realistic joystick

[Thunderbolt56]

I like the "idea" of having these over-the-top sticks and controllers available. Being a severe lefty, they simply aren't practical for me, but were I not so southpaw-inclined, I'd seriously consider one of these setups.

I got the same looks from people when I bought a 27" monitor for $1,000 (when 24" versions could be had for half that) so I could enjoy my sims and games more. With the longevity these controllers would seem to have, the amortized investment could be easily justified.

[Feuerfalke]

Couldn't agree more.

On the other hand, as I always tend to modify and fiddle around with my input devices, I'd be really p*ssed, if I'd break a 1.000$ stick, compared to my X52

But then it's the question if I would even have to modify it....

[revi]

have just modded my x52 and finding the result quite nice, thanks for the link Feuerfalke.
This might buy me enough time now to save for one of those beauties.

[Feuerfalke]

Cool!

I'm glad you like it. I bet you agree that it's really not hard to do, compared to the improvements.

[revi]

not hard, well worth the slaying the dragon. [I] dont like messing with technology, but now the stick responds like t should.

[LukeFF]

How do these Tarmac Ace controllers interface with IL2? IOW, is there any programming software that comes with these devices? I absolutely love the look of these controllers, but going from all of my buttons and modes on my CH setup could be a scary proposition.

[bolox]

Originally Posted by LukeFF

How do these Tarmac Ace controllers interface with IL2? IOW, is there any programming software that comes with these devices? I absolutely love the look of these controllers, but going from all of my buttons and modes on my CH setup could be a scary proposition.

as they are based on a leo bodner bu0836 controller they are recognised as such by windoze, and can be assigned directly as dx buttons in game- this is the way i'm running mine anyway.

tarmac aces don't recommend the use of software but any keyboard emulator should be fine, svmapper for xp (free)
http://forum.sukhoi.ru/showthread.php?t=46137
or digital transforms for vista
http://www.digitaltransforms.com/
(not free but free trial) would be my suggestions to look at- there are others.

for all those 'other' controls on your ch setup there are several ways forward:-

use ch throttle and you'll still have all these commands - use the stick aswell as a button bay?

make a custom controller (using another bu0836 or similar). i'm doing this using a beta innovations plasma lite for 88 buttons/switches/rotary encoders.
this transferred (nearly)all my cougar programmed controls.

get a touchscreen and use touchbuddy
http://www.touch-buddy.com/forums/fa...aster-faq.html

and with any of these if you haven't got tir- get it

hope this has given you some ideas and eased the scare factor

[Windturbin]

Originally Posted by LukeFF

How do these Tarmac Ace controllers interface with IL2? IOW, is there any programming software that comes with these devices? I absolutely love the look of these controllers, but going from all of my buttons and modes on my CH setup could be a scary proposition.

Concerning buttons for flight simulation..............

I fly with the full line of CH-products. I have a small space between my Fighterstick and throttle. Not quite enough room for a keyboard.

I do not like using my CH product buttons for certain things, such as the many possible flight and wingman commands.

I ordered me an X-key Professional yesterday it is about 9"x 8" and will fit perfectly in my cockpit right there between my Fighterstick and throttle.

http://www.piengineering.com/xkeys/xkpro.php

Comes with programming software for keystrokes and macros, also software and templets for labeling each button.

This could be a possible solution (58 keys should be enough) for the lack of buttons if using tarmac equipment.

[BadAim]

Feuerfalke, I want to thank you for posting the X52 mod. I tried it, and so far I'm impressed with the precision, after tightening up the top of the stick with tape (I dont use the twist, anyway), there is 0 movement without the sensors picking it up. I also modified the trigger, by removing the tip of the plunger for the first stage and bending the lever for the second stage just a bit, now the takeup is at the beginning of the triggers' travel, and the transition from guns, to guns and cannons is smooth as silk.

Thanks again, M8