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General Forums => Aces High General Discussion => Topic started by: EnIgMaSpItPiLoT on October 21, 2008, 07:09:07 PM

Title: Controller poll and Info!?
Post by: EnIgMaSpItPiLoT on October 21, 2008, 07:09:07 PM
        I right now am using a Logitech Extreme 3D pro. I have used this controller and then switched to a Saitek X52 then switched back to the Logitech, because of problems that I had with the Saitek X52. Now I don't want to get into exactly what happened with that controller because it doesn't really mater. But I have been looking for a new controller lately. I would like to get new controller with a fairly stiff action on it, also more buttons then the logitech (so I have to use the keyboard as little as possible), and is fairly durable considering the amount of use it will get. If anyone has any suggestions of good controllers for me or would like to just sound off on experiences with their controllers. This might help me with making my decision this Friday when I am hoping to purchase one . Thankyou in advance for all your input. nAiRmMo2/2oMmRaIn :devil
Title: Re: Controller poll and Info!?
Post by: EnIgMaSpItPiLoT on October 21, 2008, 07:20:56 PM
     Come on Know one uses any other controllers then the ones I mentioned LOL
Title: Re: Controller poll and Info!?
Post by: RATTFINK on October 21, 2008, 07:34:15 PM
My eyes hurt...  :confused:


Your Logitech Extreme 3D pro will not last long.  Go with Saitek.

I have upgraded and have been using CH products for about a year now.

http://www.chproducts.com/


This topic should be under the "Hardware and Software" forum.

http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php/board,18.0.html
Title: Re: Controller poll and Info!?
Post by: Motherland on October 21, 2008, 07:36:46 PM
I'd go with a Saitek X52...



OT; what's with the alternating cases thing? That's got to be one of the most annoying things on the internet.
Title: Re: Controller poll and Info!?
Post by: EnIgMaSpItPiLoT on October 21, 2008, 07:37:17 PM
    CHproduct was another typre I was looking at I have heard nothing but good thing about this brand how bout you what is your opion so far! p.s. I dint relize there was a board with that label I dont type on the forums that often!
Title: Re: Controller poll and Info!?
Post by: RATTFINK on October 21, 2008, 07:38:09 PM
WhAtEvEr Do U MeAn?
Title: Re: Controller poll and Info!?
Post by: RATTFINK on October 21, 2008, 07:39:18 PM
CH is made in the US of and A <sorry a Borat thing> and it works like a charm.
Title: Re: Controller poll and Info!?
Post by: EnIgMaSpItPiLoT on October 21, 2008, 07:39:39 PM
    well I typed it fast sorry made I misunder stood everyone! I have already owned a saitek X52 and I had nothing but problems with it so much so I got rid of It and bought another logitech. That's why I'm looking for other suggestions. I feel the logitech is was below my level of use!
Title: Re: Controller poll and Info!?
Post by: RATTFINK on October 21, 2008, 07:42:25 PM
Logitech makes good products but they lacked the reliable factor when they made their joysticks/controllers.

I had to X52's that lasted 6 moths a piece.  Which is the norm.
Title: Re: Controller poll and Info!?
Post by: FLOTSOM on October 21, 2008, 07:55:05 PM
THRUST MASTER HOTAS COUGAR

hotas software allows it to be macro'd a million different ways with a million different profiles

3 mode settings can switch profiles in flight without any issues

tight action, make x52 look limp

solid metal construction makes it durrable

online support for software and all buttons switches hats and internal controls

handle seperates from base without cutting wires or sodering so you can build it in a sim chair with ease

solid feel and easy to use.

