If you have the time please fill in the following question and e-mail
it back to us. We have started on the design of a new high-end
joystick that I think most of you hard-core gamers will appreciate.
With your help maybe we can whip out a stick that is worthy of your
use without the need of taking out a loan to get it.
Since this is in an open forum, if any of the you who respond wish to
hear about the accumulated results we will be glad to pass them to
you.
Feel free to post your response in the newsgroups, but please also
send a copy to us via e-mail so that your input will be put to use.
Thanks beforehand for your response. Now for the question:
.
.
.
If you could change anything about your current joystick, what would
it be? (Please provide the name of your current stick and explain why)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
We will keep a list of you who helped for some kind of discount or
benefit in the future. Again, thank you for your time.
-Rich
We should have a permanent domain soon. Until then try the page bellow
for updated information.
--
Richard Rice
----------------------------------------------
JAG Technologies
http://www.io.com/~rokker [temporary]
Joystick maker surveys gamers on a new high-end stick
JAG Technologies asked gamers what they wanted from a new high-end joystick. Replies covered sturdy hat switches, programmable buttons, freedom from drift, and force feedback, with comparisons of the Sidewinder, Thrustmaster, CH and Suncom sticks. A long tangent followed about the lack of left-handed joysticks and how many people are left-handed.
With Rich (JAG Technologies)
hardware: wheels/pedalsindustry/business
Automated summary.
I have at present, seven, yes seven, different joysticks in my
computer room, that I have to chop & change as I change games.
2 x Digital Joysticks (2-button) for games like Sensible Soccer,
Zool, and a couple of platform games.
2 x Analogue Joysticks (2-button) for games like X-Wing, Actua
Soccer, NHL Hockey)
2 x Joy Pads (4-button) for games like Pitfall 95, and
FX Fighter.
1 x Flightstick (2 button + Trigger) for the flight Sims.
Now I have aquired these over time, but I still think that it's a bit
excessive, but even with all of those, I still have to play
Mechwarrior 2 on the Keyboard!!
I can understand that there has to be two different types of joystick
(Digital / Analogue), but I would like to see one that could be easily
programmed, and that has plenty of buttons. I used to have a neat
joystick interface on my ZX Spectrum, that allowed me to map the
Keysboard to any thing on the Joystick (Can't remember what it was
called though) I don't know of anything like that on the PC.
My Dream Joystick would be the following :
Analogue stick Joystick
10+ Configurable Buttons
Thumb Control HUD Hat control Thingy (Or Whatever they are called)
Easily configurable, to map to any key on the keyboard.
Inexpensive.
Digital Joystick
6+ Buttons.
Sturdy Shaft (Oo-er!)
Again, Easily Configurable.
Inexpensive.
What I would l
Quoted text (10 lines)
>We will keep a list of you who helped for some kind of discount or >benefit in the future. Again, thank you for your time. >-Rich >We should have a permanent domain soon. Until then try the page bellow >for updated information. >-- >Richard Rice >---------------------------------------------- >JAG Technologies >http://www.io.com/~rokker [temporary]Make sure that the hat switch doesn't have to multiplex with the
fire buttons!
I've tried a few sticks like that and they drive me nuts!
(I think it's the "CH Flightstick Pro" type setup.)
MOST IMPORTANT IN MY MIND-->>>
Make the hat switch SOLID!!! No flimsy cheap plastic stem. Use some
sort of metal with a base that won't break. I've had 4 sticks die due
to broken hats.
I use the hat to slide/accel/decel in decent -- it takes some stress.
Hats are not just for view changes anymore.
Fire buttons should be easily accessible with free fingers. You
should not have to use the same finger for multiple buttons.
(Thrustmaster did this pretty well with the FCS and XL -- a trigger and
"pinky" button allow you to use two different ones at once. Perhaps
a third button on the shaft?)
Don't make the stick too short (like the Gravis Thunderbird).
If you have a throttle, perhaps have an option/switch to make it
spring-centered. (Do others want this? It would be nice to be able to
"feel" where the center position is.)
HEAVY base, and/or suction cups.
-- Scott
--
Scott Stanchfield McCabe & Associates -- Columbia, Maryland
(These are not necessarily the opinions of McCabe & Associates)
Visit McCabe & Associates at http://www.mccabe.com
Quoted text (77 lines)
> >If you have the time please fill in the following question and e-mail > >it back to us. We have started on the design of a new high-end > >joystick that I think most of you hard-core gamers will appreciate. > >With your help maybe we can whip out a stick that is worthy of your > >use without the need of taking out a loan to get it. > >Since this is in an open forum, if any of the you who respond wish to > >hear about the accumulated results we will be glad to pass them to > >you. > >Feel free to post your response in the newsgroups, but please also > >send a copy to us via e-mail so that your input will be put to use. > >Thanks beforehand for your response. Now for the question: > >. > >. > >. > >If you could change anything about your current joystick, what would > >it be? (Please provide the name of your current stick and explain why) > >----------------------------------------------------------------------- > I have at present, seven, yes seven, different joysticks in my > computer room, that I have to chop & change as I change games. > 2 x Digital Joysticks (2-button) for games like Sensible Soccer, > Zool, and a couple of platform games. > 2 x Analogue Joysticks (2-button) for games like X-Wing, Actua > Soccer, NHL Hockey) > 2 x Joy Pads (4-button) for games like Pitfall 95, and > FX Fighter. > 1 x Flightstick (2 button + Trigger) for the flight Sims. > Now I have aquired these over time, but I still think that it's a bit > excessive, but even with all of those, I still have to play > Mechwarrior 2 on the Keyboard!! > I can understand that there has to be two different types of joystick > (Digital / Analogue), but I would like to see one that could be easily > programmed, and that has plenty of buttons. I used to have a neat > joystick interface on my ZX Spectrum, that allowed me to map the > Keysboard to any thing on the Joystick (Can't remember what it was > called though) I don't know of anything like that on the PC. > My Dream Joystick would be the following : > Analogue stick Joystick > 10+ Configurable Buttons > Thumb Control HUD Hat control Thingy (Or Whatever they are called) > Easily configurable, to map to any key on the keyboard. > Inexpensive. > Digital Joystick > 6+ Buttons. > Sturdy Shaft (Oo-er!) > Again, Easily Configurable. > Inexpensive. > What I would l > >----------------------------------------------------------------------- > >We will keep a list of you who helped for some kind of discount or > >benefit in the future. Again, thank you for your time. > >-Rich > >We should have a permanent domain soon. Until then try the page bellow > >for updated information. > >-- > >Richard Rice > >---------------------------------------------- > >JAG Technologies > >http://www.io.com/~rokker [temporary]I would suggest that really all you need is 2 controllers at all. The
MS Sidewinder 3D Pro handles just about everything I play from Mech2 to
ATF....as for sports games A four button gravis pad does quite nicely
and is great for Street Fighter II tournament edition.
