortably reach the top 8 way hat.
Too late to change habit though so I don't think it will stay.

thanks for posting an example, Blagard.

I just used wristline/bottom of palm to middle finger tip as a rough gauge, mine is 8 1/8th /8 1/4 estimate and my dimension from side of palm to tip of extended thumb is 7 5/8" or tad more for me. I figured a lil less than the size of my hand and people would still be okay with the reach of the furthest buttons/hats......where as I have no problem at all, also I have pretty good dexterity as well since I play at the guitar.......( <---means I am no Brad Paisley or Prince )

Dred, as for the Satek HOTAS, I see alot of people posting they like them, but I have never personally tried any outside of the ST290 model, and I have seen alot of post saying where after some use they fail/break.......same can be said for a few post on CH Products, but from my experience CH will last you a lifetime if you are not an Yank n Bank Hamfisted type flyer.....or get mad and throw the thing across the room.......

personal opinion is the way people fly , some are smooth and precise, their equipment will probably outlast a jerking yanking type flyer's stick 3 or 4 to 1.......

btw, the weblinks I posted are usually far cheaper on full HOTAS setups than going thru CH directly......

DREDIOCK · « **Reply #6 on:** February 05, 2007, 06:42:11 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Blagard

The throttle on the other hand (literally if you wish!) is no trouble at all.
In another thread a CH throttle user has set their mini stick for Yaw which sounds quite an interesting idea. However I would urge all CH users to get the pedals and do it properly:)

Would love to get a set of pedals and will too at some point.

But this is the slow season for me right now. and while I have money comming in. Its not exactly hand over fist.

And while I dont need the wifes permission, to buy what I want Not that I would seek it to begin with LOL

I do realise I have to exhibit at least some sort of fiscal responcability.
$200 right now is about the limits of my wallet.
the stick is a must. The only debate is do I complement it with a set of pedals, or the throttle?

Based on the way I fly, I've identified my single largest shortcomming as my throttle work. So The throttle would be much more usefull to me then if I just got the pedals.

If I got the pedals qnd not the throttle. my hand would still be all over the keyboard for throttle RPM settings , trim, Vox etc.
whereas if I have the throttle, and can use those forward buttons for the rudder. I have easy access to everything without having to look or fumble around the keyboard.

Mace2004 · « **Reply #7 on:** February 06, 2007, 09:22:58 AM »

A couple of thoughts. The current X-52 is running less than $100 now. The new X-52 Pro is between $185 and $199. Both have adjustible handrests and access to the stick hats is very good. I've had both the X-45 and X-52 over the years and have never had any problem with the pinky switch, it's probably broken in the stores because of some hamfisted shopper has tried to move the handrest adjustment without knowing what they're doing. Have not had the opportunity to try out the X-52 Pro but have heard very good things about it. They've changed the spring mechanism to a progressive type and changed the spring cup to metal so the movement remains smooth and it's a bit stiffer than the X-52. They also changed the overall style a bit by going all black and selectable colors for the buttons and more metal controls. Might be worth a look.

Regarding the access to the CH stick's controls, I think it is based on the F-16 stick grip. If so and the size and layout has been copied that is probably the source of the control access issues. The real F-16 stick is down on the right side of the cockpit, not sitting up in front of you on a desk. The angle that your arm makes is very different since the stick is too high for it's design. That's probably is what's creating the problem, I'd bet that if you could find a way to put the stick base lower down and near your right knee the access would't be as much of an issue.

Also, I've got the Saitek pedals and I love them. I've never tried CH pedals but from those that I've heard from that have tried both they prefer the Saitek. Mostly I think this has to do with them having greater width than the CHs. When you do get around to pedals you should also take a look at them.

Edit: forgot to mention but I've used Newegg several times and have never had any problems at all.

Mace

SIK1 · « **Reply #8 on:** February 06, 2007, 09:42:20 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by Mace2004

Regarding the access to the CH stick's controls, I think it is based on the F-16 stick grip. If so and the size and layout has been copied that is probably the source of the control access issues. The real F-16 stick is down on the right side of the cockpit, not sitting up in front of you on a desk. The angle that your arm makes is very different since the stick is too high for it's design. That's probably is what's creating the problem, I'd bet that if you could find a way to put the stick base lower down and near your right knee the access would't be as much of an issue.

