Aces High Bulletin Board

General Forums => Hardware and Software => Topic started by: killnu on September 28, 2006, 08:26:00 PM

Title: joystick?
Post by: killnu on September 28, 2006, 08:26:00 PM
my microsoft precision pro 2 died after 4 years of valiant service.

Does anyone know of a stick that has twisty handle for rudder, throttle on base...similiar to one i had....that works worth a darn?

seen a thrustmaster top gun fox 2 pro...seemed very similiar..but looked cheap....anyone heard anything on it?
Title: joystick?
Post by: Eagler on September 28, 2006, 09:06:45 PM
this one looks neat:
the aviator (http://www.saitekusa.com/usa/prod/av8r.htm)
dual throttles!!
Title: joystick?
Post by: killnu on September 28, 2006, 09:14:06 PM
when is that due out?  didnt see it on there?

 nevermind, says 4th quarter of 2006...seen on a UK site, in December.

Said it would run$50 US.   guess ill buy el cheapo for now, then look at that when it comes out.
Title: joystick?
Post by: SkyChimp03 on September 28, 2006, 10:19:58 PM
:lol (http://www.saitekusa.com/usa/images/product/pcp/rudderpedals.jpg)

good luck with new stick btw..:aok
Title: joystick?
Post by: Flash on September 29, 2006, 07:52:31 AM
Yes get NEW MICROSOFT SIDEWINDER PRECISION PRO JOYSTICK on ebay. I bought four of them. I think the seller was Shopcco.
Title: joystick?
Post by: Ghosth on September 29, 2006, 08:05:20 AM
Killnu, Flash nailed it, lots of MS sticks on ebay, just have to be a careful shopper.

I got my last prec pro 2 usb for 28$ with shipping.

Lots & LOTS of gameport prec pro's out there.

Also check out the Saiteck ST 290  I think it is.

Doesn't look much like a MS stick but doesn't fly that much diff.
Title: joystick?
Post by: Krusty on September 29, 2006, 08:58:07 AM
That dual throttle stick looks like a good idea (2 throttles) but the layout and implementation sucks! I mean look at it! You'd have to hunch over it with your wrist cocked at an odd angle to manipulate the throttles WHILE holding the stick! Forget about throttling up or down while actually moving your control stick around. The clunky base with uncomfortable buttons doesn't sell me either, and the ugly, simple, stick button layout leaves a LOT to be desired.

2 throttles or not, I don't think I'll ever use that stick.


As for the MS Prec pro. I have one (analog), and I'll tell you this: They're not perfect. If you just want this stick, go for it. If you eventually want to start mixing and matching various input devices, go with something else. Analog MS Prec Pro won't work with analog rudders. In fact I don't know if it works with USB ones either (not sure, heard some comment that was ambiguous in nature).

So keep in mind that, while it's good for not, it may cause you troubles later.
Title: joystick?
Post by: Mace2004 on September 29, 2006, 11:45:09 AM
You didn't say what your budget was.  Personally, I like the Saitek X-52 and Saitek rudder pedals.  Both work great.  X-52 is less expensive than the CH or Cougar but gives as much functionality.  It has a light spring (which some don't like but others, like myself, love) as well as a lockable twist grip.  The Saitek rudder pedals are more expensive than CH but are wider and work very well.   These pedals just came out a couple of months ago and I expect discounts will make them similar or better in price than the CH pedals soon.  Total for the X-52 and pedals would be about $240 and probably less than $200 in a few months when pedal prices drop.  If you're happy with a twist grip than just the X-52 will set you back between $80 and $100 with discounts and gives you separate stick and throttle, programability, and twist grip.

Mace
Title: joystick?
Post by: Krusty on September 29, 2006, 12:05:42 PM
Whew! Far too rich for my blood!
Title: joystick?
Post by: Balsy on September 29, 2006, 12:21:02 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Krusty
That dual throttle stick looks like a good idea (2 throttles) but the layout and implementation sucks! I mean look at it!  Forget about throttling up or down while actually moving your control stick around. The clunky base with uncomfortable buttons doesn't sell me either, and the ugly, simple, stick button layout leaves a LOT to be desired.

2 throttles or not, I don't think I'll ever use that stick.


As for the MS Prec pro. I have one (analog), and I'll tell you this: They're not perfect. If you just want this stick, go for it. If you eventually want to start mixing and matching various input devices, go with something else. Analog MS Prec Pro won't work with analog rudders. In fact I don't know if it works with USB ones either (not sure, heard some comment that was ambiguous in nature).

