*thread discussion moved*

[machineman9]

proper thread on getting tutorials is now available in the home brew forum

[Jakemaster]

Well why take it apart?  Just use it as is to play the game.  I mean if you're going to take it apart why waste the controller?  Go sell it and by a cheap joystick  ::)

[machineman9]

i was thinking that, but i thought it would be a bit cooler to have a proper set up. im just not sure how feasable it would be

edit: if you think it would be a bad waste, then any links to how to make USB quadrants or anything?

[ctjoyce]

Well the wired XBOX360 controllers are USB I thought, so there is no reason to try to make a USB quad, and M$ even provides drivers for it.

As for taking it apart, again I would agree with sell it and buy a cheap joystick. You are going to end up spending more time than its worth trying to take it apart and creating a cardboard joystick. Also remember that there aren't any wires in the stick, its all direct connect, so you don't really have too much room to wiggle with.

Cheers
Cameron

[Dan Brown]

I play MSFS with a PS3 style controller made by game elements (same button layout, wireless, etc) and I enjoy it. It's not the best for "simulation" but if you game on XBOX as much as anyone else, it's just like playing another game.... you get used to the controls even though they aren't the best "layout".  

I use the L1/2 and R1/2 buttons for throttle and zoom level. Then it's gear, autopilot, auto throttle, brakes, and point of view changer on the buttons.  I use the keyboard for a lot of functions (flaps, open doors, opening instrument panels, etc) and click a few things with the mouse.

I may get a stick someday, but it'll $ and if you already have an XBOX360 controller already available, just go with that. If you're looking for the best simulation, get a joystick. I personally use the game to train my eye for things such as rate of closure, circle of action, angle of approaches, etc, and that can be done on a controller. If I was trying to train my hand inputs on a stick, then I would get one. I'm a helo pilot, and I haven't found a good flying model of the 58D yet, so I'm not concerned about simming the actual stick control.

Also, if I fly fixed wing, it's usually in autopilot (737, CRJ, etc) so I only need the control to get me off the ground.

Sorry- got off topic a little. BOTTOM LINE: I'd vote keep the 360 controller and just have fun playing with it You might be able to build a more realistic simulation setup by taking it apart, but I don't think it would be worth it. Like everyone else said, but a cheaper one and hack that. In the end, it depends on how you're trying to use MSFS.....

[machineman9]

yeh... well it was either the X360 controller, or the Xbox controller (for componants)

so, scratch the idea on using the X360 controller... ill buy a joystick. but, what could you reccomend on how to build a USB quadrant?

i saw a gameport tutorial... but thats no good. i dont have a gameport, and i hear VISTA doesnt support them anyway.. so its to be USB all the way

any tutorials you would reccomend? im good at soldering and i got lots of the componants in scrap no doubt

[machineman9]

alright, been moved to the home brew forum

if you didnt know what this was on about, it started as using X360 controllers to make a sim setup... and turned into getting tutorials