Controller recommendations

[ryanbatc]

I've got a coworker (actually their son) wondering about controls to fly fighter jets in FSX or XP - I like my MS FFB2 stck but they don't make that anymore.

What are you guys using? I'd like to keep the price below 500 bucks but I think he could use a throttle too.

The kid also mentioned he wanted to learn to fly for real at some point... I'm considering a yoke and throttle quad too..and maybe pedals

I'm using Saitek combat pro pedals, FFB2 stick and CH throttle....

What do you guys like for stick or yoke setups?

[Chris Sykes]

I use a thrustmaster warthog as well as the saitek cessation yoke. Use to have an x52 but the warthog is vastly superior.

[big-mike]

Thrustmaster Warthog!
Mike

[ryanbatc]

Way out of the price range... But you've given me ideas... Maybe the old X52

[Naismith]

My X52 Saitek bought in June 2005 used daily still functions extremely well. If I were to replace it I would go for the fancy new Saitek doodad with the myriad of buttons, cannot remember its name proper.

[StormILM]

I have the new Saitek X55 and love it. I know some reviews on it are less than favorable but looking into those complaints, I think some are legit issues which some users have had and some are just folks who either do not like the feel & function of the X55 and trash it. I had my X52 since 2006 and got a lot of use out of it before retiring it for my X55. In a nutshell, the Warthog is a solid unit and I believe it's stick is superior in some ways but all in all, both the X55 and Warthog have tradeoff points in which each have advantages. So far, my X55 is doing the job and it is half the price of the Warthog. BTW, anyone noticed the price of the Warthog has jumped in some outlets by as much as $150?

[Jafo]

X65F .... no moving parts [stick responds to pressure without movement]...

[Obie311]

Way out of the price range... But you've given me ideas... Maybe the old X52

Thrustmaster Hotas X. Can't beat it for the price. http://www.thrustmaster.com/products/tflight-hotas-x Wish I could afford a Warthog HOTAS though....

[Bjoern]

http://www.thrustmaster.com/en_US/pr...flight-stick-x

I've been using the fist generation of this one for at least eight years now and it's still going stong. Should cost about $60 or so.

[JimmyRFR]

I can vouch for the new x55. It's quite a bit nicer in my opinion than the x52, which I also have. I didn't mind the x52, but the one major drawback it had (compared to the x55) was that it used a cable to connect the stick to the throttle unit meaning that you always needed to have both. The newer x55 has both the throttle and the stick connecting straight to the pc via usb cables. On my x52, the connection where the cable plugged into the base of the stick started to give me issues (which actually prompted my purchase of the x55).

I have high hopes that Saitek will release a left-handed grip for the x55, since the grip itself comes right off. This would make it an unbeatable stick for using with GA planes, since of course you use your left to hold the stick and the right to work the throttle, radios, etc.

[b52bob]

+1 the best joystick under $100. I've had it for years and gives me enought buttons to control all the major thingies.

Thrustmaster Hotas X. Can't beat it for the price. http://www.thrustmaster.com/products/tflight-hotas-x Wish I could afford a Warthog HOTAS though....

[strikehawk]

I have used the Saitek's X-45, X-52 & 52Pro and have recommended them to my daughter to get for my grandson once he gets FSX. It's easy to program and has a lifetime guarantee. You may want to tell your friend to invest in buying the license for FSUIPC to take full advantage whatever joystick they get.

[ryanbatc]

Thrustmaster Hotas X. Can't beat it for the price. http://www.thrustmaster.com/products/tflight-hotas-x Wish I could afford a Warthog HOTAS though....

Can you separate those two? I couldn't stand having my hands so close together.

[Obie311]

Can you separate those two? I couldn't stand having my hands so close together.

An emphatic Yes! Thrustmaster even includes an allen wrench in the base of the unit to undo the screws.

{FWIW I think I have a line on a used Warthog HOTAS so my Thrustmaster X is For Sale. PM if interested.}

[sleightflight]

I have the X52 pro and its had a lot of use over the last few years and it has never given me any problems.
I ordered the Saitek Cessna yoke yesterday as I used one at last years flight sim show and it was very nice to use.

