Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => The O' Club => Topic started by: Banshee7 on April 04, 2021, 11:33:15 AM
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Where is everyone buying their joysticks from these days? My X52 is pushing 15 years old, and it is showing signs or wear and tear. I just wanted to buy a new one and noticed they are double in price from what I bought it in 2007 😳.
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Replaced my CH gear with the VKB Gunfighter III with the space grip, VKB T-Rudder Mk IV and Virpil T-50 CM3 throttle.
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I ended up with an X52 Pro. Bought it on /r/hardwareswap for about 100 or so. It too replaced my X52 of like 10-15 yrs.
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Replaced my CH gear with the VKB Gunfighter III with the space grip, VKB T-Rudder Mk IV and Virpil T-50 CM3 throttle.
Just curious, Ack-Ack - why the space grip? More buttons?
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I ended up with an X52 Pro. Bought it on /r/hardwareswap for about 100 or so. It too replaced my X52 of like 10-15 yrs.
I just want to replace my X52 with another X52. On Amazon they're almost $250 :uhoh. I found a website (Sporty's Pilot Shop) that has them for $150, but I have trust issues with buying stuff off sites I've never heard of.
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I bought the VKB Gunfighter NXT. It's a nice stick for the cost, however, I am having a problem with the 8way hat switch. When I push the hatswitch to the full left quickly, it snap looks to the right instead. I do not believe this is a problem with Aces High. When I do it slowly and not full left, it works. It only does it when I look to the left quickly and full reach. Not sure what is going on here.
I guess I'll have to just get VR then, but damn I am not use to that at all.
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I've been using regular Logitech, and Thrustmaster stuff for the last 30? years or so and thought it was fine.
However, recently I splurged on a VKB gunfighter mk3 for my control stick.
Using the modern combat grip.
Granted I went the extra step and center mounted it on a 200mm curved extension.
And it was a bit pricier than I wanted.
and the software while powerful can take some getting used to.
but,
It is spectacular, worth every penny.
the smoothness and precision are top notch.
the adjustability is great.
and it was here in under a week.
cons,
software could be a bit more polished, and complex macro creation could be easier. but I think most joystick software falls under this category. in practice it works fine.
price.
modern combat grip has too many buttons? i guess if you want to get picky lol.
zero regrets.
I liked it enough to also pick up the vkb pedals, which also work very well.
and ill probably grab the throttle if they get one out just to get rid of my last piece of Thrustmaster gear.
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I bought the VKB Gunfighter NXT. It's a nice stick for the cost, however, I am having a problem with the 8way hat switch. When I push the hatswitch to the full left quickly, it snap looks to the right instead. I do not believe this is a problem with Aces High. When I do it slowly and not full left, it does look to the left. It only does it when I look to the left. Not sure what is going on here.
I guess I'll have to just get VR then, but damn I am not use to that at all.
my vkb gunfighter did this when it was new,
recalibrate the thumbstick in the vkb software.
use the vkb software for calibration, do not use windows calibration.
have to calibrate first in vkb software, then in aces high.
on the plus side i havent had it lose calibration once. (after i initially got it working)
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I just want to replace my X52 with another X52. On Amazon they're almost $250 :uhoh. I found a website (Sporty's Pilot Shop) that has them for $150, but I have trust issues with buying stuff off sites I've never heard of.
I make no promises, but I have gotten stuff from Sporty's a few times over the years.
they have been around a minute.
It always worked out ok.
I think it would be fine.
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I just want to replace my X52 with another X52. On Amazon they're almost $250 :uhoh. I found a website (Sporty's Pilot Shop) that has them for $150, but I have trust issues with buying stuff off sites I've never heard of.
Sportys has been around longer than Amazon is very reputable in the aviation community.
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Just curious, Ack-Ack - why the space grip? More buttons?
The buttons and feel 9f the space grip, reminds me of the CH Fighterstick.
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my vkb gunfighter did this when it was new,
recalibrate the thumbstick in the vkb software.
use the vkb software for calibration, do not use windows calibration.
have to calibrate first in vkb software, then in aces high.
on the plus side i havent had it lose calibration once. (after i initially got it working)
Thanks will try that, however, my stick did not come with software, it calibrated using the stick only. it's the (cheap) $150 one, but I'll try to recalibrate again and hopefully that will do.
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Sportys has been around longer than Amazon is very reputable in the aviation community.
