Aces High Bulletin Board

General Forums => Hardware and Software => Topic started by: GENRLX on October 08, 2003, 01:51:27 PM

Title: joystick selection
Post by: GENRLX on October 08, 2003, 01:51:27 PM

I'm currently using the MS sidewinder precision 2, but was thinking about upgrading to a stick with more programmability.

Any suggestions would be helpful. I'm considering the Thrustmaster HOTAS Cougar or CH Fighterstick. The thrustmaster also has a HOTAS setup available with a twist function on the stick, so rudder peddles aren't neccessary. Is there anyone using this setup or one similar and what would you reccommend?

Thanks.

GenX

Title: joystick selection
Post by: Furious on October 08, 2003, 01:58:34 PM

I love my Cougar, but I cannot in good conscience recommend you buy one.

Title: joystick selection
Post by: GENRLX on October 08, 2003, 02:03:35 PM

Thanks for the quick reply, is it the price as to the reason why or just a matter of personal preference, better left up to the user?

GenX

Title: joystick selection
Post by: blackfalcon4 on October 08, 2003, 08:47:15 PM

Had been using a MSFFB Pro + CH pedals till about 3-4 mo's ago.

Then I got the CH Fighterstick and CH Throttle to go along with the pedals and I love the setup. Recommend them to anyone.

Thing is, no matter what you do, you need the pedals IMHO, makes for much better control than  a twisty rudder.

Title: joystick selection
Post by: Furious on October 09, 2003, 01:32:53 AM

The pots are pretty crappy and they can develop a significant amount of slop around the center.  

The programming and ergonomics are fantastic though.

Title: joystick selection
Post by: qts on October 09, 2003, 03:58:55 PM

I've had my Cougar (#01335) since they first came out and cannot agree with Furious. Yes, the pots went, but they were replaced by TM FOC. I use my Cougar almost every day and it's still just fine.

But I'm making it even better: I'm getting IJ's Uber2 mod.

The best thing you can do is to go to Cougarworld and read up and decide for yourself.

Title: joystick selection
Post by: beet1e on October 10, 2003, 03:17:33 AM

Hi GEN,

I've got that same MSWPP2 stick, and face the same dilemma as you. I want one with lots of programmable buttons.

Building a new PC soon, on which I shall maximise the USB capability, and will get the Fox 2 Pro USB stick. It's a twisty, and has the programmable buttons we're used to, although probably not as many.

Fox 2 Pro USB link: http://us.thrustmaster.com/products/lookproduct.php3?productid=122&skin=Joysticks

Title: Joystick
Post by: GENRLX on October 10, 2003, 04:41:54 AM

Hiya Beetle,

Looking at the specs on the Fox 2, it doesn't look as though it has as many programmable buttons as the MS Sidewinder .

Thanks for the reply, gonna check one out in the store this weekend.

Title: joystick selection
Post by: beet1e on October 10, 2003, 04:46:36 AM

Let me know what you decide on - I'd like to check it out for myself.

Title: joystick selection
Post by: LoneStarBuckeye on October 10, 2003, 11:26:46 AM

I've used CH, Thrustmaster (Cougar), and the Saitek HOTAS's (x36/45).  For my money, the best outfit for this game is a CH Pro Throttle, Fighterstick, and Pro Pedals.  This setup is more programmable than any other, and I like the control it affords.  Now, I'll grant you, it's not made of metal like the Cougar, but aside from that, it's no contest in my opinion.

- JNOV

Title: joystick selection
Post by: CrzHrs on October 10, 2003, 01:04:40 PM

I have used the CH Combat Stick for over 3years with next to zero problems, they have a great garuntee program if any problems do occure, they are a tad expensive but well worth it !

Title: joystick selection
Post by: SOB on October 10, 2003, 02:42:08 PM

Quote

Originally posted by LoneStarBuckeye
This (CH) setup is more programmable than any other, and I like the control it affords.

That's not true, though it is nice and solid.  Joysticks don't need to be made out of metal to be solid, though.  The Cougar is a great stick if you're willing to spend the extra dough on the upgrades, effectively making it a $400-$500 stick.  If you don't wanna spend that, go with the CH...will do everything you need programming-wise and will last a long time.

Title: joystick selection
Post by: mrblack on October 10, 2003, 04:30:06 PM

for the money you cant beat the siatek X-45

Title: joystick selection
Post by: Wanker on October 10, 2003, 05:14:27 PM

As a current Cougar HOTAS user, and former CH Products USB user (Pro Throttle, Pro Pedals, CombatStick), I think you would be happy with either of those two choices. They are both superb.

I also used the Saitek X45 for 6 months and found it to be a reasonable setup if money is a little tight.

Title: joystick selection
Post by: LoneStarBuckeye on October 12, 2003, 09:02:31 AM

Quote

Originally posted by SOB
quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by LoneStarBuckeye
This (CH) setup is more programmable than any other, and I like the control it affords.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

That's not true, though it is nice and solid. Joysticks don't need to be made out of metal to be solid, though. The Cougar is a great stick if you're willing to spend the extra dough on the upgrades, effectively making it a $400-$500 stick. If you don't wanna spend that, go with the CH...will do everything you need programming-wise and will last a long time.

That didn't used to be true, but things have changed since the relatively recent advent of CH's excellent Control Manger 2.  In my opinion (after using both CM2 and Foxy extensively), CH's programmability outstrips TM's, although Cougar's Foxy package is definitely very capable.  With the CM2's scripting capability, you can do your programming with elements of a structured programming language.  With Foxy, many simple things are unduly complicated or impossible to implement (e.g., creating a simple state machine).  My current control map for Aces High has many features that I do not believe could be implemented with Foxy.  

Further, it seems to me that CH's GUI is easier for the uninitiated to navitage and use than Foxy's *.tmm and *.tmj text-file interface.  The complexity is there if you want it, but you never need to use it if the need does not arise.

Just my $0.02,

JNOV

Title: joystick selection
Post by: Skorpyon on October 13, 2003, 02:31:35 AM

Second the motion on Saitek X-45.  I've had mine almost a year, love it totally, and no problems with function so far.  Pretty much totally programmable within AH too, without needing to use the programming software it came with.  Definitely most bang for the buck IMO.

Title: joystick selection
Post by: Twist on October 13, 2003, 02:42:20 AM

I purchased a CH stick and pedals used from a good friend who got me addicted to flight sims. I'm not sure how long he had them but did mention he replaced the pots just before I made my purchase. That was 3 years ago.

The stick only recently broke off in my hand at the base and the pedals were starting to act up too. Can't play at the moment but I do continue to browse the forums.

Just as soon as Christmas or AH2 comes I'll be buying another CH stick, pedals and adding the throttle, all USB for about 450.00. The wife says she'll buy me a new stick for Christmas and I'll have to get the rest myself. I think she likes the fact that one of my hobbies keeps me home.

I do wish there was something cheap I could buy in the interim for my kids to use, my son likes Dawn of Aces and could be going through the same withdrawls I am. :D

CH is my recommendation, I wonder if HTC can get us a discount with them??

Title: joystick selection
Post by: DAVENRINO on October 13, 2003, 01:07:57 PM

Quote

Originally posted by Twist
Just as soon as Christmas or AH2 comes I'll be buying another CH stick, pedals and adding the throttle, all USB for about 450.00.

I you check online stores ,  you will find all three for bout $330 + shipping.
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