Author Topic: opinions on Saitek X-36 combo please...  (Read 1631 times)

Offline Kirin

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opinions on Saitek X-36 combo please...
« on: May 29, 2000, 05:31:00 PM »
Salute Aces,

Since the first days I've been flying AH with a MS SW FF Pro and I liked it. The twisty rudder thingy went into my blood (yes I flew with real rudder pedals too) and I love the precision and durability. There were some problems with the anti-stick-stirring-code which have been solved a long time ago now.

Still I think it's time to upgrade. The feature I need most urgently is an additional coolie - since I fly LW planes (especially 109) exclusively I need trimming to be set on the stick too. I've been quite happy with the throttle wheel on the MS SW but I think a real throttle with some additional buttons etc. will keep my hands off the keyboard (hey, we need integrated vox com & mouse six calls asap)...

From what I read the X-36 HOTAS will be the perfect solution for me. Very pricey, all features I need - even twisty rudder if I read right...

Still I need some opinions on how you experienced it - and AH related problems... I recall reading some problems with the combo here on the board. And I be happy for any alternative you offer - FYI I got a pair of CH Pro pedals lying around my attic...

Ok - my ears are wide open:


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~Kirin~
 
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[This message has been edited by Kirin (edited 05-29-2000).]
Real men fly Radial!

funked

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opinions on Saitek X-36 combo please...
« Reply #1 on: May 29, 2000, 05:42:00 PM »
I have heard so many Saitek horror stories from guys I've flown with...

I wouldn't touch Saitek with a 10-foot pole.

Offline airspro

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opinions on Saitek X-36 combo please...
« Reply #2 on: May 29, 2000, 07:40:00 PM »
Kirin : The X-36 hotas have rudder control on the throttle it takes two fingers to use it .

My mate airreapr just got one and he likes it lots . Only problem he had installing it was it kept wanting to use the standard usb driver . To get it to use the "right" one he deleted all usb drivers , then it "had" to take the right one . I have read that isn't a problem with win98 SE though .

There's any number ways to go to get a throttle though .

I am useing CH ProThrottle with a MSPPro USB stick . At this time I use CH Pedals with it but you can twist too if you wanted to "NOT" use pedals. http://user.mc.net/~ronht/Index.htm

The link above is the number one help spot for Saitek Hotas setups .  gl cheers spro

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air_rules = Play fair ....Don't worry about points......Keep a sense of humor......Drink Jim Beam......and don't let the fediddlein cat walk on the keyboard.......!!!
 

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[This message has been edited by airspro (edited 05-29-2000).]
My current Ace's High handle is spro

Sorrow[S=A]

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opinions on Saitek X-36 combo please...
« Reply #3 on: May 29, 2000, 10:36:00 PM »
I recently upgraded to the X-36 HOTAS USB combo. I give it a FULL thumbs UP. The horror stories are from the gameport version not the USB.

I have had no setup problems with it and it simply never spikes period. The rudder is by your fingers in the throttle, a bar that pivots on the center. Really easy to use, you may find it a bit sensitive at first.

Please, don't install the CD drivers. You just have to uninstall again. The proper updated drivers are on their site. Without them the stick is hard to program and the software is unstable.

Simply, for $99 bucks you can't beat this. The keys are all programmable and it has two rotaries you can use for trim.
The only serious downfall is that the joy is seriously made for big hands. You will have to move your hand all over it to access the top hat or fire key. I don't use them for anything important so am fine.

Offline Azrael

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opinions on Saitek X-36 combo please...
« Reply #4 on: May 30, 2000, 12:01:00 AM »
I had the gameport version, and the following problems:

- rudder rocker switch broke (got replacement from Saitek germany and changed it myself)
- got the sticky key syndrome, couldn't use the dials on the throttle (could be gone with the USB version)
- the pots were worn out after a year
- the rubber ring at the base of the stick was torn up after a year

I sold it then.

I really liked the feeling and finish, but I'm not going to give anything with pots another try.

Az

Offline JimBear

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opinions on Saitek X-36 combo please...
« Reply #5 on: May 30, 2000, 08:39:00 AM »
Howdy Kirin,

I currently use the Saitek X36F Digital USB Combo. Let me tell you it ROCKS!  
I also purchased the CH Pro Pedals (USB) and have never regretted the decision. They are much superior to the rudder rocker on the Throttle. Up until recently I programed the Saiteks with the in game stick choices and while this works very well (2nd hat for triming) and allows an almost hands off keyboard expierience. The usage of the SGE software takes these sticks a step further(thanks Hmble, for the profile m8!) You can set the buttons and rotaries on the throtle to engage wep, trim rudder,elevator,aileron,flaps, RW all without moving ur hand from it. The Joystick still has those 2 8 way hats and 5 buttons for firing combos,map, zoom, auto pilot selection  or whatever. The only limiter I see right now is what i can remember while in combat    On top of that you have 3 modes to select from so you can set up a Air-Air Fighter config in mode1 Bomber options in mode2 and Vehicle to mode3  if your inclined.  Guess I sound like a Saitek enthusiast huh?  hehe  well after having the Game port version stuck in the closet for a year, imho the USB version delivers on its promise.
Like Sorrow said this thing never spikes and download the SGE 1.3 drivers off the web site (use the CDs as coasters, they are better that way)   The only qualifer I have is that I think the seperate rudders are really needed to get the most enjoyment out of the setup.  and if your a nut like me building a HOTASS stand didnt hurt either,,,now if I could only fly, or shoot  

