Need some advice on a simple build.

[F-16 Pilot]

I currently fly using the Thrustmaster Flightstick X pictured below, but I would like to up my game and get a separate stick and throttle that's a little higher quality. Looking at the Thrustmaster site, everything that's geared for fighter jets is close to $500. Is there something in between my stick and the warthog that you would recommend?

 

Also, I am looking at getting a desk mount so I can put the controls at a more natural level like these and I am wondering what brand you would suggest? It doesn't have to be fancy as long as it's sturdy.

[sirrah]

On 12/31/2024 at 9:50 AM, F-16 Pilot said:

I currently fly using the Thrustmaster Flightstick X pictured below, but I would like to up my game and get a separate stick and throttle that's a little higher quality. Looking at the Thrustmaster site, everything that's geared for fighter jets is close to $500. Is there something in between my stick and the warthog that you would recommend?

 

Also, I am looking at getting a desk mount so I can put the controls at a more natural level like these and I am wondering what brand you would suggest? It doesn't have to be fancy as long as it's sturdy.

Why not go for a nice 2nd hand hotas? It can save you a lot of money. Most people that purchase these kind of "high end" controllers, value their purchase and treat it accordingly, so chances are high, that the product is still in good shape. You can also check out the sale section on this forum. Some good offers come by very often.

I bought a 2nd hand Warthog set many years ago and still use it today. In fact, I bought many of my controllers 2nd hand and never regretted it.

I also purchased 2nd hand my Realsimulator FSSB R3, Thrustmaster Hornet grip, Simshaker Jetpad and Saitek Pro rudder pedals (using the latter since 2017 without any issues).

 

Just saying, new isn't always best

 

Edited January 1 by sirrah

[F-16 Pilot]

12 hours ago, sirrah said:

Why not go for a nice 2nd hand hotas? It can save you a lot of money. Most people that purchase these kind of "high end" controllers, value their purchase and treat it accordingly, so chances are high, that the product is still in good shape. You can also check out the sale section on this forum. Some good offers come by very often.

I bought a 2nd hand Warthog set many years ago and still use it today. In fact, I bought many of my controllers 2nd hand and never regretted it.

I also purchased 2nd hand my Realsimulator FSSB R3, Thrustmaster Hornet grip, Simshaker Jetpad and Saitek Pro rudder pedals (using the latter since 2017 without any issues).

 

Just saying, new isn't always best

 

Thank you, it never occurred to me to look for 2nd hand stuff but I will definitely check it out.

[sirrah]

3 hours ago, F-16 Pilot said:

Thank you, it never occurred to me to look for 2nd hand stuff but I will definitely check it out.

Here's a nice Virpil grip (I use the same one, except the left hand version, on my collective)

(the FFBeast might be a little much for your budget)

(iirc I bought my Hornet grip from VirusAM and it all went fluently)

 

Or these ones:

 

 

 

 

[pesbra]

I have the Thrustmaster, the Virpil and the Winwing. I would decidedly go with the winwing https://winwingsim.com/view/goods-details.html?id=374&sku_id=21

[_Hoss]

They are all good in their own way. I started with the same stick you have, then went through CH Controls Fighter Stick, Pro Throttle, and Pro Pedals.

Then, I got a TMWH set up and replaced the Pro Pedals with MFG Crosswinds and then those with TM TPRs. I bought a BlackHog A button Box and two trim boxes; I'm using K51s trim box now. I also have a TM Viper Panel, WW PTO2, WW Super Taurus Throttle, an On Your 12 Master Arm panel, and FFGG's AH-64 keyboard. I now have the F-16 and F/A-18 Sticks on a TM AVA base with either a 100 or 200-cm curved extension.

The one thing you need to keep in mind is how you are going to control them...  

TM's TARGET, GUI, keyboard emulation,  or dx SCRIPT. In-depth axis controls. Firmware updates.

WW's Sim App Pro doesn't do much programming and has nothing for keystrokes without vJoy, which I will not run. Firmware updates.

Virpils VPC software.

JoyStick Gremlin (I believe it uses vJoy along with HidHide)

Joy2Key is very basic but gets the job done.

I use RSMapper, which sees all the components I have hooked up. I have multiple profiles, one for Jets and one for Props, each holding the A/C type I have mapped. I can do commands on push or release, TEMPO (long press), Chain Events, and Axis to button.

These will come in handy in games where you can't use the mouse to engage buttons or switches.

This is the kind of mess I'm talking about. I have since torn all this apart and am getting an NLR FS Pro. I needed my office back. I already have the new computer built for that setup.

I sent the other trim box, Virpil CP#2, and another Master Arm panel to a buddy in Jolly old England. The TMWH, Crosswinds, and a few other pieces are in mothballs in case any of this stuff goes tits up. Let's not mention all the MTSIM arms, adapters, plates, nuts and bolts, cables, and cable management stuff I have in some Craftsman totes. BRAIN STORM BEFORE YOU BUY........ (hindsight is 20/20). Measure once, cuss twice....

I do have SAP and TARGET installed to update Firmware if needed. I can also run TARGET GUI or SCRIPT with RSMapper to combine my TPR pedals, AVA base with stick, and Viper panel into one "Combined Device" for IL2.