Mace

Mace brings up a good point here. I have my CH stick sitting to my right with the top of the base about mid thigh high, and that is still a little high. I can reach all of the buttons and switches with no problems, and I don't have real large, or real small hands. It's just that my wrist is cocked up a little bit which can get uncomfortable after flying for any extended time. When I have the time I plan on lowering the stick so that the top of the base is at the same height as the top of the seat cushion. I feel that by lowering the stick about 2-3" will make it more comfortable for me.

Blagard · « **Reply #9 on:** February 06, 2007, 03:20:26 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by DREDIOCK
Based on the way I fly, I've identified my single largest shortcomming as my throttle work. So The throttle would be much more usefull to me then if I just got the pedals.

The throttle is by far the better investment than the pedals IMO.

The CH Contol Manager Software will enhance the Stick/Throttle combination no end. FYI I use the throttle wheel on the Stick for RPM setttings otherwise not a lot of use for it when you have the pro-throttle!

Generally I do not use the Throttle mini-stick although it is currently mapped as a mouse. So I think using it for rudder could be a real possibility and worth at least trying, especially if you can comfortably use the joystick eight way for horz views so a button on the throttle can give you "up" to combine with it.

Best of luck!

Quote

Originally posted by Mace2004
Regarding the access to the CH stick's controls, I think it is based on the F-16 stick grip. If so and the size and layout has been copied that is probably the source of the control access issues. The real F-16 stick is down on the right side of the cockpit, not sitting up in front of you on a desk. The angle that your arm makes is very different since the stick is too high for it's design. That's probably is what's creating the problem, I'd bet that if you could find a way to put the stick base lower down and near your right knee the access would't be as much of an issue.

This made me think that if a lower position is not practical then perhaps a "ramped base" to sit the joystick on may help. I gave it a try packing one side of the base up with books and it really does improve access to the top buttons for people who might otherwise struggle. Because the angle of your arm to the joystck is now different, it feels that a lighter grip by the fingers rather than the back of the stick sitting in the palm of the hand.
I intend to give this a trial after making something to replace the books!

Odee · « **Reply #10 on:** February 06, 2007, 08:18:33 PM »

Tried this place for CH Products? http://www.pilotshop.com/flight-simulation-controls-joysticks-c-53_202.html?osCsid=e688ae462fd409433e89463c060e3ab1 They seem to be at least $10 bucks cheaper than any where else I've seen.

While I was spoiled by my old analog CH F-16 HOTAS and Pedals, costs forced me to go to Saitek's X52 with the adjustable hand stick... tons of buttons, wheels, and hats to program, and IMHO... it's far easier programming the X52 than the F16-combat stick and pro-throttle. Saitek's X52 HOTAS Couple that with their new Pro Flight Rudder Pedals , and you got one hot system for half the CH price.

wooley · « **Reply #11 on:** February 07, 2007, 06:19:23 PM »

The other thing to remember if you can't stretch to pedals is that the X52 has a twist-grip rudder option. The CH sticks don't have that option.

Twist grip rudder - whilst not as good as pedals - is miles better than using the keyboard or some rotary knob.

moneyguy · « **Reply #12 on:** February 07, 2007, 06:48:00 PM »

i bought a fighterstick, throttle quad., and pedals from provantage. came in quick and prices were great.

DREDIOCK · « **Reply #13 on:** February 08, 2007, 01:07:37 PM »

Ok its done.

From Pro Advantage I ordered the CH Fighterstick

and Pro Throttle

Including S&H it came out to $199 even and claims it will be her ein 3-5 business days.

Gonna be weird getting used to a new setup after using this old TM X Fighter for the last almost 10 years.

but its at the point where I literally have components superglued into place now so even if I had to change them...

It would be an adventure.

the control isnt what it used to be. to the point where when I pull. even ever so slightly it "jumps" up often higher then what I want. Meaning Im missing alot of shots I should be making unless Im flying completely steady

It will be interesting to see how much more precise I can be now

not to mention being able to do both the throttle AND the rudder at the same time.

so far for mapping my plan is all view and gunnery options will be maped to the stick.

Onthe throttle will be...throttle, flaps, Rudder input and probably trim and Vox if its doable that way.

Any other suggestions?

Odee · « **Reply #14 on:** February 08, 2007, 04:51:30 PM »

God how I hate.... ermm, envy you Drediok. That's like my old analog gear what passed on...

*wonders if voodoo can resurrect the throttle as he stares out back wher the mound of dirt is settling*