Hotas setup for the upcoming Cliffs of Dover
 

Edit*Bought the CH Combatsick,Throttle Quadrant and Pro Pedals.

First of all Im new here so If there is a hardware section or similar where this should be posted please let me know.So right now I got a Logitech Force 3dPro which I've used for a whole year,the main problem it got is that the centering is terrible,causing unstable movements even when Im trying to fly straight(just cruising).My other problem is the twist rudder, which almost every time I press the trigger I twist the stick throwing my aim off.So since this game is coming pretty soon I figured out that it would be better for me to get a whole hotas setup instead of just replacing the stick to have a better experience and enjoy the game better.Im almost sure of what to get but would like some feedback.This would be the setup:

-CH Combatstick 568 USB
-Saitek Throttle Quadrant
-Saitek Rudder Pedals

I want to know if having saitek+ch would give me any trouble while mapping controls,also if anyone has any of these items or their counterparts(ch rudder pedals and throttle quadrant)please let me know what you think of it.
My budget is $300 including shipping.There are other setups in this price range as the G940 and the X-52/X65.But out of those three I dont like the looks of the x/52 and the whole idea of the force sensing on the x65 is not of my liking.As for the Logitech, the whole setup seems nice but after my experience with my current joystick and a lot of reviews of people complaining about various issues, I guess I wouldnt buy it either.

Out of the parts that you consider, i only had the Saitek Throttle Quadrant and cannot recommend it.

The potis seem to be of pretty bad quality. One axis began to spike after 3 months of normal use (less then 10 hours a week). The second axis started with that problem one month later, i then had to replace the throttle quadrant (i used the X52 throttle [without stick] then).

Atleast 3 other people in my squadron had the same problem after about same use.

Some of those switched to a G940 and most are very happy with it, however, some have replaced the stick with a FFB2 (which they had before buying the G940). But overall, i think the G940 is better then its (or Logitechs) reputation.

I currently use a Hotas Warthog and Simpeds and am very happy with those too, but they are not in your price range.

Thats the kind of feedback I was looking for.Just by reading reviews one could think that some of these products are excellent,but maybe that's not the case for some.My other option would be the CH throttle quadrant but that would cost me like $50 more.Did you have any problems mapping it?And what joystick were you using with the throttle?

The G940 still has the reversal bug issue with the throttle and the rudder. Also some units overheat after a few hours of use.

If you're getting one of the Saitek's be sure it's from a store near you so you can drive back and exchange it for one without spikey axis.

Im gonna buy the rudder pedals from a local Compusa,the rest from newegg.And those are the issues I was referring to.

Why not buy the CH rudder and throttle controls? I use that setup and with their programing software and profiles found on their website site setting these up is no problem at all.

I've read that the CH pedals have almost no resistance and are too narrow.As for the throttle I like it but its like $50 dollars more.Since you got the pedals, how good is the resistance, and are they wide enough for you?I am a small guy so that might not be a problem, and they are available at the local compusa also.

i have the ch fighterstick now for about one month!i can really recommend it!!!before i bought it,i also asked here in the forum about opinions.it really helped me in making a decision.everything the members here told me about the stick was true.
as i think to know, the combat stick is the same as the fighterstick without the hat switches.the stick is really precise and fits perfect in hand.even after several hours nonstop gaming it still feels comfortable.and the other big plus is, that it really seems to be undestroyable.its built really solid.im really happy with it. for the other devices i cannot tell about, as i dont have them. but i consider to buy the trhottle and pedals from ch, as this company convinced me with its stick.

I have a CH fighterstick,CH pedals,and a Saitek throttle quad!
I cannot fault the fighterstick or pedals (apart for the pedals being narrow) I have had them for years,and they still work and feel like new.
The Saitek throttle quad,while a good concept,feels very flimsy,and one of the levers is malfunctioning,and does not register full movement anymore.

No problems whatsoever (only used it with IL2, WoP and RoF). I really liked it alot, even though it does feel a bit too plasticy for its price.

But if it didn't have that spiking problem, i would still use it for some axes atleast. The concept is excellent, three levers and a few buttons, plus the ability to attach it to your table and combine multiple units. Too bad that the quality doesn't live up to that.

I used the FFB2 with the X52 throttle and Simped pedals.

I've replaced the FFB2 and X52 throttle with the Warthog in november. I can recommend both the FFB2 and the X52 throttle aswell, both worked very well for me.

