Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => Hardware and Software => Topic started by: Kirin on May 29, 2000, 05:31:00 PM
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Salute Aces,
Since the first days I've been flying AH with a MS SW FF Pro and I liked it. The twisty rudder thingy went into my blood (yes I flew with real rudder pedals too) and I love the precision and durability. There were some problems with the anti-stick-stirring-code which have been solved a long time ago now.
Still I think it's time to upgrade. The feature I need most urgently is an additional coolie - since I fly LW planes (especially 109) exclusively I need trimming to be set on the stick too. I've been quite happy with the throttle wheel on the MS SW but I think a real throttle with some additional buttons etc. will keep my hands off the keyboard (hey, we need integrated vox com & mouse six calls asap)...
From what I read the X-36 HOTAS will be the perfect solution for me. Very pricey, all features I need - even twisty rudder if I read right...
Still I need some opinions on how you experienced it - and AH related problems... I recall reading some problems with the combo here on the board. And I be happy for any alternative you offer - FYI I got a pair of CH Pro pedals lying around my attic...
Ok - my ears are wide open:
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~Kirin~
(http://saintaw.tripod.com/kirin.jpg)
JG2 "Richthofen" (http://www.busprod.com/weazel2/home.htm)
[This message has been edited by Kirin (edited 05-29-2000).]
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I have heard so many Saitek horror stories from guys I've flown with...
I wouldn't touch Saitek with a 10-foot pole.
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Kirin : The X-36 hotas have rudder control on the throttle it takes two fingers to use it .
My mate airreapr just got one and he likes it lots . Only problem he had installing it was it kept wanting to use the standard usb driver . To get it to use the "right" one he deleted all usb drivers , then it "had" to take the right one . I have read that isn't a problem with win98 SE though .
There's any number ways to go to get a throttle though .
I am useing CH ProThrottle with a MSPPro USB stick . At this time I use CH Pedals with it but you can twist too if you wanted to "NOT" use pedals. http://user.mc.net/~ronht/Index.htm (http://user.mc.net/~ronht/Index.htm)
The link above is the number one help spot for Saitek Hotas setups . gl cheers spro
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air_rules = Play fair ....Don't worry about points......Keep a sense of humor......Drink Jim Beam......and don't let the fediddlein cat walk on the keyboard.......!!!
(http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Track/1589/airlogo.gif)
air_squadron (http://www.airsquadron.com)
[This message has been edited by airspro (edited 05-29-2000).]
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I recently upgraded to the X-36 HOTAS USB combo. I give it a FULL thumbs UP. The horror stories are from the gameport version not the USB.
I have had no setup problems with it and it simply never spikes period. The rudder is by your fingers in the throttle, a bar that pivots on the center. Really easy to use, you may find it a bit sensitive at first.
Please, don't install the CD drivers. You just have to uninstall again. The proper updated drivers are on their site. Without them the stick is hard to program and the software is unstable.
Simply, for $99 bucks you can't beat this. The keys are all programmable and it has two rotaries you can use for trim.
The only serious downfall is that the joy is seriously made for big hands. You will have to move your hand all over it to access the top hat or fire key. I don't use them for anything important so am fine.
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I had the gameport version, and the following problems:
- rudder rocker switch broke (got replacement from Saitek germany and changed it myself)
- got the sticky key syndrome, couldn't use the dials on the throttle (could be gone with the USB version)
- the pots were worn out after a year
- the rubber ring at the base of the stick was torn up after a year
I sold it then.
I really liked the feeling and finish, but I'm not going to give anything with pots another try.
Az
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Howdy Kirin,
I currently use the Saitek X36F Digital USB Combo. Let me tell you it ROCKS! (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/smile.gif)
I also purchased the CH Pro Pedals (USB) and have never regretted the decision. They are much superior to the rudder rocker on the Throttle. Up until recently I programed the Saiteks with the in game stick choices and while this works very well (2nd hat for triming) and allows an almost hands off keyboard expierience. The usage of the SGE software takes these sticks a step further(thanks Hmble, for the profile m8!) You can set the buttons and rotaries on the throtle to engage wep, trim rudder,elevator,aileron,flaps, RW all without moving ur hand from it. The Joystick still has those 2 8 way hats and 5 buttons for firing combos,map, zoom, auto pilot selection or whatever. The only limiter I see right now is what i can remember while in combat (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/wink.gif) On top of that you have 3 modes to select from so you can set up a Air-Air Fighter config in mode1 Bomber options in mode2 and Vehicle to mode3 if your inclined. Guess I sound like a Saitek enthusiast huh? hehe well after having the Game port version stuck in the closet for a year, imho the USB version delivers on its promise.
