Black Shark and Thrustmaster Cougar

[Conuk]

After a very very long time I hope to get back into flight sims.... havent played since Flaming Cliffs first came out... since then have sold my CH stuff.... but may have an option to buy a 2nd hand (in good condition) Thrustmaster Cougar...... is this great for Black Shark ... or too stiff a stick ???

 

I liked the CH stuff but the cougar is a decent price from a friend.

 

Just checking out the videos and catching up on the sim !

[Jack McCoy]

I would not trade my Cougar for anything other in the PC-controller category.

 

Even with its very noisy, worn out X axis, which I replaced a few years back. Thrustmaster will ship you replacement potentiometers for free, upon request.

 

I now am waiting for the HS3 (Hall-effect sensors) mod from CubPilot.

 

If you want to use it "stock", I suggest you run the Cougar Viewer to evaluate the condition of the potentiometers of the stick (X, Y) especially.

 

Some people complain about the gimbals wearing out, causing center play, and although it's true, it never bothered me.

 

Finally, it has so many buttons that I still have a few unassigned for Black Shark.

 

If you get the stick, may I suggest Open Falcon 4.7? :)

Edited June 2, 2009 by Jack McCoy

[Distiler]

What about pedals?

[Jack McCoy]

I have CH Prodals (joystick port) which connect in the Cougar stick, and appear to Windows as an additional axis.

 

If you play older games which only consider the first Game Controller in Windows, the joystick port is the way to go.

 

Or else, the USB is a better, newer-tech buy. Good for Black Shark, FSX, and other well-designed games.

 

You could also use the Cougar's Antenna Elevation potentiometer for rudder input, as a cheaper alternative - it works *OK*.

[spyda]

I'm using the X52 at the moment, but a cougar will be my next stop. i have just heard so many good things about them.

 

i would consider the cougar if it were me :thumbup:

[Rockeyes]

I have both the Cougar Hotas set up and the X52. My personal preference to flying Black Shark is with the X52 Hotas set up. The Cougar is beautiful and has solid feel but lacks precision in comparison to the Saitek X52. Most serious sim guys modify the Cougars with Hall effect sensors and replace the gimbals with something like an Uber mod, which is expensive.

This link is full of useful Cougar info http://cougar.frugalsworld.com/mods.php and I presume you have seen this http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/ga.../5855&cl=us,en

As for the my current set up for rudder pedals, I’ve put my CH Pedals to one side in favour of my old Thrust Masters with the pot replaced by a field effect sensor and Leo Bodnar board. The CH pedals are superb but too narrow for my liking.

So what would I do? I would grab the Cougar, if its cheap, if only to mod it at a later date. Failing that X52 non pro version (a mate has the pro and other than the colour there does not seem to be much if any true difference but the price) or save up and hold out for some reviews on the Logitech system with its force feedback.

Edited June 3, 2009 by Rockeyes

[Conuk]

time will tell.... grabbed the Cougar :) .... cost £90 delivered ... hopefully everything will be sweet...... black shark will be ordered in a couple of days.

 

Anything I should do first with the couga? r.... will also head on over to frugalsworld as well for info when it arrives.

 

thanks for the replies.

Edited June 3, 2009 by Conuk

[slowhand]

you may want to grab vipers profile..it pretty good....welcome back...

[JG14_Smil]

As Jack M stated, use the viewer to check the output of the pots. Some Cougars spike very badly. Increase the deadband setting if you see a 'walking' trim indicator as you repeatedly hit the trim button (RCTL ENTER in BS). The freeplay already mentioned can allow the trim to walk right off to one side if the DB is too small for the freeplay.

 

I have a much smoother setup now, using my old modified F22 and TQS. BS was almost unflyable with my Cougar as the spiking was so bad. My honest opinion of the Cougar is it is the best made and very progammable powerful P.O.S. controller out. :)

Edited June 4, 2009 by JG14_Smil

[Jack McCoy]

Congrats on getting the Cougar, Conuk.

 

As bad as you want it, please do not plug your Cougar right when you get it. Read the setup instructions at Cougar World.

 

Once done, I suggest you first use it in "Windows"/"DirectX" mode - not programmed mode. It is sufficent for Black Shark and a lot less complicated.

 

Good luck.

[Conuk]

Hey thanks for the tips. Yeah ill head over there to cougar world before plugging it in. Hopefully it won't be a bad cougar. Will let you guys know what I think when I get it up and running.

Edited June 4, 2009 by Conuk

[Conuk]

ok DHL got me the cougar today... just installed it etc ... will be back.

 

First time Ive had my hands on one.... awesome stick... can see the GF dropping it on her foot while...`dusting the desk` .... may teach her to leave my toys alone :)