Aces High Bulletin Board

General Forums => Hardware and Software => Topic started by: badhorse on March 13, 2008, 07:10:19 AM

Title: Rudder pedals
Post by: badhorse on March 13, 2008, 07:10:19 AM
I currently use an X52 joystick and throttle.  It works well for me as it has enough buttons and switches to allow me to map most of my most used operations.
I am considering adding a CH rudder pedal set. Does anyone know how well these two controls work together?  Also to you folks currently using seperate rudder pedals instead of just a twisty stick, is it worth adding to begin with.

thanks
Title: Re: Rudder pedals
Post by: CAP1 on March 13, 2008, 07:14:52 AM
I currently use an X52 joystick and throttle.  It works well for me as it has enough buttons and switches to allow me to map most of my most used operations.
I am considering adding a CH rudder pedal set. Does anyone know how well these two controls work together?  Also to you folks currently using seperate rudder pedals instead of just a twisty stick, is it worth adding to begin with.

thanks


i don't know how well the ch pedals would work with the siatek stuff...i'd have to imagine it'd work nicely......

as for adding pedals.,....some say there's no real difference..me......i think there is a big difference!!
Title: Re: Rudder pedals
Post by: Bruv119 on March 13, 2008, 07:15:44 AM
I have full CH stuff.

I can speak for the pedals.  They are very accurate (hardly ever need re-calibrating) They do tend to slide around a little on carpet but you can sort that out.  I love them and wouldn't think about flying without them ever!

Title: Re: Rudder pedals
Post by: moot on March 13, 2008, 08:07:19 AM
Twisty rudder will always interfere with js input, and rocker input is just not as accurate as pedals.
Title: Re: Rudder pedals
Post by: Max on March 13, 2008, 08:25:54 AM
I use Saitek peds with a CH Fighterstick and throttle. Reversing the batting order as your inquiring should not be an issue. The CH Peds will show up separately in the AH Joystick control panel window. All you need to do is assign the Z axis to them and you're good to go.

As for peds vs twisty...most who've tried both will tell you that peds are better. I agree. Depending on how frequently you fly, you'll find the switch from twisty to peds a bit difficult in adjusting to. I'm talking 2 - 4 weeks to really get the feel of the peds. Stick with it. In the end you'll gain better control of your aircraft and landing tough deflection shots or snapshots will be easier.

If you do go the peds route, consider the Saitek peds. I've used both and prefer the Saitek. IMHO they're a bit sturdier and have adjustable footrests and tension adjustments. Tip: use Velcro to keep them from sliding around under your feet.
Title: Re: Rudder pedals
Post by: Krusty on March 13, 2008, 09:37:29 AM
I used a twisty for years. I got very good at it. It still was my greatest handicap (well, second to lack of skill) because I couldn't coordinate inputs, I couldn't get a precise enough control to perfect my aim, or anything.

Don't get me wrong, you can get by with a twisty stick. But even when you're "good" with it, you start realizing it's a very limited input setup.

You pull back on the stick, left or right, and you're inputting rudder twist as well. Further, when you NEED rudder while pushing/pulling on the stick, it's uncomfortable, and usually not easy to coordinate. Using rudder pedals you can use your feet for that (it gets much easier with practice!) and just move the stick where you want, and not have to fight it.

If you can afford it, and if you make it through the 2-3 months of relearning how to fly, it's a major step up. It's not going to help your skills, but it will help your control to do what you want rather than fight the stick to get what you want)
Title: Re: Rudder pedals
Post by: DrDea on March 13, 2008, 11:24:42 AM
  Same as Krusty.I loved the MS pre pro but once I got the rudder pedals I never looked back.If your gonna be in the game alot it one of the better investments you can make.Mine are going on over 5 years service and still great.Had a wire come loose inside once and tech support sent a layout of the guts and it was a simple process to fix it.Their a great choice and theres no better option IMHO as far as great control. :aok
Title: Re: Rudder pedals
Post by: 1701E on March 13, 2008, 11:45:17 AM
I use a Logitech Extreme 3D pro joystick, and a Logitech Force steering wheel with pedals (wheel sits on another desk when i play AH).  I had used the twisty for about a year and never got more than 2 kills for the lack of rudder control.  The pedals are extremly helpful as you get a wider range of control (pedals can go farther down than stick can turn).  Even if they are gas and brake pedals they still help  :aok
Title: Re: Rudder pedals
Post by: Mustaine on March 13, 2008, 12:53:04 PM
I use a CH Fighterstick Pro, x45 Throttle, and CH Pro pedals. They all work fine together in AH. Mixing and matching brands is fine as long as you map the axis in AH properly.

As for pedals VS twisty there is no comparison IMHO. with a twisty you almost always inadvertently input some rudder and it effects you flying.
Title: Re: Rudder pedals
Post by: Coshy on March 13, 2008, 01:11:21 PM
I also have the X52 and recently got a set of CH peds. They work wonderfully together, no conflicts at all. There has been a reccomendation of getting a powered USB hub, but so far I have been rock steady without one.

It will take some getting used to. When using a twisty it is kind of intuitive to put a little rudder input as you move your joystick around. Meaning, turning left, you would naturally twist a bit to the left, its kinda the way your (my) hand moves.

With the peds you have to conciously think (at first) about which pedal to press and how much. It does become more natural feeling after a bit of practice. I'm not a great pilot by any stretch, but I do believe adding the pedals has improved my control somewhat.