[GypsyBaron]

Here at home I use my trusty old Saitek X-45 (on the 2nd one now) plus the Saitek Pro yoke with dual throttle quadrants. I also have
a very old CH rudder pedals set.

I use the Saitek X-45 software for FSX settings, primarily as I have had that setup for so long. When I added the Pro stuff i went
with FSUIPC4 to program all the axis, buttons and switches for that. Since I fly the A2A Accu-Sim aircraft almost exclusively, FSUIPC4
is essential to be able to access the multitude of 'local variables' (L:Vars) that are not 'visible' to manufacturers programming software.

I also employ a method of setting up multiple 'modes' in FSUIPC4 for each of my aircraft. My A2A B-17G utilizes 9 'modes'....I.E. each
switch on the dual throttle quadrant controls 9 different functions.

I have a new gaming laptop coming soon so that I can fly FSX while I am traveling. Since I do not wist to try to cram a stick and throttle
quad(s) into my luggage I looked around for an alternative. I found the Logitech G13 during my search and received it a few days ago.

It has 22 "G" keys and 3 'mode' switches plus a mini joystick. I am currently setting it up to emulate my Saitek Pro quadrant setup...multiple
'modes' via FSUIPC4. Since the G13 only sends keystrokes, as opposed to switch/button data, I came up with a method to use it as a
controller for FSX beyond just sending the default FSX key bindings.

I used a list of 'unused' keys/key combos and assigned them to the G13 "G" keys. FSUIPC4 sees these keys and in the FSUIPC4. INI I
assign the appropriate controls for my aircraft to the unmapped keys. The reason I do this is because I can then use my 'multiple mode'
scheme to have 8,9, 10 'modes' or however many I need by manually adding/editing the FSUIPC4.INI file.

Now, with that single G13 gamepad I have implemented the 9 B-17G 'modes' plus adding the 'standard' functions like L/R/Both brakes,
rudder L/R/Center, flaps up/down, gear and myriad view selects plus open/close of various 2D panels. All at my fingertips

The FSUIPC4 programming is a bit tedious as mthe 'normal' menu system only allows for assigning singular events to a given key input.
To be able to use multiple assignments for the same key(s) you need to edit the INI file 'by hand'.. Once you have done it, the method
becomes easier to implement for subsequent aircraft assignments.

So, when the new laptop arrives and I get it set up for FSX and move my INI code into a new copy of FSUIPC4, I should be able to
travel and fly, only having to have the G13, a headset/mike (I fly multi-player) and a mouse.

Here is an small portion of my A2A B-17G coding in the FSUIPC4.ini file to give you an idea of what can be done/what is involved

At present I am only using 2 of the G13's 3 modes since I have unlimited 'modes' in the FSUIPC4 code. Having 2 sets of "G Keys"
allows me to have 2 different 'repeat/delay' values for each of the 22 keys. For changing throttle settings simultaneously I found that
you must set the G13 keys to have a repeat/delay setting. If you do not set them in the G13 thay use the normal Windows delay/repeat
and the G13 will only 'see' one key input even if you are pressing 2 or more simultaneously.. Most 'totggle' function want a 'no repeat' setting
in the G13 otherwise they tend to 'chatter'...flipping on/off to fast to set reliably.

So, on to the partial code listing:

!0=//----------- C=Control S=Shift Nx=NUMx -------------
!0=//--- KEY ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE G13 MODE 1 G-KEYS ----- 
!0=//--   G1     G2     G3     G4     G5     G6     G7
!0=//-- C+S+1  C+S+2  C+S+3  C+S+4  C+S+5  C+S+6  C+S+7
!0=//---------------------------------------------------
!0=//--   G8     G9     G10    G11    G12    G13    G14
!0=//-- C+S+F5 C+S+F6 C+S+F7 C+S+F8 C+S+F9 C+S+F10 C+S+F11
!0=//---------------------------------------------------
!0=//--       G15    G16    G17    G18    G19 
!0=//--      S+F5   S+F6   S+F7   S+F8   S+F9
!0=//---------------------------------------------------
!0=//--             G20    G21    G22   
!0=//--             C+6    C+7    C+8 
!0=//--------------------------------------------------- 
!0=//--             Joy Left  Joy Bottom
!0=//--               C+F5      C+F7
!0=//---------------------------------------------------
!0=//---------------------------------------------------
!0=//--- KEY ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE G13 MODE 2 G-KEYS ----- 
!0=//--   G1     G2     G3     G4     G5     G6     G7
!0=//--    5      6      7      8      9    S+F2  C+S+8
!0=//---------------------------------------------------
!0=//--   G8     G9     G10    G11    G12    G13    G14
!0=//--  C+F6   S+F1   C+F11  C+F12  C+S+B  C+S+E  C+S+J
!0=//---------------------------------------------------
!0=//--       G15    G16    G17    G18    G19 
!0=//--       C+I   C+S+M   S+J    S+N   S+F3
!0=//---------------------------------------------------
!0=//--             G20    G21    G22   
!0=//--             S+J    S+N    C+S+W 
!0=//--------------------------------------------------- 
!0=//--             Joy Left  Joy Bottom
!0=//--               C+F5      C+F7
!0=//---------------------------------------------------

[Keys.Boeing B-17G Fuddy Duddy]
!0=//----------- MODE 0 -----------------
!0=//---- Generators, Batteries, Hydraulic Mode
!0=//---- Ignition, Inverter
!0=//----------- MODE 0 -----------------
0=B66C0=0 49,11,M6:13,0 ;//TOGGLE GENERATOR 1
1=B66C0=0 116,11,M6:32,0 ;//APU MACRO 
2=B66C0=0 50,11,M6:14,0 ;//TOGGLE GENERATOR 2
3=B66C0=0 117,11,M6:64,1 ;//RADIO POWER           
4=B66C0=0 51,11,M6:15,0 ;//TOGGLE GENERATOR 3
5=B66C0=0 118,11,65858,0 ;//PITOT HEAT
6=B66C0=0 52,11,M6:16,0 ;//TOGGLE GENERATOR 4
7=B66C0=0 119,11,66535,0 ;//MASTER IGNITION TOGGLE
8=B66C0=0 53,11,M6:43,1 ;//HYDRAULIC MODE MANUAL 
9=B66C0=0 120,11,M6:43,0 ;//HYDRAULIC MODE AUTO
10=B66C0=0 54,11,M6:38,0 ;//INVERTER SWITCH ON
11=B66C0=0 121,11,M6:38,2,M6:38,1 ;//INVERTER OFF / NEUTRAL
12=B66C0=0 55,11,M6:18,1 ;//BATTERY 1 ON  MACRO
13=B66C0=0 55,11,M6:19,1 ;//BATTERY 2 ON  MACRO
14=B66C0=0 55,11,M6:20,1 ;//BATTERY 3 ON  MACRO
15=B66C0=0 122,11,M6:18,0 ;//BATTERY 1 OFF  MACRO
16=B66C0=0 122,11,M6:19,0 ;//BATTERY 2 OFF  MACRO
17=B66C0=0 122,11,M6:20,0 ;//BATTERY 3 OFF  MACRO
!1=//----------- MODE 1 -----------------
!1=//---- Fuel Valves and Pumps, Tail Wheel Lock, Carb Filters
!1=//---- Controls Lock, Windows, Parking Brake
!1=//----------- MODE 1 -----------------
30=B66C0=1 49,11,M6:39,0 ;//TOGGLE ENG1 FUEL VALVE
31=B66C0=1 116,11,66340,0 ;//TOGGLE FUEL PUMP 1
32=B66C0=1 50,11,M6:40,0 ;//TOGGLE ENG2 FUEL VALVE
33=B66C0=1 117,11,66341,0 ;//TOGGLE FUEL PUMP 2
34=B66C0=1 51,11,M6:41,0 ;//TOGGLE ENG3 FUEL VALVE
35=B66C0=1 118,11,66342,0 ;//TOGGLE FUEL PUMP 3
36=B66C0=1 52,11,M6:42,0 ;//TOGGLE ENG4 FUEL VALVE
37=B66C0=1 119,11,66343,0 ;//TOGGLE FUEL PUMP 4
38=B66C0=1 53,11,M6:45,1 ;//CONTROLS LOCK ON
39=B66C0=1 53,11,M6:46,1 ;//CONTROLS LOCK ON
40=B66C0=1 54,11,66541,0 ;//TAIL WHEEL LOCK
41=B66C0=1 55,11,M6:44,0 ;//CARB FILTER TOGGLE
42=B66C0=1 120,11,M6:45,0 ;//CONTROLS LOCK OFF
43=B66C0=1 120,11,M6:46,0 ;//CONTROLS LOCK OFF
44=B66C0=1 121,11,M6:81,99 ;//OPEN PILOTS COCKPIT WINDOW
45=B66C0=1 121,11,M6:82,99 ;//OPEN COPILOTS COCKPIT WINDOW
46=B66C0=1 122,11,65752,0  ;//PARKING BRAKES
!2=//------ MODE 2 -------------------
!2=//------ Mags, Suit Heaters, Vent
!2=//------ MODE 2 -------------------
50=B66C0=2 49,11,x11000892,x00030001  ;//MAG1 INC
51=B66C0=2 116,11,x21000892,x00000001  ;//MAG1 DEC
52=B66C0=2 50,11,x1100092A,x00030001  ;//MAG2 INC
53=B66C0=2 117,11,x2100092A,x00000001  ;//MAG2 DEC
54=B66C0=2 51,11,x110009C2,x00030001  ;//MAG2 INC
55=B66C0=2 118,11,x210009C2,x00000001  ;//MAG2 DEC
56=B66C0=2 52,11,x11000A5A,x00030001  ;//MAG2 INC
57=B66C0=2 119,11,x21000A5A,x00000001  ;//MAG2 DEC
58=B66C0=2 53,11,M6:83,50 ;//SUIT HEATER 1 50%
59=B66C0=2 54,11,M6:84,50 ;//SUIT HEATER 2 50%
60=B66C0=2 120,11,M6:83,0 ;//SUIT HEATER 1 0%
61=B66C0=2 121,11,M6:84,0 ;//SUIT HEATER 2 0%
62=B66C0=2 55,11,M6:85,100  ;//CABIN VENT OPEN
63=B66C0=2 122,11,M6:86,0  ;//CABIN VENT CLOSE
!3=//------ MODE 3 -------------------
!3=//------ START & MESH SET, Clear, Primer, Fire Ext Set, Primer Set
!3=//------ MODE 3 -------------------
70=B66C0=3 49,11,M6:5,0  ;//START 1
71=B66C0=3 50,11,M6:5,2  ;//START 2
72=B66C0=3 51,11,M6:6,2  ;//START 3
73=B66C0=3 52,11,M6:6,0  ;//START 4
74=B66C0=3 116,11,M6:7,0  ;//MESH 1
75=B66C0=3 117,11,M6:7,2  ;//MESH 2
76=B66C0=3 118,11,M6:8,2  ;//MESH 3
77=B66C0=3 119,11,M6:8,0  ;//MESH 4
78=B66C0=3 55,11,M6:5,1  ;//CLEAR STARTER 1/2
79=B66C0=3 55,11,M6:6,1  ;//CLEAR STARTER 3/4
80=B66C0=3 55,11,M6:7,1 ;//CLEAR MESH 1/2
81=B66C0=3 55,11,M6:8,1 ;//CLEAR MESH 3/4
82=B66C0=3 55,11,M6:30,0 ;//SET PRIMER SELECT TO OFF
83=B66C0=3 122,11,M6:31,1 ;//ACTIVATE PRIMER
84=B66C0=3 49,11,M6:30,1 ;//SET PRIMER SELCT TO ENG 1
85=B66C0=3 50,11,M6:30,2 ;//SET PRIMER SELCT TO ENG 2
86=B66C0=3 51,11,M6:30,3 ;//SET PRIMER SELCT TO ENG 3
87=B66C0=3 52,11,M6:30,4 ;//SET PRIMER SELCT TO ENG 4
88=B66C0=3 49,11,M6:37,1  ;//SET FIRE EXT. SWITCH TO ENG 1
89=B66C0=3 50,11,M6:37,2  ;//SET FIRE EXT. SWITCH TO ENG 2
90=B66C0=3 51,11,M6:37,3  ;//SET FIRE EXT. SWITCH TO ENG 3
91=B66C0=3 52,11,M6:37,4  ;//SET FIRE EXT. SWITCH TO ENG 4
92=B66C0=3 55,11,M6:37,0 ;//SET FIRE EXT. SWITCH TO OFF
.
.
.
.
!100=//----- User-defined offset 0x66C0 holds the current 'mode' number and is changed up/down by a pair
!100=//----- of switches/keys that are common to all modes. 
230=56,10,x510066C0,x00080001  ;//MODE INC
231=54,10,x610066C0,x00080001  ;//MODE DEC

Here is the coding for my Saitek Throttle Quads for the B-17G. The mode assignments are different
between the G13 "Keys" and the Saitek "Buttons" assignments but the 'mode' implementation is the same:

[Buttons.Boeing B-17G]
!1=//SET 1 GENERATORS, FUEL PUMPS, FUEL VALVES, CONTROLS LOCK
0=B66C0=0 PD,14,CM6:39,0 ;//TOGGLE ENG1 FUEL VALVE
1=B66C0=0 PD,16,CM6:40,0 ;//TOGGLE ENG2 FUEL VALVE
2=B66C0=0 PD,18,CM6:41,0 ;//TOGGLE ENG3 FUEL VALVE
3=B66C0=0 PA,0,CM6:42,0 ;//TOGGLE ENG4 FUEL VALVE
4=B66C0=0 PD,15,C66340,0 ;//TOGGLE FUEL PUMP 1
5=B66C0=0 PD,17,C66341,0 ;//TOGGLE FUEL PUMP 2
6=B66C0=0 PD,19,C66342,0 ;//TOGGLE FUEL PUMP 3
7=B66C0=0 PA,1,C66343,0 ;//TOGGLE FUEL PUMP 4
8=B66C0=0 PA,2,CM6:45,0 ;//CONTROLS LOCK OFF
9=B66C0=0 PA,2,CM6:46,0 ;//CONTROLS LOCK OFF
10=B66C0=0 PA,3,CM6:45,1 ;//CONTROLS LOCK ON
11=B66C0=0 PA,3,CM6:46,1 ;//CONTROLS LOCK ON
!2=//SET 2 STARTERS ENG 1 - 4 CLEAR START & MESH SET 4 PRIMER & PUMP - ALL MACROS
20=B66C0=1 PD,14,CM6:5,0 ;//STARTER ENG 1 - SET PRIMER TO ENG 1 MACRO
21=B66C0=1 PD,16,CM6:5,2 ;//STARTER ENG 2 - SET PRIMER TO ENG 2 MACRO
22=B66C0=1 PD,18,CM6:6,2 ;//STARTER ENG 3 - SET PRIMER TO ENG 3 MACRO
23=B66C0=1 PA,0,CM6:6,0 ;//STARTER ENG 4 - SET PRIMER TO ENG 4 MACRO
24=B66C0=1 PD,15,CM6:7,0 ;//MESH ENG 1
25=B66C0=1 PD,17,CM6:7,2 ;//MESH ENG 2
26=B66C0=1 PD,19,CM6:8,2 ;//MESH ENG 3
27=B66C0=1 PA,1,CM6:8,0 ;//MESH ENG 4
28=B66C0=1 PA,2,CM6:5,1 ;//CLEAR STARTER 1/2
29=B66C0=1 PA,2,CM6:6,1 ;//CLEAR STARTER 3/4
30=B66C0=1 PA,2,CM6:7,1 ;//CLEAR MESH 1/2
31=B66C0=1 PA,2,CM6:8,1 ;//CLEAR MESH 3/4
32=B66C0=1 PA,2,CM6:30,0 ;//SET PRIMER SELCT TO OFF
33=B66C0=1 PA,3,CM6:31,1 ;//ACTIVATE PRIMER
34=B66C0=1 PD,14,CM6:30,1 ;//SET PRIMER SELCT TO ENG 1
35=B66C0=1 PD,16,CM6:30,2 ;//SET PRIMER SELCT TO ENG 2
36=B66C0=1 PD,18,CM6:30,3 ;//SET PRIMER SELCT TO ENG 3
37=B66C0=1 PA,0,CM6:30,4 ;//SET PRIMER SELCT TO ENG 4
38=B66C0=1 PD,14,CM6:37,1 ;//SET FIRE EXT. SWITCH TO ENG 1
39=B66C0=1 PD,16,CM6:37,2 ;//SET FIRE EXT. SWITCH TO ENG 2
40=B66C0=1 PD,18,CM6:37,3 ;//SET FIRE EXT. SWITCH TO ENG 3
41=B66C0=1 PA,0,CM6:37,4 ;//SET FIRE EXT. SWITCH TO ENG 4
42=B66C0=1 PA,2,CM6:37,0 ;//SET FIRE EXT. SWITCH TO OFF
!3=//SET 3 MAGNETOS, INVERTERS
50=B66C0=2 RD,14,Cx11000892,x00030001 ;//MAG1 INC
51=B66C0=2 RD,15,Cx21000892,x00000001 ;//MAG1 DEC
52=B66C0=2 RD,16,Cx1100092A,x00030001 ;//MAG2 INC
53=B66C0=2 RD,17,Cx2100092A,x00000001 ;//MAG2 DEC
54=B66C0=2 RD,18,Cx110009C2,x00030001 ;//MAG3 INC
55=B66C0=2 RD,19,Cx210009C2,x00000001 ;//MAG3 DEC
56=B66C0=2 RA,0,Cx11000A5A,x00030001 ;//MAG4 INC
57=B66C0=2 RA,1,Cx21000A5A,x00000001 ;//MAG4 DEC
58=B66C0=2 PA,2,CM6:38,0 ;//INVERTER SWITCH ON
59=B66C0=2 PA,3,CM6:38,2 ;//INVERTER SWITCH OFF
60=B66C0=2 UA,3,CM6:38,1 ;//INVERTER SWITCH NEUTRAL
61=PE,7,CM6:83,50 ;//SUIT HEATER 1 50%
62=PE,7,CM6:84,50 ;//SUIT HEATER 2 50%
63=PE,6,CM6:83,0 ;//SUIT HEATER 1 0%
64=PE,6,CM6:84,0 ;//SUIT HEATER 2 0%
!4=//SET 4  GENERATORS, RADIO POWER, PITOT HEAT, MASTER IGN, APU, BATTERIES
70=B66C0=3 PD,14,CM6:13,0 ;//TOGGLE GENERATOR 1 MACRO
71=B66C0=3 PD,15,CM6:64,1 ;//RADIO POWER
72=B66C0=3 PD,16,CM6:14,0 ;//TOGGLE GENERATOR 2
73=B66C0=3 PD,17,C65858,0 ;//PITOT HEAT
74=B66C0=3 PD,18,CM6:15,0 ;//TOGGLE GENERATOR 3
75=B66C0=3 PD,19,C66535,0 ;//MASTER IGNITION TOGGLE
76=B66C0=3 PA,0,CM6:16,0 ;//TOGGLE GENERATOR 4
77=B66C0=3 PA,1,CM6:32,0 ;//APU MACRO
78=B66C0=3 PA,2,CM6:18,1 ;//BATTERY 1 ON  MACRO
79=B66C0=3 PA,2,CM6:19,1 ;//BATTERY 2 ON  MACRO
80=B66C0=3 PA,2,CM6:20,1 ;//BATTERY 3 ON  MACRO
81=B66C0=3 PA,3,CM6:18,0 ;//BATTERY 1 OFF  MACRO
82=B66C0=3 PA,3,CM6:19,0 ;//BATTERY 2 OFF  MACRO
83=B66C0=3 PA,3,CM6:20,0 ;//BATTERY 3 OFF  MACRO
.
.
.
161=PA,4,Cx510066C0,x00080001 ;//INCREMENT 0X66C0 VALUE BY 1, MAX 8 THEN 0, CYLCLIC
162=PA,5,Cx610066C0,x00080001 ;//DECREMENT 0X66C0 VALUE BY 1, MIN 0 THEN 8, CYLCLIC

With a registered version of FSUIPC4 and the Lua capabilities, only your imagination is the limit!

Paul