Break down

[Thunderbolt56]

Well, I've decided to break down and buy a Flight Stick Pro to subsidize my inability to "properly" use my FighterStick. A few months ago I acquired some game controller mounts ( http:/www.monsta.cc ) for my CH HOTAS setup and decided to push ahead and try my hand at right handed controls for my JS...sorry, no go. (a left-handed old dog so no new tricks here)

I have my mouse, throttle and keyboard set up and love the control platforms, but had reverted to using the MSFFB2 JS I've used for awhile. I like the HOTAS setup and the full control offered by the Control Manager software so decided to get the more ambidextrous flight stick Pro controller.

I mostly fly prop sims so had never really utilized the fighterstick to its fullest, however, it is hard not to have the feeling that I'm downgrading to a lesser controller (only one mode and fewer buttons :( ).

The saving grace is the ability to maximize the effectiveness of Control Manager, have a more ergonomic setup (no more JS in my lap...no jokes please :oops: ) and have that impeccable CH quality throughout.

Any opinions? reassurance? criticism?

[Revvin]

I've tinkered with the idea of getting a Flight Stick and trying to extend the shaft to make a floor mount stick for WWII sims. Perhaps later you could add the throttle quadrant to that Flight Stick which is suited to lefties and righties and has extra buttons across the front of the device as well as plenty of axis for throttle, RPM, trim control etc. I believe that while there is no mode control button hard wired in the stick you could still use CMS scripting to add up to 4 combinations per button anyway, check with Michael to see if thats the case though it just showed up in Control Manager 3 as being able to have modes.

[MichaelCHProd]

You can get up to four modes on any of our USB controllers with the CMS as mode control. So if you would like you can get all the modes/shifted functions you want on the Flightstick Pro. If you combine that with the Throttle Quad then you will really be clipping along. B)

[Revvin]

The Flightstick and throttle quadrant would be a great setup for left handed users, I can't wait to give the throttle quadrant a workout with my B25 gunship in Target Rabaul (http://www.targetrabaul.com/) :D

[Thunderbolt56]

Thanks for the replies guys and rest assured I'm not unhappy, but a little disappointed as I really like the fighterstick. I already have a Pro throttle and Pro pedals and with the ability in CMS to add modes I should be just fine.

Nonetheless, I'll NEVER give up on the possibility of a premium (a la fighterstick) controller mad eexclusively for leftys.

:rolleyes:

[DNME]

With a yoke it makes no difference whether you're left or right handed.

[Thunderbolt56]

Originally posted by DNME@Feb 29 2004, 10:11 AM
With a yoke it makes no difference whether you're left or right handed.
I guess I could buy a yoke for those sorties with the P-38 in the upcoming Aces Expansion in FB!

Afterall, immersion is everything...right?

[Revvin]

That's what I'm planning on doing! :) got the add-on pack on pre-order :thumbsup:

[Thunderbolt56]

Well, my new Flight Stick just arrived and I'm quite "jazzed". The feel is better than any of the other sticks I've used and even better than I had expected.

Michael said earlier that I could use a mode control in cms. What I would like to do is set up 1 additional mode for the JS (obviously, I have the 3 modes already for the throttle) to allow the additional desired functions.

I'm at work right now so can't really get deep into control manager yet, but please explain something. If I set up another mode in control manager, how will I activate (or rather...switch to) the second mode on the JS? will one of the "few" buttons I have available have to be used/programmed to switch modes?

Please forgive my ignorance...over the next few days I'm on a VERY steep learning curve with control manager. :wacko:

Despite the fact I've had and used the throttle and pedals for many months, I haven't used my fighterstick so have done most all of my settings in-game instead. Now that all of my controllers in use will be CH, I intend on getting the most out of them finally. :rolleyes:

Any input would be appreciated.

TB

(oh, and don't hate me just because I spent most of last night flying the "ACES Expansion" B) )

[MichaelCHProd]

Now I don't hate you but I think it would be easier to focus on the problem at hand and find you an easy solution if only I knew where you got that expansion pack B)

Feel free to PM me with your secret. I have a feeling it will jump start my brain and the answer will come flying out. B)

[Typhoontony]

As I was reading this thread a thought occured to me :idea: Do the U.S. armed forces have left handed fighter pilots, I'm sure that they do. Are there any accomodations made for them or do they just have a steeper learning curve than right handed pilots?

Tony

[MichaelCHProd]

I believe the DoD Policy is... "Suck it up and learn to fly with your right hand" B)

[Thunderbolt56]

Originally posted by MichaelCHProd@Mar 5 2004, 04:19 AM
I believe the DoD Policy is... "Suck it up and learn to fly with your right hand" B)
This is exactly what they do. I adapted just fine until my career was cut short when my right arm was severed and upon reattachment I had lost about 20% lateral movement and 70% rotational. I can still use it and at times effectively too, but my precision takes a little more conscious effort thus I'm a lefty now. I certainly don't criticize people for being right handed. I just wish the left handed segment of the population got a little more consideration...afterall we DO make up over 20% of the population.

I got my copy of ACES at our local EB here in Daytona Beach. We also have Embry Riddle Aeronautical University here right accross the street and my bud at EB said to get there early or those student pilots would be over there at lunch time to pick up the 6 copies they had...so I did.

[Revvin]

I don't think us limey's are getting the add-on until the 19th :angry: :censored:

[Buzz]

Thunderbolt,

The lefty/righty part of flying actually depends on the aircraft you are flying. The C-17 has a stick, but the aircraft commander sits in the left seat. He flies with a stick in his/her left hand and throttle in the right. For the C-130/KC-135... other heavy aircraft with a yoke, the guy in the left seat (aircraft commander) flies with his left hand and uses the throttles with his right. As an IP, I fly in both seats, and it doesn't matter which hand I fly with (and I'm a righty).

Buzz