Gothkrieger

"Sorry if you know this already but if you don't then it's useful terminology to know." Don't ever worry about this as I have way too much to learn to worry about being told something I might already know, which in this case in not the case. Thanks

Just picked up a MSFFB2, I hope it will work and is not busted. I did not get a software / install disk with it, just the stick. I run Windows XP. Do I have to hunt down drivers on the web or does Windows have what I will need? Do I have to activate it in IL2 somehow, a config file edit? I am still running my X45 throttle so I have the X45 stick hooked up as well, what do I do to make the MSFFB2 the primary or only joystick? Will I be able to program IL2's controls by just selecting a command and depressing a joystick button or will I have to have software installed (like my X45 does)? So in other words, Help!

Yes this is all helping, I have quite a few things to try out and practice now. No end of learning on this sim but that's OK, there would be no satisfaction if it was too easy. I also find that I have to read things over several times to understand exactly what is being said as I am not a real pilot so I am learning about flight principles and terminology as I go along as well.

Trying again on Friday to pick one up, different guy this time but still 3 hours drive away. Not too bad as I have to be there for business as well so I will just fit it in. Hopefully I will connect this time, unlike my last attempt to buy one.

Yeah Jabo I think to some degree Luck plays a part in how a stick performs. The X52 has had lots of bad press. The stick has a history of breakdowns, buttons and the like. I know one guy that says his X52 stick is inaccurate in movements just off centre position. I have a X45 right now, no switch is broken but there is slop in the stick making fine inputs near neutral position difficult. The Sidewinder is proving hard to pick up but I will keep trying. As long as my luck holds out and I don’t get one that’s on deaths door.

Yes I know the stick you speak of. I looks great, too bad it’s tailored so much toward a specific aircraft and not a WW2 one at that. As well as the MSFF2 , I have been considering the CH throttle, rudder and stick combo. Not as expensive as the Warthog and that includes the pedal rudders which the Warthog does not have and would be extra. Its older technology but the components are supposed to be top end; I am very tempted to pick them up. I would cost another 230.00 more for the Warthog and rudder pedals situation for the same setup.

But have you guys that use the Sidwinder ever own and use any of the high end sticks to be able to compare it to them?

Thanks

Yikes, with all that can go wrong it makes you think twice about getting one.

Been flying against the AI to get some practice and I have a question. The difference between Veteran and Ace, is it just in the gunnery (Ace seems to have much better accuracy and will take shots that other skill levels won’t) or do they dogfight better as well?

This sounds great as a stick; it does seem to have some peculiarities that a person has to get used to. I had a purchase, from lined up from a fairly local guy (three hours drive from here), but he was a now show. CRAP! Back to square one.

Congrats on a build it yourself, If was only a little more electrically inclined.

Did you use the keyboard for "set trim to neutral" command function? I have X45 throttle now and thinking of going with a CH Pro Throttle which of course has no knobs. The Knobs on the X45 have that centering detente that make setting it to neutral very easy and is a great way to tell what setting you have your trim set to. You know it seems the only way a person will be happy is to build something for themselves, at least on the throttle side of things including a lever for flaps and knobs for trim. Curses!

Those of you that don’t have a Saitek throttle with those handy trim knobs on the handle how are you trimming you plane, are you doing a multi press command either on keyboard or throttle? If you are not using a Saitek throttle what throttle are you using?

I don't have CoD because I don't have the hardware to run it but it’s nice to see that the sim is coming along and is getting playable at least.

So the Microsoft Sidewinder Force Feedback 2 joystick has a twist feature for rudder, can the stick be locked so that its rigid? I know a person can probably not configure it for rudder I just don’t want it to twist at all if possible. Will the stick work with Win7? I don’t have Win7 yet but I figure one day its bound to happen. The Hat switch on the stick, it’s the lower one, yes?

Yes, I picked up my TrackIR and am very happy with it. Works great, right out of the box. It was a snap to set up. Money wlll spent.

Thanks guys. Looks like I will probably go with the Saitek. Didn't know they made 2 different pedals though, will have to see which one they have on the shelf.

Am mainly using rudder in takeoffs and in flight basically to get the slip ball centred. I read someplace that rudder should be used in banked turns. I notice that in many of my aileron turns the ball is cantered, should I still be using rudder in the turn, I don’t seem to understand why if the turn is co-ordinated.

I am considering getting rudder pedals. Don’t know if that’s a good idea, I could fly worse with them, I am a slow learner. As it is now I don’t have to worry what my feet are doing, now I will have to pay attention. I now have the Saitek X45 so my rudder is on the throttle and easy not to mess with by accident. Been considering the CH & Saitek ones. I can get the Saitek local and I think I am leaning that way but I do want to hear what you guys have to say. I know the Saitek products can be less than reliable in the standing up to use department so I am a little concerned about that in that regard. Anyways please leave your 2 cents.

OK, I have XP What do you mean by "so you just use the FFB on the windows drivers" Is this to say that windows has FFB drivers and I don't use the ones that come on the disk? Is this only for Windows above XP? "you just can't do any fancy reprogramming of the joystick" this comment is in regards to anything higher that XP, yes?

OK thanks, I will wait for the new UP. Lets hope this time it will be out in a week. I remember hearing that about a month ago but I would rather wait and let them get it right.

Someone mentioned using 6DOF with 4.101. If they would not mind explaining how to set that up please. Would this be good only when flying offline or can we use it online as well?

Thank you for the files, I have downloaded them as well as your instructions and will start with them when I can get a stick, hopefully soon! So if I am still using my X45 setup for throttle and button bay I will have to load software for both sticks?

Happy Birthday!!!!