Aces High Bulletin Board

General Forums => Aces High General Discussion => Topic started by: bushi on September 18, 2007, 10:10:47 PM

Title: New Flight control system suggestions
Post by: bushi on September 18, 2007, 10:10:47 PM
Very unhappy with my x52 experience. After a month, the rudder is spinning out of control. I've found that I like this game enough to drop cash into it, as of right now I am flying with a quick fix replacement Saitek ST290pro. If any of you vets out there can suggest an investment type flight control system I would greatly appreciate it. Keeping in mind I have medium hands and limited control of my left, so I would reall need a seperate throttle. My current budget I am alloting to this is 275-325$US(give or take 20) so I can find a quality product. I figure the folks here would have the best suggestions for what may work within this price range. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Title: New Flight control system suggestions
Post by: Mark Luper on September 18, 2007, 10:14:41 PM
I have a CH Pro Throttle, CH pro Rudder Pedals, and the CH Pro Flight Stick. They work like a dream for me and I have always had great service from CH products. Set me back about $350 a couple of years ago.

Mark
Title: New Flight control system suggestions
Post by: Hornet33 on September 18, 2007, 10:41:13 PM
I've talked to a few people that like the X-52 except for the twisty rudder stick. If you like that stick but want better rudder control you can disable the twisty stick and just get a set of rudder pedals.
Title: CH products !!
Post by: Phil on September 18, 2007, 11:05:13 PM
I got the full package !
CH STICK - THROTLE and PEDALS !
Luv 'em all !

Phil
Title: New Flight control system suggestions
Post by: Brooke on September 18, 2007, 11:12:14 PM
Another vote here for CH Products -- love their stuff.
Title: New Flight control system suggestions
Post by: Slash27 on September 18, 2007, 11:13:09 PM
I have a X-52 and have no issues with it. Have you went to the hardware forums to see if anyone could get your issues worked out?

Either that or buy CH gear.
Title: New Flight control system suggestions
Post by: bushi on September 18, 2007, 11:29:39 PM
I figured a quick workaround so far, use the x52 throttle with the cheapo st290 and configure them both. Not what I am used to by any means, but that wheel throttle was killin me. Thanks for the responses so far, I will definately look into the rudder pedals and other system mentioned.
Title: New Flight control system suggestions
Post by: bushi on September 18, 2007, 11:33:39 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Slash27
I have a X-52 and have no issues with it. Have you went to the hardware forums to see if anyone could get your issues worked out?

Either that or buy CH gear.


Oh I love the X52, it's just a little delicate for a super strong man like myself. I guess I was too hard on the rudder, it was fine and now it spikes to hell and back. Only 1 month old. I have to push it down into the base *hard* for it to work, then when pressure is released it goes absolutely mad even with dampening and deadband around 80%. Otherwise the system works very well. So far I am working without the joystick  like I said in my prior post to see if I can get saitek to send me a new throttle or until I get the pedals.

Just a thanks, what a great community. Coming from WoW this is a breath of fresh air. I thank you all for your constructive responses!
Title: New Flight control system suggestions
Post by: toonces3 on September 18, 2007, 11:43:04 PM
Another vote for the full CH line-
CH Fighterstick
CH pro throttle
CH rudders

Picked all up on amazon.com.

From what I understand, these are hard to beat for the price and should give me many years of enjoyment.  I have no complaints so far.
Title: New Flight control system suggestions
Post by: JB73 on September 18, 2007, 11:48:01 PM
CH stick is unbelievable, see Festers reaction to actually getting it going on his system

http://forums.hitechcreations.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=206330&highlight=products

many other believers, it is an awesome stick.

i prefer the x45 throttle for rotary trim knobs, but use the CH pedals too.


excellent products.
Title: New Flight control system suggestions
Post by: Spatula on September 19, 2007, 12:18:18 AM
Two letters: C and H
Title: New Flight control system suggestions
Post by: hubsonfire on September 19, 2007, 12:31:58 AM
The only thing keeping Saitek from dominating the market is their insistence on using **** parts. My beloved X52, trouble free for over a year, has just lost the pot, just like every 30 dollar Saitek stick I've had.