-Mitch
why)
>>--------------------------------------------------------------------- -
-
>>We will keep a list of you who helped for some kind of discount or
>>benefit in the future. Again, thank you for your time.
>>-Rich
>>We should have a permanent domain soon. Until then try the page bellow
>>for updated information.
>>--
>>Richard Rice
>>----------------------------------------------
>>JAG Technologies
>>http://www.io.com/~rokker [temporary]
Quoted text (21 lines)
>>If you have the time please fill in the following question and e-mail >>it back to us. We have started on the design of a new high-end >>joystick that I think most of you hard-core gamers will appreciate. >>With your help maybe we can whip out a stick that is worthy of your >>use without the need of taking out a loan to get it. >>Since this is in an open forum, if any of the you who respond wish to >>hear about the accumulated results we will be glad to pass them to >>you. >>Feel free to post your response in the newsgroups, but please also >>send a copy to us via e-mail so that your input will be put to use. >>Thanks beforehand for your response. Now for the question: >>. >>. >>. >>If you could change anything about your current joystick, what would >>it be? (Please provide the name of your current stick and explainQuoted text (42 lines)
>I have at present, seven, yes seven, different joysticks in my >computer room, that I have to chop & change as I change games. >2 x Digital Joysticks (2-button) for games like Sensible Soccer, >Zool, and a couple of platform games. >2 x Analogue Joysticks (2-button) for games like X-Wing, Actua >Soccer, NHL Hockey) >2 x Joy Pads (4-button) for games like Pitfall 95, and >FX Fighter. >1 x Flightstick (2 button + Trigger) for the flight Sims. >Now I have aquired these over time, but I still think that it's a bit >excessive, but even with all of those, I still have to play >Mechwarrior 2 on the Keyboard!! >I can understand that there has to be two different types of joystick >(Digital / Analogue), but I would like to see one that could be easily >programmed, and that has plenty of buttons. I used to have a neat >joystick interface on my ZX Spectrum, that allowed me to map the >Keysboard to any thing on the Joystick (Can't remember what it was >called though) I don't know of anything like that on the PC. >My Dream Joystick would be the following : >Analogue stick Joystick >10+ Configurable Buttons >Thumb Control HUD Hat control Thingy (Or Whatever they are called) >Easily configurable, to map to any key on the keyboard. >Inexpensive. >Digital Joystick >6+ Buttons. >Sturdy Shaft (Oo-er!) >Again, Easily Configurable. >Inexpensive. >What I would l >>---------------------------------------------------------------------I've tried a few joysticks but remain with mouse+keybd for Doom/Descent etc. The reason being that with ANY
joystick out there I still have to use the keyboard to control movement. It would be fine if I only had to use the
keybd to set things (weapons, etc...).
Don't know what the real difference is between analog and digital so I can't comment there. But:
3D rotation like the MS Sidwinder seems truly innovative.
More buttons for the fingers! Remember the old Colecovision "joything" that had a different button for each of 4
fingers? That would be great! Perhaps just three though.
How about a shape-fit base for my other hand! So then I'd just grab on to this thing and have TOTAL control. After
all, that's what we really want, no?
DT
>I would suggest that really all you need is 2 controllers at all. The
>MS Sidewinder 3D Pro handles just about everything I play from Mech2 to
>ATF....as for sports games A four button gravis pad does quite nicely
>and is great for Street Fighter II tournament edition.
>-Mitch
The only problem with the Sidewinder is that sometimes the controls don't
match their descriptions (ie in MW2, I set zoom to be hat up and zoom out
to be hat down, no matter what I try, zoom in is hat down and zoom out is
hat up...lame) and it's not programmable. I'd really like to be able to set
the throttle switch to be forward/backward in Descent, and try to minimize
keyboard use. Ah well. Leave it to MS.
Warren
--
__________________________________________________________________________
Hukt on foniks werked fer me!
I guess the joystick depends alot o the game. Woth MW2 I fing
using the mouse for torso twisting and firing quite good, while using
the keyboard for other stuff. Except for annoying hand switches...
For most other games, I like my Suncom SFX gamepad. I hate to
sound like an adverti***t, but if you haven't seen it you should
check it out. It's got 8 buttons and you can program them all to
emulate keyboard strokes, with memory for 4 groups of settings. It's
great for side-view fighters like MK3, sports games, and 3D shooters
like Descent. With all those buttons, you rarely need the keyboard.
Greg
Quoted text (10 lines)
>I've tried a few joysticks but remain with mouse+keybd for Doom/Descent etc. The reason being that with ANY >joystick out there I still have to use the keyboard to control movement. It would be fine if I only had to use the >keybd to set things (weapons, etc...). >Don't know what the real difference is between analog and digital so I can't comment there. But: >3D rotation like the MS Sidwinder seems truly innovative. >More buttons for the fingers! Remember the old Colecovision "joything" that had a different button for each of 4 >fingers? That would be great! Perhaps just three though. >How about a shape-fit base for my other hand! So then I'd just grab on to this thing and have TOTAL control. After >all, that's what we really want, no? >DT>If you could change anything about your current joystick, what would
>it be? (Please provide the name of your current stick and explain why)
>-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Well, as starters, a joystick that does not jitter or drift. Pots (analog or
otherwise) that have a minimum lifespan of 3 years. In a drawing program, I
want to be able to draw and perfect square (i.e. no dots all over the place).
Throw in some programmible buttons and 8-way hats and I'll pay ya $200 today's
dollars.
