Best gamepad to use FMS?

[jawarejj]

Hi, I'm looking to buy a cheap gamepad to use easily with FMS.

Do you know any? Is needed any adjustment to the pad AND/OR gamepad?
Is it better a PC Joystick? Which one?

Thanks a lot, javier.

:confused:

[FlyByMike]

I have an older model of this one, USB on PC XP. It was just plug and play. FMS takes care of most calibrations, etc. just fine. The software that came with allowed me to re-program all it's controls too. This one $29.95USD

http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/products/details/US/EN,CRID=2225,CONTENTID=8674

-Mike

[rutat]

Logitech Dual Action. $12.99 at www.overstock.com

[andre]

Javier,

I used a Logitech Dual Axis Pad, around $20.

To answer your question about "any adjustment", I found it better to modify the throttle control to remove the spring action. Here's a page that describes this:

http://www.rc-airplane-advisor.com/usb-controller-flight-simulator.html

-Andre

[KyFBCGuy]

Get a Buddy box or use your TX. Get the correct interface cord
so it will work with your operating system.

Gamepads are fine...if you plan on flying your actual plane with a gamepad...

By the time you screw around with all the gamepad mods
you would have had the thing up and running, for just a little more cost.

KyFBCGuy

[Daniel G]

I have an older model of this one, USB on PC XP. It was just plug and play. FMS takes care of most calibrations, etc. just fine. The software that came with allowed me to re-program all it's controls too. This one $29.95USD

http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/products/details/US/EN,CRID=2225,CONTENTID=8674

-Mike

I use the exact same gamepad. It works just fine and was simple to calibrate and install.

[rutat]

KyFBCGuy, FYI there is no screwing around at all. No drivers even needed. With a regular TX you have to pull the module or worry about the antenna etc. where with a gamepad (save for the throttle spring) it is disposable. Better for kids too. Also, the USB cables cost three times what the whole gamepad controller does. MHO of course.

[KyFBCGuy]

Hey , No problem...i did use the gamepad for a while. Problems i found was that there is no trim controls to trim out the plane and the spring on the throttle was a bit annoying.

All you do is pull out the Xtal from the front of the tx. You can leave the antenna
on or take i off, It doesnt matter. I have both HITEC and FUTABA Tx. and they both plug and play on my PC.

I guess the gamepad is fine for kids just using it as a game.

KyFBCGuy

[HoverBovver]

Before I got a decent TX & sim I used a Saitek P2500 pad which is a really nice comfortable pad (it has a pointless rumble facility but you can turn it off). Best thing is that it was really cheap and is perfect for GTA Vice City too.

http://www.saitekusa.com/usa/prod/p2500.htm

[Alkaline]

Xbox S controller is the best controller I have used for anything.
I bought a 10 dollar adapter that allows me to use my xbox controller on my pc and it rocks.

Its called Smart Joy BOX 10, and has 2 ports, so you can connect up to 2 controllers on your pc.

[waltj2k]

I will second or third the logitech. Really I am sure any digital/analog gamepad will work just fine. I have enjoyed using the gamepad. It has helped my flying. I feel more confident pulling off manuvers when I get to the field. So if you are just learning the game pad will be fine.

However. I am thinking of making the investment in a USB connector for my trans. KyFBCGuy has made very valid points. If you use the game controller you can't trim out subtle out of trim characteristics for each plane. The spring on the throttle does take away the realism of a transmitter. You will also find the control throws to be much shorter. So if you start to get your manuvers down on FMS they don't always easily translate to the real world. Once you get a real controller in hand the throws are much longer and the controller of course feels larger.

[BillLumberg]

Okay, so this is prob a dumb question, sorry.

But how should the controller setup work? The default setting in FMS with the aixs pad are:

Right Stick - ailerons and throttle
Left Stick - elevator and rudder

Is that the same config used on an RC setup? Thanks.

[KyFBCGuy]

The Controller set up shoule be as Follows:
(4 channel)

Left stick:.........................................Rig ht stick:

Up-Down:Throttle.............................Up-Down: Elevator

Left-right: Rudder..............................Left-Right: Ailerons


I have found that it is a bit easier on planes that do not have ailerons, to run the rudder on the right stick in place of the ailerons. (3 channel Set up)

Walt, Get the MileHighWings USB set up for your TX.

KyFBCGuy