True. Got my hand-held and most of my headsets from them, along with a host of impulse purchases. And with the pandemic, they have been pushing sims and sim equipment for the past six or eight months. Some interesting stuff on their web site.
- oldman
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Thanks will try that, however, my stick did not come with software, it calibrated using the stick only. it's the (cheap) $150 one, but I'll try to recalibrate again and hopefully that will do.
They don't come with software, you have to download it. If you tried to set your Gladiator up with windows that's likely your problem. They require VKB's Devconfig (hard) or Wizzo(EZ mode) software and there's a specific sequence to the calibration process that must be followed. Setting it up using windows can cause odd problems and is a general no no for these sticks, at least it definitely is for the Gunfighter.
I don't have the NXT but the 8-way hat on my MCG-Pro is a dual purpose hat. Normally it's an 8-way hat like any other. But these hats all have a center press too. On this hat, a long press on the center switches modes and now that hat is a 2-axis switch. I use it for pitch and roll trim. Pretty handy. In that mode a quick press on center re-centers both axii. A long press brings you back to the 8-way hat mode.
Sent from my Moto Z (2) using Tapatalk
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I'm using an MS sidewinder force feedback that I have used for my entire AH lifetime. Best stick ever made :)
https://www.ebay.co.uk/b/Microsoft-Sidewinder-Joystick/117042/bn_7023528092
you'll find one for under 20 bucks if you look for ten minutes.
All the fancy pants kit in the world wont beat a good condition sidewinder twisty :noid
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They don't come with software, you have to download it. If you tried to set your Gladiator up with windows that's likely your problem. They require VKB's Devconfig (hard) or Wizzo(EZ mode) software and there's a specific sequence to the calibration process that must be followed. Setting it up using windows can cause odd problems and is a general no no for these sticks, at least it definitely is for the Gunfighter.
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Violator, I was having similar frustrations with my VKB Gunfighter until Drano and others et me straight on using the VKB to calibrate; once I very carefully followed their recommended sequence my squirrelly mapping issues went away.
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Where is everyone buying their joysticks from these days? My X52 is pushing 15 years old, and it is showing signs or wear and tear. I just wanted to buy a new one and noticed they are double in price from what I bought it in 2007 😳.
I'm using a VKB Gunfighter Mk III "Modern Combat edition". It was an expensive gift from one of my sons, but once I figured out the calibration, I absolutely love this stick, and it'll likely outlast me. :old:
I'm still using CH Pro throttle & pedals, but it sems their new controls are no longer reliable.
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I'm using an MS sidewinder force feedback that I have used for my entire AH lifetime. Best stick ever made
You and Shane.
- oldman
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I still have my X52 that works great after I took the stick apart and cleaned it up
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my vkb gunfighter did this when it was new,
recalibrate the thumbstick in the vkb software.
use the vkb software for calibration, do not use windows calibration.
have to calibrate first in vkb software, then in aces high.
on the plus side i havent had it lose calibration once. (after i initially got it working)
They don't come with software, you have to download it. If you tried to set your Gladiator up with windows that's likely your problem. They require VKB's Devconfig (hard) or Wizzo(EZ mode) software and there's a specific sequence to the calibration process that must be followed. Setting it up using windows can cause odd problems and is a general no no for these sticks, at least it definitely is for the Gunfighter.
I don't have the NXT but the 8-way hat on my MCG-Pro is a dual purpose hat. Normally it's an 8-way hat like any other. But these hats all have a center press too. On this hat, a long press on the center switches modes and now that hat is a 2-axis switch. I use it for pitch and roll trim. Pretty handy. In that mode a quick press on center re-centers both axii. A long press brings you back to the 8-way hat mode.
Sent from my Moto Z (2) using Tapatalk
Violator, I was having similar frustrations with my VKB Gunfighter until Drano and others et me straight on using the VKB to calibrate; once I very carefully followed their recommended sequence my squirrelly mapping issues went away.
Did a recalibration the way it shows on the 40 second calibration video. Works great now! Glad that did the trick!
Thanks yall!
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Lots of people make this same mistake so don't feel bad. These newer sticks are just a different animal. If ya want to get an idea of what I'm taking about download the manual for the software. Newest version is only 140 pages!
Sent from my Moto Z (2) using Tapatalk
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I just want to replace my X52 with another X52. On Amazon they're almost $250 :uhoh. I found a website (Sporty's Pilot Shop) that has them for $150, but I have trust issues with buying stuff off sites I've never heard of.
sportys is safe
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Thank you, all! I figured someone here had experience with Sporty’s before.
