Force Feedback in the Gazelle

[TripRodriguez]

Hey guys, I may regret asking this but:

 

I'm reading the Gazelle manual and noticed they recommend Mag Brake for force feedback users and trim actuator for the non force feedback users.

 

This implies to me that there is a possibility I should be using my force feedback setup (which I would have to hack a different grip onto for the Gazelle as I built it for WWII and has only three buttons on the grip).

 

So my question is about the Force Feedback effects in the Heli's. I have no need for "information" from force feedback (between the 6DOF motion, SimShaker Sound, and Simshaker JetSeat I get plenty of feel for impending RVS, ground effect, etc.) but if the behavior of a force feedback stick is significantly more realistic feeling then that is something that would change my plans.

 

I have to qualify that however: My current setup is a Warthog I setup specifically with the big spring removed, minimal grease, and a 4.5" extension. It has no centering feel at all and just enough friction that it more or less stays where I put it so pretty appropriate for the helicopters.

 

Furthermore my 90 year old (today!) dad who has fallen in love with my simulator has offered to pick up the Gunslinger Pro when it goes on pre-order in a couple months, as that has a dry clutch setup in the gimbal designed for helicopters which should be about ideal unless force feedback has more to offer in terms of realism.

 

So the question isn't Force Feedback vs. off the shelf flight stick, it's Force Feedback (My own QuadForce build I created for the P-51) vs. the CH Gunfighter Pro with little/no spring and dry clutches set up with the Warthog Grip.

 

What is my QuadForce stick? I combined both the "combine two MS FFB2 into one" mod and the "Give your FFB2 Steroids mod", for a total of roughly four times the available force of a stock FFB2. This with about a 3.5" extension and a modded grip from the Gladiator Pro joystick where I eliminated the side HAT switch and concealed the pinky switch to make it feel more appropriate to the WWII warbirds. If I was to use this for the heli's I'd be adapting the Warthog grip onto it to give me enough buttons.

 

Thanks for any info.

 

PS: I also notice the cyclic in the Gazelle seems to have a very short travel, anyone know if this is accurate? Seems like it would be awful hard to fly with that short a stick throw but maybe that's because there are assists?

 

 

Trip

Edited January 29, 2017 by TripRodriguez