Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => Hardware and Software => Topic started by: JunkyII on July 12, 2009, 08:55:49 PM
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So i finally got tired of my X52 acting up and bought a CH Fighterstick
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/310CCHXY3CL._SS500_.jpg)
All i wanted to know is if i made a good choice, I have heard nothing but good things about CH products. I have the pedals and they are simple but work really good. Another question I have is if I use the CH stick, will my X52 throttle work with the stick? :salute
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Yes, you can continue to use the x-52 throttle. You just have to have both joysticks plugged in.
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I got three sticks hooked up. more buttons the better
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Yes, you can continue to use the x-52 throttle. You just have to have both joysticks plugged in.
hm might need another usb port, which could cause some problems with the connection of the ones plugged in. Does the CH stick lose calibration at all?
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Yes, you can continue to use the x-52 throttle. You just have to have both joysticks plugged in.
The X-52 throttle can work on it's own. Before my Throttle started going, it was never plugged into the JS. Just use the throttle and Fighterstick.
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My CH FighterStick is about 3 1/2 years old. I have calibrated it less than 10 times in AH. All three CH pieces are attached to a powered USB hub.
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My CH FighterStick is about 3 1/2 years old. I have calibrated it less than 10 times in AH. All three CH pieces are attached to a powered USB hub.
It comes with 1 or you have a usb hub? I think i need to find one of those at the PX
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You have made a considerably wise purchase!
I don't use a hub. If you get one get a very good one. In fact I believe CH recommends you plug them directly into the computer.
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I've got my CH Stick plugged directly into my pc, as when I was using a powered hub with it, it gave me a delay (which was a bit odd). You dont need the saitek j/s plugged in (it plugs into the throttle anyway) and I've had no problems with using a x52 throttle and pedals with my CH stick.
The difference between my CH and X52 control wise, is big - I was happy with the x52, but the Ch stick is just better, much much better imo.
Wurzel
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I recall the old gameport models the stick and throttle plugged in together,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,but not so with the USB versions where all 3 ( Stick/throttle/pedals ) all have independent USB plugs
if you use the CH control manager software you can mate them up to be all as 1 instead of 3 seperate controllers..
YMMV
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Thank you for all the helpful information and Im glad to hear I made a good decision :salute
Just cant wait to get it, should be hear in a week :x
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Thank you for all the helpful information and Im glad to hear I made a good decision :salute
Just cant wait to get it, should be hear in a week :x
CH is the chit.
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One tiny last piece of advice. Those trim wheels on the stick aren't trim wheels. Leave them centered or you will never be calibrated properly.
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One tiny last piece of advice. Those trim wheels on the stick aren't trim wheels. Leave them centered or you will never be calibrated properly.
I cant use them for RPMs or something like that?
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I cant use them for RPMs or something like that?
Nope, If I find the article I will post it.
Addendum: Some support for what I said.
http://www.firingsquad.com/hardware/ch_products_saitek_x52_review/page8.asp
CH Cons
No trim knobs
Like HOTAS, until I tried them, I didn't know what I was missing out on and now I can't go back. As much as I wish the X52 throttle had more buttons and switches, I stick with it because it has trim knobs.
Random Nitpicks
The USB cords on the CH sticks are short, and neither the throttle nor FighterStick likes to be connected to a USB splitter/hub.
I noticed a remarkable improvement when I switched from a powered hub to usb ports on the computer.
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My computer doesn't have enough USB ports for all the gear. Besides the PT, PP and FS, there is the Yoke and Throttle Quadrant (for FSX). Add in a keyboard and mouse and there just aren't enough ports. Reaching around behind the computer to swap plugs ain't gonna work with the desk cubby it sits in. And there haven't been any issues with either the 4 port Dlink or the 7 port Belkin powered hubs.
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If i keep the X52 throttle thats means ill have 3 usbs i need to attach to my computer that only has 2. Maybe ill put it on one of the hat switchs.....I dont know :o
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If i keep the X52 throttle thats means ill have 3 usbs i need to attach to my computer that only has 2. Maybe ill put it on one of the hat switchs.....I dont know :o
You don't have any usb ports in the front? If not you can cheaply add a usb card to the back. Well I guess depending on what's available on your mainboard. Another thought is run the throttle and pedals through a splitter and run your CH stick directly to the computer's usb port.
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Would that make a difference if my pedals were CH too?
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Would that make a difference if my pedals were CH too?
