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Flight sim joysticks

Old 20th Nov 2016, 09:19
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Flight sim joysticks

(Dear mods, I hope this is the right place for this query but please feel free to move it if there is somewhere more appropriate.) I gave up flying some few years ago but have needed to scratch the itch again in a way that doesn't crucify my wallet or time, so I've been thinking about simming. I don't have the hardware at present but my lovely daughter wants to buy me a top end HOTAS joystick and rudder pedal setup for Christmas! trouble is, neither of us knows which is best/most suitable.
She herself has posted on one or two forums and it seems to becoming down to a choice between Saitek and Warthog. As someone who used to enjoy old stick and rudder flying, these look a bit 'fast jet' for me, but I suppose that's just appearance, as long as the functionality's the same. Now she's asking me if the set up is materially different between the two, and I haven't a clue!
Any simmers out there who can offer some advice here?
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Old 21st Nov 2016, 07:15
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You can get the "old school" style throttle quadrant and yoke should you desire but the Airbus style joystick is far cheaper!
Essentially, they are the same thing - I'd say the choice is down to personal preference over appearance and the cost.
You probably want to put more effort into deciding whether you're going XPlane over MSFS and what your PC hardware specs are going to be.
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Old 21st Nov 2016, 13:41
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I keep looking at the Warthog, but I can't really justify the price at the moment. It does seem like one of the better options, though I seem to remember there's one weak part in the design that may require replacing after a while? You may want to do a web search first to check on that before buying one.

I've been using a $30 Thrustmaster cheapie so far, but the dead zone is big enough that it doesn't really allow fine control.
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Old 21st Nov 2016, 17:46
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Nearly all of these simulator flight controllers use a pair of variable resistors to detect the position of the joystick. The resistor value is digitised and passed to the computer to derive an appropriate response. Trim and throttle controls function in a similar manner. Momentary or latching switches are used for on/off type functions, gear up/down, lights, etc.

The quality of the resistors and the fineness of the digitisation is what costs money. Quality microswitches that have debounce components fitted are similarly expensive.

Given two joysticks of similar cost, the more basic looking one is probably fitted with higher quality internal components to justify the cost. The chrome plated joystick with multiple fire buttons and flashing lights everywhere is probably not going to be the best choice for accurate sim flying.

As other posters have pointed out, reading the on line reviews of users is probably the best guide to finding the joystick most suited to your needs. A hundred pounds (UK) for a decent joystick is not considered excessive by flight sim enthusiasts.
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Old 22nd Nov 2016, 02:26
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Kevmusic
Have you checked the sim settings are on zero null? By default FSX has a lot of dead movement. Also most sims are made as games, so the default aircraft are made easy to fly (i.e. don't have realistic handling). Many downloaded aircraft have not been made by pilots, and are intended to be "flown" on autopilot only. If you have the time and inclination it is not too difficult to make an aircraft handle and perform reasonably accurately.

I use a Logitech Extreme 3D Pro stick, with some modifications:
a) Handle removed and about 2 feet of 3/4 inch i/d steel tube attached to the stub. The lot screwed to a bit of boarding. Handle replaced on top of the tube. There are some wires which need extending but that is easy enough to do.
b) rudder bar (another bit of steel tube) pivoted on the base board, with a pushrod to move a 100K linear potentiometer. The potentiometer is connected to the original rudder wires inside the stick base (the original stick has a twist handle rudder)
c) throttle is another 100K linear potentiometer in a small box which I attach to the chair armrest with a rubber band when I want to use it. Potentiometer wires connect to the original throttle wires inside the base.

The lot can be unplugged and moved out of the way quickly when not needed.

Total cost was about £55 (UK) plus some wire and odds and ends. The job is easy enough if you do DIY. There are no fancy electronics involved.

I made a copy for an ATC Squadron, and added proper rudder pedals and a throttle/prop/mixture/flaps knob/elevator trim wheel modelled on the Grob Tutor. It needed an USB interface board and five more potentiometers. Total cost of that was probably around £80, and took a weekend to make.

I find my setup provides pretty much the same stick and rudder pedal travel as a real Chipmunk/Bulldog/Tutor. Only the V squared "feel" force is missing, and don't think anyone has sorted that out yet without spending a fortune.
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Old 24th Nov 2016, 08:53
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Thanks for your thoughts, guys. Will let you know the results!
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