Each component will need a USB connector. If you get 3 USB controllers (stick, pedals and throttle), you will need a USB hub. I think it's about US$50.
But I guess that will depend on your actual setup.
Take the Saitek X36 Flight Control System USB. It's a stick + throttle combo, and the throttle plugs into the stick (via a gameport plug in the stick). So for both throttle and stick only one USB port is needed. I plugged my CH Pro pedals USB in the other port. (I wish I had won either component at WBCon! Bought both when I got back from the Con.)
Right now, though, there is only one complete USB solution: the Saitek X36 combo plus the CH Pro Pedals USB. Nobody makes a stand-alone USB throttle yet.
Suncom was supposed to release new USB stuff this summer, but it did not. Suncom only has a USB stick, no USB throttle (and it doesn't make rudder pedals).
Note that Suncom has removed any mention of plans for a USB throttle on its website. They did mention a USB throttle in the works when I was shopping for USB gear last Spring.
And I bet the CH Pro Throttle USB won't be released before the end of the year.
I don't think that you will be able to connect the CH Pro Throttle USB to a CH Flight/Combatstick USB, or vice-versa. If you go CH all the way, I think you will need a USB hub.
But right now, it's a moot point. Nobody but Saitek does a USB throttle (X35T), and I think it can only work with a Saitek X36F joystick (both are part of the X36 combo).
Saitek was supposed to release Win2k-compatible software this summer, but I'm still waiting. Win2k USB doesn't work right yet in AH anyway. Personally, I can't wait to ditch Win9x.
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DrSoya
308 (Polish) Squadron "City of Cracow" RAF
Part of the
Northolt Wing (First Polish Fighter Wing)
