Author Topic: ruddering (Read 910 times)

zlehmann · « **on:** May 01, 2007, 08:39:02 AM »

i was curious as to how many of you aces out there are using rudder pedals on your computers? it seems like i rarely use my rudder since i need to push buttons to do it. its hard to focus on the stick and push rudder and flap buttons when in a fight. are the pedals worth the investment or not?

Flit · « **Reply #1 on:** May 01, 2007, 08:42:27 AM »

In A word- yes

EsX_Raptor · « **Reply #2 on:** May 01, 2007, 08:44:22 AM »

Man, the rudder is a very important surface control on an aircraft, it helps you roll faster, 'skid' in the air and perform several maneuvers. How can you take off or land without a rudder? If there was no rudder on a plane, I'd say I would have not landed one yet. It takes time to learn the proper use of a rudder, I'm still learning how to and it indeed does make a difference. And as many say here, that will become automatic as you use it more frequently.

zlehmann · « **Reply #3 on:** May 01, 2007, 08:55:11 AM »

yes i dont think there was any doubt in the rudder's importance in flight but i was asking about the USB pedals they sell at like best buy (dont mean to plug anything lol) for rudder controls, i have a Z-axis rotating joystick but i think its broken because the input numbers are always twiching all over the place when i look at them, and i can never get a max left turn with it. so i was wondering if anyone here has the actual pedals under teir desk or if they just use a 'rudder' joystick?

EsX_Raptor · « **Reply #4 on:** May 01, 2007, 09:00:28 AM »

Oh, sorry for the misunderstanding man

:D

Nah, I already got used to the keys and I can now use them fairly well =] besides, it would look creepy IMO to have rudder pedals under my desk =S

lol

Rolex · « **Reply #5 on:** May 01, 2007, 09:10:59 AM »

Yes, many folks here have rudder pedals. Interesting question: How many is many. I'll guess about 300 people.

Anyone else want to take a guess?

Krusty · « **Reply #6 on:** May 01, 2007, 09:17:50 AM »

If you're pressing keys on the keyboard to use rudder, you need to spend $10 USD and get a joystick with a twist-action rudder axis.

It's VERY important to aiming. Not to mention all the other manuvers.

I used a twist-stick rudder for a long time, and because I used it so long it was hard to switch to pedals (but I did). Keyboard is unacceptable. Twist-stick will get you by and let you get some skill and some kills. Pedals will really give you control over your aircraft. I've got some kills with pedals where I just think "man, no WAY could I have done that with a twist stick!", and vertical zooms are easier, hammerheads, etc. Easier to use as a brake or snap-roll tool now, as well.

Bare minimum, you NEED a twist stick (or x45). Better to have pedals eventually.

P.S. I'm not even on the good quality pedals. I've got some 8-year-old second-hand analog port pedals that simply depress (no pivot action) and STILL far better than a twist stick!

LTARokit · « **Reply #7 on:** May 01, 2007, 09:44:23 AM »

What Krusty said. Switched to CH pedals & throd bout a year ago. Difference between night and day. Still use my Saitek joystick.

Been so long I don't even remember what the keys are for rudder lol.

~~PS: $20 @ Walmart; Saitek joystick. model: ST290 Pro. Twisty stick )rudder control), throd control. and several programmable buttons.~~

Scotch · « **Reply #8 on:** May 01, 2007, 10:08:02 AM »

I just bought CH Pedals less than a week ago. The learning curve from key rudder, to twist stick, to pedals is a little frustrating, but I could easily see the advantages in my first flight. It's just going to take some time to get used to them.

Greebo · « **Reply #9 on:** May 01, 2007, 10:38:45 AM »

I agree with Krusty, rudder pedals are vital. You don't get the precision needed with a keyboard.

The rudder is useful in several ways. Its needed for adjusting aim accurately. Its much easier than if you are using just aileron and elevators to aim.

I find it makes a useful airbrake as well. I can bang in full rudder with opposite aileron and cause an overshoot. Or if I am dropping on a lower opponent I can use the rudder to prevent overshooting myself.

When you are in a steep turn with the stall horn blaring you can use fine adjustments of the rudder to prevent one wing stalling and flipping you into a spin. Getting closer to the edge of a stall can be the difference between winning and losing the fight.

Sometimes though you want to stall one wing. In a scissors fight you can bang in rudder and aileron together to cause a snaproll, instantly rolling 90 or 180 degrees. You could probably do this with the keyboard, but you get a lot more control with the pedals, instantly correcting if you go to far.

If I lose the rudder on my F6F its pretty much mission over for me (one way or the other).

Max · « **Reply #10 on:** May 01, 2007, 10:40:17 AM »

At the very least buy yourself a twist handle joystick. Better yet, by a set of peds. I've owned both the CH Pro Peds and the newer Saitek Pro Flight peds. The Saitek product, IMHO is built better and worth the few extra bucks.

/werd

BaldEagl · « **Reply #11 on:** May 01, 2007, 10:55:50 AM »

I've got a twisty stick that I've been using for 11 years. It does have limitations but I do OK with it.

It's also nice to have enough buttons on the stick handle for not only firing but for flaps, zoom toggle and a few other things so your not fumbling for the keyboard in flight.

zlehmann · « **Reply #12 on:** May 01, 2007, 11:33:45 AM »

wow $150 for the peds...thats going to be rough to talk the girlfriend into allowing haha

Krusty · « **Reply #13 on:** May 01, 2007, 11:41:03 AM »

The price is why most folks don't use pedals. If you get yourself a new stick that ISN'T busted (and I'm guessing you've got a Wingman, I had one with the same problem), it won't cost nearly as much.

Just AVOID Logitech joysticks. AVOID THEM!

EDIT: LOL @ Eagl's sig

The Fugitive · « **Reply #14 on:** May 01, 2007, 11:55:53 AM »

Pedals are the way to go. Once you get use to them you don't even notice your feet moving, it becomes 2nd nature.

oh and if you think its might be tough talking the girlfriend into pedals, try for "one of these"