Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => Aces High General Discussion => Topic started by: Tac on December 05, 2000, 11:56:00 PM
-
Who is this `Tac` that keeps posting crap in this forum you ask.
Wait a minute.. wasnt he the P-38 geek a few months before? Oh yeah, the one that made that whatchamacallit squadron that never amounted to anything but a website full of WW2 songs and a few AH films?
(Heehee gawd im BORED.. even if Im in Japan!)
Now seriously, (and now that you know who I am.. and hate me or something) I would like to ask ye fine folks for some advice about buying a joystick set.
Im currently looking into the The Top Gun™ AfterBurnerForce™ Feedback Joystick http://us.thrustmaster.com/products/lookproduct.php3?prodid=71 (http://us.thrustmaster.com/products/lookproduct.php3?prodid=71)
What do you think about it? Force Feedback AND Thrust controller all in one for less than 100 bucks... but since im an ignorant in jsticks I would like yer opinions.
I would like to have a j-stick that has the grip and buttons of the OLD TM FCS+TCS (OLD as in the 1991 TM sticks) but with Force Feedback.. I really hate jstick handles that feel like bananas with buttons protruding out of it (like that Saitek monstrousity).
Feedback and suggestions greatly appreciated.
-Tac-
-
Yeeeeeuuuuuuk. That thing is ugly! Personally, I'd wait for Thrustmasters line of sticks with interchangeable handles to come out before I'd buy that one! As far as Force Feedback in flight sims, I used to like it in DoA, but now I've gotten used to not having it and don't think it is worth it any more for flight sims. It helped me overcome my tendency to 'overcontrol' but now I wouldn't use it most likely if HTC ever added support.
I've only ever had CH, and am patiently awaiting the release of the USB Fighterstick and Pro Throttle, but if TM releases their sticks with the interchangle handles, which look real high quality, and they release them before CH's hit the market I'll probably give them a try. I agree with you, most other sticks look like crap to me. I wish somebody would release one that looked something like a WWII era stick with a couple of extra buttons and hats of course (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/smile.gif).
Well, there's my opinion (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/biggrin.gif). I only play WWII online flight sims and have no need for stuff like force feedback anymore. But if you play other games that use it, that stick looks pretty good considering it has 60 programable functions, but I'm not sure if it has enough buttons for my taste. I'm curious what kind of button combinations you need to get 60 functions out of it. I'll probably stick with CH tho cause I got my Duel Throttle setup and like it and can convert the new USB Pro Throttle over by just adding it's guts to my current setup from the looks of the pics I've seen.
Btw Tac, still a few P38's that haven't been shot up left in the hangar waiting for ya........
ts
-
CH babe! (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/smile.gif)
Supper smooth...best quality components on the market(last a long time) and great flexiblity.
Thunder used the TM stuff and recently switched to CH...he's a more effective killer because of it. You might ask him what he thinks.
Ice
-
If I had to buy all new gear it would be the CH USB stuff. Although the pro-throttle isn't out yet. And not sure about the F16 Fighterstick. But an 8-way hat is a must. Force-feedback <shrug> we don't have it to use here...yet...someday?
-Westy
-
Ugly...maby depends on your taste (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/biggrin.gif). Anyone have one of these? USB, throttle with rudder, 60 programable functions, 8 way hat....my first impression is wow, but whats the catch? Price, is it a pos? I would like some more opinions on this puppy
-
btw CH did have an extenstion kit for the CH Jetstick at one time (a two button, bare bones stick) that allowed for a 2 1/2 foot handle (sligtly adjustable) that mounted to the floor. That was about the closest there ever was to a WWII stick. Loved the feel of that cheap thing, sadly the need for buttons kinda ruled it out (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/redface.gif)
I'm not real sure that was CH's kit though, can't remember where in the heck I got it from.
-
hey Tac!
how's Japan????
