Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => Hardware and Software => Topic started by: Cobra516 on June 19, 2010, 09:04:35 AM
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Teej & I flew a short formation demonstration with the Warthog for the press at the preview event on Tuesday. We were there Whack, Gunner, and Panther from our team - it was a great event.
SimHQ at E3Expo 2010 - Hands-on: Thrustmaster HOTAS Warthog Controller (http://www.simhq.com/_commentary/all_101b.html)
It was a private/invite only event, so they had us wear flight suits to add to the feel of the presentation, we don't go around in public wearing those!
Game Nexus - E3 2010: Thrustmaster HOTAS Warthog (http://www.gamingnexus.com/FullNews/E3-2010-Thrustmaster-HOTAS-Warthog/Item18305.aspx)
http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/17/thrustmaster-unveils-its-perfect-replica-hotas-warthog-flight-co/
SimHQ Forums: Teej's comments about the HOTAS Warthog from the preview at E3Expo 2010 (http://simhq.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/3032644/Re_Thrustmaster_HOTAS_Warthog_.html#Post3032644)
http://simhq.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/3032602/4.html
Everyone was really scrambling to get the venue ready for the event on time. We, along with the crew from Thrustmaster and SC Simulations, spent most of Monday night and all of Tuesday getting everything setup. We encountered several, potentially show stopping technical difficulties along the way, and as a result we had very little time to practice. After Thrustmaster wrapped up their powerpoint presentation of the Warthog, they turned it over to Teej & I for our formation demo.
We did a few loops and rolls, and then a formation landing. It was a little distracting having everyone watching and the cameramen filming over my shoulder, but we flew very well and TM really liked the demo. It demonstrated the precision of the controllers - I can lock in that sight picture much easier with the Warthog. Although we only managed to get about 20 minutes of practice in the pits there, we have spent the last few weeks beta testing the Warthog, so at least we had some stick time upon arrival at the event.
It is an outstanding HOTAS right out of the box, I am extremely impressed. You can really feel the precision while flying with it. In Aces High II it really helps with gunnery and flying on the edge of the stall break. The stick has a resolution along the X and Y axis of 65,556 and 16,500 resolution on the throttle thanks to the hall sensors. I can squeeze on G's down to the 1/100th without any spiking. Since the stick doesn't have any gimbals, it has a very smooth and fluid feel throughout the range of movement. There is absolutely zero center play. There is no X / Y axis transition clunk that's found in most other sticks. The stick effort increases symmetrically in all directions, there isn't any of that odd uneven stick force you experience with a stick with gimbals as you move it around. The weighted base plate is held to the round base by 4 screws and is easily removable, very nice feature for cockpit builders.
As for the throttle, there is absolutely no "sticktion". The adjustable friction wheel works very well and you're able to make extremely fine corrections without the throttle jumping/sticking. It stays where you put it though, so you don't have to worry about it falling to the stops or creeping forward/backward, even at the lightest friction setting.
The other night I flew in the dueling arena with the Warthog, my first test with it in Aces High II. I was going head to head with Dodger and Bighorn/Texture in the P-38. I was experimenting with the dual throttle action and seeing how it might give me an edge over a '38 driver without dual throttles. I was surprised to find that it does make for some very impressive slow speed over the top hammerhead style reversals - my adversaries were impressed and I pulled off more than a few snapshots thanks to my careful management of the throttles. While it seemed to be very useful in certain situations, it was also very easy to get carried away; my mismanagement of the throttles at the wrong time sent the airplane into some wild yaw-induced departure stalls. However, with some more practice I think I'll most certainly have the edge over a pilot that doesn't have split throttles.
The whole setup just feels great to fly with, I gave it a good workout. As everyone knows, there's an impressive amount of stick and throttle work involved in those slow speed stall fights! The Warthog handled it nicely and I wasn't fatigued after the fights.
