PS3 Joysticks

[Beliall]

hi, im still having trouble looking for a joystick, to use with my ps3 for BoP, and PC for flight sim X, id appreciate your opinion and ill use this poll to help decide, if you vote other, please tell me which model you refer to.
many thanks, hopefully alot of people will find this useful

http://www.flightstore.co.uk/prod/SAIAVTPS3/
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B001DMUCAC/ref=asc_df_B001DMUCAC417503?smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&tag=googlecouk06-21&linkCode=asn&creative=7974&creativeASIN=B001DMUCAC
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B001DMUCAC/ref=asc_df_B001DMUCAC417503?smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&tag=googlecouk06-21&linkCode=asn&creative=7974&creativeASIN=B001DMUCAC

[Empi666]

I think there have plenty of past posts that describe each stick.

I bought the Tmaster HOTAS before it was announced that the hat switch is inferior to the aviator.

I really like the HOTAS setup and will stick with this stick.. That sounded weird.

[versapak]

Other: Ace Edge

:P



If I was getting it for the PS3 though, I would go with the aviator. A HOTAS setup is certainly nice, but the analog view stick of the Aviator I think is far more essential.




.

[Irishmandkg]

I just got the Thrustmaster T-x. Pretty good IMO.

[manintrees]

I just returned my AV8R-03. The analog hat was great but the deadzone was immense (enough to make me think that there was something wrong with it) and there is NO variable rudder control. I use my rudder alot and having it either be fully on or fully off is a deal breaker for me. The look of the AV8R is cool but it feels kind of lightweight.
I purchased a HOTAS X and I pray it performes better.

[Beliall]

I just returned my AV8R-03. The analog hat was great but the deadzone was immense (enough to make me think that there was something wrong with it) and there is NO variable rudder control. I use my rudder alot and having it either be fully on or fully off is a deal breaker for me. The look of the AV8R is cool but it feels kind of lightweight.
I purchased a HOTAS X and I pray it performes better.

cheers for the headsup, please let us know how it is when you get it

[Rodan1000]

I bought the T-master a few months ago and played the original IL-2 on PC with it while I was waiting for the demo to release. On the PC, it worked like a dream, but when I tried to play the demo with it I was sorely disappointed. The hat switch only allows you to look to 3 and 9 o'clock so there is a huge blind spot at 6 o'clock as well as 3 and 9 o'clock high.

So, I went out and bought the AV8R-03 and tried it with the demo. The analog hat switch works alot better, but the rudder control is terrible. It is either all on or all off.

I will be playing with the AV8R-03 because the free-look function is the most important thing to me.

Both sticks suffer from a pretty big dead zone. I believe it is due to the programming of the game, because with the original IL-2 on the PC, there was no dead zone at all. This makes lining up a shot really difficult. After you have worked to get on the six of a bandit and just need to pitch the nose up just a little bit to pull lead, you will pull back on the stick a little and nothing happens, so you pull back a little more...still nothing. You pull back a little more and the nose violently pitches up and the moment is gone. It can be pretty frustrating at times. I hope they are able to do something about the dead zone in a future patch as well as the AV8R-03 rudder problem.

[Rittmeister86]

I have the Ace Edge, and I love it.

[Pup]

I bought the T-master a few months ago and played the original IL-2 on PC with it while I was waiting for the demo to release. On the PC, it worked like a dream, but when I tried to play the demo with it I was sorely disappointed. The hat switch only allows you to look to 3 and 9 o'clock so there is a huge blind spot at 6 o'clock as well as 3 and 9 o'clock high.

Can I ask how the T.Flight hat switch worked on the PC version? I can only imagine they will fix the console versions to work in the same way, considering the amount of people that find this to be an issue. I agree with the deadzone problem too, the joystick is more fun generally but I find it easier to be more precise with my aim, using the controller.

[manintrees]

After you have worked to get on the six of a bandit and just need to pitch the nose up just a little bit to pull lead, you will pull back on the stick a little and nothing happens, so you pull back a little more...still nothing. You pull back a little more and the nose violently pitches up and the moment is gone. It can be pretty frustrating at times.

I feel your pain dude. I managed to get behind a FW-190 and missed out because I was struggling with the controls to line up a shot. I really hope they can fix this. I don't know why they would have deemed this acceptable considering these flight sticks are actually mentioned in the game's set up screen.

[PF_Lizard]

After you have worked to get on the six of a bandit and just need to pitch the nose up just a little bit to pull lead, you will pull back on the stick a little and nothing happens, so you pull back a little more...still nothing. You pull back a little more and the nose violently pitches up and the moment is gone.
And if you're banked over, turning nicely on your target and you just want the tiniest feather of rudder to put lift/lower your nose, and Bam!, you've violently yawed 20 degrees and sprung back, slapping about in the air like a salmon.

I need an analogue rudder! :(

[BeaverCompany01]

Ace edge kicks ass!

HOTAS
Variable rudder
Minimal dead zone
Good 360 deg. free look

The game plays so much nicer using this flightstick.

xbox 360 only I'm affraid...........

[daveblah]

just a small point, may have been covered but, why can't we just plug a mouse into one of the usb (ps3) controller ports? If the support could be written into a patch or something it would solve all the hatswitch/free look issues. we've been playing this setup on the pc versions for years with no problems so surely its not impossible?

[Pup]

just a small point, may have been covered but, why can't we just plug a mouse into one of the usb (ps3) controller ports? If the support could be written into a patch or something it would solve all the hatswitch/free look issues. we've been playing this setup on the pc versions for years with no problems so surely its not impossible?

I don't know for a fact or anything, but I would guess there are technical issues relating to this. Whenever I use my racing wheel for GT5p or the DiRT 2 demo, I can't use the standard controller at the same time, likewise for IL-2 when in flight.. so I can only assume that there is some restriction from using two control input devices at the same time. It is a fairly big assumption though.

[SleepTrgt]

Yea just go xbox with Ace Edge :cool:

[towman]

There is no reason why the aviator rudder is on/off, it should be fixed in a patch for sure, the twistgrip should work correctly.

[redtiger02]

Ace Edge works great with the demo. I am not sure if TM has a stick available for the 360, but if anyone knows of one, please let me know. TM is arguable the best stick manufacturer in the world, second only to the folks that make the Slim Jim. It would be great to have a stick that had more functionality and a little different feel. Ace Edge is a heavy stick control wise.

