Aces High Bulletin Board

General Forums => Aces High General Discussion => Topic started by: Gianlupo on April 27, 2006, 02:32:55 PM

Title: New rudder pedals
Post by: Gianlupo on April 27, 2006, 02:32:55 PM
I don't know if someone already posted this, but Saitek announced on their forums that they're gonna release later this year (probably in autumn) rudder pedals for us flight sim buffs.

No pictures were yet released (you will be able to see them soon, they will be official presented at E3 in May), however Saitek said they will have toebreak! :)

 (http://www.saitekforum.com/showthread.php?t=9143) (in order to read the last thread linked in the one I posted, you must be registered on Saitek forum).
Title: New rudder pedals
Post by: Simaril on April 27, 2006, 02:40:08 PM
Would have to be cheaper than the CH pedals if they want to make an impact....

Speaking of toe brakes, any body out there using racing pedals for AH? always wondered how that would work out...
Title: New rudder pedals
Post by: Pooface on April 27, 2006, 02:41:08 PM
<---- cant bloody wait!!

if the pedals are any bit as good as the X52, im going to buy them the day they come out lol. as much as i love the X52, i hate that damned erratic twisty stick.
Title: New rudder pedals
Post by: Gianlupo on April 27, 2006, 02:43:51 PM
Quote
Would have to be cheaper than the CH pedals if they want to make an impact....


Sim, they didn't yet said anything about pricing, but I guess they will cost about half of CH pedals.

Poo, I hate the twisty stick, too, the one on the TM Afterburner was much better than this one! I began saving money.... ;)
Title: New rudder pedals
Post by: Pooface on April 27, 2006, 02:45:32 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Gianlupo
Sim, they didn't yet said anything about pricing, but I guess they will cost about half of CH pedals.

Poo, I hate the twisty stick, too, the one on the TM Afterburner was much better than this one! I began saving money.... ;)



yeah lol. it isnt really smooth enough, and it always snaps right back.

with pedals it's so much smoother:) will take me 2 weeks to get back on form after buying them though lol.
Title: New rudder pedals
Post by: Mustaine on April 27, 2006, 02:45:48 PM
wow thats actually pretty big news.

will be interesting
Title: New rudder pedals
Post by: Hajo on April 27, 2006, 02:53:49 PM
As with all Saitek products you pay a cheaper price.....you get a cheaper product.  In all my years of playing Flight Sims online....and that's a lot.
CH is the best....never....and I repeat never have I had a stick, throttle, or pedals malfunction once on me.  Their Service is far superior to any, and their product lasts much longer.  In the long run...believe me, I've used every stick there is on the market, they'll never compare to CH Products in any way. Save your money........get CH and you will believe me, save a great deal of money in the future.  The CH HOTAS is without doubt the best money can buy.

Several of the players in Aces High are using my used CH gear. Some of those controlers are in excess of 5 years old and going strong.
Title: New rudder pedals
Post by: The Fugitive on April 27, 2006, 03:11:38 PM
I'm still using my CH pedals <---- read non "Pro" and non USB, for going on 8-10 years. Been that long that I can't remember when I bought them. I do use an "analog to USB" adaptor, and have upgraded to USB stick and throttle a year ago.

Only problem I have had with my "old" analog CH stuff was the newer generation motherboards don't supply enough voltage to the "keyboard" plug any more to run them. With everything going to USB they have moved the power to teh USB legs instead, other wize I'd still be using my old CH stuff.

Ya they are a bit expensive, but they are worth every penny and more !
Title: New rudder pedals
Post by: Gianlupo on April 27, 2006, 04:26:55 PM
Yep, I know CH are the best products out there, but, for now, I just can't afford them... and I want a complete gear :p I'll find someone to sell it to, later, when I'll buy a CH gear! :D

Simaril, about the racing pedals, it can be done, XJazz once told me about it, you can PM him, he still post on BBS from time to time.
Title: New rudder pedals
Post by: Hoarach on April 27, 2006, 04:36:47 PM
From what I hear, the cheapest place to get pedals is at provantage.com for $89 but has no warranty.

Who knows on the quality of the saitek pedals though. :confused:
Title: New rudder pedals
Post by: Simaril on April 27, 2006, 04:45:01 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Gianlupo
Yep, I know CH are the best products out there, but, for now, I just can't afford them... and I want a complete gear :p I'll find someone to sell it to, later, when I'll buy a CH gear! :D

Simaril, about the racing pedals, it can be done, XJazz once told me about it, you can PM him, he still post on BBS from time to time.


