Newcomer / Intro Question about CH Products with Serial Connections

[pidian]

no idea if this is the right section to post in, but didn't see a general question/answer subforum. mods please feel free to move this thread if there is a more appropriate area for it, thanks!

at any rate - getting into HOTAS setups for all these new space sims can be pricey business. i've noticed a pretty solid stock of old used serial connection CH Products around that naturally go for quite a bit less than their updated USB counterparts. I have a couple questions for those more familiar with the CH Products historical lineups:

- can you use these old setups if you just buy a serial-to-usb adapter?
- are there any real drawbacks to doing so?
- do they use the same software for configuring your setup? can you still set them to use multiple modes?
- I'm aware that the serial CH Pro Throttles don't have the analog stick, but are there any other major differences with the lineups?

thanks folks, appreciate it!

 

[Leto Thule]

I have an old CH flightstick pro that uses a serial adapter. I have not been able to get the key recognition to work with the programming software for the stick when using the USB adapter. Not sure if this is always the case, but it doesnt work for me.

Edit: I must also mention that the CH stick is by far, hands down, the best controller I have ever owned. Its heavy, durable, and its a shame I cant get it to work with today's games.

 

[TYK]

no idea if this is the right section to post in, but didn't see a general question/answer subforum. mods please feel free to move this thread if there is a more appropriate area for it, thanks!

at any rate - getting into HOTAS setups for all these new space sims can be pricey business. i've noticed a pretty solid stock of old used serial connection CH Products around that naturally go for quite a bit less than their updated USB counterparts. I have a couple questions for those more familiar with the CH Products historical lineups:

- can you use these old setups if you just buy a serial-to-usb adapter?
- are there any real drawbacks to doing so?
- do they use the same software for configuring your setup? can you still set them to use multiple modes?
- I'm aware that the serial CH Pro Throttles don't have the analog stick, but are there any other major differences with the lineups?

thanks folks, appreciate it!

As someone who has to work with RS232 professionally on a regular basis I would strongly recommend against getting a Serial-to-USB adapter. Serial is a very old, problematic connection type that VASTLY predates plug and play. Add to that the fact that the gold standard converter, the Keyspan Adapter:

http://www.amazon.com/Keyspan-High-...id=1421947406&sr=8-2&keywords=Keyspan+adapter

Is only slightly cheaper than a Thrustmaster T-Flight:

http://www.amazon.com/Thrustmaster-...1421947473&sr=8-1&keywords=Thrustmaster+HOTAS

The extra $12 or so is worth the headache saved.

 

[Shadowdancer]

Is that even serial? All I can find is old gameport models, which would be even uglier. While there are gameport to USB adapters, the interface is very limited, and the throttle even seems to come with the "good" old PS2 pass-through plug.

 

[TYK]

Is that even serial? All I can find is old gameport models, which would be even uglier. While there are gameport to USB adapters, the interface is very limited, and the throttle even seems to come with the "good" old PS2 pass-through plug.

Actually Gameport was, believe it or not, MIDI. It would be better supported by Windows, but I don't think anyone makes a DSUB MIDI - to - USB connector and good luck finding something that still has that.

Seriously just get that Thrustmaster.

 

[pidian]

thanks for the responses. i currently have a logitech extreme 3d pro that i've used for years and currently just pair with my razer orbweaver. i know the hotas x is a solid entry-level hotas setup but would it be a worthwhile step up from my current setup or would you all just recommend holding out, saving up, and grabbing a CH setup or a X52 Pro or something?

 

[TYK]

That's so rough to answer unfortunately because this stuff is so subjective. I hate the Logitech 3d Pro - it feels so light and flimsy and when I crank on it I'm constantly rattling it around. The Thrustmaster, to me, at least feels a lot more solid and weighty, and I've got a lot less trouble scooting it around. That said, it has fewer buttons under your thumb, although I think the balance is about the same - 12 buttons on the Logitech vs. 12 on the Thrustmaster. The big addition is the two extra axes - you can have a total of five axes at once on the Thrustmaster.

That said you kind of need to give it a try, but with the death of gaming sections in computer stores, I'm not sure how to best effect that. Maybe buy it from a place with a good return policy?