Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => Aces High General Discussion => Topic started by: guitargod9989 on September 23, 2002, 04:55:10 PM
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for the past few weeks i have been researching new joysticks because on my old one the buttens are fried so i have to shoot with the keyboard. My old joy stick is a Gravis Thunderbird which i think is discontinued so the option of getting another Thunderbird. i would like a joystick that has a throttle lever and a flaps lever. What joysticks would you recomend for this game and are $50 - 70. :confused:
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Lost count of the number of people who swear. They also seem to like the Saitek joystick/throttle combo. I've only unsed one once at the con.
So far I've been spending roughly $300 a year on flight controls, so I'm a really bad person to ask.
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I have sent you an e-mail, please read and get back to me.
wolf37
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I'm kinda curious what the Saiteks like. My CH Pro Pedals and Throttle are about 6 years old now, getting a bit spikey, and I really want to go all USB.
I was thinking of rekitting with the X45 and CH Pro Pedals USB. Anyone have any comments on this combo?
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the X45 doesn't work with Xp
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Originally posted by guitargod9989
the X45 doesn't work with Xp
Are you sure? I heard Saitek came out with a XP/2000 version within the last month or so.
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If you really, really liked that stick I would investigate the possibility of fixing it. Unless you wanted to upgrade or move to USB. My 3 year old CH FX stick was loosing the 6 view, a view you desperately need. I checked out CH's site and they had switches I could buy to repair it. It now acts like the day I bought it, and am very happy with it. Unfortunately they aren't made anymore.
Check and see if they sell or have parts. Maybe a very cheap model from the same company could be used as a 'parts stick'.
As an alternative check Radio Shack or an electronics store and see if they have anything that matches.
fuzeman
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According to Saitek it does:
"System Requirements ::
PC Pentium 133MHz or higher with USB port / Microsoft Windows® 98 and Me (2000 and XP via download from website) / DirectX® 7.0 compatible"
http://www.saitekusa.com/usa/supp/sd02.htm
Originally posted by guitargod9989
the X45 doesn't work with Xp
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Check thid out too....
http://saitekhelp.simhq.com/SGE%20Start.htm
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Screw the saitek sticks! They work with win2k/XP, but only enough that saitek doesnt get sued. The sticks have absolutly no configuration utilities(unless they've released them recently) Even when it does work the saitek software is crap. With AH this isnt an issue, but not all games have such great joystick setup options.
Take a look at the thrustmaster afterburner. It's $70 for the afterburner II, I believe $50 for the first one.
It looks like a cheap toy. But it's one of the most solidly built joysticks I've used. It has a seperate unit for throttle.(Though only eight butttons)
The best feature of it IMO, is that, along with the standard joystick twist, it has a rocker control on the throttle. The twist locks solidly in place, The stick doesnt have any wiggle when the twist is locked.
I've found the rocker control to be infinitly superior to a twist in flight sim games. And if you play something else where the twist is a better option, you can easily switch back and forth.
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Saitex sticks are very nice to start they got lots of buttons to programe.
Problem is they wear out fast. 3 months started getting problems with hats.
The drivers are crap. (I here they finally got xp working only took them a year :( )
I now use MS ffb stick with the old saitex throttle (soon needs replacing ) & ch peds. Will probably get a ch throttle to replace the saitex one.
I wouldnt buy another saitex they just dont last.
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Dont use MS Sidewinder. I've the feeling taht this thing is way to shaky (could someone plz approve this or is it just my feeling).
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Originally posted by airbull
Saitex sticks are very nice to start they got lots of buttons to programe.
Problem is they wear out fast. 3 months started getting problems with hats.
The drivers are crap. (I here they finally got xp working only took them a year :( )
I now use MS ffb stick with the old saitex throttle (soon needs replacing ) & ch peds. Will probably get a ch throttle to replace the saitex one.
I wouldnt buy another saitex they just dont last.
I think your right on this. My hat is already getting flaky and I've only had it a month or so. May buy a Cougar near eoy.
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Thanks Airbull/Dmdmac, thats exactly the sort of feedback I was looking for. Guess I'll stretch to a CH Pro Throttle USB.
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Originally posted by Vulcan
Thanks Airbull/Dmdmac, thats exactly the sort of feedback I was looking for. Guess I'll stretch to a CH Pro Throttle USB.
