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Speaking as a longtime user of TrackIR, and someone who's experimented with FaceTrackNoIR and FreeTrack as well, I would say that TrackIR is in a class by itself (though I've never had anything set up with Kinect, so YRMV). TIR 5 uses a higher-resolution camera than before, and the proclip (which I strongly recommend, despite the fact that it could be a bit more robust) improves things even further. There are hotkeys to pause tracking and to recenter the view, and you can tailor the amount of response to suit your own preferences. Jitter will be almost nonexistent. Holding your head steady while working cockpit switches does take some practice, and some folks use a hotkey to pause tracking while they flip switches. It's like anything else - whatever works best for you.

You might consider that RJ-45 sockets come in a punch-down configuration - not as tidy as those screw-down terminals, perhaps, but cheap & easy, and the route I'm taking.

Have you checked the HOTAS Cougar Control Panel to make sure the microstick axes haven't been reassigned?

Great clarification, and what I suspected was the case. Thanks!

DEC, I'm very interested in more details regarding the removal of the back cover from the MFD frames, as that's an idea I've toyed with. Do you have photos of the inside, and can you give a clearer description about what the problem was?

I've been interested in 3D printing for a long time. The up-front investment is steep, but if you're a tinkerer like me, it'd be useful immediately. I wouldn't think panels would be an effective use for the technology, but certainly knobs, oddly-shaped small parts, and ornamental pieces would be fun to whip out on demand. I see the latest offering from MakerBot is just over $2000, so it'll be within reach very soon. Ah, wish lists are fun.

As long as the ids are set 1-4 with no duplicates, Windows (& DCS) will see them as separate controllers - TARGET will only recognize 1 & 2. It sounds like you've got it - is there something specific that's causing a problem, or something you can't do? LED brightness can be set with a button combo.

The likelihood of a ThrustMaster "Eagle" is low - development and tooling costs wouldn't justify that, especially when the Warthog Throttle is already very similar to the Eagle's and the stick has more than enough buttons. I wouldn't even hold my breath for an Eagle grip that would screw on to the Warthog base - because that was the idea as far back as the Cougar - but never materialized. My advice to you is to get the TIR, first ... once you've flown with it, you'll wonder how you got along without it.

It's been a long time since I've messed with TARGET at all, but I do remember this being the case. I had the same sort of issue trying to connect more than one T16000M, as well. I don't know what you fly or what you're trying to do, but you can always remap the keys for MFD #3 & 4 within the game, and use TARGET to configure #1 & 2 for whatever you need. Also, keep in mind that there are free programs that can do most if not all that TARGET can, including Helios, PPjoy, Autohotkey, etc.

This is a difficult question to answer. The fact is that the HOTAS-X is a fine entry-level controller for flight simulation. Unfortunately, DCS titles go a long, long way past flight simulation. Because they've put such work into modelling the systems of advanced airframes, you'll very quickly find the lack of buttons and hat switches frustrating - because you'll be forced to go to the keyboard for tasks that pilots usually accomplish with a flick of a finger. You'll also have to remember all the keyboard combinations for every task. Still, a good 30-day stint with the HOTAS-X will make it easy for you to decide whether that's enough for you, or if it's time to start saving up for something more.

Love that hub - I have the exact one. Be aware that I've had issues with connecting certain devices through it. Simple stuff like the MFDs work fine, but I'm guaranteed to crash my iPhone if it's plugged in there.

Let's hope there will be, soon! This sounds like a great idea that I'd love to try out!

I actually have this exact keyboard. I haven't had any issues with it, but I use exclusively the on-board programming, and I don't think I've used any multiple-keypress macros on it. I also haven't used it for anything in quite a while, but I'll see if I can dig it up and give this a test.

That's great work ... very nice job!

Instead of a removable lower section, what about an included camera, so a "shown through" view of your hardwired 'pit (or, desktop keyboard) could be defined - go more augmented reality with it. Yeah, I know - but there's no harm in dreaming about it.

That's fantastic. Very nice setup!

I'd still make the argument that the ratio of problems to satisfied users (over an extended period of time) would be far superior to any other manufacturer. "Untouched" doesn't mean "flawless". ;)

Any manufacturer is going to have quality control issues, and those are the people you'll hear from most. CH has an absolutely UNTOUCHED reputation for a quality product, and they easily top the list for control integration. That said, I do wish they'd up the ante and reclaim the throne from Guillemot as THE folks to beat, because I think they could easily do it.

The Cougar includes both the stick and the throttle, so it'll replace the FLCS and TQS. The RCS will connect directly to the Cougar.

Sweet - thanks for the update, and welcome back!

I happen to have the exact keyboard Nobody96 just mentioned. It's not going to win any awards for key response, but it's good and the keys are relegendable with clear caps.

Everyone starts somewhere - take pride in taking those steps rather than beating yourself up over the quality of your first attempts. As for testing as you go, all you need is a simple circuit - add a battery tester or a battery and buzzer - test circuit complete.

Your work, sir ... is impressive.

That's looking great!

The domain was registered through godaddy.com last December by an individual in China, and the site already has a couple scam reports. I can't help but chuckle that the word "scam" is even in the url. ;)