Leo
Quoted text (13 lines)
>----------------------------------------------------------------------- >We will keep a list of you who helped for some kind of discount or >benefit in the future. Again, thank you for your time. >-Rich >We should have a permanent domain soon. Until then try the page bellow >for updated information. >-- >Richard Rice >---------------------------------------------- >JAG Technologies >http://www.io.com/~rokker [temporary]If you could change anything about your current joystick, what would
it be? (Please provide the name of your current stick and explain why)
I currently have a Microsoft Sidewinder 3D Pro. I am very satisfied with it, with the
following exceptions:
I wish it had an adjustable non linear range. I find it way to sensitive in the
center, I wish it was a little less so. Would make aiming easier. (I think)
I also wish it had more tension. And the further out it goes the harder it
should resist.
Ans last I wish the throttle and twist controls were definable. Neither goes quite to
the game's limit.
> JAG Technologies
> http://www.io.com/~rokker [temporary]
Quoted text (11 lines)
> I guess the joystick depends alot o the game. Woth MW2 I fing >using the mouse for torso twisting and firing quite good, while using >the keyboard for other stuff. Except for annoying hand switches... > For most other games, I like my Suncom SFX gamepad. I hate to >sound like an adverti***t, but if you haven't seen it you should >check it out. It's got 8 buttons and you can program them all to >emulate keyboard strokes, with memory for 4 groups of settings. It's >great for side-view fighters like MK3, sports games, and 3D shooters >like Descent. With all those buttons, you rarely need the keyboard. >GregI own 4 joysticks, 2 game pads, a throttle, and a t1 driving system.
The best control combination, by far, are the Suncom Talon and a CH pro
throttle. The only thing that comes close is the Thrustmaster series. The
reason I didn't go with the Thrustmaster sticks, is that my sticks are
abused. I have a two and four year old with no concept of "take it easy".
This stick and throttle are VERY solidly constructed. The Suncom Talon has
four buttons and two hats. These are all programmable, and they have four
different user definable presets that you can change on the fly, even in the
middle of the game, and finally a normal joystick mode. The ProThrottle has
four buttons, and four 4 direction hats. All of these are user definable with
ANY key on the keyboard, or macro. The only limit to the size of the macro is
the memory in the throttle (I think this is 1KB). My current Descent 2 config
only uses about 20% of the mem in the throttle and I have every button
defined. The throttle has unlimited configs (they are stored as small files)
that are loaded up before the start of a game. The grand total is 6 4-way
hats, and 8 buttons of programmable power.
Kev
P.S. Another relatively cheap tip if you have a chair with arm rests.
I have built a small platform on each of my chairs armrests (a friend of mine
calls them wings). My stick rests on the right and my throttle on the left. I
attached these sticks to the platforms with velcro. I can sit in the chair
(feet up :) ), and use my sticks with both arms on the armrests. Now if I
could just convince my wife to feed me while I play I would never have to
leave my chair. My $.02.
Dear Rich & JAG Tech:
: it be? (Please provide the name of your current stick and explain why)
: -----------------------------------------------------------------------
I have had:
ThrustMaster WCS II
FCS I
THX(sp? It's like FCS but looks more like CH Pro)
Gravis Analog Advanced
CH FlightStick Pro
Gravis Gamepad
Street Fighter pad
Currently holding:
ThrustMaster TQS + FLCS + RCS
IMHO today's games highly demand at lesat two joysticks, more
precisely, joystick and throttle. If one absoultely can only afford/have
one, then it's the joystick. Due to the complex nature of PC game, and
increasing in PC hardware and software technology, the joystick must be
be programmable. I am not sure if user friendly is that big of a deal.
For myself, been a *** flight simmer, I am willing to put up with
lost of $ and effort to come up with the best settings, and
ThrustMaster's coding worked just fine with me. Though I sometimes spend
more time programming (due to lack of good sticks until I got TQS & RCS),
then I play certain games.
Enough about myself, as far as I can see improvement:
1) Long lasting life, OR excellent customer service. TM belongs to the
second group, as my F16FLCS has broekn its base ring in a year, and I
have heard numerous smilar stories from others. However, their unmatched
customer service is unmatched, when you can reach them that is. My email
to them went unanswered for like few times, until I managed to reach them
via WEB. But once I did, they were great. Free replacement and S/H.
Similar thing happend to a friend of mine too. At any rate, I wish their
things could last longer. After all, I am only 5'7" and weighs in 110lbs
range so the possiblity of me "cranking" down the joystick is pretty slim.
2) Types for various people: There're differnet people out there, and
some just want a cheap, durable, and carries moderate features for games,
while there're others like me who are really hard core flight simmemers
and won't settle for anythign less than absoulte, ok, maybe onte
absoulte, but as close as possilbe realism. That means throttle, stick,
rudder, and possilbely virtual I/O glaesses,***pit/mount, vibration
vests, voice-control devices, etc. One thing I have noticed that is the
FCS fited my hand very well, but I have heard others complaining it's bit
small; then when I got FLCS it's almost too big, I'd have a hard time to
reach both the plinky button and the top hat or thumb buttons, yet I
heard others claiming the "larger size is definatley more fitting."
While I can see it's not econmic for a company producing joystick for
various sizes, the fact can't be changed that some people would find
certain stick more fitting than others. I wish we have those "liquid
metal" these days to make joystick customer fit...enough draems. Also,
notice the main point of this is that we can never satisfy everybody with
a single joystick. So either we are going for a compromise, or we need
have different models for various needs, which seem to be what CH is
doing currently.
3) Here is the real issues: buttons. How many is enough? Where do you
want them? I guess there's no true answer. However, for those "realism"
people, it never hurts to copy the real military device(assume they don't
sue for copy rights). I mean, I am still wondering if my F16FLCS/TQS are
REALLY what Block 50 F16C's are like, and I'd love to konw just exactly
are each button for on the real plane so I can program my f16 sims, and
possilbe rest to the identical functions. One intresting thing: from
footage I have seen on PBS shows, seems all the non F16 fighters uses
stick simlar to SunCom sticks, while F16's stick was very unique on its
own with joystick button setup, physical shape, and its location (on the
side). So on one hand, it never hurts to just copy the military model
thus achiving "true realism". While on the other hand, we can also be
creative and make our own, and here is all the posslbities come from.
