Hi folks,

To my greatest surprise, my girlfriend got me the Flight Simulator
2004 for Christmas. Though I didn't touch one for years, I've always
loved flight sims and was eager to try out this one - only to find out
that it's a real downer with only the keyboard and mouse. I'm looking
now for a joystick, but since it's been a very long time since my
hardcore gaming days I've no clue whatsoever as to what joystick would
be a good buy. I can only spend a modest amount on it (and probably
try to get it on eBay anyway).
Not sure what features / options I should be looking for. I guess I'll
have to do without force feedback (cost limitation). An analog
throttle control would probably be nice, but I'm not sure if I would
really need it.
Most important imo would be precise handling. Also, it doesn't have to
be a brand new model, if anyone has used an older model with FS2004
and that worked well, I could probably try to get it on eBay.
Please, could someone post a few recommandations w/ features and/or
comparisons?
Thanks in advance!

Andrei

(Andrei Dumitrescu) wrote in
om:

> Hi folks,
>
> To my greatest surprise, my girlfriend got me the Flight Simulator
> 2004 for Christmas. Though I didn't touch one for years, I've always
> loved flight sims and was eager to try out this one - only to find out
> that it's a real downer with only the keyboard and mouse. I'm looking
> now for a joystick, but since it's been a very long time since my
> hardcore gaming days I've no clue whatsoever as to what joystick would
> be a good buy. I can only spend a modest amount on it (and probably
> try to get it on eBay anyway).
> Not sure what features / options I should be looking for. I guess I'll
> have to do without force feedback (cost limitation). An analog
> throttle control would probably be nice, but I'm not sure if I would
> really need it.
> Most important imo would be precise handling. Also, it doesn't have to
> be a brand new model, if anyone has used an older model with FS2004
> and that worked well, I could probably try to get it on eBay.
> Please, could someone post a few recommandations w/ features and/or
> comparisons?
> Thanks in advance!
>
> Andrei
>

A lot depends on your budget. If you are only going to be playing FS2004,
I would consider getting a CH Yoke and CH Pedals
(http://www.chproducts.com). If you think you may play other flightsim
games, you may want to consider a Saitek X-52 setup. If force feedback
is importatant, look for a used MS Sidewinder Force Feedback 2 stick.

All that said, the CH stuff is simply the best and will last a lifetime.
Great support and software.

Andrei Dumitrescu wrote:
> Hi folks,
>
> To my greatest surprise, my girlfriend got me the Flight Simulator
> 2004 for Christmas. Though I didn't touch one for years, I've always
> loved flight sims and was eager to try out this one - only to find out
> that it's a real downer with only the keyboard and mouse. I'm looking
> now for a joystick, but since it's been a very long time since my
> hardcore gaming days I've no clue whatsoever as to what joystick would
> be a good buy. I can only spend a modest amount on it (and probably
> try to get it on eBay anyway).
> Not sure what features / options I should be looking for. I guess I'll
> have to do without force feedback (cost limitation). An analog
> throttle control would probably be nice, but I'm not sure if I would
> really need it.
> Most important imo would be precise handling. Also, it doesn't have to
> be a brand new model, if anyone has used an older model with FS2004
> and that worked well, I could probably try to get it on eBay.
> Please, could someone post a few recommandations w/ features and/or
> comparisons?
> Thanks in advance!
>
> Andrei
I cannot argue with the CH suggestions but I think that will be over
your budget.

I suggest looking for a Saitek X45 on ebay. I have it and use it for
Flight Simulator, other flying games as well as space sims and the very
occasional racing game. Brand new they were like $80. So on ebay I
would spend $20-$30 for one.

john wrote:

> Andrei Dumitrescu wrote:
>
>> Hi folks,
>>
>> To my greatest surprise, my girlfriend got me the Flight Simulator
>> 2004 for Christmas. Though I didn't touch one for years, I've always
>> loved flight sims and was eager to try out this one - only to find out
>> that it's a real downer with only the keyboard and mouse. I'm looking
>> now for a joystick, but since it's been a very long time since my
>> hardcore gaming days I've no clue whatsoever as to what joystick would
>> be a good buy. I can only spend a modest amount on it (and probably
>> try to get it on eBay anyway).
>> Not sure what features / options I should be looking for. I guess I'll
>> have to do without force feedback (cost limitation). An analog
>> throttle control would probably be nice, but I'm not sure if I would
>> really need it.
>> Most important imo would be precise handling. Also, it doesn't have to
>> be a brand new model, if anyone has used an older model with FS2004
>> and that worked well, I could probably try to get it on eBay.
>> Please, could someone post a few recommandations w/ features and/or
>> comparisons?
>> Thanks in advance!
>>
>> Andrei
>
> I cannot argue with the CH suggestions but I think that will be over
> your budget.
>
> I suggest looking for a Saitek X45 on ebay. I have it and use it for
> Flight Simulator, other flying games as well as space sims and the very
> occasional racing game. Brand new they were like $80. So on ebay I
> would spend $20-$30 for one.

I would not recommend the Saitek Cyborg. I got one for Christmas and it
isn't much. It loses calibration all of the time. If I don't calibrate
it before each session, I never know how the airplane will fly. Is this
typical or just because this is a cheap joystick?


Matt

I've tried a few, but have to admit that the MS force feedback 2 is still
the best for the money. There should be some secondhand ones around now. Go
for the USB model if you have Win XP.
--
Quilljar Matrox
see http://client.webshots.com/album/194691959rhDQFi

"Andrei Dumitrescu" > wrote in message
om...
> Hi folks,
>
> To my greatest surprise, my girlfriend got me the Flight Simulator
> 2004 for Christmas. Though I didn't touch one for years, I've always
> loved flight sims and was eager to try out this one - only to find out
> that it's a real downer with only the keyboard and mouse. I'm looking
> now for a joystick, but since it's been a very long time since my
> hardcore gaming days I've no clue whatsoever as to what joystick would
> be a good buy. I can only spend a modest amount on it (and probably
> try to get it on eBay anyway).
> Not sure what features / options I should be looking for. I guess I'll
> have to do without force feedback (cost limitation). An analog
> throttle control would probably be nice, but I'm not sure if I would
> really need it.
> Most important imo would be precise handling. Also, it doesn't have to
> be a brand new model, if anyone has used an older model with FS2004
> and that worked well, I could probably try to get it on eBay.
> Please, could someone post a few recommandations w/ features and/or
> comparisons?
> Thanks in advance!
>
> Andrei
I have used the both CH yokes, throttle and pedals. (gameport)
It was good but I didn't like mounting it all the time on the table.
Have the Saitek X45 for more than a year now and it's great.
All the buttons needed for side views, raising/lowering views etc.
And all functions the 3 CH tools have, are active.

How about the new X52 ? What improvements are there ?

I got a FS2004 COF and Thrustmaster TopGun FOX 2 PRO USB for this
Christmas. It has only a few (7?) buttons, a throttle and a hat switch.
Sure enough to get started me flying. Not sure it would be enough for
doing all the professional controls. Mainly I dont know how to trim the
rudder or we don't? Otherwise I like this joystick.