I can't say you'll love a CH setup, but those assclowns at Saitek don't deserve another dollar. :furious  Okay, I'm a little irritated, but I expected better than garbage for 130 bucks. However, garbage is what I got.
Title: New Flight control system suggestions
Post by: Citabria on September 19, 2007, 12:32:00 AM
CH CH CH CH CH

btw CH

CH

then CH

all else is total crap.

and buy a powered USB hub to ensure smooth responses from the controllers.

CH

saitek.. sucks
thrustmaster... sucks
Microsoft... extinct but was good but CH better.
the rest... sucks

CH rules.

I have the CH pro pedals and CH fighterstick but I still use my old x45 throttle for the trim wheels and it rocks too for what its used for but for stick and rudder... CH all the way.
Title: New Flight control system suggestions
Post by: GunnerCAF on September 19, 2007, 12:32:32 AM
Check out the Cougar:

Cougar World (http://cougar.frugalsworld.com/)

CH is a good choice.  

Gunner
Title: New Flight control system suggestions
Post by: Slash27 on September 19, 2007, 12:36:30 AM
Quote
Originally posted by bushi
Oh I love the X52, it's just a little delicate for a super strong man like myself. I guess I was too hard on the rudder, it was fine and now it spikes to hell and back. Only 1 month old. I have to push it down into the base *hard* for it to work, then when pressure is released it goes absolutely mad even with dampening and deadband around 80%. Otherwise the system works very well. So far I am working without the joystick  like I said in my prior post to see if I can get saitek to send me a new throttle or until I get the pedals.

Just a thanks, what a great community. Coming from WoW this is a breath of fresh air. I thank you all for your constructive responses!


ah well, that bites. Hope you can get a refund
Title: New Flight control system suggestions
Post by: Eagler on September 19, 2007, 12:40:17 AM
saitek here from the X36, X45 and now X52 (non-pro)
always buy local &  spend the $12 bucks on the service plan. Then every year exchange it for a brand new one for another $12 service plan.

I use usb ch pro peds for rudder and a powered usb hub
Title: New Flight control system suggestions
Post by: lyric1 on September 19, 2007, 12:53:55 AM
I have a x52 have had no issues all the chatter I have heard is ch is the way to go if this goes belly up will try ch next. I have rudder pedals on the x52 now  much better way to go after trying twisty stick.
Title: New Flight control system suggestions
Post by: Gianlupo on September 19, 2007, 04:41:17 AM
I have an X52, here, no big issues, even though, after 1 year and half, the rotaries have begun to spike... maybe the best thing you can do, bushi, is to buy rudder pedals, as others said.

I'm planning for it, too, I hate the twisty on this joystick. Ironically, I have the opposite problem than yours.... it's too big for my tiny hand, I can't properly use the rudder while I'm using the hat switch! :D
Title: New Flight control system suggestions
Post by: Nilsen on September 19, 2007, 04:47:44 AM
Simple stick and a keyboard is all you need. :)
Title: New Flight control system suggestions
Post by: lyric1 on September 19, 2007, 05:49:37 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Nilsen
Simple stick and a keyboard is all you need. :)
 Bugger.
Title: New Flight control system suggestions
Post by: Gryphons on September 19, 2007, 07:29:19 AM
I have to agree that CH is the way to go.  The Fighter stick, Pro throttle and Pro pedals are the best.  The CH control manager is also an awesome program once it's figured out and allows you to use the CH products for games that use ancient js technology such as Falcon 4.0 and Battlefield 2.  

Note:  While the flight physics in BF2 leave much to be desired it's still alot of fun to use your whole body to fly the choppers  :)
Title: New Flight control system suggestions
Post by: The Fugitive on September 19, 2007, 07:45:30 AM
CH is the best, used mine for years.

http://www.provantage.com/ch-300-111~7CHPU00K.htm

http://www.provantage.com/ch-200-571~7CHPU00N.htm

http://www.provantage.com/ch-300-122~7CHPU00L.htm

http://www.provantage.com/YADES026.htm

This is a full setup, stick, throttle, pedals, and a powered USB hub from Provantage. Total is #311.67 plus shipping.
Title: New Flight control system suggestions
Post by: Ghosth on September 19, 2007, 07:53:54 AM
Nilsen is right on the money!