[Robotic Pope]

Ace edge kicks ass!

HOTAS
Variable rudder
Minimal dead zone
Good 360 deg. free look

The game plays so much nicer using this flightstick.

xbox 360 only I'm affraid...........

So how does the Ace edge actually manage that? You must have to use a shift button for one of the analog controls?

I don't have a stick yet so I'm no expert but I thought the whole problem with the configs is that there aren't enough analog directions available on the consoles. Obviously you need one 4 direction analog stick for flight controls, 1 analog direction for the throttle(The control pad uses the left analog stick but I seems to me it is acting as just a digital in the up down directions of the throttle), 4 analog directions for the hat and finally 2 directions for the rudder. 11 total directions. Unfortunatly thats 1 too many for the PS3 and 360.

I guess the AV8R was designed with too many analog directions so you could chose in its software which ones it used when used on a PC.

So anyway the AV8R has to have digital on/off rudder because all the extra analog directions are used up by the analog hat free look (you wouldn't really want an analog left rudder, digital right rudder or vice verse, would you). And the thrustmaster config has to be creative to find space for only 4 of the 8 digital buttons on the hat (I'm guessing it uses the 4 diagonal directions of the D-pad?)

I really think that both the AV8R config and Thrustmaster config will need to use one button as a shift key. So thrustmaster could have the whole 8 directions of the D-pad assigned to the hat free look, then hold a button and it would become wingman commands. The AV8R isn't as easy, it would need to have a button to switch from rudder control to free look but I think you would have to have the rudder on the hat because I'm not sure a duplicate control can be set for the stick twist to be the same as left/right on the hat.

Anyway you can really see how difficult it all is for the developers.

[redtiger02]

And if you're banked over, turning nicely on your target and you just want the tiniest feather of rudder to put lift/lower your nose, and Bam!, you've violently yawed 20 degrees and sprung back, slapping about in the air like a salmon.

I need an analogue rudder! :(

I had that problem with the Ace Edge, I just had to learn to be very lenient on the rudder. It's one of the few semi-unrealistic aspects of the game. The reality of rudders is that we use them all the time, and doing a hard rudder will very seldom put you into a flat spin. Maybe if you are already close to stall speed, but even then there's a little ruddering involved. When you get a commercial pilots license, you have to be able to enter and recover a spin. It's been a few years since I got mine, but I can't imagine them taking that out of the curriculum. The rocker switch on the Ace Edge seems to work ok with an exception: the rudder snaps back to center a little fast so you have to feed it back slowly, otherwise the plane jerks around a lot. However, I do have a question regarding stick use.
Why am I being outrun by a 190 in a P-51D. The 190 has better acceleration, but lower top speed. I have even marked my throttle to keep it out of the overheat range, but I still am not getting enough speed. It's close to stall during almost every single turn. I even jettisoned all of my rockets to see if that factored in. It gave me a few extra knots, but not enough. Is there something I am doing wrong with the Ace Edge that is not letting me get up to speed? You do lose a little speed in a real-life turn, but you don't lose 50% of it.

[BeaverCompany01]

I use 2 fingers on the rudder for the Ace Edge as it allows you to gently control the spring pressure that wants to pull the rudder back to center.

As far as how it is able to handle all the required analog functions?.....I simply dont know.

I am able to run down the FW-190's ok in the mustang but it requires WEP the whole time and I usually try to start off on a perch (higher than the enemy)

[PedroTheGoat]

I ordered an Aviator on eBay about a week ago due to recommendations from these forums. Plus, the other 2 flightsticks for 360 just run too much.

Everything sounds wonderful except for the rudder and no ability to wheel brake. I desperately hope this is addressed in time for the release or soon thereafter. It sounds like it's going to be tons of fun to fly with the stick... I just wish there wasn't any huge trade offs like there is now.

[Beliall]

lots of opinion here, makes interesting reading, thanks, but between the hotas and aviator, theres not a lot of choice really, they both have really terrible bad points.
the only reason im considering changing is because i cant customise my normal controller, everythings in the wrong place, and i hoped that a joystick would be the way to go. perhaps not as i cant stand deadzones, rudder control sounds awful ( i cant stop crashing the mustang on sim as it is ) and the hat switch is a compromise.
difficult decision to be made on tuesday then!;)

[trk29]

lots of opinion here, makes interesting reading, thanks, but between the hotas and aviator, theres not a lot of choice really, they both have really terrible bad points.
the only reason im considering changing is because i cant customise my normal controller, everythings in the wrong place, and i hoped that a joystick would be the way to go. perhaps not as i cant stand deadzones, rudder control sounds awful ( i cant stop crashing the mustang on sim as it is ) and the hat switch is a compromise.
difficult decision to be made on tuesday then!;)

If you want to customize buttons and neither one of these sticks will work for you take a look at this thread it is a gamepad made by thrustmaster.

http://forum.1cpublishing.eu/showthread.php?t=9032

[Beliall]

i figured if i had a joystick, i wouldnt need to customise buttons, but if i decide that the joysticks problems are not worth the hassle, ill definatly pick up one of those pads. i can see me using it in other games as well

[lazyboy_se]

So how does the Ace edge actually manage that? You must have to use a shift button for one of the analog controls?

I don't have a stick yet so I'm no expert but I thought the whole problem with the configs is that there aren't enough analog directions available on the consoles. Obviously you need one 4 direction analog stick for flight controls, 1 analog direction for the throttle(The control pad uses the left analog stick but I seems to me it is acting as just a digital in the up down directions of the throttle), 4 analog directions for the hat and finally 2 directions for the rudder. 11 total directions. Unfortunatly thats 1 too many for the PS3 and 360.

I guess the AV8R was designed with too many analog directions so you could chose in its software which ones it used when used on a PC.

So anyway the AV8R has to have digital on/off rudder because all the extra analog directions are used up by the analog hat free look (you wouldn't really want an analog left rudder, digital right rudder or vice verse, would you). And the thrustmaster config has to be creative to find space for only 4 of the 8 digital buttons on the hat (I'm guessing it uses the 4 diagonal directions of the D-pad?)

