Buying a large quantity of joysticks, rudders and headsets

[mthrockmor]

Okay, I am going to give a try to setting up 50+ (could be well over 100) JROTC cadets on AH. I've struggled to make this commitment due to other concerns I've had but...

Suggestions on what joystick I can buy that is both rugged and very affordable. Same for pedals and headgear.

Thanks in advance.

boo

[Mar]

  That'd be awesome! Let me know if you bring em to the TA, I want to welcome them!

As for a stick, I think the thrustmaster t-flight would be what you're looking for, but after a quick search I couldn't find any in the numbers you're looking for. Other options might be the thrustmaster t1600, or maybe the cyborg fly 5 would be nice thanks to its adjustability but I don't know much about its reliability.

I know the Logicrap extreme 3d pro looks tempting but you might want something that will last longer than a couple months.

[RotBaron]

I saw some Thrustmasters about half price of the logitech 3D at FRY's electronics the other day. They had ~10 out, take a look at their website. This sounds pricey endeavor, you getting any help or donations to make this happen?

[FLS]

Have you determined that the PC's can all run AH?

I would start with mouse flying, joysticks OK if they already have them.

If it's educational for the flight model I don't think the controller matters.

[MrRiplEy[H]]

Have you determined that the PC's can all run AH?

I would start with mouse flying, joysticks OK if they already have them.

If it's educational for the flight model I don't think the controller matters.

I think it matters especially then. With mouse you get no 'feel' of the flight model because you're just fighting with the unnatural way to steer.

[Rob52240]

Thrustmaster T Flight HOTAS - $50

[wpeters]

3d is a lot better than the cyborg 5

[Zerstorer]

Thrustmaster T Flight HOTAS - $50

My son has one and likes it a lot.  We've had it for two years and still no spiking so I'd second this recommendation.

My son just finished a HS freshman piloting class, BTW....I think it's great some schools are offering this stuff.  So I think what you are doing is a great idea! 

[Bizman]

Thrustmaster T-Flight Hotas is the most inexpensive one on the market and it's relatively good for the price. Since the quantity is that large, why not ask Thrustmaster directly for a sponsor? Should you get those guys interested they'd be likely to buy something they've got familiar with. JROTC seems to be such a huge program that any company should be interested in getting positive publicity through them.

[Brooke]

Okay, I am going to give a try to setting up 50+ (could be well over 100) JROTC cadets on AH. I've struggled to make this commitment due to other concerns I've had but...

Suggestions on what joystick I can buy that is both rugged and very affordable. Same for pedals and headgear.

Thanks in advance.

boo

You are awesome! 

Headset:  Koss CS-100 is $14 and is great.  That is what I use.  Good sound, very good mic, durable.
http://www.amazon.com/Koss-Speech-Recognition-Computer-Headset/dp/B00005ML7Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1421099686&sr=8-1&keywords=koss+cs-100

Joystick:  Not sure what to recommend for the best cheap one.  I've used cheap Saitek sticks (like Saitek Aviator for about $50 and Saitek Cyborg for $30-$50) as joysticks for guests at my house.  They work and aren't horrible, though not nearly as good as CH Flightsticks (which is what I use, go for about $80).  I haven't used any of the cheaper Thrustmasters.
Aviator
http://www.amazon.com/Saitek-Aviator-Throttle-Joystick-PS33/dp/B000I62PEK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1421100690&sr=8-1&keywords=saitek+aviator
Cyborg
http://www.amazon.com/Mad-Catz-V-1-Stick-PC/dp/B001MGNWDI/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1421100560&sr=8-10&keywords=saitek+aviator
also
http://www.mypilotstore.com/MyPilotStore/sep/10029
CH Products Flightstick
http://www.amazon.com/CH-Products-Flightstick-4-Button-Hatswitch/dp/B00006B84V/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1421101413&sr=8-1&keywords=ch+products+flightstick
also
http://www.mypilotstore.com/MyPilotStore/sep/4128

Pedals:  For tight budget, I'd maybe skip pedals and just use the twisty feature of the cheap joystick to provide rudder, as pedals are such a high cost.  If not skipping, then I'd go with CH Products pedals, as they are about as cheap or cheaper (at $113) than alternatives I see from Saitek and Thrustmaster.
http://www.amazon.com/CH-Products-Pedals-Simulator-300-111/dp/B0000512IE/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1421101091&sr=1-1&keywords=rudder+pedals
also
http://www.mypilotstore.com/MyPilotStore/sep/4129?qryrmv=1&ppcs=google&ppcg=7-11&keyword=rudder%20pedals&gclid=CN6B-bC-j8MCFRWRfgodLLwArg

[Ack-Ack]

Okay, I am going to give a try to setting up 50+ (could be well over 100) JROTC cadets on AH. I've struggled to make this commitment due to other concerns I've had but...

Suggestions on what joystick I can buy that is both rugged and very affordable. Same for pedals and headgear.

Thanks in advance.

boo

If you're going to need that many controllers, you should contact the CH Products sales department and speak to them about buying controllers in bulk.  You may get a nice discount through them for buying in bulk.  Ask for Debbie Seymore, she's the sales chief over there.

ack-ack

[Sombra]

I think the T.16000M may be the most durable, being precise too, according to this article. It has non-contact sensors. I think I would try to avoid potentiometers. I haven't tried the joystick.

http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/multimedia/display/joystick-roundup_5.html