Author Topic: CH USB Pro Throttle & Pro Pedals....is it safe to buy them yet? (Read 1232 times)

Wanker · « **on:** September 13, 2001, 11:39:00 AM »

I currently use the CH USB 565F Combatstick, mated to analog CH Pro Throttle and Pro Pedals.

All in All, does CH have the major kinks worked out enough on the USB versions to go ahead and make the change to all USB?

7SinS · « **Reply #1 on:** September 13, 2001, 03:26:00 PM »

Asolutely banana I have the f16 combat stick the pro pedals and the pro throttle all USB.
I enjoy them and encourage anyone to buy them

funkedup · « **Reply #2 on:** September 13, 2001, 04:29:00 PM »

I have the same setup as 7sins. The only problem is that some of the hat directions are 90 degrees off. But if you compensate for that in the programming it's no problem. I think the latest release of the software fixes this problem.

Other than that (which took me about 5 minutes to compensate for), I have experienced zero failures, crashes, bugs, errors, glitches, spikes, or other problems with this thing.

One of the coolest things is that the software makes it compatible with all games, even old ones (WB 2.XX) that don't have multi-joystick support. You can map any button (on your combatstick or throttle) to any DirectX button number on any DirectX device number (including the mouse), or map it to any keypress or series of keypresses. You can map any axis (including stick, pedals, throttle) to any DirectX axis number on any DirectX device (including the mouse), or you can map it to a key "scale" (e.g. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 for throttle) or to key directions (e.g. a/s/d for rudder left/center/right). For some reason CH is not advertising this software at all, so most people don't realize how powerful it is.

[ 09-13-2001: Message edited by: funkedup ]

RangerBob · « **Reply #3 on:** September 13, 2001, 04:46:00 PM »

I too love the new USB CH Throttle, pro pedals, and F16 stick setup. It has excellent programming, and is a pleasure to use. I use the F16 Combat Stick pro series with the stronger springs, stick shaft,etc.

I'd be happy to send you my map program for this setup to get you started if you feel the need, but it is an easy program to set up.

Ranger Bob

Lephturn · « **Reply #4 on:** September 13, 2001, 06:37:00 PM »

Do the CH sticks have 8 way hats? After using my sidewinder for years, I could never go back to a 4 position hat.

funkedup · « **Reply #5 on:** September 13, 2001, 07:20:00 PM »

8 way hat on the Flightstick Pro USB.

4 way hats on the Combatstick USB.

Fighterstick USB will have 8 way hats, but it's not out yet.

I've never used my stick hand for views so I never even thought about it.

funkedup · « **Reply #6 on:** September 21, 2001, 01:02:00 PM »

Update:

Fighterstick is now released.

Combatstick latest build (568) has 8 way hat.

airspro · « **Reply #7 on:** September 22, 2001, 06:18:00 AM »

On the Throttle what hat is the 8 way ? is it the one just in front of the mini joystick ? Do u use that little stick much ?

I know on the Fighter , or Combat sticks the top right hat is a major pain for me to reach . That said : funkedup you state that you don't use use your stick hand for views , I figure you use the 8 way hat on the throttle and ?? what for the 5 key modifer ? to get the 45 views ?

I love my CH pedals and also my old Pro Throttle but never like the hat placement on their sticks , but maybe with the 8 way on the throttle now it wouldn't matter . I had always wished that the bottom left hat was a 8 way as it was a perfect fit for me , is there a option as to what one you can make 8 way ??

I know alot of questions

[ 09-22-2001: Message edited by: airspro ]

funkedup · « **Reply #8 on:** September 22, 2001, 11:08:00 PM »

Yes the 8-way hat is the one next to the mini-stick. I have the 8-way hat mapped for views. I map the mini-stick as the mouse in most games. In AH I have it setup to do panning views. I mapped the middle finger button on the throttle to keypad 5. I mapped one of the index finger hat directions to keypad 0. That's how I get up and down view combinations.

I don't use many of the stick buttons for fighter stuff. I hold the stick with thumb and middle finger and rest my wrist on the base, which gives me really fine control. So about the only stick buttons I can access in a dogfight are the trigger, the secondary (thumb) trigger, and the pinky button at the bottom of the stick base. To get to the other buttons I have to change my grip, so I use those other buttons for things like bomb doors, clipboard, map zoom, etc.