G940 Force feedback > all

Until your unit fails/has a problem.

CH hardware almost never fail.
Only negative side is:
CH Pro throttle has almost no resistance.
CH Rudder pedals are small and low resistance.

What i got from reading alot of forums:
G940: overheating issue, hat problem (flimsy?) , throttle die , some part of the throttle causing spike (there is a community fix for that, remove some screw), some problems with the rudder.

Warthog: Alot of throttle's DIE , problem with joystick centre.

Saitek: Pots wear out quick.

They do not have a lot of resistance in the pedals and seeing as they are the only pedals I have owned I can not say if they are narrower than the rest. What I will say is that they will not break on you after a lot of use and I have no personal problems with the resistance and narrowness. What I did though is a looked on eBay and got the throttle, pedals and fighterstick for a bargain price of £150 and they were all like brand new because of the build quality. What other joystick setup would you feel comfortable buying second hand?

In the past 9 years I had to repair my MS FFB2 once, a part had ruptured which resulted in a sloppy feeling. So I bought another that was broken with almost the same defect and used the good part. I love the stick but still I feel the quality isn't what it could have been.

I have two saitek three axis throttles and I concur with the bad quality of the pots. However I used some contact spray and the problems are almost gone. The rest I have compensated with adjusting filtering.

I'm building my own pedals out of heavy wood and car parts and use the internals of the other MS stick for the signals.

Honestly as far as the joystick,I would not settle for less.Having a imprecise joystick(my current one)I want to get the best if not close to.Right now as other have said the Combat stick is almost the same as the Fighter stick but lacking a hat switch,which to my liking is positioned in a weird spot which I wouldnt use.So I save a few bucks on the Combatstick.I had a chance to play with the X52,while I really liked the throttle I could not say the same for the stick, feels to plasticky and looks to me as it had came out of a space ship lol.I ve checked on ebay and amazon for both used and new but this items are all rare(CH).Theres only like 3 items for the pro throttle and they are almost $100.For that price I would get the ch quadrant without blinking.

I know how forcefeedback affects the whole experience,thats why I got my current joystick.But it seems that it is a compromise with precision.Until some brand makes a reliable and precise ffb joystick I'll stick with non FFB.

What I read in reviews seems to be true for the CH stuff.CH sticks seem to be superior than the rest.Thats good.

More points for CH :)

For the guys that have agreed on the narrowness of the CH pedals, are you tall,small?

I am 5'10 ,and average build.To be honest I find the CH pedals fine to use,but think cramped Bf109 rather than spacious P47! ;)

There should be fine for me then.Well so far the setup will be:
-Combatstick 568
-CH Rudder Pedals
-???????
I want the CH throttle so bad but damn it so expensive.

I'm a little over 1.80m and i think the CH pedals are too narrow. That's the main reason why i got the Simpeds.

I think it's a matter of taste if you prefer Saitek pedals or CH pedals.

I never heard of a problem with the CH sticks or throttles though.

I know of exactly one dead throttle after the firmware update (and even that one is not really confirmed) and 5-10 before the firmware update. And i visit those Warthog forums alot. That sure is not good for an expensive product like that, but it's not like every throttle dies and you shouldn't buy Warthogs just because of that. I'm convinced it's because of problems with grounding the PC and controller and the Warthog being an (almost) full-metal controller suffers from this problem more noticably then others.

Not sure what you mean with the joystick center problem. It does have a very stiff spring, but that's more a matter of opinion. It could be a bit weaker for me, but then all other (non FFB sticks) were way too weak for me.

My current stick has a lot of play in the center.Letting my hand off the stick will not cause the stick to re-center itself like it should,some times it stays to one side or the other,or forward or backward.Trimming is useless, because everytime I move the stick it will not come back to the same point.I recently had a chance to play with the non forcefeedback version of this stick,and it was dead center every time I let go off it.The tension seemed a bit better too.

My saitek throttle quadrant is perfectly fine but maybe I don't use it as much as other players do. I use it for prop pitch, flaps and mixture in IL2. and for throttle in DCS black shark while using my hotas throttle for the collective.

I had a saitek 52 but quickly dumped it because of the spring function. near centre its tedious to make small movements you over compensate and Jerry will shift in and out of your crosshairs.

I'm using the logitech G940 and I can't live without it. Actually I had no problems with reverse axis. I just invert in menu and all is good to go. Didnt actualy know this was a problem. Or you guys must mean something other than I what i think you guys mean. In december there has been a firmware update and now I can adjust my center spring in black shark no problems. It used to be with the new firm ware: Spring on 100 percent and no way of changing it.

