Flight Sims

[Bison]

What controllers are the RoF players using?  Please link if you can.  I've got a cheapo joystick controller, but am going to browse the selection over at the local computer store later on today.

[Jarhead0331]

I have two HOTAS set ups.  For my higher fidelity sims, I use the aging, but still venerable Saitek X52pro



For my "lighter" simming or for games in which I technically shouldn't even have a HOTAS, I use a Thrustmaster HOTAS X.  This is a budget system that cost like $35.  The two components can be connected as pictured or detached and placed separately in more conventional fashion.  For the money, its a decent stick.

[Bison]

JH do you use the thrustmaster for RoF?   I'm not sure if the local shop will carry it, but they actually have a really good selection of computer accessories.

[Jarhead0331]

JH do you use the thrustmaster for RoF?   I'm not sure if the local shop will carry it, but they actually have a really good selection of computer accessories.

Yes.  I use the TM for RoF.  I got mine on amazon.com. 

[Toonces]

A decent HOTAS will last you a VERY long time, so if you can do the delayed gratification thing, I would strongly recommend finding the HOTAS you want and order it online if your local shop doesn't have it.

I use the CH Fighterstick, Pro Throttle, Pro Pedals combo, but that is total overkill for something like RoF (but essential for something like BMS Falcon or DCS A-10).  I've heard a lot of great things about the Saitek X52 and I know a lot of folks use it and like it.  It's a nice, cheaper alternative to the CH gear.

Finally, for RoF, that HOTAS X looks sweet, although I don't have any experience with it.  RoF isn't button intensive (IMO).  You need something for rudder control, though...don't know if the X has a twisty stick or if you'll want to invest in some pedals.

If you're going to drop some money, you own it to yourself to do some research on this and get the gear you really want.  It makes a huge difference to how much you enjoy your simming.  If you don't have a TrackIR, and you're fairly certain you're not going to branch into really complex sims like Falcon or DCS, something like the HOTAS X for $35 would be nice since it will leave you a lot of extra cash for a TrackIR.  Frankly, if I don't have my TrackIR, I don't fly flight sims anymore- it's that important.

[Toonces]

Also, don't spend $50 on Iron Cross. It's on sale around for $10.  I can't remember the exact website I bought my copy from, but if you search on SimHQ's RoF forum, there should be a thread on the first page or so that talks about a website selling RoF Iron Cross for $10.  Look towards the end of the thread; you'll see my post- that's the website that still had it for $10 as of a couple of weeks ago.  Something like fsshop.com or something like that.

[Nefaro]

Also, don't spend $50 on Iron Cross. It's on sale around for $10.  I can't remember the exact website I bought my copy from, but if you search on SimHQ's RoF forum, there should be a thread on the first page or so that talks about a website selling RoF Iron Cross for $10.  Look towards the end of the thread; you'll see my post- that's the website that still had it for $10 as of a couple of weeks ago.  Something like fsshop.com or something like that.

Pretty sure it was on sale for $10 at Amazon, but their sale is over now. 

[Gusington]

I got the Iron Cross edition for 20.00 but I think it was from GoGamer which is now gone.

[MIGMaster]

Very timely topic for me  - I was checking out the HOTAS X the other day....  Now that the kids are a bit older and I have a little more free time it would be nice to get  back into sims

[Toonces]

The website I got it for $10 was fspilotshop.com, but it's up to $30 again now: http://www.fspilotshop.com/product_info.php?products_id=2740&sid=2a0f4d21bd17c6e97543d56956022c49

To be honest, it's still a very good value for $30 in my opinion; there is a TON of gaming you can do with what's included there.  However, if you can't stomach $30 right now, you can wait and "eventually" there will be another sale; alternatively you can navigate to RoF's website and purchase any "must have" planes direct for a few bucks apiece.  Again, RoF's site has sales periodically- the last one almost all the planes were 50% off and I bought almost everything in their store except the two-engine planes. 

Iron Cross for $30 is really a fair price- it's not a bargain, but it provides a lot of value in my opinion.

[Bison]

Well I found my cheapo joystick controller.  logtech atk3.  I'm not sure if the controller is just garbage and unresponsive or if it's the planes and it's WAD.  I found a thrustmaster t16000m at the local shop, but I didn't pull the trigger.  I did watch a youtube of a guy playing RoF with one.  It looked like it did the job, but honestly I'm a complete flight sim noob and have no idea what to look for in a controller.  I'm not going to play anything more complex than RoF, so I don't need the top of the line controller.   Maybe this will do all I need it to do?  http://www.thrustmaster.com/en_US/products/t16000m Or is the throttle control really that much of an advantage?

[Bison]

OK.  The SPAD 13 plane is a lumbering beast.  I think I've got the rudder programed onto the joystick.  Right now I'm very, very proficient at spinning into a nose dive and face planting into the ground.  What I need is a couple of buttons to more easily control the pilots view.  I have no idea 99% of the time where the hell the German pilots are until I'm covered in blood, smoke and oil and nose diving into the ground.

[Silent Disapproval Robot]

Oh buddy, if you think the SPAD's a lumbering beast, you're in for a world of hurt.

[Shelldrake]

I recently picked up a HOTAS X from Amazon to use with the new Wing Commander Darkest Dawn release but have yet to try it out. Too bad Thrustmaster seems to have stopped making the vibration-enhanced version of their joysticks, which I found to be a nice alternative to force feedback. Anyhway, if the HOTAS X lasts as well as my last Thrustmaster joystick (Top Gun Fox 2 Pro Shock) I will be quite satisfied.

[Gusington]

The Spads are some of the more maneuverable WWI era planes! Oh dear.