I am extremely impressed with the out of the box Warthog. I don't see any need to modify it in any way. The throttle and stick movements are flawless and the feel of the buttons is great. There are very few moving parts to wear out, so I expect it will be very reliable. I really don't have anything bad to say about the Warthog so far - I've been trying to find something that I don't like but I can't find anything to pick apart. It'll be very nice to have the hall sensors in the stick and throttle, so the precision will remain over time and won't spike like worn out potentiometers. There isn't any slop or play in the stick, it seems to be a very solid design.
The programming software is very slick - much easier than the Foxy programming, although you can still get that in depth with it if you choose. It seems to be designed to be easy to work with for people new to programming software, but also allows extreme customization for those more familiar with such.
They've done an excellent job with this HOTAS, they set the bar with the Cougar, and they've raised it very high with the Warthog. I honestly believe it is the best HOTAS ever made. It will be well worth the money and I highly doubt anyone is going to want to modify it - it's just that good.
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I'm not impressed by the ergonomics of the throttle one bit.
But being the most elite stick in AH2, 2009 ToC champion and highest kill streak record holder without a death. They can send me one for testing. kkthx
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Looks nice.
but price wise. Far too rich for my blood...or my wallet
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I'm not impressed by the ergonomics of the throttle one bit.
But being the most elite stick in AH2, 2009 ToC champion and highest kill streak record holder without a death. They can send me one for testing. kkthx
yawn.....just so you know I'm not impressed with your "virtual" resume either.
BACK ON TOPIC!!!
Thanks for sharing VTB_Ray I appreciate it and I am sure many others here do as well.
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It's more impressive then flying around in formation all day, lols.
Haters going to hate.
Thanks for the review btw.
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Thanks for the review. Sounds like it clearly surpasses the original Cougar.
Have you ever used a Uber NXT modded Cougar? If so, how do you think the sticks compare?
But being the most elite stick in AH2, 2009 ToC champion and highest kill streak record holder without a death. They can send me one for testing. kkthx
I've been called best bait and have perfected the art of tower ramming. I guess that makes me just as eligible for a test unit as well. I'll keep an eye on the doorstep.
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Good review, I think I will still buy one when it comes out.
I've said it before, but having a dual throttle set up will not suddenly make you an expert in the P38 (look at me for example). There are a few places where having a dual throttle is nice, I've pasted the list below.
1. Throttling down one engine to compensate for a missing wing, you can fly straight and level with this.
2. Great hammerheads, you can really squeeze every last bit of energy out of the plane and can reverse very quickly.
3. Immersion (AKAK quote).
4. Spin recovery.
5. Making great 'donuts' on the runway.
6. Out of plane, last ditch efforts (cut one engine and roll it hard).
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Is there anything that you don't like about this HOTAS?
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Is there anything that you don't like about this HOTAS?
So far there isn't anything I don't like about it.
Have you ever used a Uber NXT modded Cougar? If so, how do you think the sticks compare?
Posted here http://simhq.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/3032602/3.html
By Joe: "No, it is much lighter and smoother. It feels fantastic, better than my NXT-modded Cougar gimbals."
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How's the programming software?
ack-ack
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How are the ergonomics of both pieces?
Like Kazaa when I first saw the throttle I didn't think it looked very ergonomic. The more I look at it though the more I question that first impression.
How well can you reach all the buttons and switches on both? How do all the buttons and switches feel, are any difficult to operate?
Thank you Ray, for your time and insight. (You lucky dog)
To whom it may concern at Thrustmaster. I'm a mediocre cartoon pile-it at best, hardcore flight simmer. I fly everything from Camels to modern jet fighters, and I would be willing to test a Warthog HOTAS set up to give you that street level everyday Joe viewpoint. :aok :D
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How's the programming software?
ack-ack
I thought the review said there was none, just set up in Windows or something.
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If you look at the first link he poster provided, it has pics of the software.
http://www.simhq.com/_commentary/images/all_101c_008.jpg
http://www.simhq.com/_commentary/images/all_101c_009.jpg
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Where is the switch to lock the throttles together?