If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.
Title: Re: Rudder pedals
Post by: Wingnutt on March 13, 2008, 05:44:24 PM
Cougar HOTAS + Saitek Pro Pedals..

love it.
Title: Re: Rudder pedals
Post by: ink on March 13, 2008, 06:25:25 PM
i used a twisty (cyborg) stick for years, i up graded to x-52, played with that for awhile, still twisty, i picked up the saitek rudder pedals about 6 months ago, HUGE difference with the twisty  like others have said you always input rudder or too much when not needed, this never happens any more NEVER, my targeting has improved alot before i had about a 2 to 3 % hit ratio, now i get upwards of 6 to 7 %  to me thats a big difference.  get the peddals. well worth it, especially if you fly alot.
Title: Re: Rudder pedals
Post by: Wingnutt on March 13, 2008, 09:05:46 PM
It must be known through, there is a learning curve involved with pedals..

for a while at least, you will fly worse than before and may even be a little  :furious for a while..

just DONT change settings too much, pick a setting you think makes sense and use it for a few days before making MINOR changes.
Title: Re: Rudder pedals
Post by: badhorse on March 14, 2008, 06:43:34 AM
Thanks for the info fellas.  Think I will give them a try.

MAX
Interesting you feel that way about the Saitex pedals.  In reading the reviews of the the CH and Saitex pedals; one of the things some folks had against the Saitex pedals ways they seemed a bit cheesy in their construction.
Title: Re: Rudder pedals
Post by: SD67 on March 14, 2008, 06:46:14 AM
Pedals are definitely the way to go!
:aok
I had a little bit of an advantage as I've used pedals on and off IRL for a while now, but still in game (as all things) they feel and work somewhat differently.
I've used my Saitek pedals in conjunction with my X52 HOTAS set since December and I've not once had to recalibrate them (the same can be said for my now almost 2 year old year old X52 setup!) and they've never been anything other than rock solid. The Saitek pedals IMO have a greater range of adjustment and overall a better "feel" than what I remember from my old CH set.
Title: Re: Rudder pedals
Post by: Tigger29 on March 16, 2008, 11:42:31 AM
I used to have the X45, which has rudder controls in a "rocker" on the throttle handle.

That was a nice feature, better than a twisty stick, but still not very accurate.

For Christmas I got Saitek Rudder pedals.  Those things absolutely ROCK!  They alone doubled my gunnery skills, especially when diving on a GV and ACK.  The accuracy is DEAD ON PERFECT!  I'd imagine CH pedals might even be better, but that's kind of hard for me to imagine right now.  The toe brakes are quit nice as well... give you more control on the runway.

A lot of people claim there is a long learning curve required to get used to the pedals, but I didn't have that problem.  Using them was like second nature to me.  Perhaps if I was used to a twisty (instead of the rocker on the X45) I might have had a bit more problems with it.  Also I've got a bit of real life flying experience, not a lot just a bit (Cessna 172).. but I'm sure that helped as well.

Also I recently upgraded to the X52 (And a 7900GS video card)... wow.. AH is a whole new game now!  And the experience flying a Fighter has gotten at least ten times better!
Title: Re: Rudder pedals
Post by: ink on March 18, 2008, 12:05:49 PM
I used to have the X45, which has rudder controls in a "rocker" on the throttle handle.

That was a nice feature, better than a twisty stick, but still not very accurate.

For Christmas I got Saitek Rudder pedals.  Those things absolutely ROCK!  They alone doubled my gunnery skills, especially when diving on a GV and ACK.  The accuracy is DEAD ON PERFECT!  I'd imagine CH pedals might even be better, but that's kind of hard for me to imagine right now.  The toe brakes are quit nice as well... give you more control on the runway.

A lot of people claim there is a long learning curve required to get used to the pedals, but I didn't have that problem.  Using them was like second nature to me.  Perhaps if I was used to a twisty (instead of the rocker on the X45) I might have had a bit more problems with it.  Also I've got a bit of real life flying experience, not a lot just a bit (Cessna 172).. but I'm sure that helped as well.

you use the toes as brakes?
 i tried that but swithed them over to move head forward on right toe and left toe is move head up and down. its a little wierd at first but its cool when your zooming in.

Also I recently upgraded to the X52 (And a 7900GS video card)... wow.. AH is a whole new game now!  And the experience flying a Fighter has gotten at least ten times better!
Title: Re: Rudder pedals
Post by: Krusty on March 18, 2008, 12:13:28 PM
Please add your replies OUTSIDE of the original quote. Can't tell what you're replying with.
Title: Re: Rudder pedals
Post by: Bodhi on March 18, 2008, 12:43:04 PM
I currently use an X52 joystick and throttle.  It works well for me as it has enough buttons and switches to allow me to map most of my most used operations.
I am considering adding a CH rudder pedal set. Does anyone know how well these two controls work together?  Also to you folks currently using seperate rudder pedals instead of just a twisty stick, is it worth adding to begin with.

thanks


I have an all CH set up, so I can not comment on the compatability, but I can say that real rudder pedals are way better to me than any twisty stick ever was.
Title: Re: Rudder pedals
Post by: alskahawk on March 20, 2008, 09:00:11 AM
 I use CH pro pedals and Saitek x52 setup. Works good. No probs