Need a Joystick upgrade!

falcon409

falcon409

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Staff member
I have used the Logitech Extreme 3D Pro since I was still in the Military (2007). I am at my whits end with trying to control airplanes and even moreso, Helicopters. I considered myself a very capable Sim pilot and very adept at flying helicopters, hovering and smooth touch downs.

Now MSFS comes along and flying a nicely trimmed airplane is a head banger and helicopters virtually uncontrollable. I have watched video tutorials specific to my controllers but no joy! The CH Pro throttle I have is almost as dated as my joystick and one thing it has is a small joystick which is forever giving me problems by interfering with the 3D Pro. so I've decided enough is enough.

Any suggestions on an upgrade from what I have without getting too deep in debt?
 
For a reasonably priced set, I'm a big fan of the Thrustmaster T.1600M stick/throttle set. Lots of buttons and hats (I had one on the throttle set for trimming the plane), super-reliable (much more so than the old Saitek stuff that Logitech is still selling), comfortable. I used it for years before upgrading to a "deep in debt" set from Winwing, and it's still going strong for the new owner as far as I know. Their Airbus controllers are basically just an updated version of the T.1600m with Airbus physical designs.

I'm now using a Winwing Orion 2 setup, which is awesome, but it'll run you about $420 vs. $170 for the T.16000m combo.
 
Would be worth seeing if there is anything new announced at the SimExpo this weekend that interests you. Could also be some decent sales on.
 
DennyA said:
For a reasonably priced set, I'm a big fan of the Thrustmaster T.1600M stick/throttle set. Lots of buttons and hats (I had one on the throttle set for trimming the plane), super-reliable (much more so than the old Saitek stuff that Logitech is still selling), comfortable.
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Thanks for the suggestions - both of you. I have gone with the Thrustmaster/combo. I found something interesting while looking over all the options. The Extreme 3D is still being sold, however the info for it states that it is good for Win 7, 8 and XP but it is not compatible with newer versions of windows.
 
I'm still using my Extreme 3D with P3DV5.3 and FSX with no problem. Like you Ed, it's a total b*tch with MSFS.

DaveQ
 
Hmmmm….I’m still using a 3D Extreme as well…Windows 10…with no real problems that I can detect
 
.....and I'm on Windows 11. Is it possible that the cause of the problem is that the architecture of FSX/P3D is built around earlier versions of Windows, whereas MSFS is built around W10/11??
 
Can you test and calibrate the extreme 3d in Windows (joy.cpl)?
If so the problem is just msfs.
Pretty sure my sidewinder ffb worked in msfs and that's probably older...
The incompatible statement is most likely to reduce support calls.
 
I bought an X52 from Saitek many years ago. I loved it for every one of those years. The only issues I ever had were the connecting cable and the cable socket on one half. I was able to buy a replacement cable (PS2 male on both ends), but when the socket started getting loose, I finally broke down and decided to get a new stick. I looked all over for something that had as many analog axes, but nothing else came close. So despite the rumors that the Logitech version of the same stick was lower quality, I bought one. I am NOT disappointed! In fact, a week after I had it, I was confident enough to go ahead and void the warranty and open the throttle half and remove the detent on the throttle so that I have smooth movement from 0-100%.

As for software, if you're on Win 11, the downloads page will tell you nothing's available - but if you change the selection to Win10, you can download the optional driver software and run it just fine on 11. This gives you a better representation of the hat switch function when you run the properties (joy.cpl from the Start menu) and gives you control over the lighting.
 
I'm still using a Logitech Extreme 3D Pro and have been since FSX. I have no issues using it with MSFS 2020, albeit I do not fly hovercraft, so I cannot pass judgement on that. I have a set of Thrushmaster Rudder pedals. I also have a Logitech?Saitek yoke and throttle controls. I have no problem with either flying aircraft..

Cazzie
 
Or you could go with the new Moza force-feedback base (compatible with Thrustmaster's A-10 Warthog or FA/18 Hornet sticks or Virpil sticks)


Although the base looks to be a bit bulky & heavy, no good for placing on the desk users like me!

My other passion is racecar simulation & as a result have been using the Moza R5 DD steering unit along with the pedals. I can say their kit is quite good.

Keith.
 
DennyA said:
For a reasonably priced set, I'm a big fan of the Thrustmaster T.1600M stick/throttle set. Lots of buttons and hats (I had one on the throttle set for trimming the plane), super-reliable (much more so than the old Saitek stuff that Logitech is still selling), comfortable. I used it for years before upgrading to a "deep in debt" set from Winwing, and it's still going strong for the new owner as far as I know. Their Airbus controllers are basically just an updated version of the T.1600m with Airbus physical designs.

I'm now using a Winwing Orion 2 setup, which is awesome, but it'll run you about $420 vs. $170 for the T.16000m combo.
Click to expand...
I agree with Denny, T16000M FCS HOTAS has more buttons and switches to program on it than a 747. You can't go wrong with this one ! Problem will be trying to remember what controls what. I think FS2024 will have a default setup in sim for it, maybe best to just learn this default setup for starters.
 
I tend to fly MSFS2020 on Xbox and flying anything other than planes is next to impossible, like every helo ive tried is just hectic to even hover.
 
MZee1960 said:
I agree with Denny, T16000M FCS HOTAS has more buttons and switches to program on it than a 747. You can't go wrong with this one ! Problem will be trying to remember what controls what. I think FS2024 will have a default setup in sim for it, maybe best to just learn this default setup for starters.
Click to expand...
I have to agree. Very happy with the Thrustmaster (delivered today). I also agree with the number of buttons with quite a bit of overlap between the joystick and the throttle. Between the two controllers there are about 13 buttons that aren't mapped to anything yet. . .the remainder have been mapped to the basics (flaps, trim, gears, rudder, brakes and such.

What are the "flappers" on the throttle for (the two paddles where your fingers sit on the backside of the throttle)? I didn't see any reference to them.
 
falcon409 said:
What are the "flappers" on the throttle for (the two paddles where your fingers sit on the backside of the throttle)? I didn't see any reference to them.
Click to expand...

If I remember correctly, it's a rudder axis for use if you don't have dedicated rudder pedals and don't want to twist the stick.

Glad you're liking the setup! And yeah, there's some duplication but you'll likely find some better definitions for your own flying style for some of the already-programmed buttons.
 
I’m running the VKB Gladiator with THQ throttle quadrant. Heavy yet smooth, excellent quality. Thrilled to bits.
 
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