[ 09-22-2001: Message edited by: funkedup ]

funkedup · « **Reply #9 on:** September 22, 2001, 11:18:00 PM »

PS

I'm not sure which hat on the Combatstick 568 is the 8-way hat. I bet if you emailed their tech support they would answer it. I've gotten prompt answers on similar questions before.

Also, from taking apart other CH sticks, I think you could probably swap the hats pretty easily. But I can't be certain.

airspro · « **Reply #10 on:** September 22, 2001, 11:30:00 PM »

Thanks funkedup , that sounds like a good way to go . I will most likly get one sooner than later

God I love hardware .

I think I will give them a call , will post what they say about 8 way hat placement .

RangerBob · « **Reply #11 on:** September 23, 2001, 08:43:00 AM »

Here is a copy of the official release describing the new sticks and hats.

Ranger Bob

From CH Products
"CH Products releases its new USB controllers:

We are pleased to announce two new products to complete your HOTAS (Hands on stick and throttle) set-up.

USB Combatstick 568- Offers an eight way Point of View (POV) HAT (which replaces the 4 way from earlier versions of this model), one 4 way HAT and six push buttons. The 8 way POV HAT can be used as either a traditional POV HAT or all eight directions can be programmed to perform a variety of functions (mouse buttons, joystick buttons, keyboard strokes and combinations). And, if needed,the user can even disable the four intermediary positions on the 8 way POV HAT so that it functions as a 4 way POV HAT or switch. The other 4 way HAT switch has the same programming capability as the 8 way except that it is limited to 4 versus 8 programmable directions. As with our other USB devices, the axis of the Combatstick 568 can now be programmed with keyboard strokes. This feature allows the average gamer the ability to use his or her controller in games that previously did not have joystick support. With programmable keyboard strokes and the ability to "combine" controllers into what the game will recognize as a single device, the Control Manager software enables multiple controller inputs for games designed to support only one.

Part #200-568 Cost: $79.95

USB Fighterstick- Offers one 8 way POV HAT, 3 push buttons, one mode switch, three 4 way hat switches, and an LED Mode indicator light. Each of the traditional joystick buttons has the ability to be used as either a standard Direct X button or it can be programmed to emulate keystrokes or mouse buttons. The 8 way Point of View (POV) HAT can be used as either a traditional POV HAT or all eight directions can be programmed to any number of functions (mouse buttons, joystick buttons, keyboard strokes and combinations). You can even disable the four intermediary positions on the 8 way POV HAT so that it functions as 4 way POV HAT or switch. The other 4 way HAT switch has the same programming capability as the 8 way, except that it is limited to 4 versus 8 programmable directions that total 23 separate programmed functions, 24 if you disable the Mode Switch. The Mode capability is activated in the Control Manager software. Once activated, the Mode Switch allows the end user to switch through three separate modes, with each mode having completely different programmed functions for the entire controller. Thus, giving the end user up to 139 separate button functions. A total of 141 positions are possible if the axis has not already been programmed as keyboard strokes.

Part #200-571 Cost: $149.95

To order, please contact our sales department at Tel: 800-624-5804, 760-598-2518 or email: Sales@chproducts.com"
null

[ 09-23-2001: Message edited by: RangerBob ]

SunKing · « **Reply #12 on:** September 26, 2001, 01:34:00 AM »

I just ordered the new #200-568 combatstick straight form CH. I couldn't wait anymore for retailers to stock it in a month or two. Oh well thank to Harveys at Tahoe craps tables for my full CH usb setup

batdog · « **Reply #13 on:** September 26, 2001, 09:05:00 AM »

Question... how does a throttle help ie a seperate one anyway. I have a MS USB stick and a set of CH analog pedals/rudder. The rudder pedals certainly helped alot.

Are there any duel USB throttles out there as well?

xBAT

DRILL · « **Reply #14 on:** September 27, 2001, 05:58:00 PM »

WELL THX GUYS IV WAITED SO LONG FOR THE USB FIGHTER STICK TO COME OUT IV NOT CHECKED LATELY

IV JUST ORDERED IT >>>opps capps<<<
sorry . i have now scents they came out the combat stick ,,throttle ..pedals all usb . i love em simple to set up and a joy to fly with i highly recomend em

[ 09-27-2001: Message edited by: DRILL ]