I really think that both the AV8R config and Thrustmaster config will need to use one button as a shift key. So thrustmaster could have the whole 8 directions of the D-pad assigned to the hat free look, then hold a button and it would become wingman commands. The AV8R isn't as easy, it would need to have a button to switch from rudder control to free look but I think you would have to have the rudder on the hat because I'm not sure a duplicate control can be set for the stick twist to be the same as left/right on the hat.

Anyway you can really see how difficult it all is for the developers.

I see what you mean, but if you would assign the throttle to r2 and rudder to L2 where 50% is no rudder 0% is left rudder and 100% is right rudder wouldn't that solve the problem?

[versapak]

So how does the Ace edge actually manage that? You must have to use a shift button for one of the analog controls?

I don't have a stick yet so I'm no expert but I thought the whole problem with the configs is that there aren't enough analog directions available on the consoles. Obviously you need one 4 direction analog stick for flight controls, 1 analog direction for the throttle(The control pad uses the left analog stick but I seems to me it is acting as just a digital in the up down directions of the throttle), 4 analog directions for the hat and finally 2 directions for the rudder. 11 total directions. Unfortunatly thats 1 too many for the PS3 and 360.

I guess the AV8R was designed with too many analog directions so you could chose in its software which ones it used when used on a PC.

So anyway the AV8R has to have digital on/off rudder because all the extra analog directions are used up by the analog hat free look (you wouldn't really want an analog left rudder, digital right rudder or vice verse, would you). And the thrustmaster config has to be creative to find space for only 4 of the 8 digital buttons on the hat (I'm guessing it uses the 4 diagonal directions of the D-pad?)

I really think that both the AV8R config and Thrustmaster config will need to use one button as a shift key. So thrustmaster could have the whole 8 directions of the D-pad assigned to the hat free look, then hold a button and it would become wingman commands. The AV8R isn't as easy, it would need to have a button to switch from rudder control to free look but I think you would have to have the rudder on the hat because I'm not sure a duplicate control can be set for the stick twist to be the same as left/right on the hat.

Anyway you can really see how difficult it all is for the developers.

For the Ace Edge, the throttle and rudder use the analog of triggers. The main flight stick is the left stick, and the view stick is the right analog stick.

On the 360 the AV8R-02 uses those same functions thanks to a standard that MS has made for flight sticks on 360.

[towman]

So anyway the AV8R has to have digital on/off rudder because all the extra analog directions are used up by the analog hat free look

However if you use the wireless controller, you can push L3 and "analog" look around, and when you don't push the L3 then you have analog rudder, so it is possible to control both in increments.

I just loaded up MS Flight Simulator on my PC with the Aviator plugged in, and the twistgrip rudder works perfectly, also the dead zones are adjustable by the software and it helped with the hardware dead zones.

Both points (on/off rudder and huge dead zones) are fixable and they should be fixed in a patch (if not fixed already in the retail version, which I doubt).

[Robotic Pope]

For the Ace Edge, the throttle and rudder use the analog of triggers. The main flight stick is the left stick, and the view stick is the right analog stick.

On the 360 the AV8R-02 uses those same functions thanks to a standard that MS has made for flight sticks on 360.

Ah ok I see now. So the AV8R uses 10 analog directions after-all by having only 1 direction each for throttle and rudder. The TM sticks use 10 aswell but the throttle and rudder both have 2 directions (like on the gamepad) giving it twice the accuracy of the AV8R. The Trustmasters use the final two analog directions for gun trigger buttons? Where the AV8R (and the Ace Pro) must have digital trigger buttons.

Now I believe the rudder problem on the AV8R is not because it is on/off but because there is just not enough range in just one analog direction, so you can't get the accuracy you want with the stick twist. I think this also explains why you can't get the wheel brakes to work, because the game's throttle was designed for the 2 directions and the point of braking is quite small (smaller than the point WEP kicks in at the top of the range). This braking point is twice as small when you half accuracy and the AV8R isn't designed to the same quality as the Ace pro and cannot find the spot.

{EDIT: Bit of a brain malfuntion for me there. Braking point wouold be twice as large not small, I guess they had too decrease the size of it otherwise you would be braking when the throttle was in around a 25% position. They just decreased it too much for the AV8R to see it.}

So if the developers want the Av8R to work properly they need to add a setting which slows rudder movement by a half and add a setting to lower the increments that the throttle goes up in (maybe in 2% or 5%). This would allow for a bigger zone for braking.

This is all my best guess work though, I could be completly wrong lol

[lazyboy_se]

No, if you try the AV8R setting on the control you will see that the rudder is mapped to the digital L1/R1 buttons. So the rudder is indeed on/off.

[Captain Cutaway]

I'm lucky enough to have both the AV8R and the Hori Ace Edge EX. Was hoping that either one would work with Over-g Fighters but both have issues. As far as BoP(xbox 360) is concerned, my favorite is the Ace-Edge. Still trying to figure out how the trim works though:). Cheers!

[Robotic Pope]

No, if you try the AV8R setting on the control you will see that the rudder is mapped to the digital L1/R1 buttons. So the rudder is indeed on/off.

Well I'm only going on what other people have said. Versapak has said that the AV8R-02 for the 360 has the throttle and rudder as the analog triggers.

Maybe the PS3's AV8R-03 is different and its problem is how I discribed in my first post in this thread.

[Beliall]

can a mod please sticky this thread for other people please? it may prevent tonnes more joystick threads appearing, and its really helpful. cheers

[ontheborderland]

I just got the Aviator today and haven't had any problems at all with it so far. the rudder control works great for me and I didn't have to change a single setting, just plug and play. I'm on the 360 (demo only at the moment, damn release delay in Aus :( )

[Mart]

Looks like im going to have to shell out £35 for a new stick as my pc based ones will not work on the 360. :(

[Acegadgets]

I picked up a Hotas in the UK from Argos for £25. Its a huge improvement on the playstation pad. I would like to know though , how on earth do you bring the plane to a halt on a short runway, with a pad you throttle back and it slows down, but it takes 3 times longer to stop with the Hotas. Can I do anything about this?

[trk29]

There is no brake for the flight sticks hopefully the devs can fix this.

