noob questions

[vyper]

Hi there,

Some totally noob questions.

For licensing can i have the game installed on my laptop as well as my desktop PC? or does one activation deactivate the other.

 

What is a good joystick. I'm thinking of the Logitech Extreme 3D PRO (it's cheap enough). would the Saitek X52 be better? it's obviuosly a better joystick but does the throttle stick act as the collective effectively?

 

cheers

[CAT_101st]

1) it is one orthe other but not both.

 

2) I have the X52 and love it. I have had 0 prolblems with it in 2 years. Easy to program and pleanty of butons that you will need for BS.

[EtherealN]

A handy way of figuring out what rights your license permits is through reading the license agreement. ;) It is printed in your quicklaunch manual, page 48. You are also prompted to read it upon installation.

 

Pertinent sections include:

You may not network the Program or otherwise install it or us it on more than one computer at a time' date=' except if expressly authorized otherwise in the Documentation.[/quote']

 

use the Program' date=' or permit use of the Program, on more than one computer, computer terminal, or workstation at the same time;[/quote']

 

One activation does not deactivate another (my activation on my old laptop is still active, though that machine has since passed on), so it is technically possible to install DCS on several machines - but do note that allowing the same license to run on several machines at the same time is an explicit breach of the license to which you have agreed. So if you want to run it on your laptop as a server for you and your friends you would need to either play on that laptop yourself or have another license for it.

[Boulund]

Since it seems the licence issue is settled I can now mention my experiences with Logitech Extreme 3D Pro. I used my Extreme 3D Pro since 2005 I think and I was really pleased with its performance. It worked very well with all sims I tried it with and considering the price tag it was very good.

 

Then this summer I made the switch to a Saitek X52 Pro and boy does this piece of hardware outperform the previous one, but I must say that I was equally proficient at flying the helicopter with both - no real difference here. Composing a good mapping of the buttons of the joystick can make even the somewhat spartan button layout of the Logitech extreme 3d pro semi-HOTAS. =D

This reminds me, your question about the throttle-unit of the X52 DOES function very well as the collective control in Black Shark.

 

Whichever you decide I'm sure you'll be satisfied, and if you decide on the Logitech Extreme 3D Pro I even left my old configuration file somewhere on the forums (a quick search should find it would you want to)

[EinsteinEP]

I second Boulund's recommendations.

 

The Extreme 3D Pro is, IMHO, the best stick for a small budget. A good stick with solid construction, there are plenty of buttons and the layout is intuitive and ergonomic (for a righty, at least). The programming software is fantastic and well worth the time to get to know how to use. Like Boulund pointed out, all the features greatly expand on the capabilities of this small, cheap, yet powerful stick.

 

The X52 Pro is a good HOTAS with numerous buttons. I found the construction to be a lot less robust than I had expected for a high dollar peripheral, and the programming software has a lot to be desired, when compared to the Logitech software. Also, although the X52 Pro MFD can interface with PC applications, there are few games that actually include this feature. You'll have to either develop your own MFD app, or find a 3rd party one on the web somewhere. All that said, the X52 Pro is still my stick of choice in Black Shark, as well as other combat flight sims (F4AF, etc.).

 

My recommendation is to go get the Logitech Extreme 3D Pro if you're on a budget, but get the X52 Pro if you've got the money.

[MTFDarkEagle]

Your first question is answered by Cat, but to answer your second question: I have the x52 (non-pro), and I love it! If you have the money, go for that one! I'm not familiar with the extreme 3d pro however. I jumped from my ancient joystick (joystickport :O) to my current x52. One of the best things i have ever bought besides my trackir 4: pro.

So, if you have the money to spend on it: go for the x52. If you have even more (:P) get a trackir 4 or 5 as well. It really adds that amount of realism and comfort. Hope this helps :)

[miguez]

I have to agree, absolutely, to the TrackIR recommendation. It is hard to explain what an improvement it really delivers in getting all that this simulator is about!

[Boulund]

I have to include another recommendation for some kind of head-tracking device, be it TrackIR och FreeTrack or whatever.

I tried flying a mission the other day without FreeTrack since my webcam has gone nuts and BOY was I hampered by not being able to look around like I'm used to. One year of head-tracking makes me think that I could really live without HOTAS, but not a snowballs chance in hell that I'd ever want to play flightsims without headtracking again. =)

Excuse the langue...

[DANWATTO]

Just ordered my trackir, can't wait!

 

In terms of a HOTAS, I love the CH Products Fighterstick + Pro Throttle. It's so smooth and precise, and the analogue mini stick on the throttle is controlling the shkval screen.

[miguez]

Dan, don't forget to update the Game List in the TrackIR software once you install it, I think it still comes with DCS missing until you do that.

[DANWATTO]

Dan, don't forget to update the Game List in the TrackIR software once you install it, I think it still comes with DCS missing until you do that.

 

Thanks will do, installing now :thumbup:

[liotczik]

vyper, you might also check the Saitek Cyborg Evo stick, in its simplest form (non FF, non wireless). It's fairly cheap (at least where I live; X52 is 4 times more expensive) yet very solid and precise piece of hardware. With 12 buttons (two of them may be used as 'shift'), 1 hat, Z-axis and throttle lever, it's enough to master even demanding sims like Falcon 4 (many functions) or X-plane (need for smooth controls).

 

I've used it for five years and I loved it (actually it still is 'airworthy'). One note though - remove the centering spring and you'll rule the skies. Actually flying without the spring was like having a sort of fly-by-wire in every sim (no need to trim, very light input needed to fully control a/c). I know, I know - unrealistic :P But it worked well and for that money I couldn't really expect more.

 

As for the TrackIR or similar products, I think, that a good joystick is more important, because with some practise and a good setup, you can efficiently look around with the help of mouslook or snap views. At the same time, you can't fly very well with headtracking gear and poor joystick. The lack of control precision and/or uncomfortable stick means jerky flight and a constant struggle with the a/c instead of having a joy of flight (that is especially true when flying helos!).

 

Additionaly, mastering the mouselook will teach you how to orient yourself in 3D space while controlling the aircraft at the same time and make transition to TrackIR a smooth and painless experience.

 

But of course, headtracking gear should be your next priority, it's even more important than rudder pedals (3rd on the list) or separate throttle control (a really helpful thing, but the last to buy IMHO).