Is it worth getting a joy stick to use with a PC and what is a good make
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Newcomer / Intro Joy Stick
- Thread starter flassh190660
- Start date
Personally I'd say yes, if for no other reason than it makes it feel more like you are flying as opposed to using a keyboard and mouse.
Thrustmaster make good products on the whole. The T.Flight X is a good budget HOTAS (joystick and throttle), and while it's a bit more money, the T16000m is a very good one, much more precise, and more buttons.
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I will also chime in with definitive yes.
I have the opportunity to play with both HOTAS on my main rig and KB+M on my laptop when traveling and I have to say that it's a completely different experience. Beside the fact that I suck at steering the ship with mouse (which is simply my personal problem - I know several PvPers who excel at their job with a mouse) I simply don't feel the ship.
It really depends on what you want from it and what level of immersion are you after. If you want to play a space game, KB+M is more than sufficient and won't hold you back, once you get good at it, of course. But if you want to be a spaceship pilot then joystick is a must.
I have the opportunity to play with both HOTAS on my main rig and KB+M on my laptop when traveling and I have to say that it's a completely different experience. Beside the fact that I suck at steering the ship with mouse (which is simply my personal problem - I know several PvPers who excel at their job with a mouse) I simply don't feel the ship.
It really depends on what you want from it and what level of immersion are you after. If you want to play a space game, KB+M is more than sufficient and won't hold you back, once you get good at it, of course. But if you want to be a spaceship pilot then joystick is a must.
Another yes from me and another vote for the Thrustmaster T-Flight HOTAS X. For the money you just can't beat it.
£29.99 from Amazon
http://amzn.eu/512hnbx
£29.99 from Amazon
http://amzn.eu/512hnbx
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Yes, it's basically just two big pizzas. 
Incidentally, quick tip for anyone using the T-Flight but finding its precision for fine control (especially around the central deadzones) somewhat lacking. I've recently been using "Joystick Curves" and it's bloody brilliant!
ED Setup video including website link ...
ED Setup video including website link ...
[video=youtube_share;CqzoJPCZM0w]https://youtu.be/CqzoJPCZM0w[/video]
KB and M for me , I use a RAT7 mouse ( my main use is for my work editing in Photoshop) Toying with the idea of a joystick but really like KBM because if I have a joystick I would have the missus looking at me funny , again.
Get an Oculus, then you can't see the withering look on her face!
that's a jolly good idea , or a virtual wife perhaps ?
Its pricey, but I couldn't play Elite without my Thrustmaster Warthog HOTAS and Saitek Combat Pro Rudder Pedals.
I used to use the CH stuff, but found it too plastic-y and didn't have the weight that the Warthog has...
The only time I use my mouse in Elite is when I'm in the ship shop buying parts for it. Everything else is done with the HOTAS.
I used to use the CH stuff, but found it too plastic-y and didn't have the weight that the Warthog has...
The only time I use my mouse in Elite is when I'm in the ship shop buying parts for it. Everything else is done with the HOTAS.
If you are playing ED on a PC then yes, a joystick or even better, a HOTAS. I use the Saitek X-56 Rhino for the 2 extra mini thumb-joysticks. For those on a budget the Logitech Extreme 3D is very rugged, has throttle and Z-axis (rudder-twist) controls.
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I started with an X-Box type controller that I already owned, supplemented by KB + mouse. It was certainly better than KB + mouse alone, but now I have the T.16000M FCS stick and throttle combination, which is excellent.
Only two negatives, the buttons on the base of the stick require me to take my hand off the stick to press them (not so with the throttle) and they both tend to move around on my desk when used enthusiastically. I think I could fix the latter with a couple of strips of velcro, but I really don't want the velcro to be stuck to the desk permanently. Years ago I had a Warthog stick and throttle and I solved this problem by attaching them to a separate piece of wood, that I attached to the desk with a couple of clamps, thus being able to take the whole thing off when not in use. If anyone has any better ideas, I'm listening.
Only two negatives, the buttons on the base of the stick require me to take my hand off the stick to press them (not so with the throttle) and they both tend to move around on my desk when used enthusiastically. I think I could fix the latter with a couple of strips of velcro, but I really don't want the velcro to be stuck to the desk permanently. Years ago I had a Warthog stick and throttle and I solved this problem by attaching them to a separate piece of wood, that I attached to the desk with a couple of clamps, thus being able to take the whole thing off when not in use. If anyone has any better ideas, I'm listening.
After 2 weeks with keyboard (could not get the hang of mouse - so went oldschool elite ) returning to my Logitech Extreme3DPro has been a delight (KB+JS). It's a good cheap JS that's served me well with both Oolite and ED for several years now.
) returning to my Logitech Extreme3DPro has been a delight (KB+JS). It's a good cheap JS that's served me well with both Oolite and ED for several years now.
I use stuff like this below my joystick and throttle:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sealey-AP-NSL-Liner-450mm/dp/B000RA1FD4/
Cut to shape, it sits under them and stops them slipping on the desk, no need to stick to anything, the material just grips. (It is good for use on boats, that is where I first used it.)
Mine was working fine, just ran out of buttons. Bought the Saitek unit but can't bring myself to throw the old Logitech Extreme 3D Pro away . . . but since the Saitek unit has a high chance of failure at some point, best to keep the old standby on standby.
That make is not available in the USA, but there are plenty of similar products. I've ordered some! Thanks.