Can you enable the switch easily with one hand on the fly?
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There is also a video up in the hands-on section that shows someone using the throttle and how that person is able to reach buttons and switches on the throttle.
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I didn't see any switch called 'throttle lock' nor did he say anything about the switches he was pressing when using the device.
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The throttle lock is down on the front right side of the left throttle. I'll get a video of it in action and post for everyone either tonight or tomorrow. It's not too difficult to get to with one hand. It uses a magnet so it's easy to slide in and out of the right throttle's locking port. The left throttle has the small metal magnetic stud in it that slides right / left in and out of the right throttle to lock or unlock them.
I found it easier to just use them both unlocked in the P-38 and move them together. The friction on the left and right is identical, so you don't input any unintentional asymmetrical thrust.
Those threads I linked in the original post, although lengthy, answer many questions.
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I'm not impressed by the ergonomics of the throttle one bit.
But being the most elite stick in AH2, 2009 ToC champion and highest kill streak record holder without a death. They can send me one for testing. kkthx
no way they'd send you one, it might get lost in your gravitational sink :D
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the throttle stick has lots of flip switches. are those for show or do they actually function?
it does look like a nice stick.. but the price tag is beyond ridiculous. I'll wait a couple years for them to fix whatever glitches it might have and the price drop down.
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All of the switches on the throttle are functional and can be mapped with the programming software.
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The throttle lock is down on the front right side of the left throttle. I'll get a video of it in action and post for everyone either tonight or tomorrow. It's not too difficult to get to with one hand. It uses a magnet so it's easy to slide in and out of the right throttle's locking port. The left throttle has the small metal magnetic stud in it that slides right / left in and out of the right throttle to lock or unlock them.
I found it easier to just use them both unlocked in the P-38 and move them together. The friction on the left and right is identical, so you don't input any unintentional asymmetrical thrust.
Those threads I linked in the original post, although lengthy, answer many questions.
;)
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no way they'd send you one, it might get lost in your gravitational sink :D
Ofc they wouldn't send me one for evaluation now the final product is complete. But next time, if a manufacture was smart enough to source experten players for their opinions when it comes to beta testing of a product then I would be more then willing to do so.
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I randomly re-looked at the linked threads yesterday or the day before, and I noticed some new information:
http://www.simhq.com/_technology3/technology_175a.html
Also through blind luck I hit the thread at the perfect time to win a t-shirt. Hah. I admitted to not being a regular at SimHQ but we'll see if they send it to me anyways :D http://simhq.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/3032644/42.html
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It seems there's an Amazon.uk link for it now, although out of stock. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Thrustmaster-Hotas-Warthog-Joystick-Throttle/dp/B00371R8P4/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1279986639&sr=1-7
When it hits the US then I'll have a decision to make, as 4 different hat directions on my CH Throttle have recently stopped working, to my annoyance.
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Well there's finally a US-based source to pre-order from: http://www.shopblt.com/cgi-bin/shop/shop.cgi?action=thispage&thispage=01100200U025_BDE6442P.shtml&order_id=135239187 . Price is US$405 . Who knows how that price will change when its actually in stock.... The UK-Amazon link was removed by Amazon for some reason.
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Someone at SimHQ found it at an online store I've actually heard of before, this time at $385. Apparently Google is finding more and more online stores with pre-orders every day. Looks like a September release of the Warthog is legit.
http://www.provantage.com/guillemot-2960720~AGUIL01L.htm
Now I have to seriously think about how badly I want one and what I'm going to give up if I do.
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Now I have to seriously think about how badly I want one and what I'm going to give up if I do.
Ditto
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So I never got around to uploading that video :uhoh but here's a video + review.
