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Hey all, Im getting back into sims, this is one Im considering after the demo....what I really need is a flightstick and threottle upgrade. Looking for somrthing programmable along a HOTAS setup of some sort. Any ideas...opinions?

ORIGINAL: wildcowboy
Hey all, I'm getting back into sims, this is one I'm considering after the demo....what I really need is a flightstick and throttle upgrade. Looking for something programmable along a HOTAS setup of some sort. Any ideas...opinions?

HOTAS?

HOTAS, Hands-On-Throttle-And-Stick. The Saitek X52 is a good choice, I've used the earlier X series, now this one, and have been happy with them. It's cheap (compared to other HOTAS controllers), optical, reliable, very customizable, programmable, and comfortable.

http://www.saitekusa.com/usa/prod/x52.htm

HOTAS system might be overkill (over priced) for Starshatter. I've got Logitech Extreme 3D Pro and it does just fine with games I use it to play. 12 buttons, 8 way hat, 3 axis in stick (twist thing), throttle and software to emulate keyboard strokes. With Starshatter (3.9.4) it works just fine with default configurations.

Other games I have used it this far are Space Combat, Lander and X-Wing Alliance. If bad words are required, 'stick moves too easily and with some games it seems that center point of 'stick is ... misplaced.

ORIGINAL: SF
http://www.saitekusa.com/usa/prod/x52.htm

Little excessive isn't it?

I'm using a Wingman Attack 2 right now, but would go a good distance for another Sidewinder, which lasted through X-Wing, X-Wing/TIE both Rebel Assaults, Duke Nukem 3D, and probably a few more. The Sidewinder, imo, has better button placement then the Logitech, but if you need the extra three buttons go for it.

I had the Saitek X-45 Hotas USB combo. It worked fine with all flight sims and etc. but not with SS.
It caused some mean CTDs, probabbly do the quick repetition of keys.
I have gone to the basement and got my old gameport CH Virtual pilot pro and I enjoy great performances and no bugs.

=S=

Wow, sorry for answering his question, stick to non-HOTAS Logitechs only, I guess. Must be no room for other opinions and preferences around here. I'll go elsewhere...

ORIGINAL: SF
Wow, sorry for answering his question, stick to non-HOTAS Logitechs only, I guess. Must be no room for other opinions and preferences around here. I'll go elsewhere...

I was just saying it's probably a wee bit too expensive for the average gamer. $130 could buy the three 'sticks i've used over the course of 8 plus years. However, This Guy is pushing it imo.

ORIGINAL: Diabolico
I had the Saitek X-45 Hotas USB combo. It worked fine with all flight sims and etc. but not with SS.
It caused some mean CTDs, probabbly do the quick repetition of keys.

A note: My X-45 works fine with Starshatter. I run Windows 2000 and I don't use Saitek's mapping software.

Thanks for thew opinions folks, After 2 days of researching on the nest and snooping around other forums I decided to go with the CH Fighterstick and Throttle. A little pricesy yes and possibly overkill for SS yes. However for other sims Im digging out of the dusty corners such as IL2 and Falcon 4.0 I feel this is the right choice. Im currently running with the SunCom F-15 series but they are heavily worn ater years of use and programming is a PITA.[:@] Once again thanks for the good input.

I was just saying it's probably a wee bit too expensive for the average gamer. $130 could buy the three 'sticks i've used over the course of 8 plus years. However, This Guy is pushing it imo.

Fair enough, a simple stick with 8 to 10 buttons would probably be fine for most players. But some gamers enjoy the benefits of diverse controls options offered on the PC for their flight/space sims. The less I have to touch the keyboard and mouse (thus taking my hands off flight controls), the better. With more advanced controls (6 or so axis channels, 32 buttons, 3 selectable control modes, etc.), practically every game command can be mapped along with mouse control for the left thumb. Toggle switches, rotary dials, and multiple HATs make weapon selection and miscellaneous control selection much easier then trying to hunt around for certain keys (or key combinations) on the keyboard. For us, that $40-$130 (older HOTAS controllers are cheaper) is money well spent. After I started using HOTAS controllers a few years ago, I would never go back to the limitations of a Sidewinder or WAII (owned both). It really just depends on how far you want to take your gaming, I guess. CH makes an excellent HOTAS setup as well and I think he made a great choice.

My X-45 works fine with Starshatter. I run Windows 2000 and I don't use Saitek's mapping software.

I am on XP family edition and I use its mapping software. Furthermore It still caused some mean CTDs and freezes when not mapped.
I have changed to my good old analog port CH Virtual Pilot pro, wich has not given me a single problem yet. My 2 cents...

=S=

Windows XP Family Edition? Never heard about that... How it is different from other XP editions?

How it is different from other XP editions

Dunno. Ask Microsoft! [:D]

XP Home Edition is a dumbed down version of XP Server. It has a few services removed like Terminal Services, some security settings, etc. It does the job for all Home stuff and most importantly, it's cheaper.

ORIGINAL: SeeFue

XP Home Edition is a dumbed down version of XP Server.

Thank you. Now tell me about that Family Edition what Diabolico mentioned.