Probably, However, If I had to chose I between which one to put directly into the computer I would chose the stick.
What's your motherboard's model number?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815104306 Get one of these.
Or you could get a card reader for your front bay. I looked through quite a few of them and there are too many to chose from. So take a look see if you can find one with a front USB port.
BTW, these are just samples. I only recommend certain proven components that I have used or that were highly recommened, like ATI video card, couple of cases, 2 ps manufacturers, and intel CPU's. All subject to change.
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I have my CH Fighterstick, Throttle, Pedals as well as my TIR 4 w/ Pro Clip plugging into a powered usb hub and have zero problems.
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I have my CH Fighterstick, Throttle, Pedals as well as my TIR 4 w/ Pro Clip plugging into a powered usb hub and have zero problems.
Same here. As a matter of fact I can't remember the last time I had to calibrate my gear. I'm using a Belkin 7 port powered hub.
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Yes you can use the X-52 throttle with your CH products. As for CH Fighterstick as a good choice? I am still using my CH Fighterstick, CH Pro Pedals, and CH Pro Throttle I used back in my Air Warrior days, and their still in great shape. Best investment I ever made. :salute
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Same here. As a matter of fact I can't remember the last time I had to calibrate my gear. I'm using a Belkin 7 port powered hub.
I was relating my experience and that of the testers. I believe Skuzzy said they all use powered hubs at the office. My thoughts are if he chooses to go that route and if there are problems then he may know where to start looking.
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Nope, If I find the article I will post it.
Addendum: Some support for what I said.
http://www.firingsquad.com/hardware/ch_products_saitek_x52_review/page8.asp
CH Cons
No trim knobs
Like HOTAS, until I tried them, I didn't know what I was missing out on and now I can't go back. As much as I wish the X52 throttle had more buttons and switches, I stick with it because it has trim knobs.
Um,my fighterstick has trim knobs.
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Um,my fighterstick has trim knobs.
Those aren't trim knobs.
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Those aren't trim knobs.
You're right,they are trim wheels.
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You're right,they are trim wheels.
They're called trim wheels but they work differently. I cannot find the article. I tried. I believe they are more for adjustment during calibration and not during flight.
I found another review that did recommend the Belkin powered hub for computers that only have a couple of USB ports. They also said that the internal usb hubs are somewhat unreliable. Surprised me about the internal Hubs.
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You're right,they are trim wheels.
Yeah, but they aren't for adjusting the elevator/aileron trim in the game...they are to adjust the x/y axis trim of the stick. So for instance, you move one of the wheels a little off center...this will tell the joystick "even though you are centered and neutral, transmit that you're being held a little to one side". In-game, it's like you are holding the stick to one side and your plane will perform a continuous roll even if your stick is centered and neutral. Useful feature? You decide.
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Do either of you have a CH joystick?
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If i keep the X52 throttle thats means ill have 3 usbs i need to attach to my computer that only has 2. Maybe ill put it on one of the hat switchs.....I dont know :o
If all you have is 2 USB ports, they your best bet if you want JS, Throttle, and Pedals is to use a powered USB hub. Most have no problems using them. And although you can mix and match joysticks, throttles, and pedals, in the long run your best investment IMO is all CH products. I've had the same CH Fighterstick, Pro Pedals, Pro Throttle for over 8 years now. All still work great with the same response, tension, and feel as the day I pulled them from the box. My question is would you rather spend $ 150 for a complete setup that will quit on you in six months, or spend $ 150 per piece that will last you years. With the economy and your own situation to consider, ( which by the way, I know nothing about or is my business), which one for you would be the better value for you? Hope the best of luck, and see you in the skies. :salute
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Do either of you have a CH joystick?
Look at reply #20 in this thread. In case you don't feel like scrolling back...Yes, I have the full CH setup (Fighterstick,Throttle and Pedals).
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From homeboys webpage: about those trim wheels,
Those Trim Wheels, They Ain't
Those two dials near the gimbals of a CH stick are referred to in CH Products literature as "trim wheels." That's an unfortunate term because us aviation types can't help but think that means "aircraft trim" and we are tempted to try and use those wheels to trim our airplane. A better choice of term might be "pot trim wheels" or something like that. You see, this wheel is physically attached to the axis pot and can be used to center the pot (or equalize the travel of the pot to one side and the other). The problem with trying to use them for aircraft trim is once you've calibrated your stick and then you move one of these trim wheels, you throw off your calibration and it is very difficult to get the pot exactly where it was when you did the calibration. The precision of these wheels is not that great and just the slightest movement can throw the pot off quite a bit. It is my opinion that you carefully lock the trim wheels in their detent and never touch them again.
