The Joystick/Controller discussion thread

[Terryfried]

In my opinion, the CH Pro Throttle is perfectly suited for Elite Dangerous for the following reasons:

1. Analog thumbstick-joystick : very useful for even finer control of your ships's lateral thrusters (vertical/horizontal propulsion).
This is the killer feature in my opinion, and the number one reason I will buy the CH Pro Throttle!
The Warthog throttle does not have this!

2. Very comfortable throttle action, because you just push it forward or backwards on a flat plane.
Compare this to the circular motion of the Warthog throttle, which actually bends your wrist. When you bend your wrist there is a danger of injury (aka carpal tunnel syndrome).

3. All buttons on the CH Pro Throttle are easily accessible: you don't even need to remove your left hand from the throttle.
The Warthog throttle has extra switches on the base of the throttle, which you probably won't use much in the heat of combat.

Before buying, just go to any retail shop and test out both these throttles yourself.
The Warthog may be good for traditional flight sims, but maybe not so useful for Elite Dangerous or any other space-sim.

Hope this helps !

Also a video about the Saitek vs CH Hotas setup, which mentions the CH Pro Throttle:
[video=youtube;ceOdOytgT64]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ceOdOytgT64[/video]

is there any difference between CH Throttle and CH throttle Pro?
I know that 15 pin game port to USB adapters often work in different modes for different brands of controler with varying success with different software. Anyone had success with any particular converter for ch throttle and ED?

 

[PiLhEaD]

I use a Thrustmaster T-Flight Hotas X Joystick - it's pretty affordable, there are enough buttons for various mappings and the build quality is good.

It feels very smooth in use, and feels great in the hands, a really good quality product.

It also has two inputs for rudder (aka yaw) control in Elite - I wouldn't get a stick set-up without this as I find direct yaw control really helps when entering a space station, and also when avoiding interdiction.

Hope this helps

 

[calculon68]

is there any difference between CH Throttle and CH throttle Pro?
I know that 15 pin game port to USB adapters often work in different modes for different brands of controler with varying success with different software. Anyone had success with any particular converter for ch throttle and ED?

CH Products produced four throttles:

CH Throttle (gameport)
CH Pro Throttle (gameport)
the main difference between both gameport throttles is additional hats on the Pro.

CH Pro Throttle USB (P/N 300-122) <---has the analog mini-stick for lateral/vertical thrusting
CH Throttle Quadrant USB (P/N 300-133)

The gameport throttles used keyboard port pass throughs to send key presses- and you needed a additional program to program the key presses. (that program is now extinct) You can get the throttle's axis to work via a USB Gameport adapter- but you lose all the buttons and hats.

The best USB adapter for the "Flightstick Pro Compatibles" is the Rockfire RM-203. I still have my gameport CH Products rig (Combatstick, Pro Throttle, ProPedals) and it works fine using the Rockfire- but you only get FS Pro functionality (four buttons, HAT and the six axes). Again you lose all the other buttons and hats.

Don't know how well the Rockfire works with ONLY the Throttle connected.

 

[Fenestrate]

I use T.16000 and I find it to be very precise.

In my left hand I rigged up my old belkin N52 as throttle/target and menu control.

Just an idea other than buying the hotas.

This is what I'm doing too. So far, I'm quite happy with it.

 

[Katkon]

Saitek X52 Pro is VERY GOOD (if you're OK with twisting the main stick for yaw). The Thrustmaster Warthog is INCREDIBLE, but be prepared to pay for the privilege of its almost all-metal construction and general solidity, plus you'll likely want get pedals for it too. I got both sticks based on recommendations from people on this form, with X52 Pro appearing to be the most frequently recommended due to its lesser price point vs. the Warthog.

- - - - - Additional Content Posted / Auto Merge - - - - -

Heya OP,

Given the Warhog has no stick twist the only choice for me was the X52 Pro and I have to say its awesome, I can't recommend it enough

This is true - though it can be configured to be used for yaw w/o pedals. That being said - using pedals is also great fun. I went from an X52 Pro w/ twist yaw, to a Warthog w/ pedals for yaw. It takes some time to get used to latter, but it's great fun.

 

[BigBadBeef]

I am asking this because the only budget HOTAS with seperatable throttle and stick out there is THRUSTMASTER T-FLIGHT. If I could whip something together for 100€ total, I would be very pleased.

