Aces High Bulletin Board

General Forums => Aces High General Discussion => Topic started by: infowars on September 02, 2008, 12:32:15 PM

Title: So I though this was going to be an inexpensive hobby
Post by: infowars on September 02, 2008, 12:32:15 PM
I always start new hobbies and this is my most recent.  I figured great,  15 bucks a month,  that's not so bad considering golf for example where 5 balls cost that much.  But no.  I just had to get a new monitor to help my SA,  ha ha 22" high def to be exact :rock,  but wait there's more.  My three year old controller sucked so I researched and now have a CH combat stick :rock to the tune of about $100.00.  Oh my goodness the CH stick doesn't twist.  Hmmm,  I know...  Rudder pedals :rock,  to the tune of about $100.00.  Now i have a $35.00 book on combat maneuvers on the way.  Oh yeah and I upgraded my internet speed,  which wasn't too bad,  $30.00 per month 7.1 download speed.  I guess I now need throttle for the complete HOTAS.

Is there anything else I need or I should get?  What do you guys run your game with?
Title: Re: So I though this was going to be an inexpensive hobby
Post by: JunkyII on September 02, 2008, 12:36:39 PM
a life.... :rofl :rofl :rofl
Title: Re: So I though this was going to be an inexpensive hobby
Post by: infowars on September 02, 2008, 12:44:41 PM
a life.... :rofl :rofl :rofl

Yeah my wife says the same thing.  I've noticed if I get a bunch of stuff done around the house she doesn't care as much...   :D
Title: Re: So I though this was going to be an inexpensive hobby
Post by: Denholm on September 02, 2008, 12:49:48 PM
You forgot TrackIR! :O
Title: Re: So I though this was going to be an inexpensive hobby
Post by: Anaxogoras on September 02, 2008, 12:52:03 PM
My three year old controller sucked so I researched and now have a CH combat stick :rock to the tune of about $100.00.  Oh my goodness the CH stick doesn't twist.  Hmmm,  I know...  Rudder pedals

Good choice.  FYI, my 10 year old combat stick works great.
Title: Re: So I though this was going to be an inexpensive hobby
Post by: Redlegs on September 02, 2008, 12:53:07 PM
2 more monitors

(http://www1.hitechcreations.com/news/images/matrox/3screens.gif)
Title: Re: So I though this was going to be an inexpensive hobby
Post by: Raptor on September 02, 2008, 12:54:21 PM
Good choice.  FYI, my 10 year old combat stick works great.
My mouse and keyboard does the trick
Title: Re: So I though this was going to be an inexpensive hobby
Post by: trigger2 on September 02, 2008, 12:58:40 PM
My mouse and keyboard does the trick

I'm half tempted to resort to that...

My saitek cyborg evo force's throttle quit on me, it's "auto calibration" ruins fights for me *note, in a sustained turn (more than about 3 secs) where your stick is, now becomes the "center"* T__T
Title: Re: So I though this was going to be an inexpensive hobby
Post by: JohnnyT on September 02, 2008, 01:00:43 PM
You can't fly without TrackIR !  :O
Title: Re: So I though this was going to be an inexpensive hobby
Post by: infowars on September 02, 2008, 01:13:37 PM
You can't fly without TrackIR !  :O

Jeeze I forgot about that.  Tell me more about it please.  Like how to you look at your six?
Title: Re: So I though this was going to be an inexpensive hobby
Post by: Ghosth on September 02, 2008, 01:32:11 PM
Figure a new top of the line computer ever other year.

Some like TrackIR, some don't. My take on it is if you have truly mastered views with the hat switch, chances are its not worth relearning everything. However if you had problems smoothly tracking cons with the hat,  trackir is probably a good investment.

Sounds like you have the broadband figured out.

Throttle will come soon as you realize you can no longer easily reach the keyboard, and need more buttons to assign functions and controls to.  :)

Like any hobby it depends on what you expect to get out of it. And exactly how much your willing to spend.
It can be done on a budget, or you can throw thousands a year at it.
Title: Re: So I though this was going to be an inexpensive hobby
Post by: Spikes on September 02, 2008, 01:36:07 PM
I'm half tempted to resort to that...

My saitek cyborg evo force's throttle quit on me, it's "auto calibration" ruins fights for me *note, in a sustained turn (more than about 3 secs) where your stick is, now becomes the "center"* T__T
Get a Saitek ST290Pro. Had mine for 4 years before the hat switch finally started acting strange. $20 bucks, WELL worth it.
Title: Re: So I though this was going to be an inexpensive hobby
Post by: AKDogg on September 02, 2008, 02:14:53 PM
Oh yeah and I upgraded my internet speed,  which wasn't too bad,  $30.00 per month 7.1 download speed. 