The mini stick though i havent figured out how to make it work A-OK. maybe its fixed with the new firmware but I still get oversensitivity where it will jump or keep travelling when I slew a target box on tanks with for instance black shark or A-10.

Maybe if i use a bigger deadzone it will be fixed dunno.

The pedals are good but I thought the return to center was annoying and even with the knob totally on loose it still had to much force for my taste. So i took it apart and got rid of the big spring. now it feels like 1 big axis instead of 2 with a deadzone. that way i can use miniscule rudder modifications to get those pesky germans.


Indeed stay away from the saitek force sensing. Its i think only good for realistic modern fighters. It looks mighty fine but if you want to feel the plane instead of the plane feeling you... :p stay away :) For immersion in wwII crates a movable stick seems much better. Let alone the FFB its awsome in sims like ROF and FSX and cool and realistic in DCS black shark where the stick stays in position where its trimmed.


PS what did you guys or guy mean that they changed their 940 joystick for
the ff2b? Do they only use the 940 throttle and pedals and hide their g940 joystick under their table while using the ff2b? or did they modify the g940 joystick by taking it apart and putting the handle of the ff2b in it??

Consider that for U$ 50,00, you are buying 3 more axis, 3 more two way button, excelent programmability of CH Mannager, and a well know CH reability/longevity.

Sokol1

Im considering it,I also found out that is available at the local store too!!!Im gonna go all CH if I can get those 2 locally.

Go to the simhq forum and then to the hardware/stick part.
Go search for warthog problems... you will be shocked.
I almost bought a Warthog, but after spending one day finding posts about bad things i will NOT buy a Warthog.

U got maybe 10 or so complaining about the corrupt flashmem issue with the throttle unit out of at least 3000 sold units so far. And the problem has been fixed in the latest firmware. Don't see why this is so horrible. Have you ever been to the saitek forums? ;)

btw, i bought the Warthogh and it's by far the best HOTAS i ever owned.

If you already found 10 on the simhq forum... how many guys worldwide would have that problem?
Not all hog owners will post their failure on the simhq forum.

Best thing that could happen for flight sim lovers is that CH product release a new hotas. They said openly that they would not launch a new hotas in 2010, but its now 2011...

That's the forum i'm in all the time. And if you would take a look at how many of those guys really have a dead throttle and then substract the number of guys that said before they would never buy a TM hardware again and suddenly end up with a Warthog at its release (or before its release :D) and then immediatly have the same problem and then substract the number of people that got a dead throttle after the firmware, you'll be down to maybe 5 and most of those only registered because of that problem.

I got the Warthog after reading all those complains to see if those guys are right and if the Warthog is really so bad like those guys say and so far, apart from the slightly too strong spring (which could easily be fixed by myself if i wouldn't be so lazy..), i have no complains whatsoever and the throttle is definately the best throttle around for this price (in the ->300 € price range).

With all due respect guys,since the warthog is out of my budget,please dont go that way with the discussion.Aesthetically it looks really great,but it is too damn expensive for me.I wish CH made something similar but resembling a WW2 fighter stick like the P-51's or 109's.I dont like so many buttons on the stick, although they come in handy.We WW2 flightsimmers are a hard to please.

i use saitek throttle quadrant, and i am very satisfied with it!!! its awesome

There is a Messerschmitt 109 stick and throttle and pedals :grin:
http://www.valiant-studio.eu/tarmac/html/en/hangar.php
Price is a bit high.

That would rock,but the price not so much :(
*Edit* Just watched the video...Im about to cry!!!!How cool is that damn it.

You can have it.
Just sell stuff.... like your left kidney
;)

May a 109 get at your 6 and empty its cannon shells on you for teasing me with that gear.

I bet it will.Doesnt Il-2 1946 support it?

Im stil a FFB2 and X52 user, the stick is from 2002 and stil going strong....Im actualy one of those who power shopped when i heard they would stop production and stil have 4 new ones stored (FFB2)lol....

With COD i will go with some hardware upgrades, multithrottle etc..track IR will deffently take over the pan mouse thing on the X52. Not sure what to get yet since im upscaling the hardware from a FFB2 so i can mount a chair on it and have a FFB cocpit lol....