If I was better coordinated with my feet I might have been tempted to go CH gear and rudders. Fact remains I can barely chew gum and walk at the same time. (which is why I don't chew gum)

Simple MS sidewinder joystick is all I've used for years. Most buttons on the stick are not mapped to anything flight related. Trigger, button 2 for secondary weapons, button 3 for mode switch and hat are all I use.

But then I'm a minimalist, and I'm talking with the keyboard all the time anyway.
So hands are already on the keyboard, why map it to joystick?
Title: New Flight control system suggestions
Post by: Nilsen on September 19, 2007, 08:00:02 AM
Then you have the same stick that i use Ghost. The Sidewinder without twisty. Its very reliable and accurate.

I forgot to mention that i also have an external USB numpad to the left of my keyboard for views. Simple, cheap and it works.
Title: New Flight control system suggestions
Post by: Bucky73 on September 19, 2007, 09:07:26 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Slash27
I have a X-52 and have no issues with it. Have you went to the hardware forums to see if anyone could get your issues worked out?
 


You probably won't have issue's with it unless you play once in awhile:D
Title: Re: CH products !!
Post by: Hap on September 19, 2007, 09:18:32 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Phil
I got the full package !
CH STICK - THROTLE and PEDALS !
Luv 'em all !

Phil


I don't like rudders.  Or, there's some sort of problem with mine.  I really don't know.  Brakes want to stay "on."  I calibrate outside of the game and within.  No joy.  I see them registering "on" just a smidge when I calibrate.
Can't make them behave.
Title: New Flight control system suggestions
Post by: RATTFINK on September 19, 2007, 09:39:01 AM
(http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u7/rattfink31/CH-ub.jpg)

I have the Fighter stick, Pro throttle and Pro pedals w/ Belkin powered USB & I luv it :D
Title: New Flight control system suggestions
Post by: Tilt on September 19, 2007, 09:54:56 AM
Bought an X52 the month it was released in the UK. I use it still with ch pedals. Does everything I want........
Title: New Flight control system suggestions
Post by: Simaril on September 19, 2007, 10:00:40 AM
I've used an X-52 (non-pro) for, must be 2 years. Prior to that had gone through 3 Saiteks in 18 months, with the replacement plan through best buy. Never used the twisty, as I have the same coordination affliction as Ghosth --- and kept twisting accidentally in combat.

Used CH rudders and love them. BUT -- within 4 months of getting them, a potentiometer went bad, wouldnt stay calibrated at all. Since shipping would have been expensive to get the "free" warranty service, I opened the rudders and switched the pots on the rudder and the toe brake (since the "center" was going on that pot, and center position doesnt matter for the brake) Get an oocasional spilke, that's it.

Biggest advantage I see right now is that the CH pots can be purchased for $8 or so, while the Saitek needs a whole new stick. That being said, when this one goes, I'm buying a CH stick.
Title: New Flight control system suggestions
Post by: RATTFINK on September 19, 2007, 10:15:56 AM
Buy this:

(http://images.belkin.com/F5U234v1/STD1_F5U234v1.jpg)

It works wonders.


I forgot to add that I had the X52 & it was awesome... w/ my old computer, but when I got my new Gateway 530 FX my throttle & twisty/rudder was fluffied up.  

The throttle would either be in the off position or be at the max setting by just rolling the throttle forward a hair... :furious x1000000

The rudder/twisty would bug out on me like crazy; one time to the point where I could barely land in a FSO frame & then it took me about 30 min to work my way to the refueling pad.  I was txting REN about this and we couldn’t come up w/ a solution sept for using left & right brake to maneuver on the ground.


I must have went to every trainer in this game and we fig. that my new computer was not compatible w/ the X52 & yet the Av8tor worked [shrug]


Anyways, get CH (worth tha change $$$) & by all means get the powered USB hub by Belkin.


<>
Title: New Flight control system suggestions
Post by: airspro on September 19, 2007, 04:08:35 PM
Quote
I don't like rudders. Or, there's some sort of problem with mine.


Don't cal. those rudders unless in the AH game . If you do they won't work right , at least mine don't .
 
It must be something with getting the x in the upper left hand spot or something . If I put them in the default spot in Windows , then cal. in AH game they work perfect .