-
I owned Thrustmaster top line equipment for years. When problems developed their support department not only failed to ever reply to my, but could not even help me order replacement parts while I was quite willing to pay for the parts. Without going into a long discussion of how poor their support department was, just leave it that I would never ever purchase Thrustmaster equipement again.
CH is the way to go, but they just don't have their good USB stuff out yet. I chose the Saitek as the only USB equipment offering both bot a throttle and stick with adequate hats and buttons. You have indicated a dislike for the layout of that stick. As a result you either have to accept the Saitek to get you through until CH comes out with their good stick, or you have to accept the CH stuff on the market now.
Don't make the mistake of buying old analog stuff. USB is the only way to go.
By the way, I like my Saitek so much now that I don't plan on switching to a CH stick until my Saitek wears out. It's worked great for 6 months and is rock solid.
I do have the CH USB Pro Pedals and love them.
As far as force feedback goes we don't have it here and I'm not sure who makes a GOOD USB Force Feedback stick.
Good luck
Ranger Bob
-
Well lets see... i had an old thrustmaster( didn't hold up to my learning curve tantrums)
I had saitek ( looked great,worked poorly) then Ch,, i like the CH stuff last long but the pods get dirty and need cleaning..
I heard Martha Stewart Tuesday night show is how to make a USB Joystick from toothpaste , poporri,orange peels, and discarded toilet tissue rolls (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/smile.gif)
NUTTZ
-
After my Sidewinder Precision Pro recently expired I scoured CompUSA and chose the Logitech Wingman Force 3D joystick. It has the hat, 7 buttons, comfortable hand rest, nice throttle, and twist rudder. Also more solid feel and lower price than the Sidewinder.
I enjoy force feedback in WarBirds and look forward to having it in the next Aces High.
Note: CompUSA doesn't handle CH so I couldn't compare that. I enjoyed the CH stick and rudder pedals I had before the Precision Pro, and from CH popularity with many people, you probably want to compare CH before buying anything.
The only thing I don't like about the Wingman Force 3D is two buttons on the left tpp of the stick instead of the Sidewinder's one. To me, the two buttons make it much more awkward to have one of these as secondary armament button instead of the one longer button on the Sidewinder.
It was also nice to have the additional ninth button on the Sidewinder base although WarBirds never adequately supported more than six buttons in its setup since buttons 7 and 8 were out of sequence and never would function properly. Fortunately all joystick buttons including the Sidewinder ninth button work great in Aces High.
-
Having loads of fun Animal! Gonna go Karaoke tonight with the ladies... check out the pics of my trip (gawd I LOVE my digital camera) at http://www.crosswinds.net/~wraithfleethq/tacbed.html (http://www.crosswinds.net/~wraithfleethq/tacbed.html)
I still have like 100 pictures left to post up.. Mt. Fuji was awesome!
Theres still some twin engine kittens purring for me in the hangar? THANK YOU!!! =) I thought Citabria had nuetered the alpha couple to keep the 38 to himself! hehhehehe.
I agree, USB is the only way. I may give the Top Gun stick a try when I get home, I dont have to worry about product support, the guys at Best Buy already hate my squeaking self when they sell me something that dont work. Then the refund of course..but always squeak about it! *grin*.
I forgot there was no force feedback in AH.. unless it was added in these last 4 months! Please tell me it has FF support... I wanna feel my 38s guns rattle my wrist (or Torque`s CHOGcannons ripping my wrist from my hand..whichever comes first).
Thanks for your advice folks, much appreciated.
BTW, what is that CH thing people talk about? links?
-
Want the best set up out right now?
The saitek usb x36 stick and throttle are it.
No spikes,easy setup,too many functions.
The look and feel are streets ahead of ch stuff. Although i still use a pro pedal, throttle set up. I like my views on the throtle.
I bought mine for 80 usd. There on for $60 at best buy right now.