Even with my current set up, I feel I am few button short at times for
latest games such as EF2000 or ATF. Yeah yeah, I know, I shouldn't even
dreaming about program EVERYTHING on them and achieve absoute HOTAS. But
you know, that's what joystick are kind for. And even if I just go for
combat keys they aren't enough in the case of EF2k. Yet with FLCS it
seem we are apporachign to the limit of human fingers. Don't you wish
God made us having 10 fingers on each hand? Anyway, what I was thinking
was making some "panels" just like in real planes. You know, the dials,
and buttons and so on that actually controls things like communications,
HUD modes, landing gears, radio freqs(some of those are built into
today's military HOTAS system). Etc, this way we can still achieve
semi-HOTAS, while not have to worry about adding more buttons/switchs so
we can fit all keys in the stick.
4) Price is not that of a big issue to me. I like many other FLCS/other
TM product owners feels they worth every single $. Sure, they cost me an
arm and leg, esp consider many of us are college students, squeezing
every penny to just paying off our tution bills. But then for the
uncompared expereince and with either superior durablity or good service,
we can expect it to actually LAST many years, after our favorite games
are obslete/bored, we'd still using them for other things...right now I
am try to make my TM hardware comptabilty with the MUX I am playing... :)
5) Oh, here is a REAL big thing: upgradabilty. Making things modular
and easy to change. Ie. the FLCS that I mentioned had the base ring
broke, it took me THREE hours to figure out how to install the damn
thing, and I am still not sure if I done it rihgt or not. And I am an
Engineer! Well, an EE student anyway, and I thought I was smart :) But I
found out I couldn't just disaemble the stick since all the wires are
connected, nor can I install the base ring from its rectangular base. So
the only option came down to from top...and I figured I out that I could
pull those buttons/switchs off the FLCS, and the next 2 hrs I was having
a hell of a time try to figure out if it really takes that much effort to
press and BEND The ring in order to fit it down there. Ohmigod, I was so
afraid I'd brake things that I was totaly in angony. Then when dinner
was cold I finally couldnt' take it anymore and went for it...and mind
you, even with the determination I had it wasn't easy as the F16 handle
base was rather odd shaped and the ring can go in either way, by tilting
forward or back, and I tilt it forward and managed to littery squeeze it in.
Anywya, back to modular: TM sticks are known to have different version of
chips. (In fact the problem of mine and lot people's TQS RNG/ANT button
can NOT generate RAW scan codes right now wi the chips we have). Anyway,
if the joysticks are designed in such an way that makes future upgrade
possible, so you can just install a new upper handle, or a new chip so
you get those extra buttons, or those new key features (I want my RNG/ANT
able to be type 3 devices, and able to have key toggle like /H /T etc!).
OK, I think that about to sum it up. Sorry to make it so long
folks :) But like Sun-Tze says "More is always betteter than less" :)
Ming "Falcon" Liu
I have a basic CH Flightstick (not even a pro). I like it, but the *only*
reason I haven't bought a newer, fancier stick is that virtually NONE of them
are for lefthanders (me). The only lefty stick I've seen (can't remember
which one) didn't seem very good (control positions sucked).
The funny thing is, most (not all) joystick companies are NOT doing their
research, since it is estimates that more than 50% of joystick users are
lefthanded (much higher than the typical 10% lefties in the general
population). So, by only making only a right-handed stick, you're
effectively reducing your potential sales, buy up to 50% in the worst case.
What stick makers need to do is create a control array that is switchable
between left and right, without having to buy two different sticks. I looked
at the Microsoft stick (with three of my lefty friends), and we noticed that
it wouldn't take all that much to re-design the controls so that sculpted
handle could be exchanged out for a lefty one, without any change to the
buttons, switches, or the base unit.
There's my two left cents!
Doug.
:>t
:>joystick interface on my ZX Spectrum, that allowed me to map the
:>Keysboard to any thing on the Joystick (Can't remember what it was
:>called though) I don't know of anything like that on the PC.
The Gravis Pheonix, Firebird ones are keyboard mappable. 24 and 17 buttons
respectively.
Jack
--
Jack Christensen
I throw rocks through windows!
I have tried many joysticks. The best one is Sidewinder Pro from
Microsoft. Some flaws I can say that it is too light in weight, Stick
response is not heavy enough.
If you want some idea on steering wheel, I like T2 and the only thing I
want more is active power response system.
Regards,
Kenny Law
All you guys replying here dont have e mail or cant read? Just
wondering..
--
_.-`-._www.dreamscape.com/noyzrulz_.-`-._
Quoted text (36 lines)
>If you have the time please fill in the following question and e-mail >it back to us. We have started on the design of a new high-end >joystick that I think most of you hard-core gamers will appreciate. >With your help maybe we can whip out a stick that is worthy of your >use without the need of taking out a loan to get it. >Since this is in an open forum, if any of the you who respond wish to >hear about the accumulated results we will be glad to pass them to >you. >Feel free to post your response in the newsgroups, but please also >send a copy to us via e-mail so that your input will be put to use. >Thanks beforehand for your response. Now for the question: >. >. >. >If you could change anything about your current joystick, what would >it be? (Please provide the name of your current stick and explain why) >----------------------------------------------------------------------- >----------------------------------------------------------------------- >We will keep a list of you who helped for some kind of discount or >benefit in the future. Again, thank you for your time. >-Rich >We should have a permanent domain soon. Until then try the page bellow >for updated information. >-- >Richard Rice >---------------------------------------------- >JAG Technologies >http://www.io.com/~rokker [temporary]You know that's the one I have (works great) and I went out and got the
sidewinder 3d and didn't see the big deal, I thought it was a peice of junk (I
brought it back) along with the other 20 I looked at. When CH makes one with
a GOOD hat and properly positioned buttons I will get it but there is nothing
out there right now I would want.
>The funny thing is, most (not all) joystick companies are NOT doing their
>research, since it is estimates that more than 50% of joystick users are
>lefthanded (much higher than the typical 10% lefties in the general
>population). So, by only making only a right-handed stick, you're
>effectively reducing your potential sales, buy up to 50% in the worst case.