LTbear

i also plan to 'upgrade' my flygear by adding a HOTAS throttle to my M$ FFB2 for CoD !

so,with the throttles of X65F and X52pro it is working.
they connect themsleves, have thier own USB cabel, to the PC AFAIK
with the throttle of the G940 too?
is the throttle of the G940 not connected to the Joystick ?

Yes. Only 1 usb goes from joystick to pc. 2 nine-pins go from throttle and rudder to the base of the joystick. They look like old game-port or vga pins. So if you just want to use the throttle from the g940 you need to connect the joystick also and hide it under your desk or so. Maybe though you would be able to connect the 9-pin to something... Don't know.

I think that Logitech missed the boat on that one. They should all have USB connectors so that they could have sold the rudder/throttle/stick together or as seperate packages for people who don't want the whole thing. You could still plug them all into one another then into the PC (requiring only one connection) but the option would be there to mix and match.

SH#T!!! The Combatstick is no longer in stock at newegg,the ch rudder pedal are also all gone.Things are not looking good for me.Do you happen to know how fast they restock items like those?Cliffs of Dover announcement seemed to had a direct effect on ch product sales lol.

Yeah, if only CH products would hurry up with launching a new generation hotas.
They told me they are not going to launch a new gaming product in 2010.
but its 2011 now.
Maybe it helps if you all post asking for a possible month,quarter,year estimate for a new hotas launch:
http://www.ch-hangar.com/forum/showt...cts-2010/page4

I would like to buy the CH fighterstick (combat stick is almost impossible to get around here and fighterstick has more "buttons") and throttle quad.
But i dont like the CH pro throttle: Almost no resistance and flat travel.And no rotary's.
And the CH pedals while very reliable and strong look to small for me compared to saitek pedals, specially the new combat pedals.

What i want most is a new CH hotas and new CH pedals (so not current models)
2nd option for me would be Logitech G940. Complete package for nice price and has force feedback.
3rd option would be Warthog with Saitek combat pedals... expansive combo. And i am afraid of quality issue on the hog. And Saitek is known for quick spiking pots?
I will wait just before or after launch to see if CH products announce something.

I own a unmodded cougar now and a Saitek X45 + Saitek throttle quadrant.

I know basically nothing at all about these setups, only what I have googled and read here. Atm using a Logitech extreme 3d pro, which is a joystick with base buttons, two triggers, hat and four buttoms around the hat. I use the twist feature for rudders, and my left hand on the mouse to move my head in the game.

Is there a big jump in enjoyment if I was to get a tracker + full setup? Do oyu think you would enjoy the game even without all the gadgets? Just wondering what people think since they are an expensive purchase for just 1 game alone.

Track-IR is a must have.
And its not only usable for one game.
Its usable in all flight sims.
All hardcore race sims.
And usable in Arma2.

check the game list:
http://www.naturalpoint.com/trackir/...games-all.html

If only it was cheaper.I 've used freetrack without a problem and I only spent like $40 including a 30 dollar webcam.I've read many times that you can use the Track clip Pro with freetrack,it is sold for like $35 so if you dont want to build anything thats a great option.Im going to buy the trackclip pro but dont know where to get it.

And Tarmac Aces plan a RAF spad grip for yours universal base:

http://delcure.simon.perso.sfr.fr/Ta...grip/vue_1.jpg

http://delcure.simon.perso.sfr.fr/Ta...grip/vue_2.jpg

http://delcure.simon.perso.sfr.fr/Ta...grip/vue_3.jpg

;)

Sokol1

Im not a fan of those RAF sticks, but for reality sake,AWESOME!!!A lower quality version of their products would get the attention of a lot of people.We love WW2 warbirds yet we fly with F-16 sticks.Those guys should be admired for producing that kind of gear.

I have used the full CH setup for years without issues. Fighterstick, Pro Throttle and Pedals.

Personally, I'd say that unless you are going to fly multi engine aircraft exclusively, get the Pro Throttle instead of the Quadrant. It has better placed, and more, buttons.

I want more levers,for me the quadrant is more versatile.Single or twin engine control,mixture,prop pitch, trim.

There was a 2 man company who build high quality spitfire controls.
Unfortunaly one of them died and the company quit production :(

http://spitfiresite.com/2010/04/spit...ct-review.html

http://spitfiresite.com/uploaded_images/spitsim_011.jpg

Ha! My Warthog just arrived! :-D I just hope my throttle doesn't die as well .....

