Hardware Choosing a Joystick.

[DaDodsworth]

I've just got into Orbiter, but I find using a keyboard limiting and annoying, so I've looked into a joystick and I just wanted a second opinion.

http://www.play.com/PC/PCs/4-/92292...urce=0&searchtype=allproducts&urlrefer=search

That's what I'm looking at getting. Would you advise any different?

 

[blixel]

I have that Joystick and have been very happy with it. I could nitpick certain things, but for the money, I think it's a great value. Since I only use my Joystick for atmospheric take off and landing, I don't really feel the need to get anything better.

 

[DaDodsworth]

Good. you said you only use it in atmosphere, does it not work out of it or is that just your choice?

 

[blixel]

Good. you said you only use it in atmosphere, does it not work out of it or is that just your choice?

It will operate while you're in orbit, but you don't exactly "fly" once you're in space. Once in orbit, you spend most of your time working with the MFD's and doing various orbital maneuvers. (e.g. Fast forward time to the next node passage and align the plane, or circularize your orbit at Apoapsis, or other things of that nature.)

 

[DaDodsworth]

Oh yes of course, I was thinking about doing it manually. That's because I'm use to KSP. Thanks a lot, I'll be buying it now.

 

[Hurricane]

Well I use the Saitek X52 Pro, but I also play X-Plane so it's more useful there.
Also it's very durable (and it looks AWESOME!)
Good luck with your choice though.

 

[marcheenek]

I have this joystick and have been really happy with it for Orbiter. I'm using it both for atmospheric flight and for rotational thrusters in space. I use JoyToKey to program all the buttons, so I have control over retro, hover, gear, trim etc.

I use this joystick for FSX as well and its probably the best bargain for hotas type.

 

[Ripley]

...I use JoyToKey to program all the buttons...

Why JoyToKey?
Isn't there a Thrustmaster software for that one?

P.S.: I have a Thrustmaster Cougar myself.

 

[jedidia]

A HOTA system for 45 Bucks? Alarm bells are ringing!

HOTAs are usually way more expensive. Now, I don't want to criticise a joystick I never laid hand on, but I am very sceptical of the price. I suspect rather poor quality (probably most notable in a short lifespan).

Also, a HOTA is unwieldy enough as it is. having both components fixed to each other would annoy the heck out of me. I couldn't see my screen anymore behind the instrumentarium :lol:

EDIT: sorry, just noticed that the parts are detachable, so never mind the last paragraph.

This might be either a real killer for its price, or it might be the cheapest crap you ever bought. Best consult some professional reviews.

 

[blixel]

When I bought this joystick (from amazon), I paid $33.95, so the price has actually gone up by $16 since I bought it about a year ago.

You just have to ask yourself how much value a joystick is going to give you. If you're using it just for Orbiter (like I am), how much time do you spend with Orbiter? (And ... while using Orbiter, how much of that time will you actually use the joystick?) I often go a month or more without touching Orbiter. And, as I stated before, I only use the joystick for atmospheric take off and landing.

Is that worth $150-$400+ (e.g. Saitek X52 Pro or Thrustmaster Hotas Warthog Joystick 2960720)? Maybe. Depends on your income I suppose. (I enjoy Orbiter enough that I'm considering getting the Saitek X52 some day.) But in my humble opinion, the Thrustmaster T-Flight Hotas X Flight Stick is a good value. (e.g. Bang for the buck.) It feels like a solid piece of hardware to me. It's not state of the art of course, but that is an unreasonable expectation at this price point.

I have no problem with the throttle portion and joystick portion being attached together. (They can be separated if you prefer.) If I'm going to do an atmospheric take off with Orbiter, I set the joystick in front of my keyboard, take off, and once I've achieved orbital velocity and have shut off the main engines, I move the joystick off to the side. (Using the keyboard while in space just seems easier and more practical to me.)

Regarding feedback. I'd rather hear from people in the Orbiter-Forum community who are using this hardware with Orbiter ... as opposed to reading what professional reviewers have to say. Perhaps that's just me?

 

[TMac3000]

Most spacecraft are more programmed then flown...although I used to use a joystick for docking.

 

[DaDodsworth]

Thanks a lot guys, I only plan on using it with Orbiter and Kerbal Space Program.
I think for the price and the fact I don't really get much time to play it should suit me well. I'll order it sometime this weekend and tell you guys how I feel about it once I've used it a bit.