just my opinion

FLOTSOM
Title: Re: Controller poll and Info!?
Post by: EnIgMaSpItPiLoT on October 21, 2008, 07:55:56 PM
           I did post A new topic on hardware too just so you all know and care to reply there instead! But Thnkyou Finally someone else who thinks the X52 Is a Perice of crap. I had nothing but problems with it!. That doesn't mean that its not for anyone else it just wasn't for me! It kept coming uncalibrated and I had problems with the programing even after I installed the new drivers more then once! That also doesn't mean I opposed to another model of Saitek, It just mean the X52 isn't it! I just thought I was the crazy one everyone said I must not be right in the head because I didnt love that controller whren I had it:)
Title: Re: Controller poll and Info!?
Post by: Motherland on October 21, 2008, 07:58:54 PM
The X52 isn't exactly reliable, but it's not that bad- you may have just gotten a lemon. BTW if you get another one you may as well not even install the drivers and just set it up through Aces High.
Title: Re: Controller poll and Info!?
Post by: FLOTSOM on October 21, 2008, 08:03:56 PM
          I did post A new topic on hardware too just so you all know and care to reply there instead! But Thnkyou Finally someone else who thinks the X52 Is a Perice of crap. I had nothing but problems with it!. That doesn't mean that its not for anyone else it just wasn't for me! It kept coming uncalibrated and I had problems with the programing even after I installed the new drivers more then once! That also doesn't mean I opposed to another model of Saitek, It just mean the X52 isn't it! I just thought I was the crazy one everyone said I must not be right in the head because I didnt love that controller whren I had it:)

well i didnt want to throw stones at the x52

but look at it this way i gave my brand new one to my brother jetsom, (needed to have some kind of advantage to beat him figured id go with the technical superior one) after using it for a very brief period of time.

i dont miss it.

actually im sitting not 10 feet away from an x52 that needs only to be cleaned to function properly, there it sits and there it will stay.

Title: Re: Controller poll and Info!?
Post by: EnIgMaSpItPiLoT on October 21, 2008, 08:10:15 PM
         Yeah I didn't mean this to be a hate session on the Saitek X52 Either but I just had to bring it up or I knew I would get Allot of replies suggesting it:)
Title: Re: Controller poll and Info!?
Post by: CAP1 on October 21, 2008, 08:19:43 PM
     Come on Know one uses any other controllers then the ones I mentioned LOL

CH PRODUCTS AL THE WAY they're a bit pricey though, but well worth it.
Title: Re: Controller poll and Info!?
Post by: Brooke on October 21, 2008, 08:20:22 PM
I like the CH Products joysticks and pedals.  I think they have great feel and have very high quality.
Title: Re: Controller poll and Info!?
Post by: crockett on October 21, 2008, 08:42:56 PM
I still have the Microsoft Sidewinder Force Feedback 2 that I bought probably 7 or 8 years ago. It the best stick I've ever used but sadly it's days are numbered. The main trigger went out a year or so ago so I have to use the button 2 & 3 to fire my guns. Now the hat switch has been messing up, which makes it very difficult to mix it up in a dog fight.

I was having problems looking behind me, but I took the stick apart and cleaned it and now I have problems looking to my left. I'm thinking of giving the X52 a try but not sure if I'd like it. I was also toying with the idea of getting TrackIR instead.
Title: Re: Controller poll and Info!?
Post by: Enker on October 21, 2008, 09:10:49 PM
I have recently been using a logitech attack 3 since Richard Scarry's best rainy day book came out, and it still works like a beaut! The main trigger is a bit limp after A year and a half of use, but the main stick part is very nice, very nice. Try using your extreme pro as a rudder and button pad, and get a stick from a Maj-r-thrift nearby, those are nice sticks (a bit old and eww looking, but if you can stand cleaning it xP go for it) Also, the Saitek aviator looks pretty stiff.
Title: Re: Controller poll and Info!?
Post by: Max on October 21, 2008, 09:35:47 PM
Trust me; CH makes the most reliable flight sim gear on the planet and I've owned just about everything out there in the past 10 years. The only down side is the fact that you'll need a set of peds, as CH doesn't manufacture a "twisty" stick. Saitek makes one product that ranks ahead of CH and that's peds...at least IMHO. The initial cash outlay is a bit much but in the long run I'll guarantee you'll be better off with CH. Best bang for the buck is the CH Fighterstick and the best place to buy it (and the CH Throttle) is www.provantage.com
Title: Re: Controller poll and Info!?
Post by: Noir on October 21, 2008, 09:41:33 PM
agreed saitek pedals are superior

the saitek avi8tor is a pretty good "stiff" joystick, and well adapted for aces high (dual throttle and lots of buttons, 3rd axis). Not to mention its cheap.
Title: Re: Controller poll and Info!?
Post by: PFactorDave on October 21, 2008, 10:45:51 PM
I am using a MS Sidewinder that I bought AT LEAST (maybe more) 10 years ago.  Works great.  I'm also using a set of Saitek Pedals, but I have only had them since about July, so I cannot comment on their durability.
Title: Re: Controller poll and Info!?
Post by: TequilaChaser on October 21, 2008, 10:52:48 PM
most people will spend the $250 to #300 for a Thrustmaster/ Cougar HOTAs and then spend another $300 to "MOD" it to make it right and reliable.......