That looks.......sturdy!!!If only the big brands started making stuff like this :(

That thing would probably cost upwards of $1500 given the amount of metal parts and the machining required. Also if one of the major companies tried to make this it would be crammed with the crappiest pots ever and would get you the same accuracy as a typical $40 joystick.

Moving swiftly on from lady bits to joysticks...

As an enthusiastic newbie to IL2 (seriously, I don't know what it is but IL2:CoD has me seriously excited - kudos to the devs and community) I've been scouring the forum for recommendations of suitable joysticks that don't cost the earth but will serve as a decent entry level setup.

So far I've read good things on the Saitek Aviator in another thread, and the Thrustmaster T-Flight HOTAS Torian mentions here. There's not much between them in cost, however, one is HOTAS,the other has a split throttle, one has a handy looking rocker switch (a friend suggested using this for yaw control over the twisty stick, thoughts?) , the other doesn't etc. etc. *brain explodes*

So, to those experienced folk; which would you buy if you were about to take-off into the rather wonderful horizon of IL2 for the first time?

Thanks in advance!

Purely in regards to yaw/rudder control:

I have used a couple of microsoft sidewinder sticks over the years (i still use the 2nd one,a precision 2 model, i've had it for more than a decade) and they have the twist-grip type of stick. It's not extremely accurate but good enough, it gives a fast response and it suits me because all the flight control surfaces are manipulated by my right hand, while i use my left hand for throttle and whatever i have mapped to the keyboard.

I recently got a friend of mine back into flight sims, but his old saitek x-35 only had a gameport connector. I gave him some internet links about stick customizations and Leo Bodnar's BU0836 USB chip (a joystick controller for custom-made sticks), so he managed to convert his old x-35 HOTAS from gameport to USB by rewiring it through the BU0836 controller. All fine and dandy up to this point, but my buddy only used to fly Falcon 4.0 back in the day, not prop fighters where rudder control is important.

After just two evenings of flying a few multiplayer missions in coop mode (all in all, less than 6 hours total gametime), the rocker switch on the x-35 was the first thing he complained about. I have never tried a rocker switch mind you, so it could be a case of personal taste.
In his own words however, he describes it as "having too small a throw/range of movement to be of any usable accuracy, it's either centered or almost all the way to the side and it's killing my precision".
In fact, his next project is to go to a carpenter and have a couple of rudder pedals cut out for him, which he will wire to a potentiometer and onto the BU0836, so my one and only "review"/testimonial of using a rocker switch for rudder control has been a negative one.

On the other hand, i've never used one so i'm curious to know if someone thinks it's actually good and why.

Really like that last one!

You wouldn't believe how many people have PM'ed me asking what kind of joystick my avatar is. I tell them its a Thrustmaster.

Speaking of joysticks, I'd love to take my cheapo Saitek Cyborg and remove the handle from the base, place a long (~40cm) column between the two, re-attach them and see how that works for a replica WWII flight stick. I'd obviously have to set up some blocks to keep from snapping it at the base, but I think it would really do the trick for the immersion factor. Only problem would be I'd then have to spring for some rudder pedals.

Its just a matter of taste,as much as I would like a good looking 109 joystick I know thats not going to happen,let alone a simpit or whatever its called.Thats too extreme for me.Nevertheless I would really LIKE to have ww2 themed gear for flying Il-2.Gear that resembled better those types or airplanes instead of jetfighters.

Im gonna buy a CH setup...is that generic enough for you?? Haha,seriously though this thread has gone a long way,I thought I wouldnt get much replies.

S!

Using TM Warthog + CH Pro Pedals. Good combo and should work in CoD too :) Can't wait to fly that Bf110..IF flyable for player :)

S!

Hmm..could take a look but do they sell these kickers in EU too?

Agreed.
Had the same experience but over Pearl harbor.
Got hit by flak

yes you can buy them in the EU.
2 shops that i know straight away:
http://www.simw.com/ (Belgium but they send to all country's in EU)
http://www.aviationmegastore.com/ (Near airport Schippol , Amsterdam Nederlands)

Make sure you buy Buttkicker gamer v2
It has a wired remote and the amp is more silent and v1 are known for blowing up their own amp.

What is it exactly?I assume some kind of chair vibrator LOL.ROF has the best forcefeedback I've felt, taking off was intense with ffb.

Its like a subwoofer that does not make sound.
http://www.thebuttkicker.com/gaming/index.htm

It is hooked up on your speaker out of your sound card.
The amp filters on low end / deep sound.
Those sounds it "transfers" to the buttkicker unit that shakes/viberates.