Honestly, Gian, I have to apologize.

The question about the racing pedals was a concious attempt at hijacking. Obviuosly, I am totally inadequate at this task -- and I stand in even greater awe at your mastery of it!!

I already have a set of pedals, CH USB, which I got from newegg for $99 new...and included a copy of another flight sim boxed game that will go nameless. (honest, I dont play it or anything,.....)
Title: New rudder pedals
Post by: RTSigma on April 27, 2006, 06:29:01 PM
I'll be goin to E3 in a few weeks. Both CH and Saitek have been sending me their stuff for review and have to say that both are great products, with price, functionality, etc.


I'll let you guys know about the rudder pedals ;)
Title: New rudder pedals
Post by: Krusty on April 27, 2006, 06:40:45 PM
Wow....

All I can say is...


It's about bloody time!!!!!

CH has had the corner on this market way too long! If they're half as expensive as CH I might get a set! I just can't afford the "top end" -- but I might be able to afford "Middle-of-the-road."
Title: New rudder pedals
Post by: Golfer on April 27, 2006, 07:35:27 PM
I bought the pedals I've been using for a while now from a BBs member for around $100.

Not a thing wrong with them and I'm so used to them if I needed a new set...I'd simply pay for new ones with or without a warranty.
Title: New rudder pedals
Post by: Mustaine on April 28, 2006, 08:28:41 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Golfer
I bought the pedals I've been using for a while now from a BBs member for around $100.

Not a thing wrong with them and I'm so used to them if I needed a new set...I'd simply pay for new ones with or without a warranty.
funny how that works huh ;)

i bought mine from funkedup for $75 3 years ago. they still work like brand new too.
Title: New rudder pedals
Post by: Donzo on April 28, 2006, 09:04:04 AM
Make your own:
Yeah baby!!!!! (http://www.flightsim.com/cgi/kds?$=main/howto/rudtoe.htm)
Title: New rudder pedals
Post by: eilif on April 28, 2006, 12:20:37 PM
my good ol pair of thrustmaster pedals are about 10 years old, still work great, i put the usb adaptor on em and it was way better i must admit. I like thrustmasters pedals more than ch, largely because of the simplicity, just one pot, no toe break crap to break down. I built my own joystick out of a few old tm  sticks and its better than any stick i could buy since its custom to me!
Title: New rudder pedals
Post by: Gianlupo on April 28, 2006, 12:56:20 PM
Sigma, you lucky bastige, I can't wait for you to tell us about these new pedals! :) Make time go faster!

I'm really curious, how can some webshop sell CH pedals at 99$ if they're priced 150 at CH site??? Anyway, I agree with Krusty, it was time they made it, a "middle range" replacement was needed!

I'd like to make my own pedals, Donzo, I'm just too dweeb with electronic stuff, though! .p

And, Simaril: call me master and I'll teach you how to set up a nice hijack! :D
Title: New rudder pedals
Post by: mussie on April 28, 2006, 01:06:12 PM
I dont have peddels, and I just cant justify spending money on them I just dont think it would be worth the money....

Do they really make that much difference......?
Title: New rudder pedals
Post by: Krusty on April 28, 2006, 01:18:31 PM
Going from a simple old $10 stick to a good $70 stick-and-throttle setup with 20 buttons doesn't do much either, does it?

It refines your control. It lets you do more with the skills you have. It makes flying more efficient in that you can do what you want with less effort. The end result might not be much different, but the path to that end result might be a fraction of what it used to be.

I'm guessing the same is true of rudder pedals. They (in my mind) will help a HECK of a lot with basic flight, with getting me from Point A to Point B with the least amount of problems, and will probably enhance my gunnery a tun (I use rudder for fine tuning shots a lot). So it won't make me better, but it will make me more efficient, able to do things better. THEN, once I can do things easier, better, faster, maybe I as a pilot will become better skilled (moving on to newer levels).

^-- That's why I want pedals. That's my reasoning. I've never had any to date (too much $$$).
Title: New rudder pedals
Post by: WldThing on April 28, 2006, 01:19:36 PM
Quote
Originally posted by mussie

Do they really make that much difference......?


