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Mack, have you tried "fooling" the calibration routine by calibrating in a single-monitor mode, then increasing the size of your desktop across all three monitors? I have no idea whether this would work, but maybe it's worth a try? Also - if the calibration routine stores settings in a file you can get to/edit, that might be worth fiddling with.

FYI, I'm running 32-bit XP Pro - no problems with Helios (that I've encoutered). Still, I'll likely be upgrading soon, as well!

As far as I know, those Saitek panels only work with MSFS. IMHO, they also seem VERY expensive for what they are.

Let me know if you're willing to produce a pair with set screws so I can use whatever pipe I have laying around! I bet I'm not the only one around who'd be interested.

I admit it ... that is truly amazing. Congratulations on a very nice rig, there, Flim. Can't wait to see it with the front dash, and the left-hand consoles! JEALOUS!!!

LOVE the PVC tablecloth approach - talk about cheap and effective! The ideas that folks come up with around here never cease to amaze me.

Take a look ... http://www.simhq.com/_technology3/technology_174b.html I think I'd modify my pit before I drill those rivets out. YIKES

Very nice start there, Flim ... impressive!

Outstanding ...

I think that's exactly the point - we shouldn't have to worry about it. I'm leaving mine plugged in, and I'll send these right back again if the same thing happens again. Avoiding the problem really isn't a solution I'm happy with. For $400(+), they should be damn near bullet-proof.

Microsoft "precision" sticks already used the optical tracking idea. I like the idea of this thread, but part of the problem is that no one stick is going to satisfy everyone. I agree that a modular design concept is absolutely the best way to go, since components could be 'mixed and matched' for each individual user. Want a force-feedback, long-stick with modern jet-fighter grip? No problem. You want a (nearly) motionless load-cell sidestick? No problem. You want a dual throttle or a heli collective with that? How about both?

I'll second the UPS answer. I run my entire setup off an UPS, and leave my throttle connected to an external, powered USB hub (also connected to the UPS) ... throttle still lost firmware about 1 week after receiving it, and totally bricked after approximately 1 month. TM was responsive however; I had a replacement (via Canada) in a little over 2 weeks.

I wouldn't bet on the Throttle being up to date, myself. I'd update both as the first order of business. And just as an additional note, I had my original throttle lose the firmware once, after about a week of use, which was solved with a firmware flash from TM (original firmware release). After about another month, it went dead completely. It was left plugged in to an external, powered USB hub. After receiving a replacement throttle, both have been updated to the llatest firmware. So far, so good ... this time.

It isn't available separately, but the stick and throttle are two independent USB devices. You can plug either or both in and they'll work just fine, along with any other USB device (such as the Cougar) you have plugged in as well, as long as your sim/software supports multiple devices. The Thrustmaster TARGET software can be used to combine Thrustmaster devices into one logical controller (with some limitations - do your research), for titles that don't support multiple controller input.

For what it's worth, I disagree. The right pit for you is the one you build. I am consistently amazed by the rapid progress, great ideas and simple solutions you come up with. This thread is a constant source of inspiration. If I had your pit, I'd never get anything done, because I'd be having too much fun sitting there playing with switches all day. So much of this is about the journey; the destination is just a video game.

Yes, the CNC is absolutely great - and you're right Duckling, there's basically no slop at all. I measured the switch mounting myself before designing the plates. The front face has wider shallow pockets on the backside that conceal the nuts holding each switch to the backplate. I'm very happy with how it turned out. My next steps will be to paint it and then engrave ... we'll see how that goes. :)

Okay, here's day #1 with the Romaxx HS-1 ... I already love this thing. @walker - Yes, TH2Go Digital. I suspect it's just time for a new video card. I'm on a 4850. I get decent framerates with the TH2Go, even with Helios running on the 2nd Out (4 monitors total) ... but removing that "fullscreen" checkbox in DCS and adding the MFD displays to monitor #4 brings the FPS unacceptably low (to around 6). I still haven't tried it with Beta4 ... been too busy getting the CNC up and working.

You're in good company, Tiny - many folks here just do what we can as time and money allow. Do yourself a favor and decide right up front whether you're going to want output from the sim, to drive indicator lights or physical gauges (as opposed to just seeing them on a monitor). If you're fine using just simulated gauges and indicators on a monitor screen, then you'd be hard pressed to do better than going with cards from Leo Bodnar (or Hagstrom, or any number of other suppliers) that simply connect as if they were another joystick. Software like Helios or LOVP can be used to display graphic gauges on a secondary monitor, if you like. If you do want more control over the output, you're better off starting with a system that has that capability right from the start, and I'd suggest you check out OpenCockpits.com and start with a MasterCard and USB Expansion. These are by no means the only way to go, as there are tons of folks around here doing amazing stuff. If you've got a spare joystick around, hack it! In any case, do your research and plan out what you're going to do. Most of all, have fun ... good luck, and welcome to the club!

No, I'm not gone. Get ready to laugh as I melt plastic and drill holes - the Romax HS-1 CNC rig arrived today, and looks in good order. I probably have a good few weeks of configuration, testing and tinkering before I'm cutting actual panels. Pit still looks about the same, though with the Warthog, (new Throttle replaced by TM) and Helios gauges on Monitor #4. Haven't tried with Beta 4 yet, but I couldn't get the MFDs on monitor 4 without a HORRENDOUS drop in FPS.

That is amazing.

Sure wasn't me ... I was debating about $150, but wasn't about to go any higher.

Agreed - that looks great. I like your solution for the push-pull-turn switches as well. Your build is really coming along!

I have to ask ... since you have the Warthog, I'm going to assume the Cougar stick is modded ... is there a reason you're not using the handle from the 'hog?

Ideally, you'll want all three monitors on a TH2Go to be the same size (at least in vertical dimension), or panoramic scenes won't look as good. As far as Helios and touchscreens, it will work just fine. All 3 displays attached to a TH2Go will be set to the same resolution, and the max resolution for each is 1680x1050. The TH2Go connects to a single video port on your video card, and is treated as a single monitor by everything except the configuration software it comes with.

Exactly what I'm doing, Midwestboi - using Helios on a non-touchscreen w/Cougar MFDs for Gauge display under Win XP Pro. Works great.