Thats expensive.  I pay 29.95 for 20meg dl and 2 meg ul.
Title: Re: So I though this was going to be an inexpensive hobby
Post by: Furball on September 02, 2008, 02:36:14 PM
Don't forget your simpit!

(http://kk.org/ct2/simpit.jpg)
Title: Re: So I though this was going to be an inexpensive hobby
Post by: Furball on September 02, 2008, 02:38:57 PM
...
Title: Re: So I though this was going to be an inexpensive hobby
Post by: Furball on September 02, 2008, 02:39:58 PM
grrr... internet probs... triple post!
Title: Re: So I though this was going to be an inexpensive hobby
Post by: Iron_Cross on September 02, 2008, 02:42:45 PM
 :rofl

Inexpensive hobby!  Track IR, HOTAS, and rudder pedals will set you back $400-$500.  Then you have to get a better graphics card to run high rez textures.$$$  Two more monitors to get the wide screen effect $$$, and while your at it, go ahead and build a sim-pit, to get the complete immersive effect $$$$.  You are going to want to eventually.  :devil

Title: Re: So I though this was going to be an inexpensive hobby
Post by: SPKmes on September 02, 2008, 03:00:22 PM
and for the down time  an RC of your favorite ride, before moving onto flight classes
Title: Re: So I though this was going to be an inexpensive hobby
Post by: trax1 on September 02, 2008, 03:13:43 PM
I'm half tempted to resort to that...

My saitek cyborg evo force's throttle quit on me, it's "auto calibration" ruins fights for me *note, in a sustained turn (more than about 3 secs) where your stick is, now becomes the "center"* T__T
Yep, I have the same stick and I'm always having to recalibrate it, and now from time to time it just stops working and I have to pull the power cable and plug it back in.
Title: Re: So I though this was going to be an inexpensive hobby
Post by: Sol75 on September 02, 2008, 03:16:59 PM
I use an X52 Pro, CH Pro Pedals, a CH Throttle quadrant (mainly for FSX, but I use t for flaps, RPM, etc in AH) and a Vuzix VR920 Headtracking Head Mounted Display.

Sol
Title: Re: So I though this was going to be an inexpensive hobby
Post by: Denholm on September 02, 2008, 03:31:49 PM
Thats expensive.  I pay 29.95 for 20meg dl and 2 meg ul.
:O

Got some kind of discount? Who is your ISP?
Title: Re: So I though this was going to be an inexpensive hobby
Post by: FiLtH on September 02, 2008, 03:36:08 PM
   I play on an old 1.6 pent with an even older joystick.  Hardware is fun, but simplicity and alot of practice goes further...for less money.
Title: Re: So I though this was going to be an inexpensive hobby
Post by: Brooke on September 02, 2008, 03:39:16 PM
You definitely also need some flights on the real WWII birds, to fine tune the perspective:

http://www.collingsfoundation.org/cf_flightexperiences.htm

(http://www.collingsfoundation.org/images/PX_photos/pximg_photo-29.jpg)

(http://www.collingsfoundation.org/images/P-51C/P51LG.2.jpg)

Some might say purchasing one would be a good idea, to speak authoritatively in threads titled "p51 flapps to unrelistic" and the like:

http://www.controller.com/listings/detail.aspx?OHID=1138254


Title: Re: So I though this was going to be an inexpensive hobby
Post by: Saurdaukar on September 02, 2008, 03:44:33 PM
Is there anything else I need or I should get?


Nothing to worry about, yet.  You're in fine shape and still having this "fun" of yours.

Prior to your one year anniversary with the game however, you'd be well advised to pick up the following:

1.)  Drywall.
2.)  Spackle.
3.)  Primer.
4.)  Paint.
5.)  Spare joystick (see 1-4).
Title: Re: So I though this was going to be an inexpensive hobby
Post by: Dragdad on September 02, 2008, 04:00:29 PM
wut junky said.. lol
Title: Re: So I though this was going to be an inexpensive hobby
Post by: Getback on September 02, 2008, 04:27:34 PM
Don't forget your simpit!

