H.O.T.A.S (Warthog or X-55)?

[MegOhm_SD]

Warthog!....you will be impressed when you pick up the box to take it in the house. Speaks volumes...so lift safely!

 

The plug n play for the A10C is worth it alone...all else is a bonus

[slicker55]

What do you Warty's think of the TARGET software?

[dburne]

What do you Warty's think of the TARGET software?

 

I personally like it.

TARGET basically emulates key-presses and combinations of key-presses. It is very powerful in what it can do.

 

There are three ways one can use the program:

Basic

Advanced

Script Editor

 

The Basic and Advanced use the GUI mode, which is not too bad to learn.

I would suggest starting in the Advanced mode, do not even bother with the Basic mode as it is just too limited, and Advanced is really no harder to learn.

The Scripting Editor is a lot more complex, but offers the greatest diversity in what one can do with the program and certainly has the highest learning curve. But the possibilities working with it are endless.

 

I started out with the Advanced GUI mode ( mainly cause I wanted to be able to set modifiers, which the Basic mode can not do), and eventually moved to the Script Editor.

 

Using TARGET has advantages and disadvantages, it is more complex and takes some time to work with and learn versus using the in game controller setup option, but then also the simplicity of just assigning buttons from within the game menu is nice as well, and ED's controller menu is pretty darn nice. But then when updating versions and needing to rebuild from within the controller menu can be a pain as well.

 

As I mentioned previously, I have used TARGET for some time and really like it. Lately though, since Edge got here, I decided to just use the controller menu in the game to give that a try for a bit.

[Beeroshima]

I have both. I actually used the hog stick with the x55 throttle for a while so i definitely have experience with both. Im sure others mentioned theres no twist in the hog stick so pedals are a must. You dont have as many rotaries with the hog throttle and the slew on it isnt as good as the thumb mouse nipple on the x55. That being said, i still prefer the hog more in every way. Youll wonder how you were using the x55 once you get the stick. In addition, not having to use MADCATZ shitty software is worth the price of the hog alone. It just works. Theres no binding stuff to keyboard commands in the outside software or loading profiles...it just plugs in and boom. It works. Get the hog. No brainer.

 

Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk

[slicker55]

dburne,

 

A GREAT reply... many thanks... I'm still wrestling with the amount of disruption this upgrade will cause me and trying to convince myself that it really will be worth it in the end .. I have made so many custom profiles for the X-55, not just for DCS but also for various planes in my other flying games. For each of these, I have also created easy reference guides and converted them for on-screen viewing via custom kneeboards. I am also a Helios addict and have integrated some X-55 buttons and switches into my custom profiles - oh, so much stuff to re-do (that's the only thing holding me back).... How long can I hold out!

[dburne]

dburne,

A GREAT reply... many thanks... I'm still wrestling with the amount of disruption this upgrade will cause me and trying to convince myself that it really will be worth it in the end ..

 

You are most welcome! Stop wrestling now! Yes, it will be worth it in the end - many times over.

 

I have made so many custom profiles for the X-55, not just for DCS but also for various planes in my other flying games. For each of these, I have also created easy reference guides and converted them for on-screen viewing via custom kneeboards. I am also a Helios addict and have integrated some X-55 buttons and switches into my custom profiles - oh, so much stuff to re-do (that's the only thing holding me back)

 

If creating custom profiles is your thing, man you are so going to love the Warthog and the TARGET software and the capabilities that will bring - possibilities that are endless. Grab the TARGET manual now, grab a pot of coffee, and start reading. I can see you becoming a valuable resource for others one day on the forums in using the software.

Keep in mind though if you fly the A10-C, it is plug and play with the Warthog. Don't need TARGET for that module - you could use it, but not really needed as it is plug and play.

 

.... How long can I hold out!

 

You have held out too long already. If conditions permit get it coming, study up on the manual and get crackin. :joystick:

Edited December 12, 2015 by dburne

[slicker55]

dburne,

 

You're a star... if sales wasn't your thing, you missed your true vocation... friggin' glad I didn't meet you sooner... hahahahahahaha... I'd be well skint!

 

Seriously, thanks for the encouragement, I'm sure everything you've said is spot on.

 

Kettle going on... :)

[DD_Crash]

Go on Slicker, you know you want to ;) One word of warning, the latest Nvidia drivers mess up Target if you use Win7.

[slicker55]

Beeroshima,

 

Love the user-name, thanks for your input - some very interesting points for me to consider.

 

I'm sure others mentioned theres no twist in the hog stick so pedals are a must.

 

Good point - not a problem for me as I do have pedals

 

You dont have as many rotaries with the hog throttle and the slew on it isnt as good as the thumb mouse nipple on the x55

 

There being less rotaries on the hog is something which has thrown a bit of a spanner in the works but I'm starting to think that won't be too much of a problem. I'm surprised you reckon the slew on the X-55 is better... god help the hog... I've only just recently got the X-55 slew to do anything useful after editing the registry (not for the faint hearted). I was under the impression the slew on the hog was much better.

 

Theres no binding stuff to keyboard commands in the outside software or loading profiles...it just plugs in and boom.

 

Presumably, you'e only referring to the DCS A-10C?

[Beeroshima]

Yes...well sort of. I turned the thumb mouse on the x55 throttle into bands and then macro'd the keyboard keys( , . / ;) to the different bands and got it working but man was it ever a pain in the ass.

 

Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk

[Beeroshima]

The x55 throttle is recognized as another joystick with one throttle being pitch and the other roll.

 

I hated having to reprogram every single plane's profile, then randomly madcatz would clear all of my profiles. They were just gone. Nothing to load...just start from scratch....obnoxious.