===

Ch gear for people that want to play , Cougar for people that like working on joysticks , and Saitek for the rest that love takeing stuff back ( again and again ) .

Microsoft made good , very good joysticks but don't anymore .
Title: New Flight control system suggestions
Post by: RATTFINK on September 19, 2007, 04:11:39 PM
Quote
Originally posted by airspro


Ch gear for people that want to play , Cougar for people that like working on joysticks , and Saitek for the rest that love takeing stuff back ( again and again ) .

Microsoft made good , very good joysticks but don't anymore .



You forgot Logitech!  Lasts 6 months... if that :rofl
Title: New Flight control system suggestions
Post by: Shuffler on September 19, 2007, 04:39:52 PM
CH Flight Stick Pro, CH Pro Throtle, and CH Pro Pedals

LOVE'em
Title: New Flight control system suggestions
Post by: RedTop on September 19, 2007, 04:47:05 PM
X-52 here. Disabled the twisty pos and got CH USB Pedals. They work great and the setup is hassle free.

Cheaper than CH all the way.

If you can afford CH all the way then I would probably do that.

Otherwise just get some pedals and use the Stick/Throttle setup from Saitek.
Title: New Flight control system suggestions
Post by: ink on September 19, 2007, 07:03:23 PM
i have used the EVO for over 4 years it worked great so when i upgraded i went with saitek, x52  with the rudders, plus the HUB,  damm its awesome, cant complain
  except that i cant use the saitek programming ingame:(
Title: New Flight control system suggestions
Post by: Gianlupo on September 20, 2007, 02:33:21 AM
Quote
Originally posted by ink
 except that i cant use the saitek programming ingame:(


What do you mean, ink? You can't make a profile, or you can't have work with the game?
Title: New Flight control system suggestions
Post by: Slash27 on September 20, 2007, 10:24:29 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Bucky73
You probably won't have issue's with it unless you play once in awhile:D
:lol
Title: New Flight control system suggestions
Post by: wasq on September 20, 2007, 11:46:40 AM
I have the X52 (don't use twisty) and Simped pedals. They Roc.

Seriously, the Simpeds are only twice the price of CH pedals, well worth the difference.
Title: New Flight control system suggestions
Post by: SFCHONDO on September 20, 2007, 11:50:36 AM
You can Get CH Fighter stick and Throttle through Provantage on-line for under $200. http://www.provantage.com
Title: New Flight control system suggestions
Post by: RATTFINK on September 20, 2007, 11:56:02 AM
I got mine at amazone (http://amazone.com/)
Title: New Flight control system suggestions
Post by: Ghastly on September 20, 2007, 12:00:13 PM
One advantage to the CH gear that may or may not be applicable is that if throttle, stick, and rudders are all CH, you can combine them into a single controller device as far as the operating system is concerned using the CH software and they will work with older games that only support a single game controller.

Title: New Flight control system suggestions
Post by: BoilerDown on September 20, 2007, 03:08:10 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Citabria
however CH can also be very frustrating equipment. mine wander off and I have to calibrate them every other sortie...

well I did but I got fed up with it today after they locked up while I had two jerks chasing me and so now the pedals and fighterstick are both in tiny little pieces.


I think I calibrated my fighterstick and ch pedals two times ever, once when I first installed them and once after I got a new computer after I installed them again.  Decided to go with the (CH) after reading these forums.

Tiny little pieces eh?  You don't happen to be that spoiled german kid on youtube, are you?
Title: New Flight control system suggestions
Post by: Nutzoid on September 20, 2007, 04:58:53 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Brooke
Another vote here for CH Products -- love their stuff.


Ditto! :aok
Title: New Flight control system suggestions
Post by: ink on September 20, 2007, 07:50:21 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Gianlupo
What do you mean, ink? You can't make a profile, or you can't have work with the game?