I just retired my 14+ year old CH Analog/Gameport Fighter Stick/PRo Throttle/Rudders for the New USB version..only reason I changed is I ordered a Xtreme Gamer SB sound Card when I built this new PC recently, and did not realize it had no gameport.......

so got all new USB stuff..........nothing wrong with my Gameport CH Stuff and it prob has logged more flight time than 50% of the players in thi games combined time 10fold......

You Get What You Pay For.........<----that saying is GOLD when it comes to CH Products......

but YMMV!!!

correction...... had used the gameport HOTAS/Rudder since 1995   , over 13 years...........
Title: Re: Controller poll and Info!?
Post by: FLOTSOM on October 22, 2008, 01:50:54 AM
most people will spend the $250 to #300 for a Thrustmaster/ Cougar HOTAs and then spend another $300 to "MOD" it to make it right and reliable.......

what in the heel did they spend additional money on????

i paid 250.00 for mine and it came complete with programing and a 2 year warranty on parts. i have no idea what i could spend additional money on to "mod" it. can you get like spinners for it or furry dice or low pro's or something? if so i have never seen any of it on the web sight. the thing that makes it reliable is the ease of getting replacement parts for all of the internal components. if they wear out you can replace them very easily.

http://cougar.frugalsworld.com/warranty_parts.php (http://cougar.frugalsworld.com/warranty_parts.php) go look for yourself. don't see it getting any simpler than the look by picture approach.
Title: Re: Controller poll and Info!?
Post by: FLOTSOM on October 22, 2008, 02:19:05 AM
I stand corrected.................... ..

i just found the section on all the MODS......................tha ts awsome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

now im even happier about getting my cougar!
Title: Re: Controller poll and Info!?
Post by: bozon on October 22, 2008, 02:48:00 AM
        I right now am using a Logitech Extreme 3D pro.
I had that stick - it is the worst I ever had in terms of performance. I cannot testify for its reliability because I threw it away in disgust before anything in it broke. Just a bad piece of equipment.

The best stick I ever had, as much as I hate the company that made it, is the Micro$oft FF (I had I and II). I still use the FFII that I got from a friend. Unfortunately MS decided that the stick is so good, that it is against company policy to produce it - so they just stopped.
Title: Re: Controller poll and Info!?
Post by: Wingnutt on October 22, 2008, 12:13:47 PM
+1 for the TM COUGAR HOTAS..

it weights about something like 20 pounds, is ALL metal.. including the buttons..  comes with a 2 year warranty on EVERYTHING..  if you think a pot is spiking or anything just shoot them an e-mail and they will send you more.

if you want to mod it, you can add Hall effect sensors, different gimbals, all kinds of crap..   its definatly the last setup you would have to buy..

oh yea, it comes with software THAT IS ACTUALLY WORTH INSTALLING.
Title: Re: Controller poll and Info!?
Post by: crockett on October 22, 2008, 12:38:54 PM

The best stick I ever had, as much as I hate the company that made it, is the Micro$oft FF (I had I and II). I still use the FFII that I got from a friend. Unfortunately MS decided that the stick is so good, that it is against company policy to produce it - so they just stopped.

lol isn't that the truth..  :rofl :rofl


I will say that I personally think the reason they stopped producing it, was because of the xbox. M$ wanted to push their gaming market to the xbox away from the PC.
Title: Re: Controller poll and Info!?
Post by: llama on October 22, 2008, 01:39:18 PM
Still using a 13-year old Thrustmaster WCS Mk-II Throttle and 13-year-old Thrustmaster F-16 FLCS and 12-year-old set of CH Pedals, all using a Gameport. I have enough spare parts (and spare sticks and throttles in general) that I should be able to keep using them for another 10 years at least. They work fine in XP as well as Vista with the modified gameport drivers.

You only need DOS to program them, and that's a one-time deal. I can boot to DOS from a thumbdrive if I need to change things...

