What do you use for lateral thrusters, then?
On mine, I have pitch and roll on the joystick, yaw on the pedals, throttle on the throttle's main axis, and then vertical and lateral thrusters are on the little analog hat stick thingy. Is there a better way?
Sorry for the late reply. In the spoiler, there is a picture to use as a reference guide for the numbers I'm using below - Please completely disregard how this is set up in the picture, except for the numbers near each control:
So, as I mentioned I don't have the pedals, just the fighterstick and the throttle.
I've been experimenting flying FA-off constantly, and I find that thrust is easily controlled x-y-z with digital controls (buttons), while the rotational and yaw and pitch are better controlled by analog controls. But I wouldn't call my method better or yours better, just a matter of personal preference.
So:
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On the throttle:
(5-8) using the index finger
left and right button - lateral thrusters - You can also used button (3) and (2) for left and right respectively, which works even better.
up and down button - vertical thrusters
Forward throttle motion only with (4) on the throttle as a switch between forward and backward throttle. If you want to be a little more nimble in dogfights, you can set it to full range.
(1) rotational axis left-right using the analog thumbstick as I mentioned before.
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On the stick
(5-8) using the thumb
up and down button - forward and backward thrust.
stick x axis: yaw
stick y axis: inverted pitch
Boost button on the stick at the side (not visible on the picture) with the index finger.
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I can thus rest my feet easily on a footstool or even in a cross legged position for some yoga while playing ED. Unless you're playing DCS, there is no real need for the rudder-pedals in ED.
I used to fly the Mighty-8 in DCS with the X-55 throttle before it broke without the use of rudder pedals, and found that using the analog rotary dial at the bottom on the throttle handle which is controlled by your thumb to work just as well. I know it's not realistic but it is every bit as precise, if not even more than the rudder pedals. I miss that same rotary dial now on the CH throttle to control rotation in ED, but when FA is off, the thumbstick is much more responsive, and I adapted quickly to the new controller.
CH all the way. Saitek... not so much, purely based on the quality of the builds. The Saitek throttles are great as long as they work.