[towman]

Patiently waiting on Anton's PS3 flight stick announcement... :roll:

[radiokomrad]

I noticed it in the demo that there was NO graphic for any of the sticks you supported. None with the diagram of the controller and the indication of which button does what in the control menu. But its ALSO not there in the final game? Its just the background with the darkened centre, and the words thrustmaster 1 or thrustmaster 2 on the bottom of the selection part. whereas if you scroll back to the ps3 controller it has the ps3 controller and the corrolating buttons to that diagram. Will you guys update this or is it Blank intentionally?

[towman]

Most likely the devs ran out of time before publisher/marketing demanded release, typical.

[radiokomrad]

I picked up a Hotas in the UK from Argos for £25. Its a huge improvement on the playstation pad. I would like to know though , how on earth do you bring the plane to a halt on a short runway, with a pad you throttle back and it slows down, but it takes 3 times longer to stop with the Hotas. Can I do anything about this?

yea, i noticed this too. i usually throttle down, turn, and bring my stick back ( pitch up ) when it slows to 170-100.

[FilthyPrick]

Patiently waiting on Anton's PS3 flight stick announcement... :roll:

and stil waiting.....

[Hori]

I would get the hotas one since I already have the av-8r, the deadzone and on/off rudder is really bothering me. Not enough to not love the game, but enough to hope for a fix announcement everytime I check this page. :)

[dave_prso9]

Bought a Hotas for PS3 today. (Argos £25 - bargain) Absolutely love it.

The only thing I would improve would be force feedback/rumble but this would mean a more expensive stick.

[rufuzmitchell]

Bought a Hotas for PS3 today. (Argos £25 - bargain) Absolutely love it.

The only thing I would improve would be force feedback/rumble but this would mean a more expensive stick.

Dave,how do you cope with the deadzone? there's quite noticable deadzone on both the stick and the throttle and even the rudder...

i've tried several things like lowering aileron and elevator,tightening and loosening up the resistance dial on the bottom of the stick,but it is kinda hard to get a bead on your target imo...do you experience this as well?

[FilthyPrick]

Bought a Hotas for PS3 today. (Argos £25 - bargain) Absolutely love it.

The only thing I would improve would be force feedback/rumble but this would mean a more expensive stick.

How do you check your six without target camera?

[spitfire]

I'd go with the Aviator Stick out of preference, but dont you have to put any joystick on a solid surface? Not really useful for console gamers

[bussinrounds]

I'd go with the Aviator Stick out of preference, but dont you have to put any joystick on a solid surface? Not really useful for console gamers

You can construct a " flight chair ".:)

[fuzzychickens]

and stil waiting.....

still waiting for ps3 joystick announcement.

[blurrry]

Patiently waiting on Anton's PS3 flight stick announcement... :roll:

Me too now :roll:

If i had to choose a stick right now, i would pick the AV8R because you can check 6 without target camera. Its rudder sounds like a pain though.

I would much prefer a TM hotas, as they feel great, but whats that on my 6?? I can only hear it...

[radiokomrad]

Me too now :roll:

If i had to choose a stick right now, i would pick the AV8R because you can check 6 without target camera. Its rudder sounds like a pain though.

I would much prefer a TM hotas, as they feel great, but whats that on my 6?? I can only hear it...

wait you guys can't check your six on a hotas? i use the thumb and button on the throttle simultaneously to do that. it is pretty intuitive for me. i have it set on thrustmaster 2.

[fuzzychickens]

wait you guys can't check your six on a hotas? i use the thumb and button on the throttle simultaneously to do that. it is pretty intuitive for me. i have it set on thrustmaster 2.

I played for a few days on AV8R on PS3 - but the rudder is so "on/off" it's useless.

So I play online with gamepad for now - it makes my flying in general pretty bad - but once I get behind an enemy I find having better rudder control gives me a few more kills.

I'm thinking about the thrustmaster now - but I think I'm gonna wait to see if Anton has more news on sticks.

[Pup]

wait you guys can't check your six on a hotas? i use the thumb and button on the throttle simultaneously to do that. it is pretty intuitive for me. i have it set on thrustmaster 2.

The what button? The only way I know to view behind you at the moment is if you are in arcade or realistic and can select a target that is behind you, and then use the target camera, or be in the external view mode and press down on the hatswitch, which is not very useful for people who tend to play solely in cockpit view.

[ptisinge]

I'd like to hear what Anton has to announce about the ps3 sticks as well...
I wish there was simply a button/axes assignment option, I could then simply go on using my old Saitek X 45 (which would work well if the rudder was assigned to something...).
Otherwise I'd probably go for the hotas X or the aviator, but for that I need to hear how their respective flaws are going to be fixed (they'd better be fixed because the rudder, looking around or braking problems are pretty serious, and the gamepad doesn't feel like a serious option to me...).
So, please let us know asap Anton :)

[FilthyPrick]

wait you guys can't check your six on a hotas? i use the thumb and button on the throttle simultaneously to do that. it is pretty intuitive for me. i have it set on thrustmaster 2.

Dude could you be more specific and confirm this statement - if correct it could solve the only (but very serious) flaw in the T.Master?

[Maxtor]

So how does the Ace edge actually manage that? You must have to use a shift button for one of the analog controls?

I don't have a stick yet so I'm no expert but I thought the whole problem with the configs is that there aren't enough analog directions available on the consoles. Obviously you need one 4 direction analog stick for flight controls, 1 analog direction for the throttle(The control pad uses the left analog stick but I seems to me it is acting as just a digital in the up down directions of the throttle), 4 analog directions for the hat and finally 2 directions for the rudder. 11 total directions. Unfortunatly thats 1 too many for the PS3 and 360.


The PS3 controller also has the movement sensors which are analogue, the PS3 itself is capable of handling more analogue inputs. I guess these issues will be sorted sooner or later.

[caphead]

annoying is what it is! no flightstick for ps3 right now works like it should in this game.