 

AH wont let me use the SST programing.

 plus the two analog wheels on the throttle are worthless.  

 and its real loose  i put a big washer on top of spring and that helped ALOT.
Title: New Flight control system suggestions
Post by: redman555 on September 20, 2007, 08:23:11 PM
accually i gotta tell ya the truth... i am to... the main problem i am having is the fact the stick is so dang loose compared to my old JS, my old 1 i could aim on a dot,this 1 is just to lose to aim it
Title: New Flight control system suggestions
Post by: Gianlupo on September 21, 2007, 03:59:13 AM
Quote
Originally posted by ink
AH wont let me use the SST programing.

 plus the two analog wheels on the throttle are worthless.  

 and its real loose  i put a big washer on top of spring and that helped ALOT.


Well, I think you're doing something wrong, ink. In fact, AH have nothing to do with the SST: you just have to configure a profile with the SST and load it in the Flight Controller (the profile loader that sits in your sys tray, lower right corner of the desktop), then you run AH.... if you give me your email address I'll send you my profile. ;)

As for the rotary wheels, you can configure them via SST to act like buttons: I use them for zooming of views and zooming of map. And, yes, the spring might feel a bit loose, but after a while you'll appreciate it, I'd take that washer away.
Title: New Flight control system suggestions
Post by: ink on September 21, 2007, 05:36:09 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Gianlupo
Well, I think you're doing something wrong, ink. In fact, AH have nothing to do with the SST: you just have to configure a profile with the SST and load it in the Flight Controller (the profile loader that sits in your sys tray, lower right corner of the desktop), then you run AH.... if you give me your email address I'll send you my profile. ;)

As for the rotary wheels, you can configure them via SST to act like buttons: I use them for zooming of views and zooming of map. And, yes, the spring might feel a bit loose, but after a while you'll appreciate it, I'd take that washer away.



i have been using saitek since the begining.  i know how to set up profiles and such but   it seems like when i leave the sst programming running the stick dont work properly in AH. i have many other flight sims and all allow the running of the SST in back ground just not AH
 But you know what i dont care really cuz AH is the best and i have learned to work around it:aok
  that washer really helped alot as far as allowing to fire a little easier. and i need all the help in that department i can get.:cry
    but thank ya non the less Gianlupo

<>
Title: New Flight control system suggestions
Post by: Gianlupo on September 22, 2007, 01:42:51 AM
Quote
Originally posted by ink
i have been using saitek since the begining.  i know how to set up profiles


Sorry, I didn't mean to patronize you! :)

It's just so odd that you can't make the SST work with AH... I never had any problem. I'm sure there's a way to solve yours.
Title: New Flight control system suggestions
Post by: Eagler on September 22, 2007, 08:13:33 AM
Commands programmed inside AH over ride any SST input command programmed in your running profile. Im 100% programmed inside AH and do not use SST, one less process running.
Title: New Flight control system suggestions
Post by: Hoffman on September 22, 2007, 12:23:05 PM
Once you figure out how the SST programming works, its amazing.  I love it.
I use an X-52 Pro, I like the look of it and I've never had a problem with calibration, or rudders at all.
I've had it for... nearly 4 months now and have been a little rough on it at times but it still works beautifully. (BF series ***** sucks)

I mapped mine a little oddly, the primary trigger only fires MGs.  (Primarily 109 pilot here)  Safety/Fire button fires the cannon.  (Biggest problem I would have on my old Cyborg was accidentally wasting cannon ammo.)
Pinkie trigger prings up the clipboard.


Top left stick hat is Auto-Climb, Tail hook, Landing Gear, view-default.
Two little green buttons on the right side are Ch/Range vox. (If I could ever get my mic to work)
Black button is Ch. 6 call.

The 6 toggle switches on the base are set for my trim. The way they're setup on the stick is a pure God-send for a diving 109. (Dances and chants: No more lawn-darting for me, hey! No more lawn-darting for me hey!)


Throttle is of course, the throttle, center green button WEP.  Top green Auto-pilot.
Throttle hat is fuel selector, view-pan, flaps up/down.
(What do the pretty metal circle thingies do?)


Mode 1 is my 109 mode, this seperates MG/Cannons to their respective buttons, Mode 2 enables the pinkie trigger to bring up the clipboard, and Mode 3 is for flying things like Typhs, or FM2's, and such where I need all guns to fire from the same button.



Is it possible to marry one's flight controls?
Title: New Flight control system suggestions
Post by: FLOTSOM on September 22, 2007, 06:33:48 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Hoffman



Is it possible to marry one's flight controls?


