Aces High Bulletin Board

General Forums => Hardware and Software => Topic started by: FESS67 on March 21, 2014, 05:58:50 AM

Title: New HOTAS advice / opinions
Post by: FESS67 on March 21, 2014, 05:58:50 AM
Current setup is a CH Products Fighter stick, throttle and pedals.  7 years old.  Works fine but sloppy in the middle and I have to add constant input - can not even use auto pilot now.  This may be some odd configuration issue but I am now in the market for a high end HOTAS.  Question is, which one?

Do I go for CH again?  My understanding is not much has changed over the years.  Solid gear though but is it worth changing or just getting a new Fighterstick?

Saitek - some pretty good looking stuff - does it work as good as it looks?  Which one?

Other options?

Thanks in advance.
Title: Re: New HOTAS advice / opinions
Post by: HornetUK on March 21, 2014, 06:08:02 AM
Like everything m you get what you pay for. What is your budget if you don't mind me asking?
Title: Re: New HOTAS advice / opinions
Post by: FESS67 on March 21, 2014, 06:24:45 AM
High end is fine.  I can go to $1,000 if needed
Title: Re: New HOTAS advice / opinions
Post by: Randy1 on March 21, 2014, 06:58:51 AM
A couple of points to add to your thoughts is do you want to mount the joystick or will it be free to move around?  Do you want a throttle?
Title: Re: New HOTAS advice / opinions
Post by: FESS67 on March 21, 2014, 08:50:46 AM
Yes I do want a throttle. - and pedals although I assume I can still use my existing CH throttle and pedals if needed.  Just thought a full new set would be the go.

I currently mount my stick and throttle 'dynamically' by way of Velcro areas on my desk and the bottom of my controllers.  Allows me to place them when in use and remove them when not.

Cheers
Title: Re: New HOTAS advice / opinions
Post by: wpeters on March 21, 2014, 09:38:36 AM
Yes I do want a throttle. - and pedals although I assume I can still use my existing CH throttle and pedals if needed.  Just thought a full new set would be the go.

I currently mount my stick and throttle 'dynamically' by way of Velcro areas on my desk and the bottom of my controllers.  Allows me to place them when in use and remove them when not.

Cheers



This the best way to go.

http://www.amazon.com/Thrustmaster-Hotas-Warthog-Joystick-2960720/dp/B00371R8P4
http://www.amazon.com/CH-Products-Pedals-Simulator-300-111/dp/B0000512IE/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1395412582&sr=1-1&keywords=ch+pedals
http://www.amazon.com/TrackIr-Premium-Head-Tracking-Gaming-Pc/dp/B0029M6VKA/ref=pd_bxgy_e_img_z


Total is $724.16 +shipping.

This is what I have and I love the setup
Title: Re: New HOTAS advice / opinions
Post by: Wiley on March 21, 2014, 10:00:55 AM
WPeters's advice is solid.  Saitek, if you're looking for top shelf equipment, I'd honestly avoid them.  They are decent enough for the money if you're not hard on your gear.  I've been using an X-52 and pro pedals for 7 years or so now and it still works fine, but a lot of people have durability issues with them.  I am very gentle on my controls though, and it's been alright for me.

Wiley.
Title: Re: New HOTAS advice / opinions
Post by: Warmongo on March 21, 2014, 10:56:19 AM
I use a Warthog throttle, Saitek pedals and my joystick is http://flightsimcontrols.com/store/joysticks/vkb-fat-black-mamba-for-non-eu/. Don't know what's the deal with the company is with the current situation in Ukraine. Check the website and sent them an email. I am waiting for their next batch of Fat Black Mamba joysticks and their grip conversion kits for the Warthog. I don't like the gimbals of the Warthog. IMHO  :salute
Title: Re: New HOTAS advice / opinions
Post by: FESS67 on March 21, 2014, 10:59:41 AM
Thanks guys.

I have CH pedals and TrackIR

Stick and throttle is what I want.  I am hard on my gear in terms of trigger pulls but usually soft in terms of stick action.  That is where the CH Products has been amazing, it really is durable.  
Title: Re: New HOTAS advice / opinions
Post by: wpeters on March 21, 2014, 11:29:18 AM
Thanks guys.