*boggle* I'm a lefty, and I know several others who use sticks, and to a
man, we all fly right handed. Training from old video games eh? Those
were almost all right-hand-control, and its what I fly best at.
Thinking about it, I'd be really clumsy trying to fly left handed.
--
"I accept"
"To accept is to yield"
"To yield is to allow oncoming traffic the right of way"
>>>If you could change anything about your current joystick, what would
>>>it be? (Please provide the name of your current stick and explain why)
>>>-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Anybody else tried the Spaceball Avenger? 6 degrees of freedom input
device + 6 buttons.. It is a strain gauge, the ball barely moves, just
senses force. The assembly is held in the right hand, where the thumb and
forefinger access all the buttons.. the left hand grips the "ball"..
Connects to a serial port, not the joystick port.. uses own drivers..
works with DI, D2 (registered), not the shareware, doom, etc..
Pull ball out to move forward, pull back to reverse, lift ball up
to float up, push down to float down. THe ball can be twisted to
"roll" on each of the three axis. (yaw, pitch and roll).
Full proportional control on each input.. -511 to +511 range.
All channels are independent and can be active at once..
One can fly forward quickly, slide slowly left, roll, descend,
and fire all at the same time.. http://www.spacetec.com
around $129 the last time I looked.. Early ones had some mfgr
defects and the strain elements broke.. newer ones are much better..
--ghg
http://ghg.ecn.purdue.edu
uh...Tim...er...reading doesn't seem to be their problem....
K
: All you guys replying here dont have e mail or cant read? Just
: wondering..
: >If you have the time please fill in the following question and e-mail
: >it back to us. We have started on the design of a new high-end
(some lines from the original post deleted)
: >
: >Feel free to post your response in the newsgroups, but please also
: >send a copy to us via e-mail so that your input will be put to use.
: >
> If you could change anything about your current joystick, what would
> it be? (Please provide the name of your current stick and explain why)
I like the solid feel and response of digital arcade joysticks, but I admit that analog control would be
nice in certain situations. Don't you ever find yourself pressing a digital stick/pad/key harder
instinctively trying to get more performance out of your on screen alter-ego, despite the fact that you
KNOW it won't actually happen? How about having a stick that FEELS like a stiff-digital stick, but was
actually analog and where a very hard pressure would increase the value slightly, actually letting you give
more "english" to your play?
You could do that with the buttons too, having sensitivity for harder or faster taps, or changes in pressure
while the button is held (good for throttle and break in racing games!) But this should be further pressure
at the end of the button's throw, like the stick, not just mushy buttons like Namco's NeGcon for
playstation. You should really have to PUSH it!
You might want to look at the MIDI instrument control standard for ideas as to how such an interface might
be implemented, in particular the messages for Key On and Key Off which contain velocity, and Aftertouch
control messages. Since most PC sound cards already have Joystick ports that double as MIDI-I/O ports, there
might already be an easy interface for this type of data...
Oh, just remember... PC people are used to keyboard and need WAY TOO MANY BUTTONS. The more buttons you
have, the better...
Take care.
--
------------------------------------------------------------
|| Come ride The River ------- http://www.theriver.com/ ||
------------------------------------------------------------
> If you have the time please fill in the following question and e-mail
> it back to us. We have started on the design of a new high-end
> joystick that I think most of you hard-core gamers will appreciate.
> With your help maybe we can whip out a stick that is worthy of your
> use without the need of taking out a loan to get it.
> Since this is in an open forum, if any of the you who respond wish to
> hear about the accumulated results we will be glad to pass them to
> you.
> Feel free to post your response in the newsgroups, but please also
> send a copy to us via e-mail so that your input will be put to use.
> Thanks beforehand for your response. Now for the question:
> .
> .
> .
> If you could change anything about your current joystick, what would
> it be? (Please provide the name of your current stick and explain why)
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------->
> -----------------------------------------------------------------------> We will keep a list of you who helped for some kind of discount or
> benefit in the future. Again, thank you for your time.
> -Rich
> We should have a permanent domain soon. Until then try the page bellow
> for updated information.
> --
> Richard Rice
> ----------------------------------------------
> JAG Technologies
> http://www.io.com/~rokker [temporary]
I love my Wingman Extreme I dont care about the bad rap about it I just
adore it!!!!
: >>If you could change anything about your current joystick, what would
: >>it be? (Please provide the name of your current stick and explain why)
: >>-----------------------------------------------------------------------
What people keep refering to a joystick is really a flight stick (CH,
ThrustMaster, MS Sidewinder, ect....)
There isn't any quality JOYSTICK (I'm talking like ones at the arcade like
on the Street Fighter or MK3, or KI, ect...)
The market is already flooded with FLIGHT STICK, but not joystick, a good
one with solid base, atleast six buttons. With all the sports games (NBA
Live, Football, FIFA 96, ect...) and all the fighting games coming to the
PC I'm suprise one of these companies thought of it (I guess they should
hire me huh ;).) There are maybe 2 decent pads out there (Suncom, and
Gravis Grip system) and that's it, they're good, but that's not the same
as a good Joystick for the arcade feel (since many arcade type games are
coming to the PC).
wishfull thinking(?): On any type, Joystick, flight stick, gamepads, the
weird 3d ball thing, whatever, if anyone can put one out with good tactile
feedback (note I said good not the miserable attemp of the Logictech
***man) would be great, I bet the first one coming out would be selling
like hot cakes.
: >I have a basic CH Flightstick (not even a pro). I like it, but the *only*
: >reason I haven't bought a newer, fancier stick is that virtually NONE of them
: >are for lefthanders (me). The only lefty stick I've seen (can't remember
: >which one) didn't seem very good (control positions sucked).
: You know that's the one I have (works great) and I went out and got the
: sidewinder 3d and didn't see the big deal, I thought it was a peice of junk (I
: brought it back) along with the other 20 I looked at. When CH makes one with
: a GOOD hat and properly positioned buttons I will get it but there is nothing
: out there right now I would want.
the feedback should reflect the action.
and they're just not saying anything)
--
*********************************
***Deej Web Productions
[link lost in import: /~djb/***deej/]
"It's the least I could do. I know, I checked."