[Graiskye]

I find it laughable that ll these new flightsim junkies are crying about their 50.00 hotas stick not working the way they want it. Ha ha, as a player of flight sims for longer than I care to think about, this is the norm when you pay less than 150.00 fo a decent flightstik.
All the cheap ones, ie anything under 150.00 have the same problems, cheap ass pots that wear out, have 'deadly' dead zones, and are just plain craptastic.
After you all go through 2 or 3 of the cheap ones youll realise I am right, there isnt anything that is much harder on a joystic than trying to dogfight with one. If you want a real experience you have to go PC, and a buy z cougar from thrustmater(299.00) most everything else is pure shite comparatively.
The cheap sticks will work, for a bit, dont get me wrong, but they will break down very quickly, iv had 'premum' logitech stiks last less than a day efore the pots were out of whack, and fighting wit them became unbearable.
If the comapany cares about tthe game, which I doubt, they are just hoping to sell a few billion copies, which they figure probably most of then willk sit on the shelf after the inital buzz wears off, Il2 can forget about their console 'joke' and get back to 'real simming', OR they will take the consolers serious(I hope this happens) and they will get put into play a joystick that can actually handle the rigors of dogfighting and can be hooked to an X box,PS-3. I am not sure if the Cougar for Thrustmaster will work ona PS 3 but if it will, this is the stik to get. The Cougar is damn near indestructible, made of metal, and modeled off a f-16 actual joystick in the cockpit.
Have fun with this stuff, but realize if the joystick is cheap you are getting a cheap joystick, DUH.
-Grais

[Smidlee]

@ Graiskye
If you read carefully you will realize that some have noted that the "cheap" hotas flight stick does not have this dead zones when it's hooked up to the PC. It seems to be how the game or game system reads the stick. So even if you have a thousand dollar flight stick there will still be a dead zone.
I serious doubt a pc stick design to run on a driver will work on a console. So spending a $150 on a flight stick to play IL-2 for the ps3/x360 will probably be as useful as spending $150 on Track IR 5.

[caphead]

I find it laughable that ll these new flightsim junkies are crying about their 50.00 hotas stick not working the way they want it. Ha ha, as a player of flight sims for longer than I care to think about, this is the norm when you pay less than 150.00 fo a decent flightstik.
All the cheap ones, ie anything under 150.00 have the same problems, cheap ass pots that wear out, have 'deadly' dead zones, and are just plain craptastic.
dude dont give me that, i played this game since the original il2 sturmovik release on pc! and tell me what choices do the ps3 have with flight stick options! sure i used ch products on the pc but do they work on ps3 no! so shut the **** up about your overpriced gear! god i hate people who dont have a frigging clue!

[ppizzi]

This is a truly great effort of a sim on a console - excellent work and props to the devs.

My only issue is the lack of remapping for the ps3 flight sticks....please, please please consider this as an update if any devs are reading. I really can't fully enjoy the experience with this major issue.

Thanks for the great sim!

[fuzzychickens]

I find it laughable that ll these new flightsim junkies are crying about their 50.00 hotas stick not working the way they want it. Ha ha, as a player of flight sims for longer than I care to think about, this is the norm when you pay less than 150.00 fo a decent flightstik.
All the cheap ones, ie anything under 150.00 have the same problems, cheap ass pots that wear out, have 'deadly' dead zones, and are just plain craptastic.
After you all go through 2 or 3 of the cheap ones youll realise I am right, there isnt anything that is much harder on a joystic than trying to dogfight with one. If you want a real experience you have to go PC, and a buy z cougar from thrustmater(299.00) most everything else is pure shite comparatively.
The cheap sticks will work, for a bit, dont get me wrong, but they will break down very quickly, iv had 'premum' logitech stiks last less than a day efore the pots were out of whack, and fighting wit them became unbearable.
If the comapany cares about tthe game, which I doubt, they are just hoping to sell a few billion copies, which they figure probably most of then willk sit on the shelf after the inital buzz wears off, Il2 can forget about their console 'joke' and get back to 'real simming', OR they will take the consolers serious(I hope this happens) and they will get put into play a joystick that can actually handle the rigors of dogfighting and can be hooked to an X box,PS-3. I am not sure if the Cougar for Thrustmaster will work ona PS 3 but if it will, this is the stik to get. The Cougar is damn near indestructible, made of metal, and modeled off a f-16 actual joystick in the cockpit.
Have fun with this stuff, but realize if the joystick is cheap you are getting a cheap joystick, DUH.
-Grais

I don't reccomend the cougar unless you want to upgrade the pots on that plus the gimbal - which wears out.

The Ch fighterstick, while not metal like the cougar, works out of the box and is more precise - about as precise as my cougar was after dumping 500 in custom upgrades.

[towman]

have you guys heard about the new Saitek X-65?

[trk29]

In title update (for PS3 only though) there will be deadzone customization.


This is awesome news.

[Dexter]

This is awesome news.

+1

Thanks Anton. Looks like the best just got better ;)

[trk29]

It is simply digital on PS3 and analogue on PC/360.
Nothing we can do.

:(
Oh well thanks for clarifying.


I have sent Saitek a email with my concerns I hope everybody with a ps3 and AV8R 03 will do the same. Here is what I sent them

Hello,
As a forum moderator and owner of IL-2 Sturmovik Birds of Prey, we as ps3 gamers have just found out of a problem with the AV8R 03 for the Playstation 3.
The twist in the stick for rudder is digital whereas the twist of the stick on the AV8R 02 XBox is analog.
What does this mean? When you apply rudder on the AV8R 03 it is either all the way or centered. So there is no fine adjustment when trying to shoot the opponent.
I have talked to the CEO of Gaijin Anton Yudintsev and he said there is nothing he can do. But I feel you could make a change to your stick because every PS3 user on the forum is aggravated that this button is digital and not analog. Since most people have been saying that they are going to be buying the Thrustmaster T-Flight Hotas instead of this stick. And now we have another option of using pc flight sticks instead of either one of these.
I own this stick and can confirm the twist is not correct. I think if you really want to sell this stick you should make this change. I thank you for your time in reading this. Have a good day.

Tim

[Irishmandkg]

sweet, i can't wait to fully customize my controls on my t-x.:grin:

[bussinrounds]

What about the hat switch on the t.x ? Are we gonna get more than 4 directions for the free look ?

[towman]

It is simply digital on PS3 and analogue on PC/360.
Nothing we can do.

Wait, this means that the aviator's on/off rudder can't be fixed? I still can't get my head around this one. So the stick's twistgrip is capable of analog signal (I verified this on my PC using the Av8tor-03 PC/PS3 stick).
If you can program other PC sticks work why can't this one?

