The Joystick/Controller discussion thread

[scbfromnc]

I'm having a problem with Control Manager (v4.55), the software that comes with CH Pro Throttle. I tried to set up a macro to program one of my hat switches to a preset System/Engine/Weapon Pips (e.g. 4 to Systems + 2 to Engines). I watched several videos on how to do this, set up the macro in Control Manager, and "downloaded" the map macro to my device. When I went into ED/Options/Controls, my original binding had disappeared from the dropdown list -- even though it was still visible in the folder. So I set up another Custom profile and when I went to the game the macros worked. When I restarted my computer and re-entered the game, the Custom binding I created no longer existed. There was a Custom binding, but not the one I had created. I repeated the whole process and, after a new Custom binding was created and saved, I copied that binding and changed the name of the copy and left it in the Bindings folder. I could then bring up the key bindings from the drop down list in ED. But again after I restarted my computer, the binding had disappeared from the dropdown list. So this means I would have to create my binding all over again every time I start the game. Why are these bindings disappearing from the dropdown list? Seems that ED no longer recognizes the binding file once I "download" to my device.
_
So I deleted Control Manager and I'm back to where I started -- with a custom binding, but without the Pips Macro I wanted. Can anyone tell me what I was doing wrong?

 

[Starscream]

I use the Thrustmaster Hotas X.... but I have just two issues with it.

The first is that the throttle handle isn't positioned in a very natural position.... it's twisted in an uncomfortable position.
The solution is to have your elbow raised higher up on a cushion.

Secondly, and more importantly, I can't seem to get any fine control on ED.... it's like it's struck on a digital setting (where you move the stick forward a little bit and it does nothing, but forward a little bit more, and it dives at 100%) more rather than an analogue one (where the movement varies according to the movement ypou put into it).

In general, it's not a problem.... lots of minor pulses of movement.
But it can be a bit tricky trying to drag someone out of supercruise!

Am I missing something?


That said.... as joysticks go, it's great.
I like the layout of the buttons..... especially the buttons and lever on the back of the throttle, which I use for the lateral (lever) and vertical (buttons 9 % 10) control thrusters.

CMDR Cliffjumper

 

[scbfromnc]

It sounds like you're already aware of how to set up for analog vs digital, but just in case...you do know that to set up as analog you set pitch, yaw and roll up as axis settings instead of digital input? For most of the other commands, digital is fine (or the only choice).

 

[jadefriendly]

HOTAS recommendations

I'm on my second Speedlink Black Widow controller - bought the first when Gamma came out, had it replaced in March when it started sending glitches and constant movement signals...now this one has started doing the same.

Buy cheap, buy twice I guess. I'm not particularly heavy-going on them (still looks BRAND NEW) but you can feel the build quality is low...

Any recommendations on a HOTAS that won't start failing in a few months of use?

 

[Lord_Crazy]

Well I have a Saitek X-52 Pro (very similar to the X-52 version) and it is nice I guess. It feels very plasticy though, and despite the overall quality I had to repalce it after 4 months of use since the force dial on the throttle started acting weird.
So X-52 is still good, but if you can afford to go full or almost full metal check the Warthog.

 

[Ken maddux]

Warthog is the way I fly .

 

[Scudmungus]

Siem problem - go full CH, pedals an all, or maybe X55?

Nah like mi can easily get replacements!

Buying ah HOTAS aw hawd... kicker being some best pilots using joystick + mouse for FA off

 

[Ving]

If you can afford it, get the CH Pro Throttle and Fighterstick, and some pedals of some description. I had an X-55 for a while, until it went RMA, and it was OK (I enjoyed using it), but the CH products are so much better. I'm still using the Saitek Pro Rudder pedals and they work fine, the only drawback with them is you can't adjust sensitivity profile which you probably can on the CH pedals (never had the opportunity to try them tho).

The CH products are very well made, more ergonomic than X-55 (for me anyway), have way more buttons, and the software is infinitely better / more configurable than the Saitek software. Highly recommended!