Two words to all you gamers out there: Tactile Feedback
and I don't mean like that cheesy piece of ***Logictech ***man of
few years ago. Something cool, the way the gun on Terminator2 in the arcade.
Something that give ya a big jerk if you shoot a rocket laucher or shotgun,
and rapid little one for machine gun. the feedback should reflect the action.
Think of the possibility guys (and girls, if any out there on this
discussion).
: > If you could change anything about your current joystick, what would
: > it be? (Please provide the name of your current stick and explain why)
: I like the solid feel and response of digital arcade joysticks, but I admit that analog control would be
: nice in certain situations. Don't you ever find yourself pressing a digital stick/pad/key harder
: instinctively trying to get more performance out of your on screen alter-ego, despite the fact that you
: KNOW it won't actually happen? How about having a stick that FEELS like a stiff-digital stick, but was
: actually analog and where a very hard pressure would increase the value slightly, actually letting you give
: more "english" to your play?
: You could do that with the buttons too, having sensitivity for harder or faster taps, or changes in pressure
: while the button is held (good for throttle and break in racing games!) But this should be further pressure
: at the end of the button's throw, like the stick, not just mushy buttons like Namco's NeGcon for
: playstation. You should really have to PUSH it!
: You might want to look at the MIDI instrument control standard for ideas as to how such an interface might
: be implemented, in particular the messages for Key On and Key Off which contain velocity, and Aftertouch
: control messages. Since most PC sound cards already have Joystick ports that double as MIDI-I/O ports, there
: might already be an easy interface for this type of data...
: Oh, just remember... PC people are used to keyboard and need WAY TOO MANY BUTTONS. The more buttons you
: have, the better...
: Take care.
Quoted text (44 lines)
>-- >------------------------------------------------------------ > || Come ride The River ------- http://www.theriver.com/ || >------------------------------------------------------------ >> If you have the time please fill in the following question and e-mail >> it back to us. We have started on the design of a new high-end >> joystick that I think most of you hard-core gamers will appreciate. >> With your help maybe we can whip out a stick that is worthy of your >> use without the need of taking out a loan to get it. >> Since this is in an open forum, if any of the you who respond wish to >> hear about the accumulated results we will be glad to pass them to >> you. >> Feel free to post your response in the newsgroups, but please also >> send a copy to us via e-mail so that your input will be put to use. >> Thanks beforehand for your response. Now for the question: >> . >> . >> . >> If you could change anything about your current joystick, what would >> it be? (Please provide the name of your current stick and explain why) >> -----------------------------------------------------------------------> >> -----------------------------------------------------------------------> We will keep a list of you who helped for some kind of discount or >> benefit in the future. Again, thank you for your time. >> -Rich >> We should have a permanent domain soon. Until then try the page bellow >> for updated information. >> -- >> Richard Rice >> ---------------------------------------------- >> JAG Technologies >> http://www.io.com/~rokker [temporary] >I love my Wingman Extreme I dont care about the bad rap about it I just >adore it!!!!Hmmm, you must then be "a right handed person trapped in a lefty body"!
*grin*
I know a few quasi-lefties; these are people who write with their left hands,
but do many other things as righties (traitors! ;) ). When I was young, I
tried to bat (baseball) right handed because it felt better than doing it
left handed. Basically, I sucked! Once I learned how to bat left handed
(the way I should do it), I was much much better at it (I only suck a bit,
now).
About the only thing I do right handed is play the guitar, because I can't be
bothered to re-string the suckers for lefthanded playing. You guessed it, I
suck at guitar too!
Hmmm, funny thing, I *do* mouse right handed, but it doesn't take much
dexterity to drag a mouse around the table or click buttons.
Doug.
Just a thought, I don't think I've ever heard of a left-handed F-16,
F14, or F15. They seem to all be right handed models.
Jim
>I have a basic CH Flightstick (not even a pro). I like it, but the *only*
>reason I haven't bought a newer, fancier stick is that virtually NONE of them
>are for lefthanders (me).
>Doug.
Quoted text (11 lines)
>>The funny thing is, most (not all) joystick companies are NOT doing their >>research, since it is estimates that more than 50% of joystick users are >>lefthanded (much higher than the typical 10% lefties in the general >>population). So, by only making only a right-handed stick, you're >>effectively reducing your potential sales, buy up to 50% in the worst case. >*boggle* I'm a lefty, and I know several others who use sticks, and to a >man, we all fly right handed. Training from old video games eh? Those >were almost all right-hand-control, and its what I fly best at. >Thinking about it, I'd be really clumsy trying to fly left handed.Two of my Wingmans broke down because the fire-button was not designed
for a muscled leftie. After a complain fax Logitech send me an Extreme for
free ! This one is still running
Hai,
I bought the Microsoft Sidewinder 3Dpro a couple of months ago,
after demolishing two Wingmans. The fire-button of the Wingman
was not constructed for a lefty with muscles.
The Sidewinder however doesn't work for DOS-based games running under
Windows95. There is a timing problem, Origin confirmed this.
Where are the joysticks for lefties,
> Just a thought, I don't think I've ever heard of a left-handed F-16,
> F14, or F15. They seem to all be right handed models.
> Jim
Yeah, I can see it now, it's the middle of the war, and there's a bunch of
right handed pilots, and all they have left is left handed airplanes. Can you
imagine how STUPID that would be?
All military planes are designed for right handed control flight. This is because
a majority of people are right handed. If you want to be a fighter pilot, you
had better learn to be right handed. Thus, all flightsticks, which are based off
of military jet controllers, are designed for right-handers, to be realistic.
It sure would be nice to have a left handed wingman extreme tho. yes, I'm left
handed. I still manage to do some pretty good asskicking in games like Descent tho.
even with my cheap-ass 2 button lamerstick. Hey, you do with what you can.
--
Adrian Drake (Tremor)
http://prozac.cwru.edu/adrian/
McFadyen) writes:
I do this, also. I bought Thrustmaster's FCS and WCS specifically
for MW2, then eventually 'learned' how to fly the Pyro-GX right-handed.
It took about 3 weeks to get the hang of it, but once I did, I started
takin' names.