I have CH pedals and TrackIR

Stick and throttle is what I want.  I am hard on my gear in terms of trigger pulls but usually soft in terms of stick action.  That is where the CH Products has been amazing, it really is durable.  

The warthog can take quite a beating do to the fact it is made out of good old metal
Title: Re: New HOTAS advice / opinions
Post by: Hoplite on March 21, 2014, 11:52:33 AM
Warthog or another CH set.  Avoid Saitek. 
Title: Re: New HOTAS advice / opinions
Post by: TequilaChaser on March 21, 2014, 12:10:04 PM
Since you have already been using your current ch hotas setup for over 7 years....

I recommend and suggest you stay with ch products, so you don't have to go through the trials and errors of programming a new different stick ( and even throttle possibly )...

You might also could find an old gameport model of the ch fighter stick and just replace the guts/part that is causing you problems..

You're already comfortable using the ch stuff... I think it would be a setback switching to something different, that you might not even like after buying it and trying to adjust to it's different feel, etc...

Hope this helps

TC
Title: Re: New HOTAS advice / opinions
Post by: Rich46yo on March 21, 2014, 12:51:01 PM
If I had all that cash I'd buy a warthog.
Title: Re: New HOTAS advice / opinions
Post by: Warmongo on March 21, 2014, 02:50:50 PM
I had CH for many years and still use it in my other 2 lower end rigs. I don't think you are going to like the stiffness and sticky/gritty feeling of the Warthog. I had the damn thing bolted to my desktop. I am six feet tall, 180 pounds and size 8 1/2 gloves. My Warthog is disassembled until I figure out how to make it "feel right". I cut the main spring a bit too short  :mad:
Title: Re: New HOTAS advice / opinions
Post by: Brooke on March 22, 2014, 02:40:06 PM
I like CH Products a lot.
Title: Re: New HOTAS advice / opinions
Post by: Flossy on March 23, 2014, 02:55:15 PM
I have the Thrustmaster Warthog which I use with Saitek Rudder Pedals and love it!  :D   Lots of buttons which I have programmed using the in-game key mapping and plenty to spare if/when I think of any other uses. 

As a Beta tester for Elite: Dangerous (but with Alpha testing access on my husband's account  :devil) I have spent some time this weekend mapping out their default key mapping for the Warthog and producing charts for the joystick and throttle.  As a result, I also decided to create charts for my Aces High setup as I often forget what I've got programmed where.   :o  (It also spurred me on to finally sort out the CM Eye which had been defeating me until today :) )

I definitely recommend the Thrustmaster Warthog!   :aok
Title: Re: New HOTAS advice / opinions
Post by: save on March 24, 2014, 11:31:19 AM
Im in the same boat as Flossy, Warthog is really worth the money so is Saitek's pro rudder pedals.
I like everything but the damned Target programming, you don't need that for AH though, if you dont want multiple events to happen when you press a button.


I have the Thrustmaster Warthog which I use with Saitek Rudder Pedals and love it!  :D   Lots of buttons which I have programmed using the in-game key mapping and plenty to spare if/when I think of any other uses. 

As a Beta tester for Elite: Dangerous (but with Alpha testing access on my husband's account  :devil) I have spent some time this weekend mapping out their default key mapping for the Warthog and producing charts for the joystick and throttle.  As a result, I also decided to create charts for my Aces High setup as I often forget what I've got programmed where.   :o  (It also spurred me on to finally sort out the CM Eye which had been defeating me until today :) )

I definitely recommend the Thrustmaster Warthog!   :aok
Title: Re: New HOTAS advice / opinions
Post by: Flossy on March 25, 2014, 01:36:53 PM
Im in the same boat as Flossy, Warthog is really worth the money so is Saitek's pro rudder pedals.
I like everything but the damned Target programming, you don't need that for AH though, if you dont want multiple events to happen when you press a button.


Yeah, I haven't used the Target programming so far, as with both AH and Elite: Dangerous the programming can be done in-game - and less likely to have the 'wrong profile' enabled when switching between the two!  ;)
Title: Re: New HOTAS advice / opinions
Post by: Randy1 on March 25, 2014, 03:01:26 PM
The Target software is easy to use and very powerful.  I use one of the 3 position switches to choose between fighter, bomber and Vehicle-boat.

On which button does what?  Target will print out a diagram of the joystick with the function for each button listed.

