A few Warthog questions

[Warty]

I got to check out one of those A-10 Warthog stick/throttle combinations recently. Very bad. Verrrrry bad. Must resist...

Anyway, before I do anything stupid, I wanted to ask a few questions from users:
1. it has hall sensors instead of pots (from what I read anyway). I have hacked my SunCom sticks to use hall sensors, and have been pretty happy with the results. But what is it like with the Warthog? Is it really as good as calibrate once, and never worry about it? Do you need to use deadbands at all or is it just rock solid?

2. Does anyone use it with a stick extender? I use one of these for my suncom, in my cheezo simpit, and have grown to really like it. The suncom is quite firm (2 springs in there), but there is some play right at the center. Wondering if maybe the Warthog has strong enough resistance to handle an 15" or so extender, and still be non-floppy.

3. The guy whose setup I was checking out said something like he bought it on eBay as a fixer-upper, for "cheap", but A: what goes wrong on these? and B: what should I expect to pay for a used, non-perfect one?

I don't have a problem re-wiring, but I don't have any metal fabrication or 3D printing skills.

[ebfd11]

I got to check out one of those A-10 Warthog stick/throttle combinations recently. Very bad. Verrrrry bad. Must resist...

Anyway, before I do anything stupid, I wanted to ask a few questions from users:
1. it has hall sensors instead of pots (from what I read anyway). I have hacked my SunCom sticks to use hall sensors, and have been pretty happy with the results. But what is it like with the Warthog? Is it really as good as calibrate once, and never worry about it? Do you need to use deadbands at all or is it just rock solid?
Never had to calibrate it yet..
2. Does anyone use it with a stick extender? I use one of these for my suncom, in my cheezo simpit, and have grown to really like it. The suncom is quite firm (2 springs in there), but there is some play right at the center. Wondering if maybe the Warthog has strong enough resistance to handle an 15" or so extender, and still be non-floppy.
I have a Playseat with the stick to my right so I don't know about the extender.
3. The guy whose setup I was checking out said something like he bought it on eBay as a fixer-upper, for "cheap", but A: what goes wrong on these? and B: what should I expect to pay for a used, non-perfect one?
I can't answer that ..I bought mine new at FRYS
I don't have a problem re-wiring, but I don't have any metal fabrication or 3D printing skills.

All in all the thing is a monster and i love it... hope to see you on the dark side ..

LawnDart

[FESS67]

Bought mine new as well.  I am reasonably happy with it.

The extender is supposed to make it more accurate / sensitive.  I think for people like me who like to move the stick a lot the extender will allow me to move my hand more and the stick less.  I have not tried one though.

[FLS]

One feature of extensions is the ability to offset a center mounted stick for proper ergonomics.

I doubt you'd want more than an 8" extension with 6 more likely. Keep the base off the floor to set the stick height.

[Warty]

I think I must have about 15" right now, but I could build up the platform higher. I have to say I like the longer throw, but I've never tried 8", it's probably enough too.

[FLS]

On the Warthog a long extension would exacerbate the gimble friction ring wear problem. Since the base plate comes off the Warthog it's easy to mount the base higher. If your current setup works I wouldn't change it.