--
KC8BEX
"Don't tell me what I don't want to know. I'll tell you what I don't
want to know, and I'll tell you when I don't want to know it."
Quoted text (10 lines)
>>The funny thing is, most (not all) joystick companies are NOT doing >>their research, since it is estimates that more than 50% of joystick >>users are lefthanded (much higher than the typical 10% lefties in the >>general population). So, by only making only a right-handed stick, >>you're effectively reducing your potential sales, buy up to 50% in >>the worst case. >*boggle* I'm a lefty, and I know several others who use sticks, and to >a man, we all fly right handed. Training from old video games eh? >Those were almost all right-hand-control, and its what I fly best at.Quoted text (12 lines)
>>If you could change anything about your current joystick, what would >>it be? (Please provide the name of your current stick and explain why) >>----------------------------------------------------------------------- >I have a basic CH Flightstick (not even a pro). I like it, but the *only* >reason I haven't bought a newer, fancier stick is that virtually NONE of them >are for lefthanders (me). The only lefty stick I've seen (can't remember >which one) didn't seem very good (control positions sucked). >The funny thing is, most (not all) joystick companies are NOT doing their >research, since it is estimates that more than 50% of joystick users are >lefthanded (much higher than the typical 10% lefties in the general >population). So, by only making only a right-handed stick, you're >effectively reducing your potential sales, buy up to 50% in the worst case.Quoted text (19 lines)
> > Just a thought, I don't think I've ever heard of a left-handed F-16, > > F14, or F15. They seem to all be right handed models. > > Jim > Yeah, I can see it now, it's the middle of the war, and there's a bunch of > right handed pilots, and all they have left is left handed airplanes. Can you > imagine how STUPID that would be? > All military planes are designed for right handed control flight. This is because > a majority of people are right handed. If you want to be a fighter pilot, you > had better learn to be right handed. Thus, all flightsticks, which are based off > of military jet controllers, are designed for right-handers, to be realistic. > It sure would be nice to have a left handed wingman extreme tho. yes, I'm left > handed. I still manage to do some pretty good asskicking in games like Descent tho. > even with my cheap-ass 2 button lamerstick. Hey, you do with what you can. > -- > Adrian Drake (Tremor) > http://prozac.cwru.edu/adrian/Quoted text (11 lines)
>> I guess the joystick depends alot o the game. Woth MW2 I fing >>using the mouse for torso twisting and firing quite good, while using >>the keyboard for other stuff. Except for annoying hand switches... >> For most other games, I like my Suncom SFX gamepad. I hate to >>sound like an adverti***t, but if you haven't seen it you should >>check it out. It's got 8 buttons and you can program them all to >>emulate keyboard strokes, with memory for 4 groups of settings. It's >>great for side-view fighters like MK3, sports games, and 3D shooters >>like Descent. With all those buttons, you rarely need the keyboard. >>GregQuoted text (22 lines)
>If you have the time please fill in the following question and e-mail >it back to us. We have started on the design of a new high-end >joystick that I think most of you hard-core gamers will appreciate. >With your help maybe we can whip out a stick that is worthy of your >use without the need of taking out a loan to get it. >Since this is in an open forum, if any of the you who respond wish to >hear about the accumulated results we will be glad to pass them to >you. >Feel free to post your response in the newsgroups, but please also >send a copy to us via e-mail so that your input will be put to use. >Thanks beforehand for your response. Now for the question: >. >. >. >If you could change anything about your current joystick, what would >it be? (Please provide the name of your current stick and explain why) >-----------------------------------------------------------------------The Sidewinder Pro's hat is unresponsive otherwise just copy it! I mean
it! The stick fits my large hand without putting buttons and switches in
the way, the two buttons on the left side are in the perfect position: my
thumb fits right between when I don't need them and they are right there
when I do. the trigger and the secondary button are responsive and give
good feed back. Unfortunately, the hat sucks the big one! It is too small
and mushy. I find the high end thrustmaster to be the most uncomfortable
stick I have ever used. Why would anyone a stick esensitally designed by
the government?
Quoted text (7 lines)
>I played Tie Fighter (cool game!) with a friend's Flightstick Pro and >CH Throttle (regular). Four buttons and a 4-way switch on the FS Pro >and 12 total programmable buttons/switch-positions on the throttle. >It was cool, but it wasn't enough for me. I got the FS Pro, but waited >for the Pro Throttle instead (20 buttons/switch-positions on the throttle >plus it can program the FS Pro, too, plus a digital throttle (can do keys) >so it can be used in games that don't use an analog throttle). It stillOk, here I go
1) Think MW2, the Clans. What makes the clan mechs so great? Eveything
is modular! Try this idea. A base unit with just a shaft sticking out
of it. The tip of the shaft contains pin connections where several
different types of grips can be inserted. So you don't have to sell a
right hand and left hand version of the stick just right or left hand
grips. You can have flight grips, normal game grips, throttle grips,
etc.
2) The base units can be daisy chained like current throttle grips so
people can have one joystick and one throttle, or even 2 joysticks
together (like Robotron) or even 2 people can play at the same time.
3) Make EVERYTHING programmable! That means the buttons, even the axis
movements!
4) Make it digital.
5) Considering that grips will be interchangable, have several
different grip configurations. I thought of one being like this.
A 8 way top hat (all directions programable)
2 triggers, one for index finger, one for middle finger
A little finger button
At least 4 buttons accessible by the thumb
6) Get an add-on unit that can make all daisychained units wireless
(use IR or RF) so people don't have to worry about all those wires.
Heck make it so people can plug in their keyboards and make it
wireless too!
That all for now, gotta eat dinner.
I, for one, like this one...