I like the feel of Saiteks, and the throttle is near perfection, but those damned hats:( I flew with my original X36 which had a non-existant 2 oc view for month before picking up a X45, now I'm wondering if I shouldn't have just gone ahead and ponied up for longer lasting gear. Oh well, I'm a dweeb on a mission to screw myself up financially:)
I used a CH Combatstick(I think it was the Combat) and standard throttle and peddles for a long time in AW4W-AW2/3 I like them, but I don't have large hands, and making the stretch to the upper hat was difficult. Eventually the stick wore out, the throttle took a tumble(actually a hard smack), and the peddles, they're collecting dust in the closet. But they are good, long lasting gear.
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Originally posted by Duedel
Dont use MS Sidewinder. I've the feeling taht this thing is way to shaky (could someone plz approve this or is it just my feeling).
I don't think so. I have a PPro from several years back that performs like a champ in a pinch. But they have a smaller range of motion than a Saitek, Thrustmaster, CH branded stick, tried using it in the MA, but I would definately need to scale it more than my Saitek.
One of my biggest problems with it is the lack of buttons/switches. I prefer to stay off the keyboard as much as possible.
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agreed,the MS stuff isn't bad,have had my origional MS precision pro (10 button one),for 3/4 yrs,never any prob.
I would however reccommend staying away from logitech wingman,have friend's that have them,all 3 are faulty in different ways :)
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CH Products Combatstick. Durability and customer support are superior.
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I've had my Saitek X-36 for a about 18 months and given it some real punishment. Still works fine, with no problems.
Regarding the Hats, one of the joystick hats 6-view is a bit worn - it doesn't click anymore - but it still works fine. Also the rubber coating on the throttle thumb switch (which I use for flaps up/down and left/right wheel breaks) has worn away. Hasn't lost any of it's functionality though.
IMO it's the best combo out there at that price - the rudder control on the throttle is a brilliant idea, I couldn't fight without it.
I couldn't justify spending money on something like a cougar, so the X-36 suits me just fine.
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my X36 is in the exact same state after 2 year +
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Originally posted by straffo
my X36 is in the exact same state after 2 year +
Cool, I am 'bout to get a X45 for my BD, and was starting to git skeered.
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Be scared....very scared!
CH gear is the best built, highest quality controls made. Now this Cougar thingie looked and felt cool at the con, just am a bit wary of TM due to years of trouble that my friends have experienced...just not very reliable.
The reality of this thread is that money has alot to do with this type of decision...folks would of course buy the best gear if it were financially painless. Even more brutally true, is that whatever you buy, you will get used to it and learn to fly with it...I bet I've gotten my butt handed to me on many occasions by those using cheaper and less functional hardware than what I use myself.
Buy the best you can afford and learn how to use it well...there was a time when I played alot of 9 ball....$1000.00 sets were common and on a 9 foot Brunswick Gold Crown under those circumstances, I would use my a $1200.00 custom made cue...however, I could hit any bar and take off anyone with a bent house stick and never give it a thought.
Joysticks, golf clubs, tennis rackets, all the same. Just like Eric Clapton once said...it's in the way that you use it:)
Golly, I sure am deep for so early in the day.
Later and cyas up!
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"Screw the saitek sticks! They work with win2k/XP, but only enough that saitek doesnt get sued. The sticks have absolutly no configuration utilities(unless they've released them recently) Even when it does work the saitek software is crap. With AH this isnt an issue, but not all games have such great joystick setup options."
This is overstated. Saitek is the best for price($80.00) and function. The only operating system to use for the Saitek products is Windoze 98se. SGE 3.0 is a great system under 98se. I would like to see all,Saitek, CH, Thrustmaster, start supporting other operating systems like linux etc. I for one am getting tired of Microsoft as an operating system!
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the problem ain't with the X45 hats, it's your sweaty palms shorting/rusting out the contacts
wear playtex gloves & stop blaming the hardware :)
for $40 a set (buy the $10 CompUSA in store replacement service plan), they are disposable..
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i cant find the X36 on the saitek website
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The X-36 was replaced by the X-45, but it pretty much the same stick with a few minor modifications.
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X45 replaced it, just about the same stick I think.
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I have an X-45 with CH rudder pedals on XP. No problems at all with the pedals. The X-45 however, works but not to it's full potential. They are still working on the software/drivers and are getting closer. What doesn't work is now a shorter list than what does. So here is what does not work in XP, the Dials. All other functionality works in XP. I have used the profile creator and have mapped all the keys and have verified that the modes work as well. There is a little thumb mouse on the throttle that I have keypresses assigned to based on left-right-up-down (like a hatswitch) I don't think it was meant to work that way but thats the only way I can use it. The software is not without problems because it is still in development, but in my opinion they are getting close.