 

[Queebatron]

I just got the X52 Pro and am trying to configure it, but when I go to change the landing gear button, it automatically pops in Y-rotation something. What the heck is that and what on the HOTAS is providing that input. I understand z-rotation is the yaw provided by the twist stick, but I'm not getting what X-rotation and Y rotation are all about and what the inputs would be for those. Unfortunately Saitek's documentation for the stick is pretty darn sparse.

 

[Jack Schitt]

I just got the X52 Pro and am trying to configure it, but when I go to change the landing gear button, it automatically pops in Y-rotation something. What the heck is that and what on the HOTAS is providing that input. I understand z-rotation is the yaw provided by the twist stick, but I'm not getting what X-rotation and Y rotation are all about and what the inputs would be for those. Unfortunately Saitek's documentation for the stick is pretty darn sparse.

It sounds as though one or other of the rotatable dials on the throttle isn't at its null point. Try rotating them around the middle of their range until you feel the detent.

 

[Kirasath]

Oh the decisions

X55 or the cheaper twin stick 16000M..hmmmmmm the decisions are tearing at me!!

 

[Zeeman]

Picked up my T16000M today. very happy with the feel of it, I'm now using my 3D extreme as a stop-gap throttle until I get myself a CH pro throttle.

I just wish the T16000M had the same button layout on the stick itself as the 3D extreme. 4 buttons ont he top + the hat is awesome, the thumb trigger is in a great spot, too.

Of course, it'll no longer be an issue once I get the CH throttle, but until then...

Z...

 

[Almighty Bob]

The secondary fire button on my fly 5 just sheered off for the 2nd time this time after one weeks use. I intend to take it back after xmas and trade up to an x52

 

[Benm]

Started out with a Thrustmaster HOTAS X like many but I find it uncomfortable after any protracted dog-fighting, particularly the button placement on the throttle. Will be upgrading to CH Fighterstick, Pro Throttle and most likely pedals as well. Plus an Edtracker for even greater immersion

 

[A0S]

I'm so stoked! The mailman came bearing gifts today!

 

[Monarch Black]

Kirasath, hard to go wrong with the T16000m, for the money. Love mine.

ADS, hope you like the X52. I know they aren't the new stuff you are showing off, but good choice on the Klipsch speakers. I've got the same ones. They sound great.

Here's what I've been rocking and loving. Gamepad and T16000m.

 

[A0S]

Thanks MB. Since last night, I've got the X52 ready to go, and have been feeling it out with the ED Combat Demo and on Evochron Mercenary, and I have to say, I FREAKIN LOVE THIS HOTAS! I know I could have spent more for a better set, but for $140 shipped from Amazon, I'm happy with it. I purchased the Thrustmaster T-Flight X last week, but it felt pretty limited with what it could be programmed to do, so I returned it for the X52 Pro.

Those are first gen Pro Media 4.1's that I bought for EverQuest way back, and they've held up incredibly well. I can't say enough good things about Klipsch.
Cheers!

 

[PGleesonuk]

Kirasath, hard to go wrong with the T16000m, for the money. Love mine.

ADS, hope you like the X52. I know they aren't the new stuff you are showing off, but good choice on the Klipsch speakers. I've got the same ones. They sound great.

Here's what I've been rocking and loving. Gamepad and T16000m.

Wow, where did you get the gamepad on the left?

 

[Nerror]

Kirasath, hard to go wrong with the T16000m, for the money. Love mine.

ADS, hope you like the X52. I know they aren't the new stuff you are showing off, but good choice on the Klipsch speakers. I've got the same ones. They sound great.

Here's what I've been rocking and loving. Gamepad and T16000m.

Hey cool I just ordered the T16000M and I already have the Nostromo, albeit the old Belkin version (n52te) before Razer bought it

Would you mind sharing your button setup? If not in detail then at least an overview please?

 

[Okona]

Oh yes, a t16000 with the extreme 3D handle would be a really nice stick. (Ok, some more hats and buttons wouldn't hurt either)

- - - - - Additional Content Posted / Auto Merge - - - - -

I got the x55 recently and I'm not impressed. Right now I'd rather recommend the t.16000 combo. (I also own a t.16000)

 

[bad-r0bot]

Logitech Extreme 3D Pro does the job quite well. I'm considering getting a Thrustmaster T16000M since a separate throttle is impossible to find at a decent price.

 

[A0S]

Wow, where did you get the gamepad on the left?

It's a Razer Nostromo.
http://www.razerzone.com/gaming-keyboards-keypads/razer-nostromo
Never had any of their pads, but have had a few of their mice, and they make really nice stuff specifically for gaming.
Newer model here: http://www.razerzone.com/gaming-keyboards-keypads/razer-orbweaver