Scott Stanchfield
Gaithersburg, Maryland
Quoted text (27 lines)
> Ok, here I go > 1) Think MW2, the Clans. What makes the clan mechs so great? Eveything >is modular! Try this idea. A base unit with just a shaft sticking out >of it. The tip of the shaft contains pin connections where several >different types of grips can be inserted. So you don't have to sell a >right hand and left hand version of the stick just right or left hand >grips. You can have flight grips, normal game grips, throttle grips, >etc. > 2) The base units can be daisy chained like current throttle grips so >people can have one joystick and one throttle, or even 2 joysticks >together (like Robotron) or even 2 people can play at the same time. > 3) Make EVERYTHING programmable! That means the buttons, even the axis >movements! > 4) Make it digital. > 5) Considering that grips will be interchangable, have several >different grip configurations. I thought of one being like this. > A 8 way top hat (all directions programable) > 2 triggers, one for index finger, one for middle finger > A little finger button > At least 4 buttons accessible by the thumb > 6) Get an add-on unit that can make all daisychained units wireless >(use IR or RF) so people don't have to worry about all those wires. >Heck make it so people can plug in their keyboards and make it >wireless too! >That all for now, gotta eat dinner.Quoted text (17 lines)
>If you have the time please fill in the following question and e-mail >it back to us. We have started on the design of a new high-end >joystick that I think most of you hard-core gamers will appreciate. >With your help maybe we can whip out a stick that is worthy of your >use without the need of taking out a loan to get it. >Since this is in an open forum, if any of the you who respond wish to >hear about the accumulated results we will be glad to pass them to >you. >Feel free to post your response in the newsgroups, but please also >send a copy to us via e-mail so that your input will be put to use. >Thanks beforehand for your response. Now for the question: >. >. >. >If you could change anything about your current joystick, what would >it be? (Please provide the name of your current stick and explain why) >-----------------------------------------------------------------------Quoted text (10 lines)
>We will keep a list of you who helped for some kind of discount or >benefit in the future. Again, thank you for your time. >-Rich >We should have a permanent domain soon. Until then try the page bellow >for updated information. >-- >Richard Rice >---------------------------------------------- >JAG Technologies >http://www.io.com/~rokker [temporary]>All military planes are designed for right handed control flight. This is because
>a majority of people are right handed. If you want to be a fighter pilot, you
>had better learn to be right handed.
Little point of thought: What do you actually define as Majority?
Surveys have pointed that the ratio Left / Right handers is around the 49,5 /
50,5 percent.. Just --slightly-- the majority....
NO FLAMES PLEASE lemme explain..
During the course of history, Roman-Catholic church linked the right hand with
'normal' and the left hand with 'the hand of the devil'. Children who pointed
out to be left-handed were beaten. Beaten long enough to 'teach' them to work
Right-handed. So in the end, the Right hand was seen as the 'factory standard'
which explains the industrial compulsion to design Right Handed.
Sure a factory standard has it's pro's: It's cheaper to produce and easier to
teach how the stupid machine works, 'cause the controls are standardized.
So in short: Flight controls are not right-handed, because the 'majority' is
right-handed. They're right-handed for the sake of industrial standards. A
standard which is chosen somewhere in time ever used since.
Dennis Lemckert
-----
People always love themselves best. But in a world so
interconnected that harm to one is harm to all, the best way
of loving one's self is to love everyone else, too
-- Isaac Asimov --
Which surveys? I have read and heard in several places that left handers make
up only 10% of the population. So with this taken as the percentage, it MAY
make sense (may or may not be right) to make controls for right handers because
they do make up a significant majority of the population.
Kevin
PS this does not leave out the industrial standard explanation, standards have
sometimes eliminated better ideas.
:
: >All military planes are designed for right handed control flight. This is because
: >a majority of people are right handed. If you want to be a fighter pilot, you
: >had better learn to be right handed.
:
: Little point of thought: What do you actually define as Majority?
: Surveys have pointed that the ratio Left / Right handers is around the 49,5 /
: 50,5 percent.. Just --slightly-- the majority....
what total bullshit
what surveys did you read?
the ratio is more like 9:1 or 10:1 in favour of right handers..
:
: NO FLAMES PLEASE lemme explain..
:
: During the course of history, Roman-Catholic church linked the right hand with
: 'normal' and the left hand with 'the hand of the devil'. Children who pointed
: out to be left-handed were beaten. Beaten long enough to 'teach' them to work
: Right-handed. So in the end, the Right hand was seen as the 'factory standard'
: which explains the industrial compulsion to design Right Handed.
: Sure a factory standard has it's pro's: It's cheaper to produce and easier to
: teach how the stupid machine works, 'cause the controls are standardized.
:
: So in short: Flight controls are not right-handed, because the 'majority' is
: right-handed. They're right-handed for the sake of industrial standards. A
: standard which is chosen somewhere in time ever used since.
:
: Dennis Lemckert
: -----
: People always love themselves best. But in a world so
: interconnected that harm to one is harm to all, the best way
: of loving one's self is to love everyone else, too
: -- Isaac Asimov --
:
I wonder if us lefties can claim compensation from the joystick
manufacturers for being 'forced' to use right handed joysticks
After all aren't we a minority, and minorities have rights! :-)
We want positive discrimination in favour of lefties, or we'll sue for
millions in compensation because of the psychological damage sustained
by being forced to use control systems designed for right handed
people! :-)
Lefties of the world, unite!
I'm sure a good lawyer will take up our case :-)
Steve R.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
My opinions are my own, so don't blame my employer!
Quoted text (17 lines)
>: >: >All military planes are designed for right handed control flight. This is because >: >a majority of people are right handed. If you want to be a fighter pilot, you >: >had better learn to be right handed. >: >: Little point of thought: What do you actually define as Majority? >: Surveys have pointed that the ratio Left / Right handers is around the 49,5 / >: 50,5 percent.. Just --slightly-- the majority.... >what total bullshit >what surveys did you read? >the ratio is more like 9:1 or 10:1 in favour of right handers.. >: >:Being Left-handed (ok, save the wise-cracks) , I have turned to
the CH Flightstick-Pro, and it has served me well, sure I would like a
left-handed version of Thrustmaster products, but until then I'll stay
with my trusty CH-Pro.
Right-Handed and proud of it I presume?.....
No further comments thru Usenet please..... Replies via E-mail. Let's not
waste bandwith on starting a discussion which is not on topic.
Dennis
-----
People always love themselves best. But in a world so
interconnected that harm to one is harm to all, the best way
of loving one's self is to love everyone else, too
-- Isaac Asimov --
writes
Do you get less chafing if you use your left hand....? ;)
(Just kidding...!!)


