Are you trying to say that you have some twisted (assuming you were not including rudder pedals) attraction to your joy stick? maybe you might consider seeking out some type of therapeutic aid in this matter (one consisting of large doses of strong prescription drugs as the core therapy tool would be preferable)

well just a thought

good luck with your delussions

<>
FLOTSOM
Title: New Flight control system suggestions
Post by: Spikes on September 22, 2007, 06:50:45 PM
Quote
Originally posted by hubsonfire
The only thing keeping Saitek from dominating the market is their insistence on using **** parts. My beloved X52, trouble free for over a year, has just lost the pot, just like every 30 dollar Saitek stick I've had.
 


My $20 ST290 lasted for 4 yrs...

I have a X52 and I love it...also have an AV8R...
Title: New Flight control system suggestions
Post by: Hoffman on September 23, 2007, 12:16:16 AM
Quote
Originally posted by FLOTSOM
Are you trying to say that you have some twisted (assuming you were not including rudder pedals) attraction to your joy stick? maybe you might consider seeking out some type of therapeutic aid in this matter (one consisting of large doses of strong prescription drugs as the core therapy tool would be preferable)

well just a thought

good luck with your delussions

<>
FLOTSOM


I just REALLY REALLY love my X52-Pro...but its not like I try to make love to it or anything... eww... What do you think I am? Welsh?  



















(No insult to the proud Welsh people intended.)




















(By saying no insult to the proud Welsh people, I also mean no insult to the Irish, Scottish, English, or UK people.)
Title: New Flight control system suggestions
Post by: FLOTSOM on September 23, 2007, 03:04:03 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Hoffman
I just REALLY REALLY love my X52-Pro...but its not like I try to make love to it or anything... eww...





So now your trying to lead us un-knowledgeable slobs in AH-land into believing that sex isnt a part of marriage????!!!!!!!  

WAIT a second...........

now that i consider how much most of the married guys i know complain about a lack of any kind of sex life........ i guess i can see your point...... ok im sure that you could go to Massachusetts or Vermont, hell tyhey let men marry each other why not you and your joy stick??????
I'm sure youll make a beautiful bride!
well good luck and dont forget to post plenty of honeymoon pictures......



<>
FLOTSOM
Title: New Flight control system suggestions
Post by: A8TOOL on October 02, 2007, 07:37:06 AM
From another post in Hardware.

<<2) On my system, the toe breaks have a smidge of acctuation on them. I can't get them to read 0 (zero).>>

So do mine but it has no affect on the game.  I did set the problem toe brake to always on unless I step on it to release for take offs. I have no problems landing except w the spit 16 for some reason. Gets wobbly

I do have a problem with my throt hat switch tho. One of the views is not activating. Ch told me to send it in and they'll fix it for nothing even without the warranty card but it will take 2 2.5 weeks to get back.

Think I can fix it by myself?

I've got the peds inverted btw. Kinda like driving a tank. I couldn't get used to it the other way.

Tell me if this is true as well. You can use old game port peds with new usb stuff rt.? I already know my old stick and throt won't work on XP which brings up another question. Are Ch Products compatible with vista? I remember hearing they were working on it. Guess i'll check the sight myself.
Title: New Flight control system suggestions
Post by: shamroc on October 02, 2007, 07:58:29 AM
I use:

CH Combatstick
CH Pro Pedals
CH Pro Throttle
CH Quadrant

All combined into one virtual device, all attached via one USB hub.

Note: In 14 years, I have used the same gear (back when CH used serial ports and keyboard connectors) and have only had to refresh my setup one time - so, based on my experience, expect your CH stuff to last 7 years with heavy usage.

I have owned just about every stick out there (including a Cougar, which is collecting dust in my closet), and nothing can beat a full CH package. :aok

Note: Quadrant has limited use in Aces High - I use it mainly for MS Flight Sim X and IL2-1946.

Shamroc
Title: New Flight control system suggestions
Post by: redman555 on October 02, 2007, 07:09:45 PM
Quote
Originally posted by RATTFINK
You forgot Logitech!  Lasts 6 months... if that :rofl



lol rattfink, i had a logitech for 5 years, nvr had a problem wit it, but i desided to get an X-52, wasnt so good, to loose