If you want realism, Yes.  But in making you a better pilot overall, I doubt it. At least with my experience..
Title: New rudder pedals
Post by: Gianlupo on April 28, 2006, 01:20:47 PM
See Simaril? Mussie knows how to hijack! ;):D
Title: New rudder pedals
Post by: eh on April 28, 2006, 01:33:08 PM
Saitek's equipment is good quality in my experience. I have been using their gamer's keyboard for two years, and it is cheap, reliable and extremely useful. When those foot pedals come out, I will snap em up.
Title: New rudder pedals
Post by: nirvana on April 28, 2006, 01:57:25 PM
Got my CH pedals for $89, didn't think it's too bad seeing as how i've already torn through the rubber wire protector:rolleyes:   Don't push it into a wall maybe?
Title: New rudder pedals
Post by: Mustaine on April 28, 2006, 02:42:19 PM
Quote
Originally posted by nirvana
Don't push it into a wall maybe?
make a backstop of 2 magazines / books, with space for the wire.

H = magazine
M = pedals

___ = wall or back of desk

_______
 H  H
 MM
Title: New rudder pedals
Post by: eilif on April 28, 2006, 06:26:32 PM
ya getting pedals to sit still is the hard part, i built a little wood stand to hold mine down firmly. By little wood stand i mean a pile of wood under my desk lashed onto my table legs with ductape ;)
Title: New rudder pedals
Post by: Roscoroo on April 28, 2006, 10:32:28 PM
Peds Rock over an old "E" eating twisty ...

(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/301_1146279561_dcp_0119.jpg)
Roo-Peds ver2
Mine dont slip at all ... muhahahahahaa

Ver 3 is still at work , in the moding out stage (trying a toe brake setup )
Title: New rudder pedals
Post by: eilif on April 29, 2006, 12:12:41 AM
Hardcore Rosco!
Title: New rudder pedals
Post by: Kurt on April 29, 2006, 01:13:50 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Roscoroo
Peds Rock over an old "E" eating twisty ...

(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/301_1146279561_dcp_0119.jpg)
Roo-Peds ver2
Mine dont slip at all ... muhahahahahaa

Ver 3 is still at work , in the moding out stage (trying a toe brake setup )


Great picture... but may I say... YOU FREAKIN SCARE ME BYOTCH!


Do you know you can buy these things?

http://www.chproducts.com
Title: New rudder pedals
Post by: Roscoroo on April 29, 2006, 01:25:21 AM
yea ... but mine didnt cost 100 bucks to make ...
1 Used Bicycle ..free
1 quick pass thru the scrap metal bin ... free
1  used tm stick outta a seconds store ...$2.99
2 hours cutting, tinkering and weldin ... well its my spare time
Having your own handbuilt Peds that work ....  Priceless
:D
Title: New rudder pedals
Post by: eilif on April 29, 2006, 06:10:45 PM
those things are solid, either you will be buried with em or they will become a family heirloom:lol
Title: New rudder pedals
Post by: nirvana on April 29, 2006, 07:22:22 PM
Yeah, I need to find some scrap wood and nails, been meaning to do it from day 1.  Problem is that my desk isn't set up to have your feet propped on something, it has a 8 inch wide panel right in the middle for support, might have to mod it as well...


Nice pedals too Roscoroo!
Title: New rudder pedals
Post by: 38ruk on April 29, 2006, 09:31:34 PM
Is there a return spring underneath somewhere Roo , or do u just return to center manually ?  If manually how the hell do you remember to do it lol , even with the springs in the CH pedals fighting to center it back i still fly along fat, dumb ,and sideways hehe
Title: New rudder pedals
Post by: Roscoroo on April 29, 2006, 09:34:05 PM
hang on ill shoot ya a Secret squirrel pic ... brb
Title: New rudder pedals
Post by: Roscoroo on April 29, 2006, 09:47:53 PM
(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/301_1146364840_dcp_0121.jpg)

dual springs ...(stolen from Mrs Roo's lamp )  
 adj stops added
adj alum bell crank added to pot (alot easier to center pot now)

Ver 3 is gonna have the main post reversed and the handle bar head post will be removable  for different foot bars ... (these are currently ww1 style sort of )