 

Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk

[dburne]

dburne,

 

You're a star... if sales wasn't your thing, you missed your true vocation... friggin' glad I didn't meet you sooner... hahahahahahaha... I'd be well skint!

 

 

You are most welcome, and thank you!

 

Yes sales was my thing, worked in sales for one company for 36 years and it was pretty good to me - just recently retired a couple of months ago, little sooner than I had wanted but my health decided otherwise.

 

But now I certainly have a heck of a lot more simming time on my hands. When I was working , I did a lot of traveling and my gaming time was relegated to what little time I could manage on the weekends.

 

Best of luck with your new equipment, be sure and let us know what you think once you get it , touch it, and fly with it!

[slicker55]

dburne,

Ahhhh, you still got the touch - there's still life in the old dog yet!

Sorry to hear you had a few health issues and hope you're enjoying your retirement - same here, it's in itself, another challenge.

Fear not, I love ED Forums... I will be reporting back as and when!

[dburne]

dburne,

Ahhhh, you still got the touch - there's still life in the old dog yet!

Sorry to hear you had a few health issues and hope you're enjoying your retirement - same here, it's in itself, another challenge.

Fear not, I love ED Forums... I will be reporting back as and when!

 

:thumbup:

 

Thanks!

[slicker55]

Oh No...

 

CRASH...

 

How the hell did you sneak in there?

 

Hahahahaha

 

Thanks for the tip - fortunately, I don't have Nvidia (yet) and I'm on Win 10 ;)

 

Are you a Warty?

[DD_Crash]

:) yep had it for 2 years now, maybe one of the Dogz might be interested in the 55

[slicker55]

maybe one of the Dogz might be interested in the 55

 

Maybe, I'll give it a try but failing that, Ebay

 

I've been inundated all day with questions after listing all the surplus stuff from my last system upgrade. I wish I had got off my BFA a lot sooner and got it sold - good old fleabay!

[Art-J]

There are about 7 (If I counted correctly) kinda-three-way switches on Hog throttle. I say "kinda", because they all work in stateA-off-stateB pattern, which means that from direct game's assignments point of view, they're actually two-way switches. I'm sure You can use TARGET's scripts, however, to turn them into "true" three-way (stateA-stateB-stateC) things. I've never done it, but reading TARGET manual indicated it should be easily done if You like programming this kind of stuff.

 

Also, there's only one rotary (err... a slider, actually) on the whole set, which most probably will be a letdown for someone who has been using Saiteks for many years. It's up to You to decide if You can (or cannot) live without rotaries.

[dburne]

I'm sure You can use TARGET's scripts, however, to turn them into "true" three-way (stateA-stateB-stateC) things. I've never done it, but reading TARGET manual indicated it should be easily done if You like programming this kind of stuff.

 

Yes I have , using TARGET for that works quite well and is pretty easy.

 

Also, there's only one rotary (err... a slider, actually) on the whole set, which most probably will be a letdown for someone who has been using Saiteks for many years. It's up to You to decide if You can (or cannot) live without rotaries.

 

Yep, that is probably it's one big weakness. I too was used to having those rotaries on the throttle from previous TM setups - the Cougar, and the FLCS before that. It would have been nice to have the same type rotaries on the WH throttle, but understand they were trying more to replicate an A-10C.

 

So while initially I really missed it, I have gotten so used to it now the way it is I really don't even thing much about it anymore.

I wonder if TM will call it quits on the upper end HOTAS setups after the WH, or if they will develop a new one at some point...

 

In fact, with both the Cougar and the Warthog they designed the stick to be modular, where other grips could be easily switched out, one would think at some point they would have offered another grip design - but maybe the lower quantity of sales it might generate would not warrant production for them.

 

But then they also designed their software to support their rudder pedals, which never came to fruition either.. at least nothing beyond the old and way dated Elite pedals.

Edited December 12, 2015 by dburne

[slicker55]

Well guys,

 

A quick update...

 

I'm a very lucky guy...

 

Last night I went on Ebay and advertised all the surplus components that have been sitting around for a good 12 months since my last system upgrade.

 

Today, the emails have not stopped, overwhelmed by responses to my listings topped by one guy who simply wanted the job lot - bang - gone!

 

Now 400 squids better off, the Warty decision moves one step closer to reality!

[dburne]

Well guys,

 

 

Now 400 squids better off, the Warty decision moves one step closer to reality!

 

Congrats!

I need to do the same, we are cleaning stuff out of the house as we are putting it on the market, I have got some pretty good equipment still from previous builds I need to sell.

 

Now pull that dang trigger!!

:joystick:

[slicker55]

dburne,

 

I'm still in a state of shock at how quickly that stuff has been snapped up. I suppose I just lost sight of how attractive 'quality' used gear is to some people. No names, no pack drill but a few months ago, I offered everything to a fellow flyer who was desperate to upgrade. His gear was so old that he was struggling to run some of his games/sims. I thought I could do him a favour and offered everything to him for £250 - he turned me down!

[dburne]

Well you have certainly motivated me to the same, I got some pretty good equipment laying around just gathering dust.

 

Thanks,

[slicker55]

You haven't got a spare Warty by any chance?

 

Go on, have a good look... you don't need that old tat any more... get rid and have new!

[dburne]

You haven't got a spare Warty by any chance?

 

Go on, have a good look... you don't need that old tat any more... get rid and have new!

 

Lol, not but I got a very nice Cougar fitted with the U2 NXT gimbal mod and hall sensors, along with the throttle fitted with hall sensors, that I posted for sale on the for sale forum here a day or two ago. Held on to it as long as I felt I should, finally decided I would not be going back to it even as nice as it as, as I really like the WH.