Like Sorrow said this thing never spikes and download the SGE 1.3 drivers off the web site (use the CDs as coasters, they are better that way) The only qualifer I have is that I think the seperate rudders are really needed to get the most enjoyment out of the setup. and if your a nut like me building a HOTASS stand didnt hurt either,,,now if I could only fly, or shoot (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/wink.gif)
(http://devildogs.com/vmf111/jbsig2.gif)
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Long time Sidewinder user here - and a happy one as well.
However: 1) running out of buttons 2) certain maneuvers involving fine tuned rudder input (or lack of!) are difficult\impossible 3) sitting with pedals more than 10 hour will give me ischias ;=)
-so Im sitting on the fence *allmost* ready to buy, and Saitek X36 USB sure looks hot:
http://www.combatsim.com/htm/feb00/saiteksge-1.htm (http://www.combatsim.com/htm/feb00/saiteksge-1.htm) http://www.combatsim.com/htm/feb00/saiteksgep2-1.htm (http://www.combatsim.com/htm/feb00/saiteksgep2-1.htm) http://www.dogfighter.com/reviews/show.php3?review=953573835 (http://www.dogfighter.com/reviews/show.php3?review=953573835) http://www.combatsim.com/htm/aug99/throttle.htm (http://www.combatsim.com/htm/aug99/throttle.htm) http://www.combatsim.com/archive/htm/htm_arc3/hotas1.ht (http://www.combatsim.com/archive/htm/htm_arc3/hotas1.ht) http://www.combatsim.com/htm/nov99/x36-usb2.htm (http://www.combatsim.com/htm/nov99/x36-usb2.htm) http://www.gamespot.com/hardware/controllers/sticks/x36usb.html (http://www.gamespot.com/hardware/controllers/sticks/x36usb.html) http://www.combatsim.com/archive/htm/htm_arc4/proflite1.htm (http://www.combatsim.com/archive/htm/htm_arc4/proflite1.htm)
danish
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You can use a USB MSPPro with a throttle that goes into the game port . That way you can have buttons plus the twist stick . Like you say it is hard to sit for 10 plus hours with feet on pedals , let me tell ya . hehe .
Or you could even use the Saitek throttle with MSPPro , just turn off the stick in the game settings .
cheers spro
(http://fightersystems.com/2tower.jpg) (http://fightersystems.com/2towerwstick.jpg)
Here u go Pollock , you really like it then . How about how far you are from the monitor ? Is that a bother or not ?
[This message has been edited by airspro (edited 05-30-2000).]
[This message has been edited by airspro (edited 05-30-2000).]
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Kieren,
IMO this is the best set up going. The only time I use my keyboard know is to type radio messages. All the game functions are programmed to the combo. My next step is to add USB rudders if you have the cash I would suggest checking out fightersystems.com for their H.O.T.A.S set up. I hav bought one and have to say I dont know how I flew without it. I would import a picture to this post but do not know how to do it.
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OK Old Gameport version although i persevered with it for years was really bug ridden but i have to say the USB digital version is unbeatable, as others have said there is no jitter or spiking at all with this stick.
If you RTFM it will save a lot of problems on install, simple things like install the software BEFORE plugging combo into your USB port and of course DO NOT use the SGE software in the box get the new SGE from Saitek site.
This things unbelievable in what you can program with it, you can even program in time delays for different phases of your key press (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/smile.gif) IE a press phase, a hold phase and a release phase, damn it gives me a headache trying to think of uses for all the buttons and options (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/smile.gif)
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just got the x36 myself, sure would be nice if someone would post there game profile here. (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/smile.gif)
BTW I really like it, though it takes a little time ti get used to the rudders.
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Airspro,
No problems yet would like to go to 17" for other reasons worth every penny for me. Need a hi back chair and the rudder mod and then were talking Comfort.
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I just got my USB X36, and like it!
Just order USB CH pro Rudder pedals too, so I think I'm about set.
The rocker switch rudder on the throttle never "felt" comfortable to me, but it works well. Just decided that pedals were the way to go so I could remap rocker to FLAPS.
Take the advise above, ditch the cdrom drivers and dl the GOOD ones from Saitek's homepage.
The main reason I purchased a Saitek is for all the buttons and knobs, with AH ya GOTTA have trim control.
