Alternative to Warthog HOTAS

[Two-Six]

I am wondering what is available in the way of HOTAS systems that would be classed as high end controllers that aren't made by Thrustmaster. They would need to be programmable and at least as good as the Cougar or Warthog.

 

A Chinese clone type thing perhaps.

 

I am sure I have read stuff about open source HOTAS set ups and boutique mods for the Cougar but I am wondering if there is a relatively easy to use software interface that can talk to hardware that might be avail as components or in kit form, like building a 3D printer.

 

The idea of building my own HOTAS does appeal to me as a long term project.

 

I am not quite sure what I am getting at here, its partly about the high price of Thrustmaster hardware and perhaps saving a few creds.

 

However I am also thinking about how great it would be if I could build my own HOTAS without having to get deep into the regions of programming and machine code logic and stuff....

 

Perhaps a few links to information related to this area would be helpful. It would be good to get a better picture of the current state of play with regards to HOTAS tech.

[Aviators]

this: https://virpil.com/en/

[Sokol1_br]

They would need to be programmable and at least as good as the Cougar or Warthog.

 

If this mean that "press joystick buttons to press keyboard keys to send commands for games" VKB (and maybe VirPil - since their base electronics is not know) don't use this approach.

 

You alternative for Warthog with this keyboard emulation is CH HOTAS (with their "1999" electronics). :)

 

Saiteks besides their know QC issues is said that have a bugged soft for that "press joy buttons to press keyboard keys..."

Edited April 29, 2017 by Sokol1_br

[Kang]

Well, I guess the two objectives of

'be at least as good as the Cougar or Warthog'

and

'saving a few creds'

aren't exactly in agreement. While it's true that you also have to pay for the brand name a bit, there unfortunately aren't that many 'big' producers left in the game.

[cichlidfan]

There is nothing else out their with the programming capability found in Target/Foxy and you certainly won't be getting it from the small shops that have popped up.

[Sokol1_br]

The idea of building my own HOTAS does appeal to me as a long term project.

 

I am not quite sure what I am getting at here, its partly about the high price of Thrustmaster hardware and perhaps saving a few creds.

 

However I am also thinking about how great it would be if I could build my own HOTAS without having to get deep into the regions of programming and machine code logic and stuff....

 

 

If you use available kit for all metal, ball bearings CAM center gimbal like ones of BRD (and maybe VirPil if they sold for DIY) and GVL224 mechanics for throttle you can make a very good HOTAS with better mechanics than "Warthogs" - Machine your own gimbal I think that is not cost effective - unless you already work in this area.

 

For grips you can re-use from existing joysticks, 3D printed option is not properly affordable for make one, but is option, sample: http://prdevices.pl/

 

Electronics USB circuits are plenty available as well solutions for use contactless sensors - and at affordable price for DIY. :)

 

You don't need deal with programming code for joystick electronics, someone already did this (BU0836, DSD, MMjoy, EasyJoy32One, F2/L2...) - but can create your own code for Arduinos if want. ;)

 

For keyboard emulation the best promise in free/shareware soft is Joystick Gremlin.

 

https://whitemagic.github.io/JoystickGremlin/

Edited April 29, 2017 by Sokol1_br

[Secromacer]

I like to throw the option of getting a used Logitech G940 in. FFB is a joy in the props (i also fly them a lot better with FFB its like the plane is telling me how it wants to be flown). The two stage trigger is perfect for the f-5 (first sgae bast shields second stage fire) and i use it in the 190 for MG131(first stage) and MG131+MG151(second stage). In jets with fly-by-wire i use simFFB to setup friction dampening and spring forces just how i like them. I got mine used in near perfect condition for less then half the cost of a Warthog.

[Two-Six]

Thanks for all the very interesting information everybody. I will have more of a look at all this in the coming days.

 

I agree that cheap and good don't really go together.

 

Actually I wouldn't mind spending a few quid on a really good HOTAS setup. After having my Cougar I will never go back to anything less capable. However one of these days my trusty Cougar is going to break down and it might be hard to fix so I need to plan for my next set up.

 

I also need to have a proper read of this forum :-)

[Two-Six]

I am still looking for a new HOTAS, my cougar is a year older and is really showing its age now.

 

I wonder if anything new has developed that I could consider after another year has passed?

[Rudel_chw]

I am still looking for a new HOTAS, my cougar is a year older and is really showing its age now.

 

I wonder if anything new has developed that I could consider after another year has passed?

 

There is nothing like the Cougar programming-wise, only the Warthog comes close, but with a much more difficult programming language.

 

I'm enjoying mine while it lasts, why worry in advance? If/when it breaks down, then I will seek a replacement .. this could take a while, as my Cougar isnt showing its age yet and I have a spare gimbal and spare pots ... more likely I will be able to be buried with it still grabbed on my hands :)

[BlacleyCole]

Personally i like the vkb products the best i dropped the cash on a th warthog system yesterday mainly for the throttle since I’m getting a vkb gunfighter 2pro base with the modern combat grip pro and extension next month when it is released then hopefully before the end of the year I’m going to get the twin engine control system.