I'm still trying different things .
Title: New rudder pedals
Post by: 38ruk on April 29, 2006, 10:08:19 PM
NICE !   Clean design , and good craftsmanship Roo
Title: New rudder pedals
Post by: Simaril on April 30, 2006, 07:00:44 AM
ummm...a lamp with springs? Did Mrs Roo's light fixture used to bounce or something?
Title: New rudder pedals
Post by: eilif on April 30, 2006, 10:27:50 AM
One of my buddies built an awesome pair of pedals, he is a machinist so its pretty overboard, could probably drop it off a building and still be ok:)

there is some good tech talk in this thread that might help out as well as his pedals pic.

http://targetware.net/modules.php?op=modload&name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&t=9889
Title: New rudder pedals
Post by: Roscoroo on April 30, 2006, 11:09:42 AM
Quote
Originally posted by eilif
One of my buddies built an awesome pair of pedals, he is a machinist so its pretty overboard, could probably drop it off a building and still be ok:)

there is some good tech talk in this thread that might help out as well as his pedals pic.

http://targetware.net/modules.php?op=modload&name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&t=9889


(My Engineer lite is lite,)
they look way overboard  for a 1st desiegn . one thing i think i see is the pot is on top Correct ? and if that the case he'll have trouble getting a smooth responce line and the common part deflection ohm value that we require for our corkscrew climbs and snapshots ..

I think there a nice lookin set ,but has he hooked them up and tested them yet .
I've tried direct pot , geared pot , green pot (i didnt inhale) and bell crank style .

 bellcrank is easiest to acheive a smooth responce , geared came next but needed dual pots .
Make funtional 1st ... then start building eyecandy (thats when i'll set up the mill and run off a few sets )  What I really need is a good Electonics geek to help me set up a stand alone usb curcuit board for them . as of right now im still interfacing them thru a saitec board.(there married to a moded joystick still)
Title: New rudder pedals
Post by: eilif on April 30, 2006, 02:02:21 PM
if you look through the posts on that forum tenutz has a link to the ch board you can order which allows you to do all sorts of moding, i will be ordering their largest board with like 8 pots and a  mess of buttons for an interface i will be making that will resemble one of those music boards you see at concerts, i already built a throttle system with  8 pots and 24 some odd buttons, by built i mean ductaped together a whole bunch of inyards from old tm sticks, but it works:cool:
Title: New rudder pedals
Post by: Gianlupo on May 10, 2006, 04:01:16 AM
Back on topic, finally Saitek released a picture of the new pedals:

(http://www.saitekusa.com/usa/images/product/pcp/rudderpedals.jpg)

From Saitek site:

« The Pro Flight Rudder Pedals are solidly constructed and feature three axis pedals which maximize flight simulator realism by enabling foot control of the rudder function.

The Pro Flight Rudder Pedals also include the following features:

    * Self-centering pedals with adjustable damping
    * Adjustable foot rests to fit all sizes, with non-slip materials
    * Fully adjustable rudder control to suit the gamer’s preferences
    * Tension adjustment to vary resistance to suit flying style
    * Advanced SST Programming
    * Toe brakes»
And here's a link to the press release: http://www.saitekusa.com/usa/info/press/Pro_flight_rudderpedals.pdf

Just one (big) trouble: a suggested price of 129.95 bucks :(

Now, RTSigma, you're there at E3: try them and tell us, CH or Saitek? :)
Title: New rudder pedals
Post by: wasq on May 10, 2006, 04:28:00 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Gianlupo
(http://www.saitekusa.com/usa/images/product/pcp/rudderpedals.jpg)
Did they really put a big blue LED in the middle of that donut thingy?

Saitek has gone overboard with their LEDs. The X52 is already like a Christmas tree, lighting up the whole apartment whenever plugged to the computer. Now, why would I like to have a bright blue light under my table?
Title: New rudder pedals
Post by: Charge on May 10, 2006, 04:44:36 AM
"Now, why would I like to have a bright blue light under my table?"

You could see your d**k in a new light?

Wouldn't it be kool!  :)

Leds increase the koolness factor of a product. Those are primarily aimed for kids and the manufacturers are probably quite unavare of the age structure of the users of their products.

