Author Topic: Joystick question (Read 378 times)

Tsnow · « **on:** February 24, 2007, 12:40:18 PM »

Not sure If I should post this here or the Tech section:

I am currently using a St 290 pro and it has been a pretty good stick, but last night it was acting really weird.

I was flying during the day with no problems but when I logged on that night the stick had become incerdibly stiff, to the point of making creaking and groaning noises when ever I would pull back on it.

I lubricated it with some WD40 but it only seamed to loosen the stick up a little. All night every time I would pull back on the stick my plane would jerk and the stick will groan.

I went to bed frustrated and woke up with the intent of running out and purchasing a new stick. I went to try the stick this morning and to my surprise the jerking and groaning from the stick are gone.

So my dilema now is do I run out and get a new Joy stick or can I assume that the WD40 took a while to lubricate the ball and that's why I continued to have problems last night?

Are Saitek sticks prone to this type of thing? I am a left handed pilot and Saitek seams to be one of the only type sticks that are functional in both hands. If I do end up getting a new stick i am looking at the Saitek Aviator.

Any advice coments or tips on making a stick run smoother would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

DaChamp687 · « **Reply #1 on:** February 24, 2007, 12:48:24 PM »

I have a St-209 Pro and I have never had a problem. I've had it for months and never had 1 problem but from what I've been told if ur gonna really spend time on the game u should get astick with more buttons. I fly ocassionlly and dont spend money to play in the main arena so I find it perfect for me.

Widewing · « **Reply #2 on:** February 24, 2007, 12:53:19 PM »

If this stick has an external tension spring like the X45 and X52, grease the underside of the spring retainer with a silicon based grease. WD-40 will attack the plastic. This should stop the binding.

My regards,

Widewing

GunnerCAF · « **Reply #3 on:** February 24, 2007, 12:53:39 PM »

Saitek is not known for long life. But they are a reasonably priced stick with some nice features. If it works again, It won't hurt to keep using it.

Maybe you had a spring hang up, or something come loose or out of place inside. Do you have kids??

It's hard to say. I don't think Saitek's are made to be taken apart, so lubrication may be about the only thing to do. It may be better to use a lubricant made for plastic parts.

Gunner

Max · « **Reply #4 on:** February 24, 2007, 01:22:45 PM »

If you wind up replacing the stick, you might try a Saitek Evo...around $35. It will provide you a few more features. Be sure to buy it with a replacement warranty, at a store such as Best Buy. As mentioned, low end Saitek sticks seem to have a 6 month shelf life. Your mileage may vary.

Condor · « **Reply #5 on:** February 24, 2007, 04:00:16 PM »

I'm also a lefty. I used a Saitek Evo for a while. It was great for the left hand but did not have enough buttons to free me from using the keyboard while flying. It was also a little sloppy around the center and I found the htrottle to be too loose for my taste. I tried the X-52 and it is not configurable for use with the left hand on the stick. I don't know how much you are willing to pay but the answer for me was $300 for a CH fighterstick, Throttle, and pedals. (Provantage appears to have the best prices.) I then paid to have the stick and throttle modified by Homeboy for lefty use. It's not cheap but it's the best answer for a lefty who wants good gear. Look here http://www.ch-hangar.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3313 for the lefty HOTAS info. Homeboy does beautiful work. You won't be disappointed. I've used it almost daily for months and it's flawless.