Thrustmaster Warthog preview by www.checksix-fr.com (http://www.checksix-fr.com):
Click here (http://translate.google.pt/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.checksix-fr.com%2Farticles%2FArticles_html%2FTM_Warthog%2FPreview%2FPreview_Warthog_TM.html&sl=fr&tl=en&hl=&ie=UTF-8) to read the review, Google translation (pictures included).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEVvi2Y0jT0&feature=player_embedded
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Thanks Cobra! :salute
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I was thanked in the cougar manual as I gave input for the cougar debacle:)
Look for Lew/Silat in the "Special Thanks" section
Will that get me an in? :)
http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh473/cactuskooler/Cougar_Manual.jpg
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Interesting, this company now shows that they have 11 pre-ordered and 17 incoming... but they also in the past two days pushed back the arrival date from the 15th to the 26th.
http://www.shopblt.com/cgi-bin/shop/shop.cgi?action=thispage&thispage=01100200U025_BDE6442P.shtml&order_id=
I take all that to mean its pretty dang sure that they'll be showing up everywhere in stock by the end of this month.
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Posted by guod over at SimHQ.com
Breaking News!
More details on the Thrustmaster HOTAS Warthog
The Warthog will be available for USA pre-ordering later this week.
The official Suggested Retail Price is $499 USD.
The expected ship date is October 30th, 2010.
Look for more news on SimHQ soon!
Well that puts it outta my price range for a while, as much as I wanted to grab one I guess I will be hanging in the wind for a bit until the $$$ starts coming down more and more. Even the price that some places have on the pre-order pages of $400 are way out of what I can toss around for a purchase these days like that on one piece of kit.
Yeah I know what you guys are saying and will say....it should be a long term purchase as my Cougar was (I recently sold it) and you should get a long life out of it.
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Looks like its October 20th. Courtesy of SimHQ (via http://simhq.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/3032644/77.html ):
http://www.thrustmaster.com/product.aspx?ProductID=221
http://www.simhq.com/_technology/PDF/HOTAS_Warthog_PA.pdf
Some places that have it available for pre-order:
http://officenation.com/webapp/ofdetails.asp?item=DE6442&langId=en-us&storeId=str02
http://www.fadfusion.com/selection.php?product_item_number=20260805128
http://www.shopblt.com/cgi-bin/shop/shop.cgi?action=thispage&thispage=01100450100_BDE6442P.shtml&order_id=334592948
http://www.audio-discounters.com/2960720.html
http://www.provantage.com/guillemot-2960720~AGUIL01L.htm
Non-US:
http://ns5.frontierpc.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductId=2044616738
http://www.anitec.ca/product/798750/guillemot-thrustmaster-hotas-warthog-2971004
http://www.dabs.com/products/thrustmaster-hotas-warthog-joystick-and-throttle-for-pc-75W2.html
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Thrustmaster-Hotas-Warthog-Joystick-Throttle/dp/B00371R8P4/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1279986639&sr=1-7
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I was drooling pretty good until I read this..... "The HOTAS Warthog includes no provisions for connection of rudder pedals, and for now Thrustmaster has no plans to make USB rudder pedals."
I really like my old analog TM pedals, they plug into my Cougar and have a nice wide layout. I don't have a lot of experience with other pedals but the ones I sat down to once were too narrow feeling, and missing the sliding action of mine.
Other than that, pretty cool. I'll have to check the price of the NZT mod again. Either way, it'll be quite a while before I can afford it, but it's nice to dream.
Jenks
p.s. Lew, will you sign my copy of the handbook next time I come to PLand? :}
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I was drooling pretty good until I read this..... "The HOTAS Warthog includes no provisions for connection of rudder pedals, and for now Thrustmaster has no plans to make USB rudder pedals."
I really like my old analog TM pedals, they plug into my Cougar and have a nice wide layout. I don't have a lot of experience with other pedals but the ones I sat down to once were too narrow feeling, and missing the sliding action of mine.
Other than that, pretty cool. I'll have to check the price of the NZT mod again. Either way, it'll be quite a while before I can afford it, but it's nice to dream.