 

[Scudmungus]

If you can afford it, get the CH Pro Throttle and Fighterstick, and some pedals of some description. I had an X-55 for a while, until it went RMA, and it was OK (I enjoyed using it), but the CH products are so much better. I'm still using the Saitek Pro Rudder pedals and they work fine, the only drawback with them is you can't adjust sensitivity profile which you probably can on the CH pedals (never had the opportunity to try them tho).

The CH products are very well made, more ergonomic than X-55 (for me anyway), have way more buttons, and the software is infinitely better / more configurable than the Saitek software. Highly recommended!

Well yuh sold mi - tanks!

 

[CMDR Memphis]

Any recommendations on a HOTAS that won't start failing in a few months of use?

Thrustmaster Hotas.X is well regarded in this forum, I use it as well. I got mine used for a 20, has not let me down so far.

 

[Ving]

Well yuh sold mi - tanks!

Yeah, mon!

 

[nighthawk71]

Thrustmaster HOTAS X happens to be Isinona's choice of HOTAS, which might explain part of the popularity.
I use a HOTAS Warthog, I really love the thing. Once you go Warthog, you can never go back.

 

[MadEye]

I could use a better stick, but I actually like using a G13 game pad for the Throttle rather than a traditional HOTAS setup. Speed/Thrust in this game works perfectly well handled by buttons and it gives me my weapon set controls and other functions right at my finger tips. I use the thumb stick on it for my power controls and the thumb buttons for boost and frame shift.

Now... my stick is just serviceable and nothing more to be honest. I'm using a Logitech Extreme 3D pro and it works well enough for a budget solution and it hasn't crapped out yet.

 

[rebelredneck]

Tried both the X-55 rhino and the Warthog and have to say the warthog is superior in quality and feel

 

[Thoemse]

Tried both the X-55 rhino and the Warthog and have to say the warthog is superior in quality and feel

It is and that is why i wanted it. It has no twist Z axis though wich is a killer feature for me. Pedals are not as prcise and in my case there are fanatc driving pedals in the way allready.

The X-55 is the perfect hotas for this game. I only see one downside: The z axis squeaks a bit even after lubricating.

 

[nosscar]

AArg... My joysticks broke, any ideas.

Well my trusty freedom 2.4 wireless gave up the ghost during play yesterday,
Had it for ages, and loved it, receiver seems ok, recognised in windows device manager ect. but the joystick now displays only a red light, even with new batteries.
It will be over a week before i can afford a new one.
I am thinking of the Logitech Extreme 3D Pro (as it is the wired version of the one i had) and i will be used to the button layout, or the thrustmaster t-flight hotas.
Which one is best for Elite dangerous, and the most reliable, or does someone have an idea how to fix my old one.
I will be out of game for a while now, how will i cope.

Ps. I will be holding a memorial service later, do you have any kind words you wish to add.

 

[Lord_Itchybum]

Keyboard and Mouse until you get your stick fixed or buy a new one. No need to stop playing.

 

[Pufferfish]

Don't jerk on your joystick so hard you break it... It's never worth it. As for your question, I've had both of those joysticks. I ordered the Thrustmaster from Ebay, but while I was too impatient to wait for it I picked up the logitech. Logitech worked just fine. When I got the Thrustmaster I wasn't sure which one I liked more initially. But I decided to go with the thrustmaster and give the logitech to my friend. All in all, I like the thrustmaster layout better once I tweaked it a little. But they were both good.

 

[nosscar]

Keyboard and Mouse until you get your stick fixed or buy a new one. No need to stop playing.

I know, but i have never played with K&M, don't think i could get used to it now, i am of the older generation, took me ages to get my joystick set up just right, and remember the buttons ect, things take longer to register with us "old uns" you know.

 

[Arindor]

Thrustmaster T.Flight is robust and good for the price (I picked up mine new for £30). I've used mine for over a year with no issue (last famous words). My only concern with it is the number of buttons you can map. I would have preferred a few more, although you can get away with creating new custom bindings depending on your ship's role, and swap accordingly when swapping ships.