Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => Aces High General Discussion => Topic started by: 1Boner on July 19, 2007, 03:36:13 PM
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I,ve been flying with my old 20 dollar walmart special for a while now.
About a month and a half ago the trigger started messing up real bad(ie.firing when it felt like it,which wasn,t often.)
I was in Best Buy this afternoon and impulsively bought a Saiteck Aviator stick.
Got back to work and read some reviews online.
A little bad----A little good.
I,m not gonna get a X-52 or any such thing.
Been pretty happy with my old walmart stick.
Anybody have any feedback on this thing?
Thanks,
Boner
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Is "It's ugly as sin" feedback? If so, then I have some.
It's ugly as sin.
:D
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For whatever reason, the 'EVO' isn't in stores anymore, and the price is about the same. Aviator has the silly toggle switches on front to simulate a real dashboard, which have no purpose in gaming world
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I have the Aviator and for the price range and availability I can say it does the job. I do not like the throttle in the front of the stick (facing away from you) and the stick is a bit long for my likes. The toggle switches in the back are 'okay.' But functionally they are not as good; but, they kind of look cool. The red light on the secondary fire button on top is always on, which can be annoying at night.
I've used it since March and the more I write this review the less I'm happy with it. But I wasn't about to spend money on what my RL buddy did on an X-52 (and he stopped playing AH after month). For my tastes it serves its purpose since my Sidewinder died.
I generally fly 20-30 hours a month at the moment, so anything more that $30-40 is excessive for me.
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You'll have ebbs and flows. If you're in it for the long run (and I think you are) a 1-time expense is more than justified. I would never have upgraded my computer if not for the rise in system resource use a while back (some number of updates back) in this game. It's justifiable, even though I only average < 20 hours a month these days.
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Originally posted by Krusty
You'll have ebbs and flows. If you're in it for the long run (and I think you are) a 1-time expense is more than justified. I would never have upgraded my computer if not for the rise in system resource use a while back (some number of updates back) in this game. It's justifiable, even though I only average < 20 hours a month these days.
I swear, you'll argue just for the sake of arguement. As a matter of fact, thats mostly what you do. So which is it? the answer above or
No.
HTC made several changes a while back that made even "good" computers, things that could run Doom3, choke and chug. I remember because I was forced to upgrade. I didn't upgrade so I could play AAO better. I could already play that. I didn't upgrade so I could play HL2 better. I could already play that. The game code alone in AH2 changed to the point that my already-adequate system was unable to play the game properly.
There's a point when you have to say "No, no more bogging down my computer, it does everything else fine why are YOU making your program so needy and all-consuming when nobody else requires this power"
By your logic, Windows Vista minimum requirements' bloat are required, expected, and nay NECESSARY to force everybody in the nation to upgrade to a dual-core with 1GB ram just to run the OS by itself, not counting programs on top of that.
So you see, code bloat that forces hardware upgrades is not a good thing. Not when everything else out there runs fine and only this one game slows down. There's a point when you just have to say "no."
So,
"No."
http://forums.hitechcreations.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=210055
Boner, try the stick. If it fits the bill for what you need/ can pay ATM, use it. If not, you have a couple weeks if not a month to return it to best buy.
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For YOUR information, that previous post (quoted) was about adding code bloat just for the hell of it.
I stand by what I said.
However, for the sake of a long-term hobby, you can justify occasional expenses, including shilling out money once in a while for better hardware if it's going to last.
Seems you're the one picking an argument. Whatever.
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I use it.
I love the switches in the front, especially the mode selector switch. I don't even notice the red light. It's as close to HOTAS as you'll get.
The only thing I'd change about it would be to make it more heavy duty, but even that is a minor gripe because nothing on it has broken.
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What is the "mode selector"? Basically a shift switch?
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Don't know anything about the Aviator, but I do use a Saitek X45. I've had this rig for over 2 years and it still works great for me. I have 1 hat switch that is starting to act up a bit, but I have a replacement switch for when it gets real bad so I figure I'll still be using this thing 2 years from now.
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I purchased the Saitek Aviator stick. It's quite nice, for $40 you can't go wrong.
What is the "mode selector"? Basically a shift switch?
The mode selector lets you switch between two different set-ups, such as AHII and Combat Flight Sim.
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I liked the Saiteck 290 Pro because it was simple.
I,m a simple man with simple tastes, except when it comes to liquor and women.
Oh yeah cars too!
OK, I don't have simple tastes, but do i really need all those extra switches and thingamajiggies?
Am i missing something here?
Will all the extra fancy pants stuff on these sticks make my flying experience any more enjoyable than it already is?