There is a rebate offer on now too so i get $20 back soon (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/smile.gif)
EYE
-
lol Tac Derek Smart is a tard
he is in every message board soon he will be here too.
you mention his name three times and he appearsoh and when you come back bring here some hot asian chicks
ive never done one; few of them here in PR
[This message has been edited by Animal (edited 12-09-2000).]
-
If you have patience in setting up then Saitek is the way to go I use my keyboard for typing only all functions are on stick and throttle...
-
CH sticks sound interesting. USB support is not important for me... in fact I play in Win2k so I pretty much need analog controllers. Anyone got a URL for CH? Could they be used with Simped Vario (analog) pedals?
(http://www.jump.net/~cs3/sigs/uns_sig.jpg) (http://www.jump.net/~cs3)
-
Originally posted by Beurling:
Want the best set up out right now?
The saitek usb x36 stick and throttle are it.
No spikes,easy setup,too many functions.
The look and feel are streets ahead of ch stuff. Although i still use a pro pedal, throttle set up. I like my views on the throtle.
I bought mine for 80 usd. There on for $60 at best buy right now.
There is a rebate offer on now too so i get $20 back soon (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/smile.gif)
EYE
I have to agree with this assessment, I've had TM gear (F16 and F22) Ch products, and now X36 Saitek. Though the hats seem like they may wear out first, a damn fine stick/throttle combo.
-
Originally posted by Pollock:
If you have patience in setting up then Saitek is the way to go I use my keyboard for typing only all functions are on stick and throttle...
If you are courageous and have a good memory just map all the keyboard to the stick and get ride of the keybord (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/biggrin.gif)
-
TM is easily broken junk... I have about four of the PFCS sticks that I hash together to keep one going. I'ts still the only stick with real springs in it so I go to the effort and it has a nice handle. The CH stick is backwards to me... Huge stick and effeminate springs.
Is the Saitek thing weak in the springs? What kind of rudders can u use with it?
lazs
-
Hey Rip, I just checked out Bestbuy.com and they want $99.99 for the Saitek set. I once tried to order the set when they were offering them for $49.99 but my order was "lost" and I was told that I had to re-order it at $69.99. (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/mad.gif) For toejames and giggles I went back to Bestbuy.com a week later and it was $89.99. In one months time the price went from $49.99 to $99.99! (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/eek.gif)
So anyhoo, Tac if your gonna get a Saitek stick, I recommend going to Saiteks site where they offer "remanufactured" Saitek X36 sticks. All thats wrong with them is that they're scratched up a bit and they're $49.99. (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/wink.gif) http://www.viaweb.com/saitekusa/x36consysusb.html (http://www.viaweb.com/saitekusa/x36consysusb.html)
------------------
Meine schwester hat keine kartoffel salat? Du bist eine lustige bube!!
[This message has been edited by Mattibaby80 (edited 12-11-2000).]
-
Laz, X36 combo, I would say the springs are nominal, not as sloppy as CH, but not as 'tight' as the F22. VERY nice feel to it, IMO. I'm using analog rudders with it,piped into my sound card.
Matti: I paid $90 bucks with a $20 rebate offer good thru Jan.15th, 2001., So, $70 bucks for a nice Throttle/stick combo.
(had an opportunity to try it out at the Con on UDIE's box)
BTW, I was forced into a USB decision when my CH throttle up and quit on me. I was looking at $90 bucks to replace it, or , take a step into the year 2000 and replace it with USB stuff. Since CH apparently doesn't cator to retail stores, I was looking at 5-7 days for a new throttle. I took advice and purchased the X36 combo at a RETAIL STORE CompUSA (Take notice CH Products). After being frustrated throughout most of Sat. setting it up, re-learning how to program their stick with yet another stick programming utility, I'm now a fat and happy camper. Just out of money! (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/smile.gif)
[This message has been edited by Ripsnort (edited 12-11-2000).]
[This message has been edited by Ripsnort (edited 12-11-2000).]