So keep in mind that, while it's good for not, it may cause you troubles later.
You'd have to hunch over it with your wrist cocked at an odd angle to manipulate the throttles WHILE holding the stick!


Ok... seems like a lot of the guys have this skill well practiced....
Title: newbie needs advice
Post by: Slowflight on September 30, 2006, 05:56:06 PM
I am brand new to this but love to fly for real and this looks like alot of fun.  I need advice on a joystick for my HP laptop with Windows XP.  I am not real techie savvy so keep it simple please...just something I can hook up and have fun flying with you guys!

Thanks,  Slowflight
Title: Re: newbie needs advice
Post by: SkyChimp03 on September 30, 2006, 06:10:31 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Slowflight
I am brand new to this but love to fly for real and this looks like alot of fun.  I need advice on a joystick for my HP laptop with Windows XP.  I am not real techie savvy so keep it simple please...just something I can hook up and have fun flying with you guys!

Thanks,  Slowflight






go with saitek then goto wal-mart get cyborg evo or whatever... :aok
Title: joystick?
Post by: Warspawn on October 01, 2006, 04:45:19 PM
I picked up a very nice X45 throttle + joystick combo from ebay.  You can get these for around 50 bucks now.

I used my X36 setup for years and then looked for a replacement when it started to die about 2 months ago.  The X45 feels alot more beefy and durable than the X52, Saitek's newest one.  I didn't feel the need for the LCD screen, and wanted my pinky switch for zoom that I'd grown used to with the X36.

Unfortunately I don't believe the X45 is being made anymore, so you have to do a bit of shopping to find one.  Some friends of mine in the squadron saw several down at the museum in Dayton, OH and picked up a couple fairly cheep.  I'm thinking of making the jump to buy the new Saitek rudders, but the rocker switch on the throttle of the X45 works pretty well for now; much easier for me to use that than a twisty stick.
Title: Re: joystick?
Post by: x0847Marine on October 02, 2006, 03:44:13 AM
Quote
Originally posted by killnu
my microsoft precision pro 2 died after 4 years of valiant service.

Does anyone know of a stick that has twisty handle for rudder, throttle on base...similiar to one i had....that works worth a darn?

seen a thrustmaster top gun fox 2 pro...seemed very similiar..but looked cheap....anyone heard anything on it?


Cyborg Rumble Force - $19.99
http://saitekusa.stores.yahoo.net/recprod.html
Title: Re: newbie needs advice
Post by: Schatzi on October 02, 2006, 06:35:33 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Slowflight
I am brand new to this but love to fly for real and this looks like alot of fun.  I need advice on a joystick for my HP laptop with Windows XP.  I am not real techie savvy so keep it simple please...just something I can hook up and have fun flying with you guys!

Thanks,  Slowflight



Very much depends on your budget.

Saite Evo or Thrustmaster Afterburner II good recommendations on the low price range. What you NEED is a 8-way-hatswitch (for views), Throttle lever, rudder (twisty or rocker) and as many buttons as you can get. Stay away from Logitech sticks, they not worth buying.

If you can spend a little more (about 100 USD), look at Saitek X45 or X52. Maybe even get pedals to go with that. In game, such a setup will take you a long way.


The best out there (which i havent had the pleasure to fly with yet - cant afford) is a CH Setup. Joystick, throttle and pedals. In total youd be looking at about 300 USD.


If you do a search in this forum and in the Help and Training Forum  for "joystick", youll find a lot more discussion and tips on this.
Title: Re: joystick?
Post by: Flayed1 on October 02, 2006, 09:46:41 AM
Quote
Originally posted by killnu
my microsoft precision pro 2 died after 4 years of valiant service.

Does anyone know of a stick that has twisty handle for rudder, throttle on base...similiar to one i had....that works worth a darn?

seen a thrustmaster top gun fox 2 pro...seemed very similiar..but looked cheap....anyone heard anything on it?


  My brother Thndregg uses the Fox 2 Pro and it works quite well for a $30 stick though it dosn't have enough buttons for my taste...  He put a ton of hours on the thing and it lasted him for about a year befor he wore out one of the pots. Like I said a ton of hours.   But for $30 what do you expect, it worked like a jewl up untill that time then he just went and picked up another and it works as well as the last one.

  Over all a good stick for the small cost and yes it does look kinda cheap but it's not all in the look.