Aces High Bulletin Board

General Forums => Hardware and Software => Topic started by: SgtPappy on June 03, 2012, 01:16:49 PM

Title: Flight stick suggestions
Post by: SgtPappy on June 03, 2012, 01:16:49 PM

Hello,

So I'm planning on getting a brand new flight stick soon. I really don't have the space to set up and store a HOTAS throttle and stick so I'm planning on just the stick. I was wondering if anyone knows of a stick that's got a throttle axis placed above the wrist position; i.e. for most sticks, the throttles are down on the base or, at best, below the wrist. I'd like one which doesn't make me move my left hand or let go of anything. Just want the thumb to do the moving.

So any ideas?

Thanks!

Title: Re: Flight stick suggestions
Post by: Bizman on June 03, 2012, 01:46:30 PM

A Thrustmaster T.Flight Hotas X (http://www.thrustmaster.com/products/tflight-hotas-x) has a detachable throttle. Rudder by twisty or a rocker on the throttle. Buttons for both hands. When attached to the stick, the combination is about as wide as a keyboard without the numpad and also about the same width. As said, they are detachable, the cable between is about 3 ft/1 metre long. The cable can be wound underneath the throttle in four loops, separated 3/4 ft/20 cm at the shortest, so no excess cable on the table. Been using one for several years without problems.

(http://www.thrustmaster.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/media/product/TFlightHotasX800x600_2.jpg)

Title: Re: Flight stick suggestions
Post by: Melvin on June 03, 2012, 01:50:16 PM

Hmmm, I haven't seen anything like that around. Of course, just because I haven't seen it doesn't mean it isn't out there. Have you considered using a set of rudder pedals as throttle? I'm not sure if it can be done, but maybe.


Before I went to the HOTAS setup I used a Saitek ST-290. It has a large throttle paddle under the right wrist on the base. I know this isn't what you are looking for, but I found it to be quite comfortable and responsive. Perhaps with a little modification something could be designed to move the paddle to the upper portion of the stick.



EDIT: Bizman just posted an image of the exact setup I have. With the large number of mappable buttons I rarely find the need to touch my keyboard.

Title: Re: Flight stick suggestions
Post by: SgtPappy on June 03, 2012, 01:56:56 PM

Thanks for the suggestions.

Bizman, I've never seen anything like that before! How much is it brand new?

Melvin,

Yes I'm actually thinking of using the ST-290 if I find nothing else. I've seen my friend use it and he likes it. But yes, the throttle level at the very bottom there isn't very appealing.

Title: Re: Flight stick suggestions
Post by: Melvin on June 03, 2012, 02:00:26 PM

Here ya go.

Funny, when I bought mine it was ~$30, they seem to have gone up a bit.


http://www.amazon.com/Thrustmaster-T-Flight-Hotas-Flight-Playstation-3/dp/B001CXYMFS/ref=sr_1_3?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1338750084&sr=1-3

Title: Re: Flight stick suggestions
Post by: SgtPappy on June 03, 2012, 02:05:15 PM

Nice, thanks!

So this is now my backup while my backup's backup will be the Saitek. If I can just find one with a throttle level placed higher then I'm golden.

Title: Re: Flight stick suggestions
Post by: titanic3 on June 03, 2012, 06:52:16 PM

I have the exact same stick that I don't use because it didn't fit my hand. Brand new, used maybe 3-4 hours. I'll sell it to ya for $30.

Title: Re: Flight stick suggestions
Post by: Flench on June 03, 2012, 07:07:58 PM

I say if you could find a old MFF2 that be the way to go .