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The T1600 is great bang for the buck
Used it for a short bit between my years of saitek starting with X36 - X52 before grabbing a warthog
Sadly they are all ridiculously expensive
Eagler
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Call me crazy but my favorite stick was the old x45 with rocker rudder lol.
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Also got the VKB Gunfighter MKIII and Modern Combat Edition grip with twist rudder and 200mm extension so i could center mount it. Replaced my X-52 which new lasted 6 months, the previous X-52 lasted about 10 years, new ones aren't worth a crap. Got the Virpil T-50 CM3 throttle as well, best sim gear purchases I've made.
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I'm using an MS sidewinder force feedback that I have used for my entire AH lifetime. Best stick ever made :)
https://www.ebay.co.uk/b/Microsoft-Sidewinder-Joystick/117042/bn_7023528092
you'll find one for under 20 bucks if you look for ten minutes.
All the fancy pants kit in the world wont beat a good condition sidewinder twisty :noid
Bat, if you're flying in game again, I'll take that bet - . Much the same as shooting ability/skills, IMO online combat sim flying skill is mostly - by far - the user and not the tool, but a better tool always helps. You won't go back to the MS stick, I promise you that, if you used a VKB or Virpil stick properly set up. I might be convinced to lend my spare Gunfighter out to prove it.
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Bat, if you're flying in game again, I'll take that bet - . Much the same as shooting ability/skills, IMO online combat sim flying skill is mostly - by far - the user and not the tool, but a better tool always helps. You won't go back to the MS stick, I promise you that, if you used a VKB or Virpil stick properly set up. I might be convinced to lend my spare Gunfighter out to prove it.
Not to say that the operator isn't the most important part of the system, but...
I never thought the tools were that big of a deal until I went from an X52 to a VKB Gladiator K. I always thought people talking about the precision of their gear were the same kinds of people that obsess about getting 3 more FPS out of tweaking their video card. The Gladiator made me a believer. Get the best gear you can afford.
The difference in feel going to a better sensor in the stick made an enormous difference to my ability to point the nose where I want it.
Wiley.
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The bad news is these things are still kind of a niche market as they've always been. Flight sims are a niche of the gaming world. So not a whole heckuva lot of choices. But the good news is as far as the sensors go, the pots are going the way of the dinosaur. So what choices you do have will give better precision for that reason alone. The only diff is there are some that are not totally made of plastic as all were back in the day. Cost more but more apt to hold up a long time.
Sent from my Moto Z (2) using Tapatalk
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Bat, if you're flying in game again, I'll take that bet - . Much the same as shooting ability/skills, IMO online combat sim flying skill is mostly - by far - the user and not the tool, but a better tool always helps. You won't go back to the MS stick, I promise you that, if you used a VKB or Virpil stick properly set up. I might be convinced to lend my spare Gunfighter out to prove it.
Absolutely agree, my comment about the sidewinder was tongue in cheek for sure Gman! I barely get to play more than a few hours a week if I am lucky. But really, as far as budget options go, the sidewinder FF is really good.
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Does CH still make controls?
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yes I have found a website called Digikey in the states and they have plenty of stock on the CH range.
3 day shipping to the UK, well impressed. Is all manufactured in Mexico now though. Pedals were perfectly calibrated. Time will tell on the stick. :old:
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Great news, thx Bruv. I'm using all CHgear that are 15+ years old, I'll definitely look into this. :cheers:
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Great news, thx Bruv. I'm using all CHgear that are 15+ years old, I'll definitely look into this. :cheers:
For mid range gear they are still the best IMO. With that sort of longevity your getting best bang for buck for sure.
Also factor in when you've used something for that long it's like second nature. Having a different stick with different config buttons and tension. Doesn't make it easy for your muscle memory to adapt.
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Also factor in when you've used something for that long it's like second nature. Having a different stick with different config buttons and tension. Doesn't make it easy for your muscle memory to adapt.
And this is why I just want another X52 😂😂
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X52 was a good stick for me for years but they wear out
Used to get the insurance for $10 more and swap it out once a year for a brand new one and another $10 insurance policy..
Eventually they caught on and stopped offering that insurance
Eagler
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I bought my X52 in 2007 or 2008, and it’s holding up ok (minus the two buttons I used for vox wearing out). Poor thing has rust on the cables/connectors due to poor storage on my part during my years away.