Jenks
p.s. Lew, will you sign my copy of the handbook next time I come to PLand? :}
Sounds like you need to check into Saitek's pedals... wide stance... that slide instead of pivot. Another option is to convert your old TM pedals.. I'm sure there's some way to do it. What kind of connector is it?
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I was drooling pretty good until I read this..... "The HOTAS Warthog includes no provisions for connection of rudder pedals, and for now Thrustmaster has no plans to make USB rudder pedals."
I really like my old analog TM pedals, they plug into my Cougar and have a nice wide layout. I don't have a lot of experience with other pedals but the ones I sat down to once were too narrow feeling, and missing the sliding action of mine.
Other than that, pretty cool. I'll have to check the price of the NZT mod again. Either way, it'll be quite a while before I can afford it, but it's nice to dream.
Jenks
p.s. Lew, will you sign my copy of the handbook next time I come to PLand? :}
Yes but due to my contract I have to charge you:)
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Ordered my today,
with a bit of luck I should have it Thursday or Friday...
Will let you know how it is
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Mine shipped from the UK today, hoping to have it in a week!
http://www.flightstore.co.uk/
Steely
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Pre-ordered mine - now just waiting for it to pop up!! With my obutto cockpit arriving in December and hopefully the Saitek combat pedals too I am looking forward to happy simming times.
As for now I click my way around the DCS-A10 beta cockpit with the mouse! :x (gosh - this sim is sooooo grrreat!)
---
JaBoG32_Kirin
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Euros are starting to get theirs delivered at their homes, no surprise there since its apparently made or at least delivered from Belgium. US sources now say they are getting theirs next week. Still haven't ordered one myself, I'll let the crazies break them in before I spend money I barely have haha. I'm a poor student again after all. Still would be nice to sell my CH Throttle and Stick before the market is flooded with other people unloading theirs due to new HOTASs, lol.
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Mine arrived this afternoon, dratted T.A.R.G.E.T software won't run though, keeps crashing on open (tried compatibility mode and run as admin)
Not to worry, am just using the Aces internal keymapper
Steely
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Mine arrived this afternoon, dratted T.A.R.G.E.T software won't run though, keeps crashing on open (tried compatibility mode and run as admin)
Not to worry, am just using the Aces internal keymapper
Steely
I was hoping (and expecting) that we wouldn't even need TARGET for AH, good to know that its true. But, I'm pretty sure on the SimHQ forums they have instructions for getting the TARGET software to work, it seems the initial release had a bug. If your only flight sim is AH then you probably don't need it tho.
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Thanks for that BoilerDown, you're right, there is a trick to it
Keyboard and language settings need to be english/US or it won't work
http://simhq.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/3124095/2.html
Salute
Steely
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Ok. It's now Nov 02. What's the latest? Anyone know? When and where will the Warthog be available? I'm curious to see who going to carry it, and what the price range will be.
Nutz
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They are not producing the Warthog due to production costs and the world wide recession :old:
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They are not producing the Warthog due to production costs and the world wide recession :old:
LOL.
But seriously, they are producing them, but yeah it keeps getting pushed back. People actually have them in Europe, but all the NA retailers keep sliding their release dates. At this point I don't believe any date until they actually say "In Stock" on them. They pushed it back the entire months of September and October so far. Its the carrot on a stick trick until it isn't imo.
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hurrah! :x
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Just got an e-mail today, mine will be shipped to be on the 9th of Nov....
It looks like they have a backlog as over 3000 Units shipped the first week
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Amazon currently has a few Warthogs from different vendors.
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Amazon currently has a few Warthogs from different vendors.
Price: $510.02
In Stock.
Ships from and sold by The Price Pros.
Only 3 left in stock--order soon.