[FilthyPrick]

What about the hat switch on the t.x ? Are we gonna get more than 4 directions for the free look ?

All Anton's answers on PS3 Sticks on: http://forum.1cpublishing.eu/showthread.php?t=9697

Goog news for T. Master owners:)

[Graiskye]

I may have been misunderstood, granted the post was a bit erratic. Cheap sticks will work fine.....for a short time. Thats it. The rigors of flying a plane by joystick fighting combat are simply too hard on the stick for cheap plastic to last much longer the pot holders get broken, worn out, etc, etc...
And yes people cry about their cougars, the sad truth is you cannot please all of the people all of the time.
As to sinking 500 into a cougar flight stick, well I think you answered your own question there, anyone that is going to sink 750.00 into a joystick to play a PC game, well your probably not going too be happy even then are you ? I mean come one 500.00 to customise an already great stick cause what the pot had 1 or 2% drift ? Now come on and post about the litany of problems you had and all you had too do too fix them, why ? Because you have every right in the world too
For every person that stands there with their cougar going my pots suck balls and are worn out, theres ten guys standing behind him smiling, hence, you cannot please all of the people all of the time.
Fly with your 35.00 joystiks, buy one every two weeks see if I give a flying ****, I could care less, Thrustmaster and Logitech and Saitek will love you for it.

I do wish you all the best of luck in finding a stik to let you enjoy your gaming/sim experience, if you are having fun, hell who am I to want to rain on that parade. I just thought it was funny this whole flightstik thing, its sooo old but with the release of the first serious console simm is re born.
Best of luck to you all,
-G.

[FilthyPrick]

All Anton's answers on PS3 Sticks on: http://forum.1cpublishing.eu/showthread.php?t=9697

Goog news for T. Master owners:)

Back on Topic

[bussinrounds]

It would be nice if we could get a list of all pc flightsticks that are gonna be compatible with the ps3 once the update comes out.

[Skorteus]

It would be nice if we could get a list of all pc flightsticks that are gonna be compatible with the ps3 once the update comes out.

Exactly, there seems to be several models and I'd like to know exactly which one(s) are compatible for PS3.

[fuzzychickens]

I may have been misunderstood, granted the post was a bit erratic. Cheap sticks will work fine.....for a short time. Thats it. The rigors of flying a plane by joystick fighting combat are simply too hard on the stick for cheap plastic to last much longer the pot holders get broken, worn out, etc, etc...
And yes people cry about their cougars, the sad truth is you cannot please all of the people all of the time.
As to sinking 500 into a cougar flight stick, well I think you answered your own question there, anyone that is going to sink 750.00 into a joystick to play a PC game, well your probably not going too be happy even then are you ? I mean come one 500.00 to customise an already great stick cause what the pot had 1 or 2% drift ? Now come on and post about the litany of problems you had and all you had too do too fix them, why ? Because you have every right in the world too
For every person that stands there with their cougar going my pots suck balls and are worn out, theres ten guys standing behind him smiling, hence, you cannot please all of the people all of the time.
Fly with your 35.00 joystiks, buy one every two weeks see if I give a flying ****, I could care less, Thrustmaster and Logitech and Saitek will love you for it.

I do wish you all the best of luck in finding a stik to let you enjoy your gaming/sim experience, if you are having fun, hell who am I to want to rain on that parade. I just thought it was funny this whole flightstik thing, its sooo old but with the release of the first serious console simm is re born.
Best of luck to you all,
-G.

Actually, I was happy for about a year with my modded cougar - then something went out on the circuit board - the last straw, so I sold my modded cougar to another simmer who swapped out the board.

I bought a CH fighter stick after that, it is just as accurate as the cougar was with hall sensors and other mods plus it is still going strong after 3 years of hard use and no issues.

The cougar was poorly made, nice on the outside and crap inside. You should expect even cheap joysticks to work reasonably well. Seems too many of them do not.

[nurfman]

I just got the thrustmaster hotas to use on my PS3 and all i can say is im so glad i dont have to mash the dualshock anymore. The hotas has a brilliant setup

[trk29]

I will check this in the morning because I am at work right now.

Don't know if this works but this is what Saitek told me. PS3 AV8R

Hi Tim,

I forwarded this to one of the product managers directly from Saitek, and this was their response:

________________________________________

The twist is digital in Mode 1, but it's analog in Mode 2. This is because there's no set specification for stick layouts on PS3, whereas there is on Xbox 360; therefore what we had to do was configure the stick so that it matched the control layout for the major games available at the time - these were Tom Clancy's HAWX and Blazing Angels.

If the customer switches to Mode 2 then they will find that they'll get an analog response, as well as the fact that the buttons will then all be correctly assigned!

If they're in any doubt that the twist is analog in this mode then they simply need to connect it to a Windows PC and test it in Game Controllers where they will see that there is an analog response in Mode 2.

________________________________________

Hope this helps.

Regards,

Angelo Ables

Customer Support Tech.
Mad Catz Interactive Inc.
1-800-659-2287
techsupport@madcatz.com

[fuzzychickens]

Can someone confirm - lol. I already returned mine, if this is true I'll be buying another.

If so, this new deserves it's own stickied thread.

[caphead]

well guess what AV8R-03 on mode 2 , game control scheme on thrustmaster 1 setting is the ticket, indeed analog! just cant figure out squad commands just yet

[trk29]

well guess what AV8R-03 on mode 2 , game control scheme on thrustmaster 1 setting is the ticket, indeed analog! just cant figure out squad commands just yet

So your playing with a AV8R-03 on mode two with the thrustmaster setting?

We are trying to figure out if the controls are the same from mode 1 to mode two with the AV8R control setting.

[caphead]

yes Mode2 on AV8R-03 and thrustmaster layout 1 on game settings. Like i said though so far squadron control is lost, havent tried bombs or rockets either yet. cant get a rear view either with hat i just found out but it does get sideways and up..

the control layout for the aviator setting in game vs mode1 and mode2 on stick are different, way different! as far as mode2 rudder being analog the answer is yes it is.

[trk29]

yes Mode2 on AV8R-03 and thrustmaster layout 1 on game settings. Like i said though so far squadron control is lost, havent tried bombs or rockets either yet.

try mode two and AV8R setting selected.

