Hard Light Productions Forums

General FreeSpace => FreeSpace Discussion => Topic started by: Leeko on July 31, 2009, 08:52:15 pm

Title: Joysticks
Post by: Leeko on July 31, 2009, 08:52:15 pm
So, I'm wondering, how many of you use joysticks? I've always used joysticks for MechWarrior, Descent, and FreeSpace. I can't imagine playing without one!
Mine's a Microsoft Force Feedback 2. Though the Z axis recently broke... no more barrel rolls. :(
Title: Re: Joysticks
Post by: Cobra on July 31, 2009, 09:07:49 pm
Technically it's the Rx axis. :nervous:

I'm one of them, and I use the good ol' Saitek X52 FCS. I've mapped all the controls you really need and I still have 5 separate modes left over. :D
Title: Re: Joysticks
Post by: Leeko on July 31, 2009, 09:11:08 pm
The calibration screen labels it Z. :doubt:
Title: Re: Joysticks
Post by: Cobra on July 31, 2009, 09:11:51 pm
Huh. Throttle's usually Z, unless it's different between different calibration screens and certain games.
Title: Re: Joysticks
Post by: Mongoose on August 01, 2009, 12:04:41 am
I use a Saitek Cyborg Evo for FS, by virtue of its additional buttons, but I stick to my trusty old gameport (backed up by community-made USB converter) MS Sidewinder 3D Pro for Descent.  I love that thing. :)
Title: Re: Joysticks
Post by: voidSkipper on August 01, 2009, 12:55:34 am
Joystick got me into freespace, rather than visa-versa. The Collossus demo came with my wingman force 3d. Unfortunately that stick broke two months ago, so I've paid my respects and moved on to a cyborg evo force.

I couldn't play without a joystick and I couldn't play without force feedback :3
Title: Re: Joysticks
Post by: Reprobator on August 01, 2009, 03:23:05 am
I use for now a x52 that begin to have some problem (bad contact beetwen the stick and the throttle cable)
I plan to waste my money in a logitech g940 hotas ffb with rudder pedals  :
(http://www.maximumpc.com/files/u69/Logitech_G940.png)

 I just hope that the whole system will be recognize as a unique peripherals by windows7, it would permit to use rudder in freespace  ;7
Title: Re: Joysticks
Post by: Ziame on August 01, 2009, 03:36:35 am
Oh dude that one's hot. though I once did something like that. I borrowed this thing for driving for computers with pedals and so on.

I mapped pedals for rolling, and this thing we use for gears.... well, every position had it's own (1/3, 2/3, full, zero)

That was fun. Though the friend who've lent me it, already took it back
Title: Re: Joysticks
Post by: Dragon on August 01, 2009, 04:23:10 am
I'm using old, but really good Logitech's Wingman Force 3D, it has 7 buttons, POW Hat which I ussualy map to side thrusters, four axis and force feedback, which works great with FS2. 
I think Force Feedback system in FS2_Open can use some upgrades (for example enegy weapons have recoil that can be felt on handle).
Title: Re: Joysticks
Post by: 0rph3u5 on August 01, 2009, 04:56:57 am
Ever since X-Wing I cannot imagine playing a SCS without a joystick...
I'm using a Saitek Cyborg Evo since four years or so... by now it has slight movement to the left on the Rx-axis
Title: Re: Joysticks
Post by: Dilmah G on August 01, 2009, 06:46:36 am
I originally played with a Sidewinder Precision Pro, but upgraded to a Saitek Cyborg Evo a few years ago. My trigger broke a few weeks ago however, avoid firing for extended periods of time using the trigger on the Evo, it'll start sticking and eventually give in.
Title: Re: Joysticks
Post by: Leeko on August 01, 2009, 11:10:34 am
My friend just borrowed my joystick and is now out of town for a week. He forgot to return it before he left.
Help! :shaking:
Title: Re: Joysticks
Post by: Cobra on August 01, 2009, 11:47:47 am
Use a mouse; or if you're awesome, use the keyboard. :D
Title: Re: Joysticks
Post by: Kiloku on August 01, 2009, 12:46:32 pm
I originally played with a Sidewinder Precision Pro, but upgraded to a Saitek Cyborg Evo a few years ago. My trigger broke a few weeks ago however, avoid firing for extended periods of time using the trigger on the Evo, it'll start sticking and eventually give in.
I've got mine for around 2 years and the trigger doesn't stick and is as responsive as it ever was, me and my brother use it both for Combat Flight Sims (IL-2, to be precise) and FS2, and we never had a problem with it... It's starting to be unprecise for small aim adjustments, though.
Title: Re: Joysticks
Post by: Herra Tohtori on August 01, 2009, 12:58:59 pm
I've had some problems with the primary trigger on the Evo as well. I probably should just believe that the rounds won't go faster, no matter how hard I squeeze the trigger... :p

Although, I personally find it better to use the middle thumb button as the primary trigger. Somehow I get better results that way in IL-2.
Title: Re: Joysticks
Post by: paul1290 on August 01, 2009, 01:07:54 pm
I use either joystick or just keyboard+mouse, depending on what I feel like using at the moment.