-
Pollock, your post
"If you have patience in setting up then Saitek is the way to go I use my keyboard for typing only all functions are on stick and throttle"
Is correct, but I spent hours and hours working out most of the bugs and problems programming this stick for Aces High.
My advice is to simply download my profile on the download page and start using it.
Have fun
Ranger Bob
-
Im not buying Saitek junk. Looks like somoene was on crack when they designed it. Played with one once, the experience was bad enough.
Nobody answered my CH question. What the heck is that? Another brand of sticks? URL please?
Animal: The Japanese gov. prohibits me from taking their young female population with me back to the US. Something to do with per capita income and my unrealistic request for amount to be transported. *sigh* They did offer me a new brand of walkman though. *grin*
I like Mr. Smart`s game, it will rock. And you have it wrong, you have to say the name 3 times consecutively... didnt you watch BEETLEJUICE? *grin* (Oh cruuud... thats 2 times THE NAME has been said.... lol)
Lasz: dude, you gotta remember, TM sticks aint as durable as your nature-provided stick. I have my TM Top Gun (old model) for 2 years now, no problems with it. I just want Force Feedback and a damn throttle control =)
-
TAk, I agree. Have x36 rig I'm not using and am gonna give away as a xmas present (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/smile.gif).
CH is releasing their USB Pro Throttle soon, and after that the USB Fighterstick. Tat combined with ch pro usb rudders will be unbeatable.
Check ch out at http://www.chproducts.com/index.html (http://www.chproducts.com/index.html)
------------------
StSanta
9./JG 54 "Grünherz"
(http://www.geocities.com/nirfurian/stSanta.jpg)
-
Try Suncom F-15 Talon or other Suncom's stick.
Have ir for 2.5 years, no problems. www.suncominc.com (http://www.suncominc.com)
-
Buy a CH Fighterstick, Pro Throttle, and Pro Pedals, and you will never need to buy another stick/throttle in your life.
Plus its the most reliable, and the easiest stick out there to program.
I have owned every major brand of stick on the market, and I wouldn't buy anything but CH right now.
------------------
Vermillion
**MOL**, Men of Leisure
-
Originally posted by Vermillion:
Buy a CH Fighterstick, Pro Throttle, and Pro Pedals, and you will never need to buy another stick/throttle in your life.
I thought this too, Verm, when I changed from TM to CH last year (about 1 year ago to date)...however, after 14 POT changes, and my throttle finally puking (Win won't recognized it anymore, but Win recognizes my old TM throttle and new X36 throttle), I finally gave up on CH. I got more milege out of my TM gear than I ever did with my CH stuff.
-
Rip, no need for pot changes with the new USB series.
That being said, I also got a joystick that's spikey. My throttle is 5 years old and works perfectly though.
Once the USB fighterstick gets out, I am getting one. CH is by far the best producers out there (tm in second because of those stupid rubber thingies on the stick).
------------------
StSanta
9./JG 54 "Grünherz"
(http://www.geocities.com/nirfurian/stSanta.jpg)
-
Ok, the CH throttle works ok even tho it sends characters (-=) when not wanted and.. the TM rudders have th3e best feel and only break every couple of years or so but.... The old TM PFCS shed hats like candy and would eventually simply break in half. The springs were great tho and the handle feels the best of any stick so far. The stick was 100 bucks and probly not worth it but I would still be buying em if they were still made just for the handle feel and the springs.
So what to do for a stick? I have a brand new CH sitting there gathering dust because I just cant stand the feel and the wussy worthless springs and cheezy base. The saitek is kinda dumb looking and has allmost as wussy springs as the CH. Geeze, can't someone make a stick that feels ok, is durable and has some kinda spring adjustment?
lazs
-
Originally posted by -lazs-:
Geeze, can't someone make a stick that feels ok, is durable and has some kinda spring adjustment?
lazs
I've been whining about that since 1987. (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/frown.gif)
-
Microsoft stick here. Great quality. No pots involved.