Target works on the T16000 and the Cougar panels as well.
Title: Re: New HOTAS advice / opinions
Post by: Flossy on March 25, 2014, 03:26:04 PM
The Target software is easy to use and very powerful.  I use one of the 3 position switches to choose between fighter, bomber and Vehicle-boat.

On which button does what?  Target will print out a diagram of the joystick with the function for each button listed.

Target works on the T16000 and the Cougar panels as well.
I just use the different modes in the controller mapping setup to switch between aircraft/GVs and in my case CM Eye. ;)

I have also printed out diagrams showing which key does what - this is my particular setup:

(http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t497/HelenLister/Aces%20High/ThrustmasterWarthogThrottleChart-AH_zpsbdefe0ed.jpg) (http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/HelenLister/media/Aces%20High/ThrustmasterWarthogThrottleChart-AH_zpsbdefe0ed.jpg.html)

(http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t497/HelenLister/Aces%20High/ThrustmasterWarthogJoystickChart-AH_zps07c25e2b.jpg) (http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/HelenLister/media/Aces%20High/ThrustmasterWarthogJoystickChart-AH_zps07c25e2b.jpg.html)

 :aok
Title: Re: New HOTAS advice / opinions
Post by: FESS67 on April 11, 2014, 03:51:50 AM
Took delivery of Warthog to day and Saitek combat pedals :)

Only real thing to work out now it how to effectively trim elevator and Ailerons.
Title: Re: New HOTAS advice / opinions
Post by: Hoplite on April 11, 2014, 09:11:48 AM
Took delivery of Warthog to day and Saitek combat pedals :)

Only real thing to work out now it how to effectively trim elevator and Ailerons.

Use the right hat on the stick.  That's what it's used for "in real life" and also what I use it for with my Warthog.
Title: Re: New HOTAS advice / opinions
Post by: Flossy on April 11, 2014, 02:21:52 PM
Took delivery of Warthog to day and Saitek combat pedals :)
:aok
Title: Re: New HOTAS advice / opinions
Post by: Mace2004 on April 11, 2014, 07:49:27 PM
So, has Thrustmaster solved the problems of the Warthog's delaminating pressure ring?  Lots of folks were forced to replace theirs with PTFE plastic rings that they had to cut out themselves which seems to be a pretty bad deal for such an expensive stick.
Title: Re: New HOTAS advice / opinions
Post by: McShark on April 14, 2014, 06:29:26 AM
Took delivery of Warthog to day and Saitek combat pedals :)

Only real thing to work out now it how to effectively trim elevator and Ailerons.

Map "Trim Set" to your right hand thumb hat ( the low grey one )

I can't imagine you can trim your plane quicker nor better manually in a dogfight.

Combat trim next to it, neutral trim for takeoff / landings!
Title: Re: New HOTAS advice / opinions
Post by: Randy1 on April 14, 2014, 02:24:28 PM


. . . I can't imagine you can trim your plane quicker nor better manually in a dogfight.

Combat trim next to it, neutral trim for takeoff / landings!

It takes a bit of getting use too but with the Hotas slider to the right of the throttle it is easy to find to set the elevator trim.

I do use auro-climb and auto-level to set other trims but the automatic combat trim is turned off.  I won't swear to this but I think I get a wee bit better acceleration with manual trim.
Title: Re: New HOTAS advice / opinions
Post by: FESS67 on April 19, 2014, 06:06:17 PM
Will try it mapped to the grey hat.  thanks
Title: Re: New HOTAS advice / opinions
Post by: save on April 20, 2014, 10:44:20 AM
I have set the joystick low thumb hat for elevator/ailerons.

Took delivery of Warthog to day and Saitek combat pedals :)

Only real thing to work out now it how to effectively trim elevator and Ailerons.
Title: Re: New HOTAS advice / opinions
Post by: Randy1 on April 20, 2014, 11:01:53 AM
BTW, don't get in a bad habit of resting your thumb on the gray switch on the left side of the joystick handle.
Title: Re: New HOTAS advice / opinions
Post by: FESS67 on April 21, 2014, 01:44:35 AM
BTW, don't get in a bad habit of resting your thumb on the gray switch on the left side of the joystick handle.
Tell me more.  That is exactly what I do.  I have mapped that to my map and TrackIR head reset.