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if i get the x45 what would i use for flaps
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Originally posted by guitargod9989
if i get the x45 what would i use for flaps
I use the "A" "B" buttons on top of the jstick
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It comes down to preference and whats comfortable. See that little orange dot on the bottom half of the trottle grip? That's the Thumb mouse on my setup the up is 'raise flap' the down is 'lower flap'
Thats part of the beauty of "programable" sticks, you make any button do anything you want, and change it all around whenever you feel like it.
I generaly prefer the stick half to be programed for views and weapon systems and the throtle for flight management as well as "shift buttons" or modifiers like 'look up, look down'
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For the money, the best stick/throttle combo is the X45, but I stress "for the money". Since its about $80 for the set.
However, if you want something thats going to last, and be top of the line, you want the CH USB Fighterstick/Pro Throttle/ Pro Pedals. Or if you prefer the really stiff stick springs, you can go with the Thrustmaster Cougar HOTAS and pedals.
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Originally posted by Vermillion
For the money, the best stick/throttle combo is the X45, but I stress "for the money". Since its about $80 for the set.
However, if you want something thats going to last, and be top of the line, you want the CH USB Fighterstick/Pro Throttle/ Pro Pedals. Or if you prefer the really stiff stick springs, you can go with the Thrustmaster Cougar HOTAS and pedals.
I've got this exact setup (CH) I love it, however I wish I had waited for the Cougars because I like the stiff spring. Be ready to pay for them but I enjoy them immensely.
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Originally posted by guitargod9989
if i get the x45 what would i use for flaps
There are two hat type switches on the throttle. One is placed just right so your index finger rests on it. I use that one for flaps so I don't have to lift a finger off the view hat if I'm not looking at the dash.
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You Guys are looking at this all wrong....
programing, feel all that stuff sounds good, but what you really should be think of is this...
Which Stick holds up the best after throwing it against the wall after getting shot down. ;)
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USB CH Pro Throttle , Microsoft Force Feedback 2 USB joystick , USB CH Pro Pedals .
You want a stiff stick , set the center tension up , softer ? Set it lower . In AH , HT has the ffb so good it's really something to fly with .
I only use the hat and 4 buttons on the stick , all the rest of the buttons I use on the Pro Throttle . 19 without useing the micro stick , AH has 4 stick sets so I use one for fighters , one for bombers , and one for GV's . I use all dirext x inputs .
The CH gear has the pov hat just a little to high for me to be comfie , the Microsoft one fits me to a tee . That said it's got a short throw . I have NEVER worn out a hat on a Microsoft stick , but I went though about 6 Saitek sticks ( store warr. ) before they came out with that POS x45 . I gave that one away :mad: toejamy software and the center fix on the stick was STUPID move IMO on their part .
I had a Cougar , but didn't like the center feel of the stick plus the throttle didn't have enough buttons and hats to suit me . I was made damn nice though , I tried to like it but just couldn't .
Hey in the US , Walmart has a two week return policy , just try one out if you don't like it take it back , no questions .
THEY don't sell CH Products , hehe .
I bought mine at http://www.buy.com
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Going to buy a new stick too, quick question, does anyone have a thrustmaster afterburner or any other twisty stick profile that they can email me, save all that fannying around ?
wipass
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Originally posted by airspro
The CH gear has the pov hat just a little to high for me to be comfie
This may be my only gripe too, now that you mention the hat switch.
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Originally posted by Duedel
Dont use MS Sidewinder. I've the feeling taht this thing is way to shaky (could someone plz approve this or is it just my feeling).
I think i can support this statement. I used to have a MS Sidewinder and i think i replaced it every week for 3 weeks.
The stick would lose all of its tension and the planes would just stall out on a mere pull of the stick. So now ive bought a Thrustmaster Fox 2 and i think its nice.
Nice bulky thing, but it suites me. Wasnt expensive either, $45 dollars on the thrustmaster website, but i found it cheaper at different places.
When i get tired of this one i probebly will try the CH gear ive heard so much about. A little more exnoodleive but im sure it can last, for quite a while.
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Originally posted by airspro
The CH gear has the pov hat just a little to high for me to be comfie
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Originally posted by Dingbat
This may be my only gripe too, now that you mention the hat switch.
That can be fixed. Just have them attach the end of your pinky finger on your left hand to your right thumb. After it heals, your good to go. You could have them attach a toe, but I know I use mine to count.
fuzeman
Ahhhhhh somebody take fuzeman's keyboard away and hide it!!
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wipass, YT has a TM Afterburner I'm sure he can help you get setup.