-
lazs, I'll give you $20 for that dust collecting ch stick (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/biggrin.gif).
Never had a problem with my ch products sending random characters.
------------------
StSanta
9./JG 54 "Grünherz"
(http://www.geocities.com/nirfurian/stSanta.jpg)
-
I don´t have any problem with my old ch throttle here. It works really great. But I agree with lazs about ch stick: I also "cant stand the feel and the wussy worthless springs". I have to use rubber here to tighten it.
From all sticks I´ve ever tried I liked suncom F15 talon for it´s not as lousy as ch but not as stiff as TM sticks. But they still don´t have an usb talon version yet and I would prefer some extra buttons and hats.
Thanks to llbm, I have a new usb combatstick here with a fighterstick base. It´s really much better than old combatstick as I don´t have to use anything to hold it on the table ;-) It´s stable and I´m very much used to all those buttons - though I would prefer at least one 8-way hat.
You mentioned that tm fox 2 joystick. I am also curious about it and if I lived there I´d probably try it - importing makes such uncompromised tests too expensive - specially because I´m REALLY curious about this adjustable tension feature.
Finally, I myself hate that lousy feel of microsoft sidewinder sticks. but I know it´s a mater of taste (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/wink.gif)
[This message has been edited by fradim (edited 12-14-2000).]
-
Yep.... USB with changeable/adjustable handles... Adjustable tension and easy programing... Durable, easily repaired. matching rudders and throttle.... Most sticks are "all around" jobs with economy or style or whatever the prime concern.. Most people buying a joystick don't really use it that much for anything much less flight (demanding multiplayer) sims.
We have guys on this board who are building airplanes and Hot Rods and guns and everything under the sun.... We have probly some of the best programers in the world playing.... We have businessmen and factory owners.... We could do it.
lazs
-
Don't get it , it sucks. I tried it along with some "buds" (not the green stuff). Everyone hated it , and we all fly virtually and otherwise. That rocking rudder was a joke , talk about jerky, even dampened out.
[This message has been edited by carl (edited 12-15-2000).]
-
My advice would be don't buy one. This is how the serious addictions begin.
A harmless sortie here. A bomb run there. Next thing you know. Your flying out of Bogota with a balloon full of CH springs stuffed up your butt.
-
Too late for me (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/biggrin.gif)
-
Thanks for the advice and links. Ill research them.
What an interesting choice Easymo... im am Colombian!!! (from Cali actually) =) LOL
-
easy... I salute you.
lazs
-
Wait for ThrustMaster HOTAS 2000
Er, 2001?
Er, 2002?
Sisu
-Karnak
-
good god. Only the French can screw up and throw red tape like that!
Go to the TM website and see if you can "order" this jostick (the AfterBurnerForce, not the non-force feedback version of this stick). Then call their own sales line. After 5 calls JUST to make sure I wasnt talking to a moron that didnt know what products he was supposed to be selling, I found out that the TM sales staff has no idea what the AfterBurnerForce is... even after I gave them the internet link and had a dumbstruck salesman saying "thats amazing...i was never informed about that one".
good grief!
-
GIE, that link is VERY good. Ill buy their throttle and use my current j-stick.
That throttle can be plugged into ANY other joystick..and it has 2 hats and is DUAL THROTTLE. that is DAMN cool!
=) =) =)
Thanks!!
-
I hope you will like it.
Just check compability once again before buyng, and 1 (possible) bad thing -
check if buttons can be programmed to do
Shift+<key> , Alt+<key> combinations.
Suncom F-15 Talon joystick cannot handle
such combinations. Not big problem tho, if game let you to map keys.
Take care, check yoyr six ! (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/smile.gif)
-
GIE, got the stick in the mail just now. Got it all working except for one tiny detail:
The HAT POV on my TM Top Gun wont work if its plugged into the TCS =(. Windows wont detect it. If I plug it independently it will detect it though. *sigh*
Any ideas? Help?