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<< MILENKO >> (http://pages.hotbot.com/games/davekirk/milenko.html)
<===THE ASSASSINS===>Webpage (http://www.cybrtyme.com/personal/hblair/mainpage.htm)
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Love my X36 combo... no twist stick though... make sure u get USB..... flawless..
doc
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http://user.mc.net/~ronht/IndexFrame1Source1.htm (http://user.mc.net/~ronht/IndexFrame1Source1.htm)
Learn much here, give it a try>
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Kirin,
I strongly recommend you avoid the analog stick and get the USB version as the others have mentioned.
The USB version is excellent, and like JimBear indicated a set of rudder pedals will round this system out just about perfect. I came from an old set of Thrustmaster Pro 22 and TQS throttle combination set up and love this Saitek.
I'm the one that wrote the Saitek Profile that everyone is now passing around. When you get it just send me your E-mail and I'll send you my profile to get you started.
After this you can fly a 109 at high speed when you've lost stick control by simply using the trim tab settings on the throttle hat. It's a great way to escape in the 109 and you'll get calls from other pilots asking how you can fly that 109 so fast when they just loose control.
Ranger Bob
JG2
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Plain and simple...
The analog version is sheit....get the USB version it rocks...
(http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/wink.gif)
// Nike
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Thank you all very much guys... just decided to get me one of those combos - looks like this thread inspired some other guys too...
Hey, maybe Saitek ship me one free for this one! (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/wink.gif)
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I asked for help in another thread, because Coolie Hats didn't work, and I appreciated the advices 1776 gave me. But I've just returned the thing to the puter store. Maybe I could put it to work but It seems to be (actually It has been (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/wink.gif) ) an incredibly time consuming task, at least as far as my hardware tuning abilities is concerned, time that I have not, and, still, there is an issue outstanding, the fact that you can't push more than one button simultaneously.
From my point of view, gameport version is NOT advisable.
Cheers,
Pepino
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Dont give up with this system you will not be disapointed. Run the supplied program nuke usb, load Direct X 7.0A completly (not the patch)I had similar problems until I did a full install of the above mentioned. If you need a profile I have a copy of Ranger Bobs and my profile that is slightly changed from his. I use many combination commands including the rotary dials. If you need a profile post me an email and i will send it to you. It is also possible you have a bad one out of the box, exchange it for another one. The fun factor far outweighs the headaches...
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I've been following this thread with great interest since I've been using an analog X36 combo both in AH and WB for nearly two years, and I'm thinking of switching to the USB version. I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts on the following points:
1. I infer from previous posts that(at least in AH) you can use separate analog rudder pedals through a gameport with the USB setup. I've got a set of TM Elites and was wondering if anyone had any experience using them w/ the USB X36. Also, how exactly do you set up the AH controls to use a separate rudder?
2. Can control configs. that were written for the analog X36 be used with the USB version, and is there any difference in the performance of the various buttons, dials, etc.?
3. Does the USB version eliminate the view problems that a number of folks have noted in AH? In the analog version, I have found that rapid snap-view switching can frequently cause the view to start uncontrolled panning, and have frequently found myself staring at the chair in the bottom of the cockpit during a dogfight (I'm not claiming that this is the sole reason for my dismal K/D ratio in AH, but it sure doesn't help!)
Thanks in advance for any info!
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I am currently using the x36 combo USB version with a set of Thrustmaster analog pedals. I've had them for years so I'm not sure of the model type, but they are a rugged set.
You simply plug them into your analog joystick port and set up another stick in the Windows joystick area being sure to chose with rudder pedals. I chose some sort of a stick and just clicked passed the calibration part about the stick and then calibrated the rudders.
The go to AH joysitck setup and choose to have your rudder axis be connected to this new analog rudder you set up. AH made it very easy.
As far as views go I don't have any problem with the views using this USB version.
I'm not sure about using the old analog config files. I changed from an old set of Thrustmaster stuff to this new USB combo so I had to set up a new profile. I'll send it to you if you want it.
Ranger Bob
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Thanks for the info and the tips, RangerBob. I'd very much appreciate the config files- my email is KJKosco@GTE.net. This may finally push me over the line into going USB (having gone through about 4 sets of pots on the analog stick).
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Even though it's USB, the Saitek still has pots, no????
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I'm following this thread with interest, because I too had a complete HORROR story with the gameport Saitek combo. I take every opportunity to slam it everywhre I go.
But, since the reports on the USB version seem overwhelmingly positive, I think I'll start tracking this on my radar screen again.
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One question for you USB Saitek people: what about the hat? Can you get 8-way *sticky* views or is it really only 4-way if you want persistent views (as was the case for the original set)?
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I have the 8 way sticky views working on mine now. I also have it programmed so the pinky switch changes that hat to an 8 way view looking up and around.
Ranger Bob