New Eager Pilot w/ Questions

[normntaz]

Welcome.

 

I would recommend the CH Products Fighterstick and Pro-Throttle, if you can't afford the Warthog setup. The throttle doesn't match the Hawg (and is not split), but it works really well, and is really flexible. From your photos, it looks like you already have the matching Pro Pedals. I've been using their products for at least 10 years. The Fighterstick is the exact layout of the Hawg stick except you don't have a two-stage trigger, or the Z-axis on the CMS Button. You can get around that by using the CH Control Manager Software. Amazon has them both for around $97 US each.

 

I've had the CH Products since before I met my wife. I would not survive to even play a sim if she found out I bought the Warthog setup, so I'm happy with my existing controllers.

Edited August 17, 2011 by normntaz

[jaykinch]

Hey all,

I've done a little read me on what i've done to get FaceTrackNoIR work on my pc

 

1: If You got a PSEYE Download and install CL-Eye-Driver-4.0.2.1017 or better From http://codelaboratories.com/products/eye/

 

2: Plug the Pseye in and let the drivers install Then goto CL-Eye Test icon on desktop(Just to make sure all is working)

If all ok then shut the test down.

 

3: Download and install FaceTrackNoIR_release_V130 or higher from http://facetracknoir.sourceforge.net/home/default.htm

Download the update and the Fix and the Eagle Dynamics API aswell

install FaceTrackNoIR follow there Readme for the patch and fix :)

 

4: Start FaceTrackNoIR and if You get a IPP error Go to 'Control Panel'/'Add remove software' (or similar),

 

locate IPP-runtime library and un-install it.

 

Download the faceAPI Headtracking Demo from SeeingMachines. You will have to register, but it's free of charge.

 

Install the demo and try running it.

 

Start FaceTrackNoIR and start the Tracker. It should work now...

 

Optional: un-install the faceAPI demo. It will leave the IPP-runtime in-tact.

 

 

5: Now unzip headtracker_ED.zip to typicaly c:\program files\Eagle Dynamics\DCS A-10C\bin

Have a look at there ReadMe tells you plenty about the files.

 

6: Start the Game and go flying I dont think i missed anything

 

Heres a good thread all about this have a read through it all its good read and very helpful

http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=56837

[ryyy]

Thank you all again for your help and advice.

 

I bought it this weekend and have been doing some training missions when I have time.

 

Boy, it is very complicated but interesting and in depth enough to keep you going.

 

I've been running into a really REALLY annoying problem though when trying to pay attention in the training. My Saitek Cyborg X doesn't like staying centered at all (hands on and hands off). This is allowing my auto-pilot to automatically disengage and sending me rolling and diving towards the ground and ultimately crashing. Still really knew and of course, having no knowledge on how to correctly react >=| I think I'll really be needing to upgrade this stick.

[aaron886]

Sounds like it's due for an upgrade, yeah.

[ryyy]

What do you people think about the Saitek X-65?

[stubboyo]

The X-65 looks very nice and I've been stalking them on Ebay for awhile. I see a few problems though.

 

One, it doesn't have a 2 stage trigger like the X52 pro or the real Hog. To use the gun properly, you need to be able to engage PAC1 by pulling the trigger to the first stop, and then engage PAC2 and fire it by pulling it the rest of the way. I think you'd need to use shift states (like pull the trigger while pushing the pinky button) to emulate the 2 stage trigger.

 

The no-movement on the stick is another issue. While the force sensing technology is quite cool, I think it would take some getting used to and it's not at all like what the real Hog has. I even think that fighters like the F-18 and F-16 which have force sensing sticks actually have some movement in the stick.

 

I think that the advantages of the X-65 don't justify the additional cost over the X-52 pro.

[ryyy]

Gahhh I wish the HOTAS Warthog didn't cost so much >_<

[ryyy]

Any other opinions? I would love the Warthog but it's a little pricey for me right now. Any suggestions on a stick one class lower? I was looking into the X52 PRO.

[nemises]

I'm happy with X52, though the Slider axis is useless...otherwise, stick accuracy and buttons seems fine.

Need to do quite a lot of "shift" button (I assign mine to the pinkie button) work to get all the HOTAS functions on there, but...well...if price is an issue, I rekon X52 is the way to go.

 

Same goes for the Saitek pedals..

 

..TrackIr is vital..

[mpgeist]

Gahhh I wish the HOTAS Warthog didn't cost so much >_<

 

Haha I feel the same way. Everytime I think about getting one of the Saitek I just think that I'd rather save that money towards a Warthog. I think I'm gonna ride it out with my Logitech until I've put aside enough for the Warthog.

[Medic88]

the X52 does a great job with this sim, plenty of buttons for everything you will use the most.

