Hardware & Technical Need some advice on throttle positioning

[CMDR Kyle Donovan]

So I've got a sim chair, I've got a Thrustmaster Warthog, and I've got a problem.

I'm a big guy, but the throw on the throttle is so large that I'm experiencing arm and shoulder pain no matter where I position it. If I position it forward so that I don't feel like I'm reaching behind me with the throttle at zero, it's a literal stretch to get to full throttle. If I position it far back enough that I can hit full throttle, I'm pinching up my elbow and shoulder.

Is there an optimum physical position I should be aiming for, or is this going to most likely be a software fix inside the script or GUI editor?

Thanks much ^_^

 

[AH_ImADot]

Have you looked at images from real life fighter jet cockpits? Some of those images might give you some ideas. One of the main things, I think, is to have it close to your thigh so you aren't reaching up or out to the side very much.

 

[CMDR Kyle Donovan]

Have you looked at images from real life fighter jet cockpits? Some of those images might give you some ideas. One of the main things, I think, is to have it close to your thigh so you aren't reaching up or out to the side very much.

First thing I did was check cockpit photos of the warthog to check placement. Second thing I did was re-mount it closer to the chair so I didn't have to reach outwards. Just fore/aft. So that's covered, and /has/ reduced the pain. Just needs a bit more work.

 

[Surfinjo]

Good tip about looking at images of professionals.

If I may also say, since the pain is in your arms and shoulder that indicates you are using those muscles. Can you try thinking of a position where you don't need to?

An example is lower arm pain which is affecting many using computers. It can be almost eliminated by placing a pad in front of the keyboard to support the wrists.

That isn't quite what you need but the support idea is.

 

[Anson22]

So I've got a sim chair, I've got a Thrustmaster Warthog, and I've got a problem.

I'm a big guy, but the throw on the throttle is so large that I'm experiencing arm and shoulder pain no matter where I position it. If I position it forward so that I don't feel like I'm reaching behind me with the throttle at zero, it's a literal stretch to get to full throttle. If I position it far back enough that I can hit full throttle, I'm pinching up my elbow and shoulder.

Is there an optimum physical position I should be aiming for, or is this going to most likely be a software fix inside the script or GUI editor?

Thanks much ^_^

Are you sure you're only having problems when playing this game? If you are having problems of this nature elsewhere IRL, I strongly advise seeing your GP and then getting some physiotherapy as real life is more important than the game (and IRL improvements will probably help with the game too!).

 

[AH_ImADot]

One other thing you can try; it might seem strange but could work...

Try angling the front of the throttle slightly outward instead of parallel to your seat, our even tilted slightly downward.

I also agree that you need some kind of arm support, so when the throttle is set in the most frequently used position, you can relax your arm.

 

[CMDR Kyle Donovan]

I can't angle the throttle very much. It's a volair sim chair, and everything's fixed to be 90 degree turns. On the plus side, that means I do have the armrests. I've poked around in the software to mess with the curves a bit, but I feel like I need physical blocks in the throttle channels to keep them from swinging past though. Sometimes it feels right, sometimes it's a pain. Arg... Oh well. I'd go mad if I didn't have something to tinker and wrench on.

 

[Surfinjo]

Are you sure you're only having problems when playing this game? If you are having problems of this nature elsewhere IRL, I strongly advise seeing your GP and then getting some physiotherapy as real life is more important than the game (and IRL improvements will probably help with the game too!).

This ^^^^^^^

 

[CMDR Kyle Donovan]

Are you sure you're only having problems when playing this game? If you are having problems of this nature elsewhere IRL, I strongly advise seeing your GP and then getting some physiotherapy as real life is more important than the game (and IRL improvements will probably help with the game too!).

A good call there as well, and one that I made sure to eliminate before asking around here, to make sure I had it narrowed down to the throttle. I am sure it's only happening when playing. I've had no trouble in other activities, including routine lifting/curling 30 lb (13.6kg) and up weights. The throttle was initially positioned (bolted) about 6 inches (15+ cm) outboard from my seat, which I did realize was too big a distance after a few hours of testing. I was able to move it much closer thanks to the magic of my three friends: Dremel, Black and Decker, but I may go to scotch fasteners instead and try angling it slightly out. I'm just internally cringing at the thought of everything not lining up, but ultimately function has to determine form.