Questions about joysticks
 

Hi, I bought the il2 package probably a year ago, never really got into it because I didn't have a joystick, but I'm trying to get back into it for the upcoming storm of war game, and I'm wondering what the il2 veterans think are the best joysticks for a realistic flight sim like il2.

I don't care about any force feedback options, looking for something under $90.

Thanks in advance.

I'm using a Saitek X52, I picked it up when circuit city closed down for $60 on sale.
Its a good stick I don't know how much they are now but I think if you search around the web you should be able to score won for $90 or under.

I'm sure some of the Vets on here will give you even more ideas and opinions.
These forums have a lot of good people with good information to give out.
Welcome to Il2. I know did kind of the same thing you did. I bought it and then it set there for a while. Then one weekend I put some time in and really got hooked on it.

Best of luck with your pick, Desode

I've read good things about this all in one stick

http://www.thrustmaster.com/product....3&PlatformID=5

http://www.amazon.com/Thrustmaster-T.../ref=pd_cp_e_1

Otherwise, if you can find a MSFT forcefeedback2 stick that would be the best go.

You might still find them new, but the price is often more than $100

I'm loving my new CH products. I have the Fighterstick, although it doesn't have rudder built into the stick, if that's what you're seeking (although I guess you could map it to the controls). I went with the pedals instead, and also very glad that I made that decision. CH makes great products, but you'll feel it a little bit in the ol' wallet, if that's a concern.

Coog

about joysticks i have an av8r i know its only a cheep stick but do any off you guys use it ?? i just got my copy today and the stick isnt working at all the throttle dont work and the twist for rudder isnt working and the hat switch dont seem to be working too ??

do i have to download a driver ?? im using vista and when i plugg it in if finds and sets the av8r up auto

or once the patches for 1946 have finished down loading will that solve the prob ???

many thanks dazz

I'm no expert, that's for sure, but I don't think the 1946 patch is going to solve your issue(s). Probably best to go into IL-2 set-up, ensure you've got the joystick actually selected and then after that, go into "controls" to map your stick to all that you want it to do (perhaps including flight controls), switches for weapons, hat for views, etc., etc.

Hope this helps,

Coog

Did you assign the functions in the controls menu? You can get to the controls menu from the main menu, or by pressing escape while flying and selecting "Controls". Once you are in the controls menu, scroll all the way down to where it says "HOTAS". Assign the functions there.

ok i didnt go into the controll page so i guess thats where im going wrong so i will have a go at it later im downloading the patchs i need and trying to get my laptop to display prop on the lcd tv as well at the min so i think ill do all that first then ill set up the joystick and then im ready to go :grin:

thanks for all the help guys
much apprecated
dazz:grin:

I'd recommend the SAITEK X52 PRO... the saitek x52 without the PRO it's a bit toy-ish for my like... the PRO it's much better quality and feels much better. I'd also recommend to have TRACKIR, the level of immersion it offers it's amazing. :cool:

The SAITEK X52 PRO seems to be more money than I am willing to shell out for a joystick, cheapest i can find it for in Canada is $165.


What do you guys think of the Saitek Aviator? http://ncix.com/products/index.php?s...facture=Saitek

I use a Saitek Cyborg 3D Gold that I got in the sales a number of years ago & it works for me, but would like some pedals eventually.

CH
 

another vote for CH


I got a cheap joystick but the durability ran out and I already liked IL-2 so much I got a whole CH set up.


Get $24 joystick. If you really get into IL-2, get a HOTAS and pedals set up.

if you want a cheap good joystick you can get a "Logitech Extreme 3D Pro" the price range is well within what you're looking for, it's a very solid joystick with confortable layout. I'm using it at the moment until I can afford a complete set of HOTAS and pedals.

Logitech Extreme 3D Pro
 

I am also using a Logitech Extreme 3D Pro, and can recommend it as a starter joystick.

It features, aside from the primary two axises and fire trigger, Twist-stick Rudder, a Throttle Lever, 8-directional POV-hat, 5 thumb buttons on the stick and 6 buttons on the base. It costs about 350SEK here, which equals 54 Canadian Dollars.
Its electronics are not as durable as a more expensive joystick, as mine started giving somewhat mildly unstable signals around the center-regions after about 12 months of heavy usage. This can however be negated by using a little bit of dead-band.

Some other side notes; After you've acquired any joystick, you should do two things.
1.) From the Main Menu in IL2, go to Hardware and then Input and select Yaw from the drop-down menu. That is by default configured to a profile with all sliders set to 100. Drag the sliders (or enter the numbers in the boxes) until it's set to 10-20-30-40-...-100. This will make the Rudder less sensitive to input near the center, and will make landings and take-offs less dangerously sensitive/twitchy.
2.) Download the program "Joy To Key" from here and use it to configure your POV-hat inputs to simulate mouse movement. This will enable you to use your POV-hat to pan and scan smoothly across the horizon, instead of IL2's default ≈30° snap locks. (Don't forget to unbind the POV-inputs from the "views" and "snap view" sections of IL2's Control Settings.)

Saitek Aviator is good "all in one" joystick, with bonus of 5th axis and four (on)-of-(on) switchs, whit mode selector. And have better potentiometers than Logitech 3D PRO.

Sokol1

Get yourselft a Microsoft Sidewinder Precision 2 at eBay. It is the best joystick for its price.

Does anyone know how to do this? I only see pitch and roll, yaw would be magnificent because the rudder pedals I have are giving me glitched input that could be cut out with a small dead zone.

If you can find a download link for a program called il2 Joy Control I'm pretty sure that will do it.

+1

For a quick, cheap and decent stick, the Aviator is just fine (and better than the Logitech offering).

I had a CH analogue Flightstick Pro and Pedals for over a decade until I went USB, still as sharp as the day I got them when sold.

No question where my money went after that.

No doubt it costs a bit but if you're committed to simming, they'll last and last.

Cheers, Spinner

yes it is..I have it....and tried aviator (cheap, uncomfortable) and X52 (not precise enough, crap durability in some units)...

I would like to buy CH combatstick but some ppl reported it has long throw and that resistance is weak...how weak and how long is throw compared to MS precision? I know CH gear is durable and of good quality...

I've never used the MS joystick, so I can't make that comparison.

I have the CH flightstick. The "throw" (in terms of angles) is about twice that on previous joysticks I've used, this is good, you have enough movement in the stick to feel with the position of your arm how far you moved it, which is a lot better than having to depend on the (slight) change in resistance in cheaper sticks to tell you how far it moved. There isn't much resistance, but since you're not relying on it to tell you how far you moved the stick, it's not a problem, IMHO.

I hope all of the functions of this stick are enabled in the new game, and it would be nice to get some development enabling the ability to use this stick in the old game:o)......!
http://www.gamingnexus.com/Article/L.../Item2393.aspx


Please Santa???? LOL!