Do they make it easier?
Questioningly Yours,
(http://img61.imageshack.us/img61/3029/boner1hz3oq7.jpg)
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Our local Wal-Mart still has the Saitek 290 on the shelves - but it has also been carrying the Aviator. If you like the 290, might be a good time to pick up a "spare".
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I use the AV8R as it is labelled.
It's good for the price... the wife ain't gonna let me drop big bucks on a stick, I'm lucky she doesn't gripe about the $15/month.
The throntle on the back takes some getting used to, but I find the switches in the front very useful. Map them to commonly used keys so I don't have to hit the keyboard often.
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I have an Aviator. I like it. It's a good, simple stick. It's very lightweight, but it seems sturdy enough. The twist is quite stiff. It reminds me of the old Cyborg 3D sticks. One of the really interesting features is that it has dual throttles. These can be linked together with a button. I have one throttle set for throttle and the other for RPM. I often use them linked together. Unlike the fancy sticks, there are no trim wheels. I built a custom controller with lots of dials for its partner.
(http://korflab.ucdavis.edu/~ian/Media/main-gauche.png)
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I also have an Av8tr. I got mine through a buddy of mine who's brother purchased it only to find out that AH wasn't for him. I didn't really like it after switching from a Sidewinder, but I got used to it after a week. I am really beginning to enjoy it. It's pretty broken in by now, and it performs the way I want it to. I haven't got around to programming any of the function switches; I dont want to take the time or effort, but I'll get around to it.
The only negative thing I have to say about it is the throttle being in the back and the stick being a little too tall. Using a microsoft sidewinder I was used to the stick forming to my hand, it was a little more ergonomic. The av8tr stick forces you to conform to it.
Overall, I think it is a pretty solid stick. I don't see myself upgrading to a better, more expensive stick anytime soon.
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Originally posted by denada
I have an Aviator. I like it. It's a good, simple stick. It's very lightweight, but it seems sturdy enough. The twist is quite stiff. It reminds me of the old Cyborg 3D sticks. One of the really interesting features is that it has dual throttles. These can be linked together with a button. I have one throttle set for throttle and the other for RPM. I often use them linked together. Unlike the fancy sticks, there are no trim wheels. I built a custom controller with lots of dials for its partner.
(http://korflab.ucdavis.edu/~ian/Media/main-gauche.png)
Nice! What did you use for an interface?
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Originally posted by bj229r
For whatever reason, the 'EVO' isn't in stores anymore, and the price is about the same. Aviator has the silly toggle switches on front to simulate a real dashboard, which have no purpose in gaming world
Yeah back around Christmas I was looking for a new stick to replace my Logitec Attack 3 which was a peice of crap, so I did some research and liked what I heard about the Seitek EVO, but when I tryed to find one I couldn't, there wasn't a single online store that had one, so I had to spend the extra $20 and got the Seitek EVO force feedback which was still available.
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my problem wth saitek sticks seems to be the exposed spring/washer/bearing surface mechanism that centers the stick.. i have an av8or and a st290, and both are gritty as hell after only a few months.
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Originally posted by blkmgc
Nice! What did you use for an interface?
http://www.aqza37.dsl.pipex.com/joystick/index.html
The most amazing chip for the price ($17 for the chip, $35 for the mini board). You can build your own USB joystick with one of these. I bought the chip so I could teach my daughter a little about electronics. The mini board is not much more expensive, and unless you have a bunch of parts lying around the house, it will be cheaper with the mini board.
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Originally posted by Krusty
What is the "mode selector"? Basically a shift switch?
Yep.
I've got it mapped to switch between control schemes for planes, gv's, and planes with taters.
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Been using my ST290pro for almost 2 years now and it still works great for the $20 I paid for it. Went out and got another one for the other PC I liked it so much. Got a X45 sitting here but I prefer the simplicity of the ST290pro.
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Funny you say that, xbrit. I bought a couple of 290s, one after the other, and both of them went south after one month. It was almost to the day.
Good thing was, I contacted Saitek and sent one joystick in. It was still under warranty. They sent me a Cyborg joystick, as a replacement.
Works fine, although it's showing its age after a few months. Still, not as as bad as the 290. Not that the 290s didn't work well, they just broke down real fast.
I'll be sending the other 290 in soon. It should still be under warranty. Hopefully I'll get the same response from Saitek as last time.
xtiger
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The toggle swtches for it, I use for changing modes 1-4, then all your functions change. I use it in conjuction with my Ch stick, and use the avaitor just for twist, and zoom. Also flaps and some other crap, I play with 2 joysticks at the same time. Im wierd.
