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Controller Recommendations Needed

Sundog said:
Be careful with the TM Warthog, I've had mine for three months and haven't been able to get it to work. Every time I run the TARGET software it crashes. Just saying, YMMV.
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That's too nice of a chunk of hardware to have collecting dust. There must be a way to figure out what the deal is.
 
Sundog said:
Be careful with the TM Warthog, I've had mine for three months and haven't been able to get it to work. Every time I run the TARGET software it crashes. Just saying, YMMV.
Click to expand...

This is surprising. I have never had an issue with mine. Installed it at the start, but never really use it much. I just use it to turn the LEDs off on the throttle when they decide to turn on if I disconnect mains power from my PC.

Have you tried downloading the latest TARGET from the website? There must be something not agreeing somewhere.


I used a Logitech Extreme 3D Pro for years (actually two of them) and always thought about a TM HOTAS Warthog, but could never justify the large initial outlay. Then I saw one pretty cheap (relatively) at Flightsim Store (Australia), and it was selling for $490 AUD compared to the usual price of over $600 AUD. After a bit of thought, I bought it. Mine had an initial dust gathering period, as I was first hesitant to pull my desk out and tackle the rats nest of cables to set it up, and secondly I overlooked the fact I needed rudder pedals with it, so had to order and wait for those. I spent another $200 AUD on a good set of Saitek Pro Flight Combat rudder pedals.

When I eventually set it up and began using it, I was instantly amazed. I actually pulled out (or at least installed) another metaphorical dust gatherer, the DCS World A-10C "WARTHOG" module, and using this product with the Warthog controller was just a moment of enlightenment.

I use my Warthog controller every day and I use it for heaps of aircraft from the A-10 and other twin jets in DCS World, to airliners and Cessnas, with one or two engines in FSX and P3D. In FSX and P3D, I just use one throttle lever for throttle, which leaves the other one spare for a prop lever, and there is also another axis that can be assigned to mixture. I have never had an issue with mine (touch wood), and it looks and works the same as it 1.5 years ago (Hmmm. I thought I'd had it longer). I have not regretted the purchase of the Warthog or the rudder pedals for one second.

In saying that, if it is too much to spend, there are more similar alternatives these days. Thrustmaster themselves have produced a few HOTAS controllers that don't cost as much. It is also possible to purchase just the HOTAS Warthog throttle these days, so that could also be an option.

Good luck with it.
 
Willy said:
I've been using the same Microsoft Sidewinder Precision Pro for about 16 years now. No muss, no fuss and it just keeps going. It's old enough that I have to use a game port to usb adapter with it.
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amazing...same here
 
StormILM said:
I agree with the concept but the first problem is that they don't make them anymore and the used X65's I've seen have in some cases been going for astronomical prices. Also, another risk of buying one now is if any part of the unit failed you're essentially out of luck getting it repaired from what I've heard. If they (Logitech) ever brought it back into the line then I'd entertain the idea of buying one but I think the former mentioned is a long shot at best.
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repairs won't be an issue. ...no moving parts to break....;)
 
Jafo said:
Just to reiterate...the X65F is a pressure-sensitive stick which has no moving parts...no springs...no pivots...no wear what-so-ever.

Takes a bit of getting used-to...as it doesn't move at all...but once you're used to it you won't go back....just as modern A/C are leaving 'moving sticks' ...;)
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Another fan of the concept. X-65F was revolutionary. Too much advanced to his time, so It was misunderstood. But it has two disadvantages as far I know. Saitek under Madcatz rule decreased Quality and lack of support from the manufacturer (AFAIK in software).

Gladly, there are some new manufacturers like VKB and Virpil with a new approach (similar to new pedals manufacturers MFG and others) Simmer products from simmers to simmers. Quality inside AND outside. But there aren't any throttle in the market.

Sadly CH Products didn't release any new joystick (only MFP and Eclipse Yoke) since the Simulation bubble burst near year 2000.
 
I used a Saitek X52 combination for many years until the 'rubber composition' surfaces began to turn tacky and nasty.
Nothing I could find would stop that BTW.
Now I have a HOTAS WARTHOG throttle and stick combination and while the learning curve was a little steep (just getting all the extras working) I've almost mastered it.
Aside from the stick being taller than I like everything else seems to be fine.
I would advise a strong work surface as mandatory, these units weigh quite a few kilos!
:encouragement:
 
I think I'll chime in for what it is worth.

Currently I use a Saitek Rhino X55 HOTAS. I have had it for over a year and no problems although I don't fly as often as I should. I use it for all single and twin engine military and like it. Cost was a factor for me and the fact that I had a Saitek X45 for over 8? years with no problem. I even had the stick taken apart, rewired and extended so that it could sit on the floor between my legs like a real joystick. It was sweet, but finally gave up the ghost last year.

For 4 engine craft like the B-17 I use the CH throttle as I set It up for the 4 throttles, all engine mixture, and the other for the turbo. The buttons I set up for engine select, fuel valves, primer, mesh, start etc. Works well for me.

As I said this is what I do, for what it is worth.

Joe
 
Everyone has there own opinion on what they think is best, i don't have the Warthog so i can't comment on it, I have had the X65F since it came out and would not use anything else.
since i don't think i would put out what it cost to have both, being they cost the same... I mean who would?... it certainly not be cost effective to do so. So it's really all you have to go on is what people have been using and what they profess as to what is... in their mind "the best". So read reviews and determine how much can afford and go from there. And it also depends on what type of flying you do to, If you're yanking-n-bankin in a fighter then you want to have something that's going to last. If your a 737 pilot you might not want to spend big $$$ on that type of controler. I just read in https://pcflight.net/ces-2017-brand-new-yoke-system-announced/
Not too expensive from what i see
So there are alot of choices... and opinions
 
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