Advise for a new HOTAS

[anlq]

Hi all,

I'm looking for a new HOTAS because my old one (X-52 pro) are worn out, can't be used with USB 3.0 and it's 6 years old. Actually it's working normally except having some blinking leds. So I decided to get another one as replacement.

I currently pay attention to CH products Fighterstick/Throttle USB. I did some researchs to see this one is highly recommended by gamers because of its durability, plug & play, good software control (some says it lasts for 10-15 years without any flaw). I can afford a much expensive Warthog but there're 2 things I don't like about it: it's A-10c HOTAS replication (I prefer F-16 stick because I'm F-16's fan), and I don't like colorful leds.

So is there any CH.P user out there can give me an opinion ?

Is there any problem using CH_P with usb 3.0 and Win7-8-10 ? and is there anything you don't like about CH_P ?

Thank you for your advise. :joystick:

[Sporg]

Ahem, the Warthog stick is actually very similar to an F-16 stick.

It's the throttle that differs from the F-16.

 

And, the LEDs on the throttle can be completely switched off, should you so wish. :)

 

As for CH products (without owning one), I read that the internal electronics are a bit outdated.

And, when I tried them in a shop, they seemed extremely lightweight and a bit "plasticy".

 

I would recommend you to try to see and possibly test both of them before you decide.

I like the feel of the Warthog much much better.

[rrohde]

In reply to your CH Products question: What I didn't like about my CH Pro Throttle was the fact that the poti inside started to spike, resulting in a jittery throttle animation in my DCS modules. Fine adjustments of throttle movements were not very accurate, either - especially when it came to the full range of movements. Sometimes I couldn't even get an engine to idle because of spiking (which I was never able to fix; temporary solution was to constantly calibrate the throttle).

 

My CH Pro FIghterstick was decent, but also not very responsive to what I have now (see signature), simply because the potis weren't as quick to respond as a magnetic sensors these days...

 

What I did like about the CH Products stuff was the overall built quality. No complains there!

 

Oh, forgot to add - I had no issues using these with USB 3.0 and on WIndows 7 (or 10, for that matter).

Edited July 7, 2016 by rrohde

[Sokol1_br]

I currently pay attention to CH products Fighterstick/Throttle USB. I did some researchs to see this one is highly recommended by gamers because of its durability, plug & play, good software control (some says it lasts for 10-15 years without any flaw).

 

Very true, but be warned that they still using the same electronics standard for... 1999.

 

USB 1.1 controller with 8 bits* (256 points of resolution), potentiometers - although with better quality than ones used in Saitek secondary axis (in X,Y Saitek use contactless HALL sensor), but potentiometer wear with use and eventually cause spikes.

 

* By comparison Tm Warthog is advertised as 16 bits (64.535 points) what is 256 times more than CH.

 

How bad is this?

 

Users say that Warthog, MFG Crosswind (12 bits), Slaw (12/14 bits) pedals are "more precise" and all use up to date USB controllers - today 10 bits (1024 points) is the minimal acceptable - and contact less sensor instead potentiomter.

And actual flight sim/games use more advanced FM (e.g. DCS helicopters) than ones... from the last century. :D

 

BTW - I have a 1998 CH Combatstick that still working - although "modernized" DIY with new 12 bits USB controller and HALL sensors. ;)

 

The only way to have a updated "F-16 HOTAS" is buy Warthog joystick - is sold standalone - as this is more F-16 stick than A-10 (this don't have the paddle lever of F-16 on grip) and a used Cougar TQS + Real Simulator TUSBA USB adapter (14 bits) - that are not T.A.R.G.E.T. compatible.

 

In 2015 Bugeye teaser a F-16 "low cost" (but 3 digit)* domestic F-16 HOTAS, but still "coming soon":

 

http://www.f-16grips.com/

 

* See the March 18, 2015 entry there:

 

https://www.facebook.com/Bugeyetechnologies?ref=hl

Edited July 7, 2016 by Sokol1_br

[mia389]

I have had my CH products forever! Think I bought them in 2001. I am also in the market for new technology. My hotas still works fine.

[ebabil]

i have ch complete set (pro pedals, throttle and fighter stick)

 

Pedals: be honest , i don't use them very often unless fliying with helos. They are ok, no problem at all

 

Fighter stick: Lots of hat switches, buttons, throttle and trim rockers. These are very good. What i don't like is stick movement mechanism. It is very different, in fact weird. 2 independent parts make the stick move. i am having some problems on very sensitive movements with it.

 

Throttle: again lots of buttons hat switches. mini stick is very good. my throttle is very problematic since i first received it. its axis always spikes, jumps. looses its calibration and small speed adjustments are impossible.

 

i don't recomend these outdated controllers. i keep my eye on these:

 

Thrustmaster warthog set

Thrustmaster throttle for t.1600 set (not released yet) + VKB gladiator pro or VKB gunfigter pro (not released yet)

[Majinbot]

I had 2 saitek, a x52 with losing calibration problems (sold), a x-65f same (returned), then I bought the Warthog and I love it.

[anlq]

The outdated thing in CH products does get me concerned because 8 bits sensor causes spikes and jumping while aging. I experienced this with the previous joysticks (not X-52 pro), this was not comfortable to deal with. So I guess I'll take something more modern and up-to-dated.

I'll go for the TM Warthog.

Thank you all for your opinions.

[craig_sez]

I offered to sell a almost new cougar but he wanted a new one,im assumeing he means new as in latest n greatest....Other wise my cougar will be a visual orgasm..lol

[anlq]

I offered to sell a almost new cougar but he wanted a new one,im assumeing he means new as in latest n greatest....Other wise my cougar will be a visual orgasm..lol

 

I meant to buy a new one, sir, not a 2nd hand. :music_whistling:Thank again for your offer.

[craig_sez]

Well as i said in pm,it might have a cpl hrs of use so basically 99% new...Just been sittin is all..Either way im good..Just tryin to help a fellow out is all..