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Another thing you can check out (if they still do it) is Saitek has/had refurbed sticks you could buy. I bought a refurb X36 (precursor to the X45, X52) for $40. Out of the box I had some trouble with it, spoke to tech support and they swapped it out for me and sent me another. That one lasted me for about 4 years till it finally started to go out on me. Not bad for $40, and by then I was hooked and sprung for the CH gear.
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Logitech xtream 3D pro....
35 bucks at Target w/ 90 day return policy.. by the way they last about 75 days and hat switch goes south.
LMAO ive had four 3d pros and paid for one.
Great stick...real simple...not mushy...nice and tight...
never tried a Satek...they just looked to lame.
>S< froger <--------the other grean meat:eek: :eek: :eek:
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my first stick was saitek evo, i used it for 4 years, but i found myself reaching for keyboard during a dogfight, so i got the x-52
awesome works perfect (so far)
i think its worth the money
Boner
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Originally posted by denada
http://www.aqza37.dsl.pipex.com/joystick/index.html
The most amazing chip for the price ($17 for the chip, $35 for the mini board). You can build your own USB joystick with one of these. I bought the chip so I could teach my daughter a little about electronics. The mini board is not much more expensive, and unless you have a bunch of parts lying around the house, it will be cheaper with the mini board.
I wonder if it will work with 5V Hall sensors. I have a fully mechanical race wheel and pedal setup built out of stainless and aluminum (I own a machine shop). Just need to install the electronics. Was thinking about going with hall sensors instead of potentiometers which eventually wear out and spike. Also, where did you get the small red buttons. I have a contoured panel built into the wheel where I'd like to mount 6-8 of them. Thanks for letting me pick your brain. :)
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Hall sensors work just like potentiometers, so they will work fine. I bought the red buttons from Radio Shack. Most of my electronic components I buy online from Jameco. Potentiometers and Hall sensors can vary a lot in price, so stop by several websites and have them send you their catalogs.
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I just got an AV8R...works great...$40 at BestBuy. :D
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I had an AV8R for a while when I first started AH. It's not a bad stick for the money. Mine crapped out after a couple of months hard used. The POV hat pretty much just quit working. By that time I was hooked and sprung for the full CH setup.
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I got a question for fellow Seitek stick owners, I have a Seitek EVO Force Feedback and I always have to re-calibrate my stick every time I log into the game, and if I use the rudder twist alot during a flight I have to re-calibrate it again before my next flight, so does anyone else have this same problem with their Seitek stick?
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I had the Saitek X52, was a good stick; but I had problems w/ it when I used it on my new computer.
I now have CH, not as fancy as the X52 but it works great.
The AV8R-01 is allright... but the design of the stick & the way it is situated w/ the throttle is chity.
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Trax1 wrote, "if I use the rudder twist alot during a flight I have to re-calibrate it again before my next flight, so does anyone else have this same problem with their Seitek stick?".
I don't believe I've ever had problems with having to calibrate any of my Saiteks. I believe the only time I've had to recalibrate is when I used a different stick on my laptop when playing the game and then came home and the Saitek had to be recalibrated when I used my desktop.
Seemed like the game thought I was still using the other joystick (a Logitech). I was under the impression the game could handle multiple joysticks without recalibrating since it shows more than one joystick in the joystick calibration program. Maybe it just gets confused when I switch computers?
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See the thing with mine is the Seitek EVO is supposed to calibrate itself, but there must be something wrong with mine because like I said every time I log on to play I have to recalibrate.
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Originally posted by windmill
I purchased the Saitek Aviator stick. It's quite nice, for $40 you can't go wrong.
The mode selector lets you switch between two different set-ups, such as AHII and Combat Flight Sim.
Dang $40... Saitek on the cheap: Aviator: $19.00, EVO's $14, pedals $79, x52 $69.... from the Saitek refurbished store.
Of the 2 rumble force sticks I purchased from there, the blue light on both didn't work... otherwise they're just peachy.
http://saitekusa.stores.yahoo.net/recprod.html
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Originally posted by trax1
I got a question for fellow Seitek stick owners, I have a Seitek EVO Force Feedback and I always have to re-calibrate my stick every time I log into the game, and if I use the rudder twist alot during a flight I have to re-calibrate it again before my next flight, so does anyone else have this same problem with their Seitek stick?
The problem I used to have was with that round plastic piece at the bottom of the spring, it used to get "sticky" rubbing against the plastic underneath... it refused to rest centered and needed constant adjustment.
Then I lubed it.
Every month, or so, I rub a small dab of Vaseline under the round piece, that "lubes" the plastic parts just enough so it both rests center AND is 100% slippery smooth.