Beter the explenation of the website:
http://www.thebuttkicker.com/ButtKic...logy/index.htm

What is a ButtKicker® brand low frequency audio transducer?

ButtKicker brand low frequency audio transducers are musically accurate, powerful, virtually indestructible and patented linear transducers, which recreate amplified audio signals in the feeling range. They are similar to loudspeakers, but instead of moving a cone, and transferring sound waves through the air, they attache to seats, floors, platforms, etc, and send low frequency sound directly into the listener's body. The effect is amazing.

It takes two senses to perceive full range sound. We hear sound, but we also feel sound, especially low frequency. Traditionally, it has taken big speakers, moving tremendous amounts of air, to feel the low frequency of sound. People like loud concerts because they want to feel the sound pressure in their bodies.

However, ButtKicker transducers reproduce the feeling range of audio in a more direct way than through air. The perception is actually better and sound pressure disappears. When using headphones, for example, with ButtKicker brand transducers, the listener perceives powerful, musically accurate, concert-level audio, but no one else hears anything. The sound is completely isolated to the listener.

This becomes very interesting for music monitoring and recording studios. Over one hundred of the top touring bands use ButtKicker products for stage monitoring because of the complete control they give them over their mix and sound level, without sacrificing any quality. Most musicians tell us immediately that they hear better and play better when using ButtKicker transducers.

In a recording studio, ButtKicker transducers allow for low volume, incredible isolation.. and, because the they were designed to be musically accurate, to fractions of frequencies, studio engineers are finding that their mixes are coming out tighter, cleaner and better balanced.

Music writers, producers and studio musicians who do soundtrack work for commercial companies and stage show producers, in large commercial facilities or smaller home studios are beginning to rely on ButtKicker brand low frequency audio transducers to check the accuracy of their mixes.


How They Work

ButtKicker low frequency audio transducers are in a class of their own.

Based on a revolutionary, patented design that is more musically accurate, more powerful and longer lasting than voice coil shakers and other tactile devices, ButtKicker brand low frequency audio transducers allow the user to feel powerful bass without excessive volume.

The magnetically suspended piston moves precisely in response to amplified audio signal input. This 3.25 lb mass generates tremendous force that is accurately transferred to whatever the housing is attached to.

ButtKicker brand transducers are virtually indestructible and maintenance-free, with many thousands of units in service for over six years... without failure. The ButtKicker brand family of low frequency transducers is used by the world's most demanding customers - IMAX, Disney, Universal Studios, professional and amateur musicians, theme parks and attractions, home theater professionals and enthusiasts, computer and console gamers and car audio installers.

These are still available from RC Simulations.


Thank you for shopping with RC Simulations. click here for our information site.

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Catalogue overview >>> Controls & Hardware >>> Spitfire Controls

Spitfire Controls Special Order Delivery 6-8 weeks
Spitfire Controls Special order 6-8 Weeks from date of order
6,210.00 GBP
Order no.: SC001 More details...

However You may have to take a new mortgage out to buy it, The price is Very Steep. After using this at the Rc Sims Flight Sim show a few years ago though, I can promise you its a wonderful piece of kit to use. Put it together with the snap together spitfire from http://www.creativecockpits.com/ And you have a full Spitfire Sim. Will look fantastic, although you may end up divorced ;)



Ill stick with my Warthog and Saitek Pro flight rudders for now.

Care to elaborate on how does it feel?Im kinda curious.For example does the vibration increase in proportion to every single throttle change?Stall buffet,gunfire,etc you get what I want to know.

It reacts to low frequency sound and the power of the low frequency sound(s).
The more low and power full the sound of the thing happening, the more powerfull the shake/vibration of the Buttkicker

You will KNOW when you have been hit! :)

This game is gonna get me broke dammit.Hotas setup+better freetrack setup and now Ill add this to the wishlist.

Ofcourse there is also the Ivibe
http://www.ivibe.com/default.htm

Version 3 is almost ready for sale according the the forum news.

This product does 2 things:
1) Same as the buttkicker , so react to low freq sound. But then with 5 or 6 "shackers/kickers"
2) If the game is supported then it will do some more inteligent stuff like forcefeedback.

This looks really good. How comfortable is the seat?

Interesting thread. As the excitement builds for COD, I've just taken the plunge and ordered the CH Combat Stick and Pro throttle.