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if i buy another joystick my wife will set the dog on me :old:
Is five excessive?
x1 ch stick
x2 st290's
x1 X52
x1 logitec attak
x1 logitec force 3d pro stick
thats 6 :x
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S/N 00243 Arrived today :) and I am stuck working :(
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we require a full appraisal :old: :salute
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S/N 00243 Arrived today :) and I am stuck working :(
Aww, thought I had a low number with s/n 414 <g>
Enjoy it Heater, and if you figure out how to use the H3 button as an 8-way for views in AH, let me know, TARGET is easy to use, but haven't managed to figure that out yet.
Steely
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S/N 00243 Arrived today :)
Aww, thought I had a low number with s/n 414 <g>
Steely
:cheers:
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One of those guys sitting in the hot seat looks like he was about to pass out, has his stomach all sucked in, breath man breath ......... :rofl
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My review of the HOTAS WARTHOG
S/N 00243
First impression out of the box was… What no software…. It seems that Thurstmaster wants you do download the latest version ok I guess but for some people this might be a problem. The TARGET software install was straight forward however it crashes on a regular basis and is still listed as “Beta” and you must set your keyboard up to use the "American English" settings or it will crash on start. Using the basic setup for creating profiles is easy to use but it crashes a lot :(
On a scale of 1 to 10 the Target software is about a 4 I hope this will be resolved as it needs a lot of work but for now its crap.
AS for the HOTAS it’s self all I can say is WOW it is the smoothest stick I have ever had and it’s heavy the stick is a bit stiff but very accurate and there is no drift what so ever in compression to the COUGAR the stick has the same feel but the quality is much higher i.e. no center play and construction is solid. The Throttle is also very smooth and using the same sensors throttle movements are flawless the switches feel heavy but at the same time they match the feel of the real thing. Once Thrustmaster gets the software side fixed I think this will be one of the best Set-ups money can buy.
Overall I would say this is a 8.8 (would be a 10 but the software is just not ready for prime time) on the hardware side its a 10!!!
:airplane:
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oops
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Location: Amersfoort, Netherlands
Have you seen this: http://simhq.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/3124095/2.html ?
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Don't know when mine will arrive but I just won the giveaway contest over at SimHQ for a Warthog HOTAS! Man I am stoked!
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Don't know when mine will arrive but I just won the giveaway contest over at SimHQ for a Warthog HOTAS! Man I am stoked!
:furious :mad:
But otherwise happy for you. I tried my best :D
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Don't know when mine will arrive but I just won the giveaway contest over at SimHQ for a Warthog HOTAS! Man I am stoked!
Congrats! I forgot to submit one in time... stupid school projects :furious
Be sure to let us know what you think of it.
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As I said in the announcement thread...pics and report will be done as soon as I get my hands on it.
For AH, DCS A-10C Beta AND any other flight game I game get installed and working for it.
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Don't know when mine will arrive but I just won the giveaway contest over at SimHQ for a Warthog HOTAS! Man I am stoked!
WOW! wtfg. I'm envious.
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Don't know when mine will arrive but I just won the giveaway contest over at SimHQ for a Warthog HOTAS! Man I am stoked!
:mad: :furious
Soo, what was the good reason?? :D
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:mad: :furious
;)
Congrats Reschke. :aok
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Anyone here using the new T.A.R.G.E.T software with their old hotas cougar and if so is it better than foxy.
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Being used to Foxy I find it faster and easier and I like that fact that it loads the mapping onto the stick. The advantage of the Target virtual HOTAS driver is that it works with more than one Thrusmaster controller and allows you to set 6 different functions per button to any and all of them, even if you just have the MFDs or the T16000 joystick. Target is a work in progress and I expect it will improve but it's usable now and it's graphical approach is probably easier for a new user than Foxy.
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Thanks for responding FLS...I too prefer Foxy....
I have a modded cougar and just love it the way it is now..
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Foxy just seemed more intuitive to my brain in many ways. I am so far from being a programmer it isn't even funny so I have a very hard time wrapping this Target language around my brain.
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I got mine a couple weeks ago but have been away from the house. Being used to CH products, I will have to develop a stronger right arm. :banana: :banana: :banana: