Saitek Cyborg Evo stick scale or possible dud stick?

[rapp25]

Hey guys,

I've fiddled around with my cybrog evo for ages and I'm just not happy with it at all. I've been gaming online since 99 but I'm relatively new to flight sims but I'm far from a noob when it comes to setting stuff up correctly. 
I think it may be a bad stick as i can see the + moving around by itself in the xp control panel for game controllers without even touching it and the stick feels somewhat loose in its socket particularly y-axis, just tipping off it moves it a few mm. However it does not always behave badly, its random. I've no problem regarding loosing calibration and have a good pc.

I had to up deadzones (in game dont use saitek software only drivers) to nearly 40-50% to stop rudder and x-axis inputs whilst just using the y-axis, dampening helped aim somewhat but its like as if the stick wont hold itself steady even if I'm as gentle as a baby on it making it difficult to aim. I also can see from xp control panel that pushing the stick up and down in a completely perfect line does not result in the + going perfectly straight - it wobbles. The x-axis is much better but still does not travel across in a straight line no matter how many times ive tried it (ive even locked it in place so it moves laterally perfectly to rule out human error/shaky hands being the problem).

I'm using default scaling for y and x axis now  and I've got the inputs to stop from looking at raw v scale in the in game data so I'd be very happy with any input or advice anyone has on this problem. A stick scale from a cyborg evo user would also be nice to try.

I'd really appreciate any sort of suggestions or advice, thanks.

[The Fugitive]

Having the plus sign jump around in the windows calibration box is a bad sign. By moving the dead band in the game your in creasing the box size around your stick where the "movement" is dead. Picture your stick is the center of the box, while the full throw you make from corner to corner describes the outside edge of the box. As you increase the dead band you create a box where the stick movement is reported as dead, or no movement. With your set at 40-50% you have a pretty big area that isn't responding.

I've only messed with Saitek stick, and seeing its still pretty new haven't had any trouble with it so I can't say whats in side of it. Taking the stick apart and cleaning a lubing it could help it, it would be the first thing I would do. After that it may just be time for a new stick. Having the plus sign in the xp controls window bounce around like that means it isn't reporting the stick movement accurately either due to dirt, dust, or just worn out parts. If it was solid in xp, and sloppy in the game then a profile might help, but with it being so bad in xp too I'd say it was the stick.

[bj229r]

I had several EVO's (AFTER the several Logitechs...sadly didn't buy a few Sidewinders for spares) and what you describe is typical....finally bit the bullet and went CH (new Combat stick, used pedals) been a year now, NO dropoff whatsoever...(discounting my skills, of course)

[Noir]

I've gone thru quit a few EVO's and when they are brand new there should be no spiking and no need for additional dead zone, and the stick should center itself with no problems at all on all axis. I think you have a dud joystick.

[rapp25]

Having the plus sign jump around in the windows calibration box is a bad sign. By moving the dead band in the game your increasing the box size around your stick where the "movement" is dead. Picture your stick is the center of the box, while the full throw you make from corner to corner describes the outside edge of the box. As you increase the dead band you create a box where the stick movement is reported as dead, or no movement. With your set at 40-50% you have a pretty big area that isn't responding.

I've gone thru quit a few EVO's and when they are brand new there should be no spiking and no need for additional dead zone, and the stick should center itself with no problems at all on all axis. I think you have a dud joystick.

Thank you very much The Fugitive, bj229r and Noir for your replies. I understand exactly what you mean regarding the deadzones fugitive but its only way i can get it playable without random inputs from rudder/x-axis etc. You've basically all confirmed my suspicions that the stick was a dud from day 1. I basically gave up on the game thinking I was crap back in 2007 - missing roped stalled out planes and other frustrating crap.
I've probably only used the stick for 40-50hrs and the loose axis's were always present so I don't think taking it apart is going to do anything at all unless I can somehow drag the stick down more into the base to stop the looseness, I'm sure though I should really just get a new different stick - cyborg X looks like best bet as I wouldn't go spending money on CH gear until I peak out with an average low priced stick if you understand me.

Much appreciated guys ,
Rapp

[Max]

Rapp your issue with your Saitek stick seems to be all too common. While I don't have hard data to back this up, I'm guessing about 50% of them fail to hold calibration after 3 - 6 months. Another 25% go on for a year and the remainder are fine forever. Your rationale to hold off on buying a CH stick is understandable but until you do, you'll be taking a gamble with another Saitek product. 

[rapp25]

Rapp your issue with your Saitek stick seems to be all too common. While I don't have hard data to back this up, I'm guessing about 50% of them fail to hold calibration after 3 - 6 months. Another 25% go on for a year and the remainder are fine forever. Your rationale to hold off on buying a CH stick is understandable but until you do, you'll be taking a gamble with another Saitek product. 

I knew that Saitek had a dodgy reputation but that estimate, which I would not argue with for a second really is disheartening to hear as CH products are so expensive and the need for foot peddles etc. would cost a miniature fortune which I don't have the luxury of spending right now. However there is one plus point to all of these Saitek issues.
I've done a bit of research and what might prove positive is that a company called Mad Catz bought out Saitek for $30 million in 2007 and this is a totally new 10th anniversary stick so the gamble may be less risky than I initially anticipated. Anyhow its hardly going to break the bank at $50 or thereabouts. All reviews I've seen have been positive but those I can count on one hand.

I may be able to get one for free if I review it for a friend that owns his own PC shop(he is a saitek retailer for their mice and keyboards but not sure about sticks), if this is the case I'll give it the works and post it here. Thanks once again to Max.

[haasehole]

 if they sell them a wal-mart then they cant last to long

[Max]

pretty hard to argue with logic like that ^  ^  ^  ^ 

[rapp25]

hahaha.