Most of the time I just use keyboard and the mouse with sensitivity turned up fairly high.

I have a joystick and I do use it sometimes, but most of the time I'm too lazy to set it up just for a quick game.  :P
Title: Re: Joysticks
Post by: headdie on August 01, 2009, 02:16:45 pm
anyone get a generic PS2 style non ff controller to work in FS2, i can never get mine to for some reason :mad:
Title: Re: Joysticks
Post by: Cobra on August 01, 2009, 09:06:30 pm
Try going into the game controllers screen, select your joystick, click advanced, then see if your joystick is there in the drop-down, then click OK.
Title: Re: Joysticks
Post by: Dilmah G on August 01, 2009, 09:30:41 pm
I originally played with a Sidewinder Precision Pro, but upgraded to a Saitek Cyborg Evo a few years ago. My trigger broke a few weeks ago however, avoid firing for extended periods of time using the trigger on the Evo, it'll start sticking and eventually give in.
I've got mine for around 2 years and the trigger doesn't stick and is as responsive as it ever was, me and my brother use it both for Combat Flight Sims (IL-2, to be precise) and FS2, and we never had a problem with it... It's starting to be unprecise for small aim adjustments, though.
Yeah, you can fix the aiming thing by using a tissue and wiping dust off the "Ball" off the joystick.
Although, I personally find it better to use the middle thumb button as the primary trigger. Somehow I get better results that way in IL-2.
I haven't really got a choice now :P.
Title: Re: Joysticks
Post by: Herra Tohtori on August 02, 2009, 06:02:01 am
Actually, you can make the Cyborg Evo a lot better for flight simulators by removing the springs, both from the twist handle mechanism and the main gimbal spring. You'll be surprised at what a difference it makes for flying. Basically it removes the need for trim, at the cost of requiring a good button layout that lets you keep your right hand at the stick at all times - but that's where it should be anyway, right? ;7

I myself would prefer a friction lock joystick rather than one that returns into more or less (usually less) clearly defined center position. And what I mean by friction lock is the same kind of mechanism that is on Cyborg Evo's throttle; you can move the handle smoothly around the range of motion and when you leave it, it stays where you put it. That would be rather awesome.

...Also, the trigger can be fixed with some effort; you need to open the handle and fix the plastic piece that holds the trigger switch in place, and then reinforce it with some padding. It tends to cave in after prolonged heavy-handed use. Duct tape seemed to do the trick for me. I also made sort of packers with layers of duct tape on each other that would prevent the trigger from being pressed too deep, and it seemed to work fine. :lol:
Title: Re: Joysticks
Post by: Dilmah G on August 02, 2009, 07:30:59 am
Thanks, I might try it sometime when I'm feeling brave :).
Title: Re: Joysticks
Post by: HellTiger on August 02, 2009, 07:44:19 am
Heyo!

I have started playing with a extreme 3d pro logitech, but in the case i am a good fps player i cant hit so good with stick like a mouse.
i have tryed it how fast i can kill enemys on the same map several times, and mouse have won hard. i cant play the game the joystick way :| feels good to fly, but not more.
Title: Re: Joysticks
Post by: Kiloku on August 02, 2009, 03:30:52 pm
Actually, you can make the Cyborg Evo a lot better for flight simulators by removing the springs, both from the twist handle mechanism and the main gimbal spring. You'll be surprised at what a difference it makes for flying. Basically it removes the need for trim, at the cost of requiring a good button layout that lets you keep your right hand at the stick at all times - but that's where it should be anyway, right? ;7

I myself would prefer a friction lock joystick rather than one that returns into more or less (usually less) clearly defined center position. And what I mean by friction lock is the same kind of mechanism that is on Cyborg Evo's throttle; you can move the handle smoothly around the range of motion and when you leave it, it stays where you put it. That would be rather awesome.

...Also, the trigger can be fixed with some effort; you need to open the handle and fix the plastic piece that holds the trigger switch in place, and then reinforce it with some padding. It tends to cave in after prolonged heavy-handed use. Duct tape seemed to do the trick for me. I also made sort of packers with layers of duct tape on each other that would prevent the trigger from being pressed too deep, and it seemed to work fine. :lol:

I would try that, but I bet my brother's would kill me afterwards. Then resurrect me and make me get enough cash to buy him a new Joystick. (Even because they're pretty expensive in Brazil)