Need to get rudder pedals, and CH are the obvious choice, but I've heard that some people find them too narrow. Simpeds seem to get great reviews but the only site I can find

http://shop.strato.de/epages/Store6....=/Shops/219707

is currently out of stock for the no-toebrake versions (budget doesn't run high enough for the version with brakes!).

Does anyone know of alternative stockists for these pedals? I'm in UK.

Also, this is my first step out of fairly cheap all-in-one flightstick/throttles. What can I expect precision-wise from the CH products? A big difference?

Thanks.

Im going to order my Combatstick maybe by the end of next week, Ill come back and share my impressions.Im gonna go for the Ch throttle quadrant and I am still debating wether or not to get the Ch pedals because of them being narrow.I like the saiteks more but getting everything from one brand seems to be the logical choice.

So did someone come up with the best solutions?

I expect to keep my MSFF2, and I'm looking for a throttle and maybe new pedals (I have driving pedals). I'm thinking of the CH quadrant throttle, any other suggestions on the best throttle/pedals to go with the MSFF2?

Best solution?
Depends on the guys taste/style of hardware i think?

Best solutions in my mind are currently:
Thrustmaster Warthog with Saitek combat pedals.
Or if you like forcefeedback: Logitech G940 with saitek combat pedals instead of the pedals that come with the G940.

Or if you like ulta reliability then CH fighter or combat stick with their pro-thottle and throttle quad for more axis to bind to stuff and saitek combat pedals.

I silently hope CH will finally launch their new Hotas in 2011 complete with new redesigned pedals. (see me begging for info: http://www.ch-hangar.com/forum/showt...cts-2010/page4 )

It would be a shame if Ch launched new gear a few months after I make my purchase,that would suck .

Yeah i am also afraid for that.
in April 2010 i got a honest answer from CH products that they would not launch a new hotas in 2010.
See: http://www.ch-hangar.com/forum/showt...3029#post43029

Buts its not 2010 anymore.
Maybe if you guys also post in this thread we can get a honest answer again from CH about 2011:
http://www.ch-hangar.com/forum/showt...cts-2010/page4

I am so afraid that if i buy a Warthog (that is not cheap) and it will break some time in 2011 or 2012 that i will think back and regret not going for CH setup.
Or buy a Thrustmaster Warthog and then suddenly CH finally launch the commercial version of their A-10C stick (military version: http://www.ch-hangar.com/SiteFiles/I...d_IITSEC_2.jpg)
Of course their commercial A-10C stick would blow the warthog out of the water quality wise.
Don't care about the extra buttons the warhog has on the throttle base, i can make that myself with a Leo Bodnar usb chip (http://www.leobodnar.com/products/BU0836X/ or http://www.leobodnar.com/products/BU0836A/ )

So you think perhaps the Saitek combat pedals then :)

That's really handy if you think they're the best regardless if the rest of gear, although I can't see them for sale anywhere.

I'm tempted to pickup the CH Quad Throttle now, as I don't have a separate throttle yet.

woot? Ch wants to make a A-10 stick replica too?

What's so special about A-10 sticks.

Why not a good WW2 era stick and throttle set-up?
I think it's a gap in the market isn't it?

Totally agree!

Very small gap - dont interest the major brands (Saitek, CH, Thustmaster, Logitec...)

Some guy made they own.

Take some drawings:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...B-version2.jpg

And original manual for KG-12B:

http://www.cockpitinstrumente.de/arc...%20KG%2012.pdf

Take some metal an carve you grip:

http://i646.photobucket.com/albums/u...t/pulido02.jpg
http://www.escuadron69.net/v20/foro/...personalizada/

Or get 1:1 plastic model of KG-13B:

http://hyperscale.com/images/controlstickbg_2.jpg
http://hyperscale.com/2009/reviews/k...9stickbg_1.htm

Assemble and make a mold plug and replicate in more resistant resin:

http://www.taffe.de/53958996b41421a0...107/index.html
http://www.escuadron69.net/v20/foro/...f-a-escala-11/

Or cast in metal, like this guy.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5284/...0fb5dea00b.jpg
http://simhq.com/forum/ubbthreads.ph...ml#Post3133178

Realist, the more WW II era look that you can buy is this...

http://www.itreviews.co.uk/graphics/...ware/h1155.jpg

And, the simulation market shout for more "Jet Fighter" sticks, ie. A-10 look from CH...