But as said,trackir is a must and only £140 for trackir5 with pro clip

[kylania]

Gahhh I wish the HOTAS Warthog didn't cost so much >_<

 

It's totally worth it though. I had an X52 and loved it, it played DCS just great, but the switch to the Warthog totally changed the game. Everything played how it should have and controlling weapons was so much easier since all the buttons were where they were supposed to be and felt how they should. If you can at all afford it, I'd highly suggest getting it.

 

The only drawback is that you'll need rudder pedals. I really do miss the stick twist of my X52.

[KaspeR32]

x52 is Definitely the way to go if you're on a budget. Like nemises said, with the "shift" button assigned to the pinky switch, the possibilities are many. Plus the x52 is a bit more universal in my opinion for other games. And if you do upgrade to rudder pedals you can lock the twisting of the stick.

[Elwin]

I hope to buy TM Warthog in about a month, which means I will loose the rudder control that I have now on my cheapish joystick. But I would like to know just how important it is to have pedals?

 

Currently, I don't use rudder almost at all while flying and for taxiing around airport I'm happy to use Z/X keys. I suppose this is altogether wrong, but I haven't found any good study material about rudder usage yet. Any recommendations? :)

[ivanwfr]

Why? ... If you keep an eye on them, you will have both your rudder and the TMW!

[jaykinch]

hi all,

Yeah i got a X52 aswell its a great HOTASS of a control system lol only thing about it is it size i think myself that its just too big really the base on the controller's are pretty big

I use SFjackBauer profile what uses the pinky button as a shift button works great

[AeroOrange]

GREAT info on input devices all - this forum rocks!

 

I spent four months reading it all before I joined it without hesitation.

 

Great group - thanks for all the help. :thumbup:

[ryyy]

GREAT info on input devices all - this forum rocks!

 

I spent four months reading it all before I joined it without hesitation.

 

Great group - thanks for all the help. :thumbup:

 

You and I both! I've been eyeing this sim for months but was too afraid to even dip my toes into the water. Posting up made me more confident knowing that people here are willing to help!

 

As for the X52 PRO, I think I'll be going with this. I know someone selling it second hand and for the price I can get the X52 pro and TrackIR (:

[Bulletstop]

I have the X-65 and I love it. It does take some time to get used however to me I feel , due to the technolgy of the stick, I can be more percise in my flying.

I do like the WH but the cost was a major factor and even tho it is very cool I still have everything set up on my stick and throttle for flying and fighting with out the software.

 

 

Bullet

[ryyy]

If anyone can help me out with some ATC problems...

 

http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=78985

[ryyy]

Proud to say that I've finally achieved my first landing today. Nerve wrecking but I managed to keep it cool and touch her down safely. Just need to practice more on descending a bit smoother (:

[jeffyd123]

What do you people think about the Saitek X-65?

 

 

I have one too and I like it in many ways... the coolest thing is how you can change the amount of force you use on the fly. I keep mine turned up fairly high when im airborne and you have to pull pretty hard on the stick... kinda like force feedback.... adds immersion.

 

The metal stick and throttle feel like cold steel in your hand.

 

the quality is decent but nowhere near the warthog.

 

the plug that goes into the throttle is really shitty.

 

Take a look at CH sticks, they are very good quality and fair priced.

 

 

I messed around with (and wasted a lot of time) with facetrack. Had a great webcam and lots of light on my face (150w spotlight) and it was like i drank 3 bottle of ripple! wavering all over the place... terrible and unusable. I messed around extensively with freetrack too... sucked.

 

I finally sold out and joined the borg (after all resistance really is futile when it comes to a TIR) and its great stuff... very stable and accurate. get the TIR 5... the sensor on it is better and more accurate which helps when looking at your gauges or the ground for targets.

 

congrats on your landing (sigh, I wish I could go back to the first time I got in the ole A-10)... enjoy the sim!

Edited August 30, 2011 by jeffyd123

[ryyy]

Alright so the time is near to make a big purchase.

 

Although I'd like to purchase both I can only choose one or the other today.

 

TrackIR 5 w/ Pro Clip or a Saitek X65F stick.

 

I'm debating one which one would be the better investment for me right now. The current stick I have is a Saitek Cyborg X (/insert bleh face -> -_-x ) I can fly with it, been able to practice take-offs and landings but it is terribly uncentered and not as precise as I'd like it to be. I hate having to hold down the base of the stick with my left hand to keep it from lifting when pushing forward.

 

But anyways, what would you suggest?

[cichlidfan]

If you need a new stick then you need a new stick, that is your call.

 

If, however, you feel that you could live with the stick for a while longer in return for an amazing enhancement to the flight environment...:D

 

Then I would get the TIR. I would rather have a less than ideal stick and TIR, than a Warthog and no TIR, but that's just me and I don't have a Warthog yet.;)

[kylania]

TrackIR 5 w/Pro Clip, then the ThrustMaster Warthog. :)