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Thrustmaster HOTAS a-10 stick and throttles, still rocking logitec g940 rudder pedals.
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You and Shane.
- oldman
Why yes, indeed I had found one when I came back briefly a while back. I just grabbed it from the closet and it still works. Hoping the hat switch will hold up to the abuse I always give it (and the trigger - but more the hat switch.) :old: :joystick: :bhead
I am now tdgShane - that deaf guy Shane. :devil :salute
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Ha! I look forward to you killing me bro! Long time!
Sent from my SM-G991U using Tapatalk
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Ha! I look forward to you killing me bro! Long time!
Sent from my SM-G991U using Tapatalk
heyas - I see quite a few names still active which is what brought me back.
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heyas - I see quite a few names still active which is what brought me back.
Wow Oopsy! Roughly 2.5 years between posting.....rofl
Great to see you back again Shane
Hope you have been doing well
TC
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Wow Oopsy! Roughly 2.5 years between posting.....rofl
Great to see you back again Shane
Hope you have been doing well
TC
Hiyas, as well as can be considering how whack the past 2 years have been - hope you as well. I do an occasional ego scratching bbs search on my name and, well, there were enough semi-recent, and surprisingly positive mentions by y'all still here that it re-ignited the itch. So thanks for that, and hope you won't regret it, lol.
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Welcome back, Shane!
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Can always use another red plane
Eagler
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Shane....is back? I might have to start flying more regularly than my odd couple-times-a-month visit.
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damn, until you came back I was the best microsoft sidewinder pilot in the thread
curse you Shane
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damn, until you came back I was the best microsoft sidewinder pilot in the thread
curse you Shane
Howdys! :salute Heh, but out of curiosity, did/do(?) you struggle with gunnery? I always had to deal with some nose bounce and was never able to smoothen it out when on someone's six, especially when they start panic flopping - the small micro adjustments aren't as smooth as I need them to be. I think I best ever hit% was around 5-6% where guys like levi, et al were 10 -15%. :joystick: :bhead
The only FFB forces I ever use are trim, stall and dive buffet. I generally experiment with the trim forces looking for that stability. I've also played with scaling, dead band and damper. I'm currently trying no scaling and minimal dead/damp, and getting my usual 3-4%
That's always been my biggest issue, gunnery, not flying per se. And poor choices getting into a hordelet of bogies. :noid
tdgShane
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Shane....is back? I might have to start flying more regularly than my odd couple-times-a-month visit.
howdys! :salute Hoping to see the AvA active :old: and probably going to do scenarios when they pop up. See you in the skies. :joystick:
tdgShane
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Howdys! :salute Heh, but out of curiosity, did/do(?) you struggle with gunnery? I always had to deal with some nose bounce and was never able to smoothen it out when on someone's six, especially when they start panic flopping - the small micro adjustments aren't as smooth as I need them to be. I think I best ever hit% was around 5-6% where guys like levi, et al were 10 -15%. :joystick: :bhead
The only FFB forces I ever use are trim, stall and dive buffet. I generally experiment with the trim forces looking for that stability. I've also played with scaling, dead band and damper. I'm currently trying no scaling and minimal dead/damp, and getting my usual 3-4%
That's always been my biggest issue, gunnery, not flying per se. And poor choices getting into a hordelet of bogies. :noid
tdgShane
You're spot on with that. Strangely I had the sidewinder precision pro without FF before the force feedback version and I found it much more precise. In all seriousness there are clearly many better options these days. I have no real hardware-caused trouble hitting deflection shots but from dead 6 on a fleeing target I have the same problem with micro adjustments you mention.
Having never used a high quality setup I just convinced myself I suck in order to preserve the status of the mighty sidewinder.
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Having never used a high quality setup I just convinced myself I suck in order to preserve the status of the mighty sidewinder.
alrighty, I guess it is what it is. :joystick: Gunnery is overrated anyway when you can fly them into the ground. :ahand
Never overly cared for the twisty rudder, so finally got some newer TM pedals and they're okay. Used to have some real robust TM Elite pedals (and Top Gun stick) in AW where stalls were less of an issue, but couldn't get them working with the MS FFB in AH. I haven't really seen any newer FFB sticks and I really need that stall shudder (set about 25%) since I couldn't hear the horn and the screen shudder was too minimal to notice/help.