Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => Hardware and Software => Topic started by: RedDg on October 26, 2003, 06:02:29 PM
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First off, the Cougar is without a doubt the most amazing HOTAS I've ever owned. In the past, I've only used the Wingman series from Logitech and were fine for years. When I saw the Cougar I knew I had to have one, along with TM Elite pedals. I've had this setup now for about 5 months. Total time with a new Cougar setup is around 150 hours. Still have the clear sticker on the front of the stick Adult owned and cared for etc, etc,....
Like many Cougar owners I've read about, I've started to get center play in the stick and have noticed some spiking. So I increase the deadband in my sims, etc, and it helps a bit. But now it's getting worse. I've also read about and emailed the good folks over at Frugalsworld who produce the mods that take care of these hardware issues. However, I'm not ready to buy any new hardware mods to make my Cougar perform like it should have out of the box. I'm definitely not impressed. Now before I get flamed, I know how many Cougar owners are passionate about their stuff. I love mine too, but it's unacceptable to me for hardware at this price to need an extra few hundred dollars in mods to be reliable.
So CH owners, please tell me about your HOTAS. I'm looking for reliability, ease of setup, and programmability. At this point in my life I don't care if it doesn't look exactly like an F-16 or F-18. How would you rate the CH stuff? How are the rudder pedals? Thanks for your inputs, I really want the best setup I can get that will last more than 5 months.
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Well this is certainly a timely thread for me. As one of those "passionate Cougar owners", I have to admit that I've decided to go back to CH Products gear. I loved the feel of the Cougar, but the stiff springs just got to be too much for my poor arms. When I recently built my new system, I installed my old CH Products Hotas on there instead of the Cougar:
CH Pro Throttle USB
CH Pro Pedals USB
CH Combatstick 568 USB
Using the new CH Control Manager(v.2.2), I found that everything I needed for AH was as easy as the Cougar's software to setup.
In fact, after flying in AH last night for a couple of hours, I don't miss my Cougar so much anymore, even though the CH joystick feels flimsy compared to the Cougar. On the other hand, my right arm appreciated not feeling like I had carpal tunnel after two hours of flight time.
All in all, I'm glad I went back to my CH gear. It's quality stuff, I think you'll like it, too.
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Definitely go with what works for ya, but if you like the Cougar and the tension that the Cougar has, I'd bet you could get the Uber Cougar 2 mod with HAL sensors instead of pots for the same price or cheaper than another complete HOTAS setup.
Uber 2 mod
(http://members.optushome.com.au/uber-2/Production001.JPG)
Info: http://forums.frugalsworld.com/vbb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=35029
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Don't listen to the zealots from the Church of the Metal Phallus.
CH stuff is cheaper, more reliable, and now more programmable. Get the USB stuff, FighterStick, Pro Throttle, Pro Pedals. It's jizzrific.
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get the disposable Saitek gear
(http://www.saitekusa.com/usa/images/product/pcp/x45.jpg)
with Ch Pro Peds
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I was a long time Thrustmaster fan but when the time came to replace my F-16FLCS/TQS I just couldn't bring myself to get a Cougar and then spend the extra money to "fix" it (sometimes I still find myself envious of those who did). I went for a full CH USB HOTAS setup and I love it. The new CH programibility rivals TM and in some areas exceeds it (although it takes an CH engineering degree to figure it out). The joystick doesn't feel as smooth at the TM stuff but I haven't lost any precision with the CH setup. I definately don't have any regrets going with CH.
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I bought a Cougar.
I'll never buy TM products again.
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I've responded to various inquiries like this extolling the CH HOTAS's programmability and general quality. I've owned two different Cougars and have had several complete CH HOTAS set-ups. The metal stick is cool and all, but, in my opinion, CH is the way to go.
- JNOV
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CH ALL THE WAY!!!!!
SE
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Hmmm...
Was using TM Elite pedals and just got slightly used CHPro pedals wow what a difference!! With the CH pedals i have to turn down the sliders they are so responsive! And i don't have to strap em down like I had to do with the TM pedals! No pushing the pedals just a gentel rocking motion :D :D :D
Also running CHPro F16 fighterstick and love it! (responsive!)
Using CHPro throttle too!
Had a Logitec and will not buy another!
Had a MS sidewinder and ugh :(
Have a Saitek x45 with a broken hat switch (Already!) Programming it was a mess.
Used a TM Afterburner for awhile but it went south rather quickly too!
So far of all the flight controller equipment I've used I gotta say CHPro has proven to be the best, and most responsive.
Sadly I passed up a complete set (stick, throttle, n pedals) of CHPro stuff on sale at a compusa for $99 some time back and now I realize what I did to myself by not buying it!!! AAAARRRRRUUUUUGGGHHHHH
I realize everyone is telling you to go USB and if your running XP you have no choice, but if your not running XP and can go analog then CHPro is having a sale on all their analog stuff! Gotta go to their factory site for the sale.
Programming is easy and ... :aok
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I have used CH products for over 6 years. Sold on it. Had a CH Combat stick that lasted 4 years of constant use. Mailed that to a friend. Also my old pedals went to a squadie and they were also 4 years old and going strong. With the new CH Control Manager(v.2.2) that banana mentioned once it is set up your good to go.
I did get to use Saitek for a while (my son now uses it) and I have to say if $ are tight you would do fine with those also.
Never used the Cougar.
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CH stuff is good except for one HUGE GLARING design flaw. They only have ONE 8 WAY HAT and it is the one WAY AT THE TOP.
Its uncomfortable to reach, and you cant rest your hand on the sticks rest pad and reach the 8 way hat unless you have large hands.
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Use the 8 way on the pro throttle, this way you won't disturb your
fighter stick with view movements.
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Same here, s-eagle. I use the 8 way hat on the Pro Throttle for my view hat, and I have the little pinky button on the Combatstick mapped to "Look Up", so by doing this, my 8-way hat is now a 16-way hat. :)
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Do you have binoculars trained to my computer room? No spying.
Yes I have the same config.
se
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Great minds think alike!
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Got any links for CH stuff? I have CHpro pedals, I didn't know they made a joystick.
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How is this?
http://www.provantage.com/buy-7chpu005-fighterstick-usb-ch-200-571-shopping.htm
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Zeb's old CH stick mod will work on the Combat and Fighter sticks too.
Zeb's mod (http://www.zeb.clara.net/jstick.html)
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Originally posted by Sixpence
How is this?
http://www.provantage.com/buy-7chpu005-fighterstick-usb-ch-200-571-shopping.htm
There you go, sixpence. Grab the Fighterstick, Pro Throttle and Pro Pedals and you're in business. Great prices, too!
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Sorry to hear that you've had a bad Cougar - I've had mine from when they first came out and there's no more centre play than when it arrived.
I don't need a U2, but I'm getting one anyway.