Simulator joystick choice

[Mak]

Maybe a bit off topic for a flying forum but given the approaching winter weather (and, for me, an IMC rating) many of us will probably spend some time flying a PC simulator over the coming months.

I have a totally useless logitech 3-axis joystick and need to find a replacement. I've been advised to get a Thrustmaster but I'm undecided wether to get the force-feedback version or not. If anybody has experience of the two version please let me know. At the moment I'm inclined to get the no-feedback version because it's half the price and also as far as I know most of the a/c that use PC-style joysticks (including airbus and F16) do not use any sort of feedback.

Thanks.

Mak

[Tall_guy_in_a_152]

I'm not familiar with the Thrustmaster, but for those who prefer a yoke I would recommend the CH-products USB Flight Yoke. It has three levers for throttle, mixture and prop pitch (is that the proper name for the blue one - don't need one in my aircraft ?!) and a gear and flap selector. No option for force feedback unfortunately.

TG.

[Naples Air Center, Inc.]

Mak,

If you want something a little different there is the Saitek X45 Flight Control Joystick.

http://images10.newegg.com/productimage/26-102-501-03.JPG

and the Guillemot THRUSTMASTER Hotas Cougar Joystick.

http://images10.newegg.com/productimage/26-102-303-01.JPG

http://images10.newegg.com/productimage/26-102-303-02.JPG

If you like having a desk free of clutter, there is the Logitech Freedom:

http://images10.newegg.com/productimage/26-102-205-01.JPG

If you want a standard joystick, Microsoft has the Precision 2.

http://i.walmart.com/i/p/00/65/95/56/42/0065955642247_500X500.jpg

Take Care,

Richard

[Aim Far]

One point on the Logitech Freedom stick. If it is not moved for a minute or two it seems to switch to stand by, presumably to save batteries. Unfortunately, this causes the throttle on the screen to move to full throttle, though the control on the stick doesn't move. Pressing something (like brakes) brings it back but by this time you've gained height and speed.
Suppose I should be including the throttle in my scan!

Its still the business though if you are using a projector and flying from the sofa.

[goates]

I've got a slightly older Microsoft force feedback joystick than the one pictured above, and it drives me crazy. It may just be a setting that I've missed or something like that, but the force feedback just gets annoying.

The CH Products Combat and Flightsticks look pretty good and I'm planning on getting one. Take a look at FSCentral (http://www.fscentral.com). Their prices are lower than most places I've seen for the CH joysticks.

A couple of other sites that might help are AVSim (http://www.avsim.com) and FlightSim (http://www.flightsim.com). Both are dedicated to PC flight simulators and anything associated with flight sims, including hardware.

goates

[amanoffewwords]

I've got a slightly older Microsoft force feedback joystick than the one pictured above, and it drives me crazy. It may just be a setting that I've missed or something like that, but the force feedback just gets annoying.

ditto

I since acquired the Logitech one as described above - no problems since - good ridance to the feedback. Only gripe is that it doesn't hold its position - with the MS j/stick you could let go of it and it would stay in position - can't do that with the Logi as far as I know. But it is a lot smoother and I love the cordless aspect to it. Good price too.

Unfortunately, this causes the throttle on the screen to move to full throttle, though the control on the stick doesn't move.

err..ditto :(