 

Offline danish

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opinions on Saitek X-36 combo please...
« Reply #6 on: May 30, 2000, 08:57:00 AM »
Long time Sidewinder user here - and a happy one as well.
However: 1) running out of buttons 2) certain maneuvers involving fine tuned rudder input (or lack of!) are difficult\impossible 3) sitting with pedals more than 10 hour will give me ischias ;=)

-so Im sitting on the fence *allmost* ready to buy, and Saitek X36 USB sure looks hot:
 http://www.combatsim.com/htm/feb00/saiteksge-1.htm  http://www.combatsim.com/htm/feb00/saiteksgep2-1.htm  http://www.dogfighter.com/reviews/show.php3?review=953573835  http://www.combatsim.com/htm/aug99/throttle.htm  http://www.combatsim.com/archive/htm/htm_arc3/hotas1.ht  http://www.combatsim.com/htm/nov99/x36-usb2.htm  http://www.gamespot.com/hardware/controllers/sticks/x36usb.html  http://www.combatsim.com/archive/htm/htm_arc4/proflite1.htm

danish
 

Offline airspro

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opinions on Saitek X-36 combo please...
« Reply #7 on: May 30, 2000, 11:16:00 AM »
You can use a USB MSPPro with a throttle that goes into the game port . That way you can have buttons plus the twist stick . Like you say it is hard to sit for 10 plus hours with feet on pedals , let me tell ya . hehe .

Or you could even use the Saitek throttle with MSPPro , just turn off the stick in the game settings .

cheers spro

   

Here u go Pollock , you really like it then . How about how far you are from the monitor ? Is that a bother or not ?  

[This message has been edited by airspro (edited 05-30-2000).]

[This message has been edited by airspro (edited 05-30-2000).]
My current Ace's High handle is spro

Offline Pollock

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opinions on Saitek X-36 combo please...
« Reply #8 on: May 30, 2000, 11:37:00 AM »
Kieren,

IMO this is the best set up going. The only time I use my keyboard know is to type radio messages.  All the game functions are programmed to the combo. My next step is to add USB rudders if you have the cash I would suggest checking out fightersystems.com for their H.O.T.A.S set up. I hav bought one and have to say I dont know how I flew without it. I would import a picture to this post but do not know how to do it.

Offline 214thCavalier

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opinions on Saitek X-36 combo please...
« Reply #9 on: May 30, 2000, 01:45:00 PM »
OK Old Gameport version although i persevered with it for years was really bug ridden but i have to say the USB digital version is unbeatable, as others have said there is no jitter or spiking at all with this stick.
If you RTFM it will save a lot of problems on install, simple things like install the software BEFORE plugging combo into your USB port and of course DO NOT use the SGE software in the box get the new SGE from Saitek site.
This things unbelievable in what you can program with it, you can even program in time delays for different phases of your key press    IE a press phase, a hold phase and a release phase, damn it gives me a headache trying to think of uses for all the buttons and options  

Offline Cleaner

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opinions on Saitek X-36 combo please...
« Reply #10 on: May 30, 2000, 01:59:00 PM »
just got the x36 myself, sure would be nice if someone would post there game profile here.  

BTW I really like it, though it takes a little time ti get used to the rudders.

Offline Pollock

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opinions on Saitek X-36 combo please...
« Reply #11 on: May 30, 2000, 02:46:00 PM »
Airspro,

No problems yet would like to go to 17" for other reasons worth every penny for me.  Need a hi back chair and the rudder mod and then were talking Comfort.

Offline milnko

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opinions on Saitek X-36 combo please...
« Reply #12 on: June 05, 2000, 01:09:00 AM »
I just got my USB X36, and like it!
Just order USB CH pro Rudder pedals too, so I think I'm about set.
The rocker switch rudder on the throttle never "felt" comfortable to me, but it works well. Just decided that pedals were the way to go so I could remap rocker to FLAPS.
Take the advise above, ditch the cdrom drivers and dl the GOOD ones from Saitek's homepage.
The main reason I purchased a Saitek is for all the buttons and knobs, with AH ya GOTTA have trim control.

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Offline maddog

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opinions on Saitek X-36 combo please...
« Reply #13 on: June 05, 2000, 10:49:00 AM »
Love my X36 combo... no twist stick though... make sure u get USB..... flawless..
doc

Offline 1776

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opinions on Saitek X-36 combo please...
« Reply #14 on: June 06, 2000, 12:57:00 AM »
 http://user.mc.net/~ronht/IndexFrame1Source1.htm

Learn much here, give it a try>