The only real failure point are the pots (which are easy to get replacements for), unless some yahoo drops it and cracks the casings. Good thing I have spares for those too. ;-)

-Llama
Title: Re: Controller poll and Info!?
Post by: infowars on October 23, 2008, 09:29:05 AM
I have the CH fighter stick and pedals.  I have to testify that my wife has informed me on more than one occasion she has slammed in on the ground.  The one time I saw her do it I thought for sure it was done.  I plugged it back in and works like a charm.  I love CH products..
 :rock
Title: Re: Controller poll and Info!?
Post by: Bruv119 on October 24, 2008, 12:41:44 AM
I have the CH fighter stick and pedals.  I have to testify that my wife has informed me on more than one occasion she has slammed in on the ground.  The one time I saw her do it I thought for sure it was done.  I plugged it back in and works like a charm.  I love CH products..
 :rock


 :lol

CH FTW!
Title: Re: Controller poll and Info!?
Post by: PFactorDave on October 24, 2008, 12:53:38 AM
I have to testify that my wife has informed me on more than one occasion she has slammed in on the ground.  The one time I saw her do it I thought for sure it was done.  I plugged it back in and works like a charm. 


I see you CH love and raise you some MS Sidewinder Love...   :O

I've had my MS Sidewinder longer then I have been married.  It started playing Mechwarrior.  Lasted through Il2 and others.  Now playing AH2.

I am certain that my wife desires to defeat my stick, any way that she can!  ((Just had our 7th anniversary, 7 year itch inbound!))  But merely dropping my Sidewinder on the floor will never get the job done!

[[Insert humorous comment about wife having to live with the current stick]]
Title: Re: Controller poll and Info!?
Post by: Squire on October 24, 2008, 07:10:10 PM
I really like the CH Products stuff.
Title: Re: Controller poll and Info!?
Post by: fuzeman on October 24, 2008, 07:16:34 PM
Eye youse all Sea aich goistics
Title: Re: Controller poll and Info!?
Post by: ScatterFire on October 25, 2008, 12:00:27 AM
The X52 is the only Joystick I haven't broken   :furious

Guess I don't have a light trigger finger  :P
Title: Re: Controller poll and Info!?
Post by: doc1kelley on October 25, 2008, 10:05:05 AM
   CHproduct was another typre I was looking at I have heard nothing but good thing about this brand how bout you what is your opion so far! p.s. I dint relize there was a board with that label I dont type on the forums that often!

Well I've had CH gear (F-16 fighterstick, pro throttle usb, and analog ch pedals) for years without a problem with them.  Before the USB stuff, I had the analog fighterstick and throttle stuff.  They would still work but I haven't had a gameport for years.  I've been using CH gear since 1996 and haven't had to replace any pots and I use a gameport to USB adapter for the analog pedals.  First Class gear!  You might want to PM Ack-Ack for any questions about CH gear as he was a Techie for them a few years back.  He won't steer ya wrong and neither will the gear itself!

All the Best...

    Jay
 awDoc1
Title: Re: Controller poll and Info!?
Post by: Saxman on October 25, 2008, 12:39:37 PM
Full CH setup. Fighterstick USB, Pro Peddals, and Pro Throttle. Very responsive and precise. I don't even need to fiddle with scaling or deadbands in AH. Only problem I run into is periodically my pedals Z-axis loses calibration.
Title: Re: Controller poll and Info!?
Post by: fuzeman on October 25, 2008, 05:49:26 PM
Eye youse all Sea aich goistics

Specifically a CH Fighterstick USB, Pro Throttle USB and I converted my old CH analog pedals to USB and if I may say so, they work very nicely, considering how little I had to do to modify them.
Title: Re: Controller poll and Info!?
Post by: SectorNine50 on October 25, 2008, 06:27:03 PM
I also have the Logitech, I've had it for roughly 2.5 years now.  One of the buttons stopped working, and I have to calibrate it before every flight now (really annoying).  2.5 years for $35 on a college student's income ain't bad! :P

I will probably end up getting a CH stick next just for reference. :aok
Title: Re: Controller poll and Info!?
Post by: Spikes on October 25, 2008, 06:40:49 PM
My X52 has lasted me about 3 years now, I really don't see how everyone is having problems with them...I haven't one complaint about it.
Title: Re: Controller poll and Info!?
Post by: Paladin3 on October 25, 2008, 07:36:58 PM
I had a Logitec Extreme 3d Pro for 7 years and just recently wore it out. I picked up a Sitek that won't hold course while on autopilot and has no adjustment for the stiffness of the stick (its too heavy and lays to one side so the autopilot always clicks off). I love my 50 dollar stick compared to my 120 dollar one.