Ben's new cockpit

[Saitek]

I bought back in December Saitek's panel, pedals, yoke and throttle gadgets. They arrived almost a month later (due to high demand) and unfortunately it was bang in my exams. I only could test to make sure it worked. Now I'm having fun.  Just tweaking settings at the moment. Will probably need to ask a question or two soon.

Anyway, here goes.  8-)







Ben

[SubZer0]

man I've wanted a setup like that forever..

[pengyman89]

How do you like the switch panel? I ordered one but unfortunately it shipped to my home, not my residence and the rest of my family is out of the country so I won't get it until mid Feb-ish.

[waspiflab]

Nice set up though I would have forked out on a bigger screen, kinda looks lost amongst the clutter

[expat]

You know the switch panel screws on top of the yoke??

Matt

[Saitek]

I love the switch panel, nothing like starting the engine with it. Just so cool. I know it screws on top, but then I'd have to put my monitor on a stack of books so I could see it. I prefer it next to it anyway; gives it more of a cockpit feeling. As for the screen, it was the biggest I could afford. I thought about a second one, but the really massive monitors cost a bomb. I think that is 22".

[HarvesteR]

nice setup there!!

i have the same pedals, they are absolutely awesome...
i also bought the X52 Pro, which is simply the best joystick i've ever put my hands on... i went for the HOTAS setup because i like flying helis as well and also i don't use it only for FS... now, if only i could reverse the throttle axis only for helis... i'd be even happier  8-)

about the monitor, consider a Triple Head to Go, it might be a better deal than a monstrously large single monitor

Cheers

[mhoffman50]

I noticed that you have a joystick as well.  I currently use an old MSFF2 stick but was thinking about going the yoke route.  I would be interested in your evaluation of the differences between the two.

[Saitek]

It's just realism and rather than buttons that all look the same you have the helpful visual advantage. It is also easier to do some things. For example with the throttle unit you can adjust mixture, propeller and throttle with minimal effort. Try doing that on a keyboard.

It is taking time for me to get used to it I have to admit, especially the pedals which I just don't get at all at the moment. The stick is a Saitek Rumble Force with a twist for the rudder. I have had it for several years and it has been a great stick, but it just lacks realism and that is what I craved. Like so many people that move to a yoke, (I sure researched before I bought) I can't ever see me going back to a stick.  :)

[HarvesteR]

don't take this as disencouragement, only as a point worth considering when you're making your choice

you have to think about what you do most on your pc, is flightsimming above the rest? or do you also play other games that would need a joystick? also, in FS do you fly yoke planes more often than sticks?

once you weigh all these matters you'll find out for yourself if the yoke is what you need. as Saitek said, it adds greatly to the realism, but it's not often practical, as in, flying helicopters or playing other combat games

i chose the X52 HOTAS stick because of it's versatility, other than realism... i knew that, in my case at least, i would have better experiences with a stick than behind a yoke... alas, i feel it lacks realism when i fly aircraft with yokes... and if i could also buy the same setup as Ben there got for himself, i most definitely would... so i'd have everything  ;)

but money, unfortunately, does not yet grow on trees  :-/

Cheers