[trk29]

Taken from the new forum

MEAnton had stated on the 1C forum that the "twist" action for rudder movement on AV8R 03 for PS3 is digital and nothing can be done about it.

I contaced Saitek and they told me that in Mode 1 the twist is digital but in Mode 2 the twist is analog. But when you switch to Mode 2 the button layout changes and you can not play properly.

So is there anyway to remap the controls so we can play on Mode 2 so we can have the same option as the Xbox buys and get the rudder control in analog?

I know the update will have brake function and pc flight sticks updates but for the ones like myself that already have the AV8R, it is really hard to shoot and use rudder it just cannot be done.

Todace new forum adminThank you for your time.
Thats right. after update you will be able to use AV8R with analog rudder on Mode 2.
But Saitek X52 is much better then AV8R in any case :)

[Kirill Yudintsev]

For PS3 (after update) best choices are, doubtless, Saitek X-52 and AV8R-02 (not 03 - two more buttons and two more axes make difference). At least for me.
But we have more good news for all former (or current) PC-sim players - stay tuned.

[Kirill Yudintsev]

todace - is me.
PS F***NG 30 sec delay - meet you on yuplay forum :).

[trk29]

For PS3 (after update) best choices are, doubtless, Saitek X-52 and AV8R-02 (not 03 - two more buttons and two more axes make difference). At least for me.
But we have more good news for all former (or current) PC-sim players - stay tuned.

Now I'm really confused. Isn't the AV8R 02 just for XBox?

What axis are you talking about that makes it difficult? We are just trying to figure out if this stick made for the ps3 and BOP is going to work correctly. The AV8R 02 has more buttons than the AV8R03

[caphead]

I knew I should of held on too my X52 when i gave up on pc gaming. I do have the older X45 still, but never liked it too much.

[Hekke]

Hi guys,

I've been playing IL 2 BOP now for several days (on all levels, most of it on realistic). But i am evolving to the sim mode (allready finished battle of Brittain). Maybe I wanna buy a flight stick, so i've been checking those topics out but didn't get any satisfaction out of it.

My problem is I'm left handed so I want to know which sticks are useable with "my handicap"?

I"m on PS3, gamertag: Hekke

[Benrizz]

Aviator works for both... That is why its ergonomy could have been more userfriendly. Some buttons such as LB or RB are (depend if you are right or left handed) difficult to reach but the throlle is right in the middle

[DocGonzo101]

Hi guys, I'm new to these boards so bear with me.

I currently have the Logitech 3d force pro which I use to use on IL-2 for pc, it worked fine for me on there but its the only stick i ever used and I really don't know how good/bad it is since its the only one i used. And now over time its kinda worn out on me even with the force feedback on it has a big dead zone i guess you would call it, so now im looking for a new stick.

So I'm planning on upgrading once i start playing B.O.P, and figure ill get a Saitek joystick but am a little confused with my options, I see the one called X-52, and another one just called Saitek joystick (i guess these are the HOTAS models), they both look the same, just different colors, and am wondering if there's a big difference between the two besides the price.

So if someone can tell me the main differences between the 2 it would greatly be appreciated. If anyone knows the answer off the top of their heads, the cheaper stick is silver in color, and the more expensive is all black. The only difference i see in description is one is more programmable.

I cant figure out how to attach pictures here, so here are the links, and sorry for the long post!

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10060283&catid=#

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10107883&catid=#

[DocGonzo101]

Nevermind, i guess one is the regular X-52, and the other is the X-52 pro, futureshop website didnt show that, and most reviews I found didnt differentiate between the two. The pro seems to be built a little better all round.

The price difference is about $70, has anyone here used both and can tell me if the price of the pro is worth it?

[polyphemus_65]

I just got my stick last night and can't wait to start flying for "real" this weekend! I tested the controls a bit and I highly recommend the Thrustmaster 1 layout for those using PS3.

Here's a link to Thrustmaster Layout 1 (Simulator Mode):

http://go.avforums.com/?id=223X354&url=http%3A%2F%2Fimg29.imageshack.us%2Fimg29%2F875 0%2Fil2thrustmaster1.png

[NOTE]: In Arcade and/or Realistic, the Flaps button corresponds to Target Camera
[EDIT]: In Arcade and/or Realistic, the Trim button corresponds to Target select.

Here's a link to Thrustmaster Layout 2 (Simulator Mode):

http://go.avforums.com/?id=223X354&url=http%3A%2F%2Fimg3.imageshack.us%2Fimg3%2F9733% 2Fil2thrustmaster2.png

Enjoy! I'll be seeing you guys in the cyber skies...here's hoping you don't see me coming!

[blurrry]

Oh i wonder if the Logitech G940 would work, probs not, but does anyone know for sure?

http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/gaming/joysticks/devices/5855&cl=us,en

[tfl]

Couldn't find this information, so maybe someone can enlighten me...

Has the problem with thrustmasters looking around functionality been fixed? I mean e.g. looking to your 6 o'clock.

[Beliall]

not yet, but an update is inbound - soon

[philabong2]

hi guys, 1st post here
I'd like to thank u guys for this forum- I bought the av8r-03 right after buying Bop since it was pretty much the only stick available in stores for ps3 in canada... and almost threw it out the window as soon as I tried it. Huge deazone, poor rudder control and no landing breaks makes phil a dull boy :evil: lol
So went through realistic missions with the control pad - had a blast - but i soon realized that the only way to play sim mode is with a stick (unless there a way to look around with the pad, is there?)

Some1 i played online with (i think his name was xxx-silence-xxx, thanks alot btw) suggested to use the thrustmaster layout with av8r on mode 1, and to come check out this forum. The config does help with the deadzone and rudder control, but screws up all the other controls layout, wich is the only advantage to using a stick imo (that and being able to look around)

then I came here and saw there was an update coming... so i decided to put the stick aside until the patch comes around instead of setting it on fire...meaning i'll prob only b playing realistic until then. I use it once in a while but its too frustrating:mad: so anybody knows when exacly is this dam update coming around: almost feel like a kid about to throw a fit in the toy isle here!!!!

so thanks again for the info
will b seeing you guys (hopefully b4 u c me) in the skies soon
cheers

[polyphemus_65]

I guess I'm such a noob when it comes to flight sims that all this talk of looking around to one's 6 o'clock has me perplexed. If you are flying in simulation mode, you can look up and use the rear view mirror to scout enemies on your tail. Provided, of course, you are flying an allied (here read, 'cockpit available') plane. Granted, I don't know if you can look behind in any form in the virtual cockpit view, but I never use that view. If I'm dying to fly my BF or FW, I play on realistic. Besides, unless you are plastic man, I don't think you would be able to turn your head all the way around to your 6 o'clock in reality either so it seemed logical to me to have to depend on a mirror.