Sokol1

@ Sokol:

Or just buy it:
http://www.valiant-studio.eu/tarmac/html/en/hangar.php

Ghodan,

I know (since 2005).

http://www.checksix-forums.com/showthread.php?t=105622
Interesting, the initial proposal mentions Oleg.

But, due high quality (all metal, ball bearing, hydraulic dampers..), 1:1 replica, small production, the prices are prohibitive to "mere simmers"... :(

So, people with skill, machinery (and money :) ) build their own.

http://www.ww2aircraft.net/forum/sta...a-17217-2.html

This is not replica like Tarmac Aces, but a more "budget" option to get one KG-13 - grip only, to assembly in your stick base. Around 100 Euros (without switch's):

http://www.simaviatik.com/images/Me109/mail-5.jpg
http://www.simaviatik.com/en/index.php?show=me109

;)

Sokol1

I just ordered a Thrustmaster Warthog setup. I hope it performs better than some of their past high end sticks. I’ll use my MSFFB2 as a backup.

Keep and eye on the throttle. From what I've heard that's the main issue with them degrading fast, having spikey axis, and so-forth. Still I think those issues have been somewhat rare, but common enough to show up on the net.

Really!? :evil: Spiking was the problem with their past units – got tired of replacing the pots.

OK, some throttles died (do you have an ASUS motherboard? seems like those could be the problem in combination with the Warthog), but spikey axes are pretty much impossible with hall-effect sensors (the Warthog has no potis anywhere) and i never ever heard anything about spikey axes with the Warthog EVER.

And yes, i own that thing since november.

Throttle of the Warhotg cant spike because they dont use pots!

It has a hall sensor per throttle.
confirmed in review: http://www.simhq.com/_technology3/technology_174b.html

Sorry, thinking of the Saitek X-52, It's the warthog that had the throttles that arrived DOA or died early, not the spiking.

There's no problem with X-52 pots (rudder, throttle, trim) when is new - only after some use (~1 year).

Problem is with G940 throttle and trims (reverse bug) - apparently due short internal cables.

Sokol1

I have a set of Saitek Pro Rudder pedals that work just fine. I've been trying to find a joystick to replace my no longer supported MSFF2 over the last few years. Starting from the Cougar, CH Fighterstick, Logitech G940, and Thrustmaster Warthog. None of them work as well as the Microsoft stick. I thought the G940 was greatly improved with the last drivers and firmware, but after a month or so I went back to the MSFF2 and was instantly a much better flyer and marksmen.

The CH Fighterstick will last you along time I just didn't like the clunky gimbal setup travelling thru the xy axis.

The original Cougar was like turning a tree trunk still routed to the ground.

The new Thrustmaster Warthog was exceedingly smooth except travelling thru center. All these sticks couldn't compare to the smoothness and accuracy of the MSFF2.

I currently use the Cougar throttle and Saitek Pro Rudders, with the MSFF2.

Know some guys (plural) who had to return their X-52's multiple times to get one that worked properly out of the box. One of the biggest pieces of advice given to people considering the X-52 is to get it from a store nearby so you don't waste too much on gas.

At last some info on the the Saitek pedals.For how long have you used them?If they seem to last then Im sold for the Saiteks.

The Saitek Pro Rudders have been used for atleast a couple of years with problems, The toe brakes work great and I like their wide stance, and tension adjustment. I do not like the Saitek software for the toe brakes which is totally counter intuitive.

/sign.
They aren't bad at all, though.
Once you found working one.
And the price is sexy too, if the shop isn't too far away...

With problems or without?I guess you meant without.Can you use them without the software?Saitek software seems to be quite infamous.

Experienced some problems with it under XP(BSOD) - with 7 it so rocks.

Im a bit confused this pedals are labeled as Saitek but below it says Madcatz.I know both are related but should I be worried if it is Madcatz or they both are the same?By the way Im gonna order the CH Combatstick now :D
http://www.compusa.pr/applications/S...8705&CatId=141

Madcatz bought Saitek some time ago.

btw: http://store.gameshark.com/viewItem....idCategory=312

199.99 is just too much.

Well those are the latest, and maybe, aren't superior at all...

If you have the chance try to look at the saitek pedals ($113) in real life.
The ones I had in my hands felt pretty wobbly*. Of course they still can last several years - but it's something that kept me from buying them.
and the fact the ask $150 for them over here, the combat pedals aren' even available.

You wont find cheaper ones though. Maybe you should also check ebay for CH's (USB!)..

*poor craftsmanship (true Saitek standards)