Survey: Side Stick or Front and Center?

[polygonpusher]

With the way that most table top sticks are designed, it seems like the most natural and comfortable configuration is as a side-stick.

 

I've had the inclination to use my X-52 in the "proper" center-cyclic position, but find the buttons uncomfortable to get to, and the general angle all wrong.

 

What kind of configuration do you use? If centered, is it table top mounted, or are you using something more specialized to put the cyclic in its proper place?

 

 

 

Author temporary unavailable due to a humor-suppressing aneurysm

[My Fing ID]

I tried the front thing but I didn't have a real place to mount it.

[HitchHikingFlatlander]

Center mount all the way for me but I have a simpit so its very comfortable with the X52. When I can get my hands on a TM WH HOTAS it'll be even more comfortable given the smaller base. Even if I had a F-16 replica pit I'd probably still want the stick center mount.

 

[Frazer]

This is the way I've set up my HOTAS (don't mind the old picture :D).

 

Very simple, two chairs with two beer crates on them and a wooden plank with the HOTAS screwed in.

You don't want to have the HOTAS to be on the table as that is simply too high for confortable control.

The arm pads are there to prevent arm lock, or friction, while pulling in to loops during formation leading. They also protect your elbows from hurting after long flights.

 

[Succellus]

Before geting my cougar i was all center. But after my hotas and especially after piloting a military pit of a block 50 f16 i m all sideway.

 

its much more confortable, and after a short time fel much more natural.

 

For centersticks, thr handle would have to be rotated as the russian are, or have a wide travel as western planes.

 

At home i have a corner desk and made 2 "drawers" one right, one left when i flight i just pull them to my side. Its rought, but its quite confortable.

[Joe Kurr]

I have used both.

 

Currently I use my G940 as side-stick, because I haven't opened the stick yet to see how it is connected to the base.

 

 

My Cougar has an extension, so it has the proper length to be used as center-stick.

It is even rotated about 20 degrees to correctly line up the buttons with my hand.

 

(this is Lightsniper trying out the center-stick)

 

Personally I find the center-stick feel more natural, maybe because the MiG-29 and Su-27 both have a center-stick.

[Scudslaker]

i use both variants,..

i use a DIY cyclic solution standing on the floor, with an ergonomic twisted FighterStick grip from CH solution from center position while flying rotary winged aircrafts,..and for fixed wing i have a fixed Cougar stick on the right, screwed on a wood plate in an ergonomic height.

 

i will take a picture on my pit variant if needed!)

[Blaze]

Armchair flyer. :D Thrustmaster Cougar w/ FSSB R1 centermounted on a plywood mount that runs from the front to back under the cushion. Also a side shelf holds the X52 throttle I use (better friction over the cougar's). Lets me lead with my arm on my leg Blue Angel's style. ;)

[BKLronin]

I prefer center position clearly. I have fixed my X52pro throttle to an adjustable sideboard so I can comfortably use it in any postion. Cyclic is centered because my arm can rest on my leg allowing fine movements without getting tired and I can better imagine the movement of any plane, more symmetric for my brain. Thats hard to describe.

[Scudslaker]

hehe, understood!)

 

Blaze, i used a nearly same chair, without the arms for several years!)

[Blaze]

:thumbup:

[Eddie]

Side stick everytime, but up on the desk as I don't have the space to mount it on my chair. Just can't get on with the stick in the centre, too much time spent with Vipers I think.

[Blaze]

If I had a way of mounting it side-stick I totally would since that's what I'm used to as well. Some day I'll have that full viper pit... :rolleyes:

[Rusty_M]

Side Stick. I have the throttle and stick either side of my laptop on an Ikea folding laptop table. I find it feels fine, and there's no way I could hold it in the centre anyway whilst playing on my sofa.

[Callsign.Vega]

As someone who has tried both, they both seem equally precise / easy to fly. As a helicopter pilot though, I am use to center stick more as that's what all helicopters feature.

[aaron886]

Still a little ghetto, but it performs amazingly. It was a year-long project of planning and building. From the outset, it's been made to match the travel of an F/A-18. Pretty soon here I should be covering up the "holes" and making it look presentable! :megalol:

 

 

Currently, there are twelve 20lb springs down there.

[Deadman]

center .dam man how do you get your legs around that?:thumbup:

[aaron886]

"Over" not around. ;) The rudder pedals sit on a platform now.

[Scudslaker]

hey aaron, show the springs pls!) how much force do you need tohandle..it s nearly same idea i ve realized,..but i made it for copter use.

[aaron886]

Scudslaker-

 

 

They extend from that plate in the middle to the 8 vertical supports of the "cage," hence the large overall size. It's worth it to have lots of tension, and keeps things absolutely smooth by pulling outward from 8 different directions.

 

This is as I was slowly adding more springs. (Takes a while to get used to!) There's 11 on there now in different positions. I have it rigged to constantly pull fully forward like the Blue Angels do to their jets. The only problem with the whole setup is the sensor precision isn't spectacular because of the small range of motion the sensors actually have... but it does the job at ~18" formation for VBA, so it's good enough for me. At some point, I'd like to get more steps...

[walker450]

Awesome design Aaron!

 

I prefer side-stick flying fixed wing, but a center stick for the Blackshark.

 

The main reason for the center stick is for the extra precision and sensitivity gained by the added height. I added about 8" to my joystick. Link: http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=57555

[walker450]

Update: After flying with a center sick for a while, I decided to go back to a side stick, but keep my extension. Now I have to best of both worlds.

 

I cut a round hole in my desk and mounted the joystick base under it. It has worked very well so far and is very comfortable.

Edited January 5, 2011 by walker450

[Succellus]

Update: After flying with a center sick for a while, I decided o go back to a side stick, but keep my extension. Now I have to best of both worlds.

 

I cut a round hole in my desk and mounted the joystick base under it. It has worked very well so far and is very comfortable.

 

Picture if possible this sparked up my curiosity.

[walker450]

 

 

 

[Cali]

Side stick is the way to go, just guess I'm use to it.