The hat switch controls the look around feature on the Thrustmaster HOTAS and I find it much easier than holding down R3 to look around, but that is an option if one is using the controller (at least on PS3)...

[great gazoo]

go to frontierpc.com and order your thrustmaster joystick there. and yes it sucks that in canada we can not buy any of this stuff in the stores. same as the new logitech ff controller. only available in usa stores. i say we cut off the oil till they change their attitude.

[Foot_Soldier]

go to frontierpc.com and order your thrustmaster joystick there. and yes it sucks that in canada we can not buy any of this stuff in the stores. same as the new logitech ff controller. only available in usa stores. i say we cut off the oil till they change their attitude.

Ebay is another option.

[TheDah]

Oh i wonder if the Logitech G940 would work, probs not, but does anyone know for sure?

http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/gaming/joysticks/devices/5855&cl=us,en

In the specifications section on the site you gave it looks like it only works for windows based systems. Sucks, it would be cool to have the pedals and all, but I don't think they have anything like that for PS3 or XBOX for that matter.

[Sandylowlead]

its all about the ace edge^^

[KAV]

Greetings to all and thanks for all info posted here.

I have been playing BoP for some weeks on my PS3 with the original controller and sure have struggled some.
Especially I find the rudder/trust on R3 challenging. :mad:

I have found the time ready to get some better grip of my flying and believe I´ll go for the av8r 02.

Anyone who has this who would like to share some experience ?

Thanks.

[trk29]

Greetings to all and thanks for all info posted here.

I have been playing BoP for some weeks on my PS3 with the original controller and sure have struggled some.
Especially I find the rudder/trust on R3 challenging. :mad:

I have found the time ready to get some better grip of my flying and believe I´ll go for the av8r 02.

Anyone who has this who would like to share some experience ?

Thanks.


You might want to wait till after the update where your choices will be more broad.

I have this stick and I have only used it a few times I use the gamepad mostly. I just started using the av8r layout on the pad and it works pretty well.

Edit: I have gone back to the original setup. I like it the best. I can't shoot well with the O button.

[Desode]

Trk29 is right, I know I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I will be able to use my Saitek X52 on the Ps3 ! If that is the case then I will play the ps3 ver the most. Not that I don't love my Ace edge, but it doesn't come close to the X52.

That being said, I think you will all be shocked to see a new wave of players hit the ps3, if this patch holds true,, with the pc sticks and the fully customizable controls and Red outs and Black outs back in the game !!
I really believe the ps3 version will take on a cult following that will last till we see a sequel.

I know one thing I will be playing the Hell out of the ps3 version if this patch delivers those things.
There is still alot of us here, and I know there is a lot of lurkers that don't post. Hang in there guys, I really think things are going to turn around when this patch comes.
DESODE

[McQ59]

I use the T-master Hotas, and think it performs really well. I like the way the switches are placed and the feeling of the grip. I also like the possibility to adjust the switches the way I want. Not that I change them a lot, but it happends I use another set-up at Strike.
I tried the AV8R-03 but binned it. It felt to much like "plastic", and the grip didn't fit my hand. I tried to improve the grip with gaffatape, but in the end I went on-line and purchased the T-master. The rest is Aviation History for me. I improved my performance a lot.

But I guess it's like everything else... It's not the plane or the stick it depends on, it's what happends between the ears of the performer. And a lot of practice!


Stay frosty!

[Desode]

I use the T-master Hotas, and think it performs really well. I like the way the switches are placed and the feeling of the grip. I also like the possibility to adjust the switches the way I want. Not that I change them a lot, but it happends I use another set-up at Strike.
I tried the AV8R-03 but binned it. It felt to much like "plastic", and the grip didn't fit my hand. I tried to improve the grip with gaffatape, but in the end I went on-line and purchased the T-master. The rest is Aviation History for me. I improved my performance a lot.

But I guess it's like everything else... It's not the plane or the stick it depends on, it's what happends between the ears of the performer. And a lot of practice!


Stay frosty!


I agree with the practice part, but having the best tools to do the job helps a lot too. I guess I have just put so many hours in playing flight sims with my X52 that its like a old pair of shoes. You know what I mean ? Hell I probably have thousands of hours of flight sim time on it. I have played years of Il2 sturmovik (pc) with it and If the patch has support for it I may even tear up on my first BOP ps3 flight ! LOL

DESODE

[trk29]

I agree with the practice part, but having the best tools to do the job helps a lot too. I guess I have just put so many hours in playing flight sims with my X52 that its like a old pair of shoes. You know what I mean ? Hell I probably have thousands of hours of flight sim time on it. I have played years of Il2 sturmovik (pc) with it and If the patch has support for it I may even tear up on my first BOP ps3 flight ! LOL

DESODE

Have you not even played it on your ps3 yet?

[SEE]

Can someone tell me (if they are using a Joystick) whether the deadzone issue has been reolved since the release of the PS3 patch and if a calibration feature has been incorporated as stated in the Patch release notes?

[Christian Baril]

ISTR there is a deadzone adjustment for the stick,

Anyone have a good key map of Saitek x52 for PS3?

[bucklong]

Can CH USB rudder pedals work with PS3 Birds of prey? I'm going to buy a PC stick and was wondering if my old USB pedals could be made to work in the game.

Thank you for any thoughts you may have.
Buck!

[jsm]

howdy everyone! now that the patch has arived, whats the choices of flight sticks we can use on the ps3? theres gotta be a clear winner by now? and its gotta have smooth movement on the hat like the av8tor 03. am i right in saying so? the poll on this forum for flight sticks is pre ps3 patch so isnt valid infomation now if theres more to choose from.

[AV 1611]

I like the separation option of the HOTAS X. :)