-C+
Title: New rudder pedals
Post by: Gianlupo on May 10, 2006, 05:17:06 AM
Eheheheh, wasq, yes, they put way too much lights in their products... but you can always turn them off! :) (and, I have to confess, when I play at night, in my dark rooms... I like that electric blue light :D)

I like this new pedals, especially the fact they seems to allow more room between the legs than CH ones.... but I'm really let down by the price, I hoped for something below 100 $... :(
Title: New rudder pedals
Post by: Kurt on May 10, 2006, 08:19:55 AM
I'll have to see them in person, the photo makes them look a little fragile and chinsey.
Title: New rudder pedals
Post by: RTSigma on May 10, 2006, 08:58:33 AM
Gian, I'll definitely be giving them a try, I am rabid fan of CH's rudder pedals and I'm excited to see what Saitek's attempt at it will be.

I have a meeting with CH this morning, Saitek tomorrow but I"m sure I"ll skirt by the booth to see it firsthand.
Title: New rudder pedals
Post by: Gianlupo on May 10, 2006, 09:24:06 AM
:aok Eagerly waiting for your impressions!

Have fun there! (even though it's stressful :D)
Title: New rudder pedals
Post by: Roscoroo on May 10, 2006, 10:02:39 AM
Quote
Originally posted by RTSigma
I'm excited to see what Saitek's attempt at it will be.

I have a meeting with CH this morning, Saitek tomorrow but I"m sure I"ll skirt by the booth to see it firsthand.


Beshure you take your camera/phone and get us pics of the internals and any possiable schematics ... (that is your mission if you  accept it):noid
Title: New rudder pedals
Post by: Gianlupo on May 10, 2006, 10:05:44 AM
Shouldn't you send some squirrel for that?





..........


oh, wait...........




........................



then.................





Sigma, you're an evil mercenary squirrel! :eek:
Title: New rudder pedals
Post by: Krusty on May 10, 2006, 10:32:06 AM
Dang it...!!!!

I was hoping we'd get a mid-range setup. Now we have two top-end setups (by that I mean two units that cost the same amount -- an arm and a leg!).

It will be good to hear the reviews Sigma brings after E3, but I am somewhat disappointed. I can't afford that. Hell I have several monthly bills that are EACH that much. And I don't even have a car! *sigh*

No pedals for Krusty :cry
Title: New rudder pedals
Post by: Murdr on May 10, 2006, 11:49:21 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Simaril
Would have to be cheaper than the CH pedals if they want to make an impact....

Speaking of toe brakes, any body out there using racing pedals for AH? always wondered how that would work out...

I used racing pedals from 2001 until a year and a half ago when I got a CH rig.  Even though they werent flight pedals, they were a massive improvment over twisty stick rudders.
Title: New rudder pedals
Post by: Gianlupo on May 10, 2006, 12:49:40 PM
Good to know, Murdr, seeing the price Saitek has chosen, they will be a good choice waiting for a full CH rig. ;)
Title: New rudder pedals
Post by: indy007 on May 10, 2006, 01:41:02 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Roscoroo
bellcrank is easiest to acheive a smooth responce , geared came next but needed dual pots .
Make funtional 1st ... then start building eyecandy (thats when i'll set up the mill and run off a few sets )  What I really need is a good Electonics geek to help me set up a stand alone usb curcuit board for them . as of right now im still interfacing them thru a saitec board.(there married to a moded joystick still)


You don't need an electronics geek :) PhidgetsUSA (http://www.phidgetsusa.com) has everything you need. iirc, the interface board is $80ish. 300 & 3600 degree rotation sensors are around $25. It's really, really easy to add more controls to it. They make sliders, 2 axis joysticks, and a bunch of different sensors (light/motion/current/etc). I know of at least one guy using their servo controller to drive a servo with a cam on it that works the regulator to inflate & deflate their pressure suit while playing Falcon4. Appearently a bunch of people have also built autothrottles, and even full simpits with this stuff. I prefer their toys for robotics apps myself :) Made up for my very, very minimal knowledge of electrical engineering.


(http://www.phidgetsusa.com/g/productslg/1013-2.jpg)
Title: New rudder pedals
Post by: Roscoroo on May 10, 2006, 02:19:02 PM
something along this line would be what my peds need
(http://www.phidgetsusa.com/g/productslg/1052.jpg)

stand alone but reconizeable with most programs/os

im basically there now but without the resistors/diodes added .
Title: New rudder pedals
Post by: indy007 on May 10, 2006, 03:08:14 PM
Those work good too :) I prefer the interface boards myself because they're so open ended. I've always been tempted to slap together something to free up buttons on my Saitek. A little control box velcro'd to my throttle base would be perfect. I'd like to eliminate my keyboard completely if possible :aok