(http://kk.org/ct2/simpit.jpg)


 :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl

I just won't get into what I have done in the last year. I really don't want to think about how much I spent.
Title: Re: So I though this was going to be an inexpensive hobby
Post by: Denholm on September 02, 2008, 04:35:56 PM
I'd love one of those simulators. It would only be worth my while for about 6 years though. :cool:
Title: Re: So I though this was going to be an inexpensive hobby
Post by: AKDogg on September 02, 2008, 05:23:49 PM
:O

Got some kind of discount? Who is your ISP?

RCN
Title: Re: So I though this was going to be an inexpensive hobby
Post by: Denholm on September 02, 2008, 05:27:37 PM
Apparently that's no longer the offer.

Quote
20 Mbps High-Speed Internet
Buckle Up! If you feel the need for speed, then this package will get you moving. Perfect for power users, serious gamers, home business owners, or anyone who wants a super fast connection - you'll get download speeds of up to 20 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 2 Mbps for as low as $69.95* per month! View Details >
Title: Re: So I though this was going to be an inexpensive hobby
Post by: AKDogg on September 02, 2008, 06:13:15 PM
Got it in a packaged deal almost a year ago, and yes that is not the offer anymore.  I got it under a very rare promotional offer, hehehehe.  I pay for unlimited long distance calling, the Total cable package (including HBO, Showtime, cinemax (skinemax, hhehehe) etc.) for 100.00 a month.  Now, when u include the tax and the other BS charges, its about 125.00 a month.
Title: Re: So I though this was going to be an inexpensive hobby
Post by: LYNX on September 02, 2008, 08:59:50 PM
A must for the hard core AH hobbyist to sit under your desk.... a 4 pack mini fridge. :aok
Title: Re: So I though this was going to be an inexpensive hobby
Post by: dunnrite on September 03, 2008, 10:03:40 AM
A must for the hard core AH hobbyist to sit under your desk.... a 4 pack mini fridge. :aok

That's a damn good idea.  Hmm...
Title: Re: So I though this was going to be an inexpensive hobby
Post by: RATTFINK on September 03, 2008, 10:40:17 AM
Yeah, I figured I've spent about 3 1/2k in equipment that I have bought in relation to this crack... I mean ""game"".
Title: Re: So I though this was going to be an inexpensive hobby
Post by: BluTrain on September 04, 2008, 12:22:25 AM
A must for the hard core AH hobbyist to sit under your desk.... a 4 pack mini fridge. :aok

Or for the REALLY hard core a 30 pack mini fridge and a home brew kit  :rock
Title: Re: So I though this was going to be an inexpensive hobby
Post by: SD67 on September 04, 2008, 03:07:19 AM
For me I have purpose built a system around a Northwood 3.4Ghz P4 processor. I'd only just got it and I didn't want to go hunting for a new processor at the time ;) that can still keep up with everything this game has thrown at it without missing a beat.
I have an X52 HOTAS setup and with pedals and hopefully I'll soon be getting this.
http://vuzix.com/iwear/products_vr920.html
:D
Title: Re: So I though this was going to be an inexpensive hobby
Post by: hlbly on September 04, 2008, 06:32:20 AM
Yep, I have the same stick and I'm always having to recalibrate it, and now from time to time it just stops working and I have to pull the power cable and plug it back in.
Have you guys tried an externally powered usb hub ?
Title: Re: So I though this was going to be an inexpensive hobby
Post by: SD67 on September 04, 2008, 06:35:48 AM
Yep. I use one now. Even when I didn't I never had to recalibrate :aok
Title: Re: So I though this was going to be an inexpensive hobby
Post by: Denholm on September 04, 2008, 09:48:28 AM
For me I have purpose built a system around a Northwood 3.4Ghz P4 processor. I'd only just got it and I didn't want to go hunting for a new processor at the time ;) that can still keep up with everything this game has thrown at it without missing a beat.
I have an X52 HOTAS setup and with pedals and hopefully I'll soon be getting this.
http://vuzix.com/iwear/products_vr920.html
:D
Better start making optometry appointments.
Title: Re: So I though this was going to be an inexpensive hobby
Post by: Sol75 on September 04, 2008, 10:01:14 AM
I use a VR920, and it totally kicks ass! You will LOVE it.  It takes a bit getting used to, but once you have, it is one sweet piece of hardware.  Its only 3DOF, so I still use my hat switch to "slide" my head in the cockpit, but it works quite well. Let me know when you get it if you ahve any issues configuring it.  It took a bit to get it to work with AH (which is not native) but it is well worth it in the end!

Sol