In truth, these trim wheels are a bit of a hold-over from the Gameport days where centering the pot was a legitimate issue. Because of the way USB devices are designed, this is not that much of an issue anymore. It is very rare that these USB sticks need any sort of pot trimming.
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From homeboys webpage: about those trim wheels,
Those Trim Wheels, They Ain't
Those two dials near the gimbals of a CH stick are referred to in CH Products literature as "trim wheels." That's an unfortunate term because us aviation types can't help but think that means "aircraft trim" and we are tempted to try and use those wheels to trim our airplane. A better choice of term might be "pot trim wheels" or something like that. You see, this wheel is physically attached to the axis pot and can be used to center the pot (or equalize the travel of the pot to one side and the other). The problem with trying to use them for aircraft trim is once you've calibrated your stick and then you move one of these trim wheels, you throw off your calibration and it is very difficult to get the pot exactly where it was when you did the calibration. The precision of these wheels is not that great and just the slightest movement can throw the pot off quite a bit. It is my opinion that you carefully lock the trim wheels in their detent and never touch them again.
In truth, these trim wheels are a bit of a hold-over from the Gameport days where centering the pot was a legitimate issue. Because of the way USB devices are designed, this is not that much of an issue anymore. It is very rare that these USB sticks need any sort of pot trimming.
Thank you Cryptic!! I knew I read it somewhere. That was my experience. Once touched, I was back to desktop recalibrating.
And yes, I have the full CH setup.
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If all you have is 2 USB ports, they your best bet if you want JS, Throttle, and Pedals is to use a powered USB hub. Most have no problems using them. And although you can mix and match joysticks, throttles, and pedals, in the long run your best investment IMO is all CH products. I've had the same CH Fighterstick, Pro Pedals, Pro Throttle for over 8 years now. All still work great with the same response, tension, and feel as the day I pulled them from the box. My question is would you rather spend $ 150 for a complete setup that will quit on you in six months, or spend $ 150 per piece that will last you years. With the economy and your own situation to consider, ( which by the way, I know nothing about or is my business), which one for you would be the better value for you? Hope the best of luck, and see you in the skies. :salute
Read my sig bud, my business should be an americans business :salute But I wasnt sure to get the throttle just yet, i would like to see how the X52 throttle works with my other things before i get it. I am very happpy with my pedals, they dont lose calibration and make this game almost new to me again.
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CC :salute
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Read my sig bud, my business should be an americans business :salute But I wasnt sure to get the throttle just yet, i would like to see how the X52 throttle works with my other things before i get it. I am very happpy with my pedals, they dont lose calibration and make this game almost new to me again.
Some people prefer the Saitek throttles. The CH one takes some getting used to (no real resistance comparatively). I would lose power now and then by accident with it :)
(This might have already been posted, too lazy to look :D )
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Once touched, I was back to desktop recalibrating.
Exactly. Center them, tape them down, calibrate the stick, and never touch them again. Or do like I did, when I dismantled the stick to remove the slack from the gimbal, I added an additional friction mechanism (ie. more tape inside the unit) so that I can still move them, but only with serious effort.
<S>
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Exactly. Center them, tape them down, calibrate the stick, and never touch them again. Or do like I did, when I dismantled the stick to remove the slack from the gimbal, I added an additional friction mechanism (ie. more tape inside the unit) so that I can still move them, but only with serious effort.
<S>
:rofl :rofl :rofl Friction mechanism. Yeppers, you are spot on.
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awwww crap might have to actually watch out for junky now :lol.
No going back! once your in the "CH fanboi Club" theres no leaving. :D
Had the full set for 2 years or so now and still performing as flawless as the day I bought them. A little sad that i spend less and less time flying with them but they allow finer control and you wont be able to blame your controls for getting shot down or augering in style.
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awwww crap might have to actually watch out for junky now :lol.
No going back! once your in the "CH fanboi Club" theres no leaving. :D
Had the full set for 2 years or so now and still performing as flawless as the day I bought them. A little sad that i spend less and less time flying with them but they allow finer control and you wont be able to blame your controls for getting shot down or augering in style.
Been blaming my X52 for some time now, hehe check the sig :rock
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I just love my stand-alone Saitek X35T usb throttle right next of my CHFS :P