Franken-HOTAS Build

[GP*]

Hi everyone,

 

I grew up playing CFS/IL2/FB and always used a junk joystick, but still had a blast. I've gone through many Saitek and Logitech joysticks over the years, and was never totally satisfied. Last year, I finally bought a full CH setup after years of reading about how great they were. I paired all the devices up with my Obutto Ozone cockpit, and it was a huge step up.

 

My one issue with the CH stuff though is the resistance. The build quality is great and it's definitely precise...overall the stuff has a great feel to it. However, for me, I just needed something with a bit more resistance, which matches the feel of the aircraft I fly for a living.

 

I'd always been curious about the FFB2 stick, because it's really the only other stick that I've heard over a decade of praise for. Additionally, I really wanted FFB so I could feel the various buffet levels as an aircraft approaches a stall, rather than just hear it and see the aircraft shake on the screen. I received my FFB2 last week, and holy cow it is amazing.

 

Now that I have a joystick that makes me happy, it's made me re-evaluate my other stuff. I really want to build my own HOTAS to best suit my needs. I'm on the waiting list for Milan's Crosswind pedals, and can't wait to get those (not until Feb though, yikes!). The throttle is something I can work to get now, though. Again, my CH throttle just slides around a bit too easily -- throttles in real life have much more resistance, so they don't get moved around while under G.

 

I'm not interested in the Saitek stuff, because it looks way too space-age for me. What I'm thinking about getting is a Cougar throttle -- that looks to be the best option to me. Is there anything I'm missing, or any other better options? I've heard that the Cougar sticks themselves wear out over time and require quite a bit of modding to get right, but haven't heard anything bad about the throttle. Does anyone have experience with this?

 

On a separate note...anyone interested in a CH Combatstick, Pro Pedals, or Pro Throttle with their original boxes? Send me a PM

 

Thanks!

Edited October 9, 2014 by Prefontaine

[FZG_Merlin]

I have 2 modded cougars... One FSSB for falcon, and one NN_Dan for everything else.

 

My first cougar throttle got damaged when it fell down my desk, but my second one has been going strong for 15 years or so.

 

I've changed the potentiometer once. The throttle really is awesome. Best ergonomy ever.

[GP*]

Thanks for the reply! Have you tried using the throttle at all with a different joystick? I think I remember reading somewhere that it requires an adapter when not used with the Cougar stick, but I could be wrong.

 

Also, is the friction adjustable?

[Sokol1]

TQS allow adjust friction. To use standalone need a dedicated USB controllers (is stick dependant) like BU0836, Teensy... or Real simulator T.U.S.B.A. adappter.

 

But why dont improve the stick - that have heavy sptrings- and use booth? Take a look - rewiring a F22 (Cougar granfather) http://mwomercs.com/forums/topic/26011-mwo-simulator-work-log/page__st__100

Edited October 11, 2014 by Sokol1

[GP*]

TQS is just the "older" throttle, right? The one I'm looking to buy is USB (so they claim). Or are all Cougar throttles "TQS"? 

 

EDIT -- nevermind. Looks like regardless of what gen it is, all are TQS and plug into the cougar stick as a base.

Edited October 11, 2014 by Prefontaine

[Sokol1]

TQS is the F-16 style (single) throttle of HOTAS F-22 PRO and Cougar, is plastic on first and Zamac (metal) on second.

Both versions dont work standalone,  only if plugged on stick base via gameporte (DB-15) cable, unless that one you are buying has converted to USB by someone, if not you need do the conversion (not difficult).

 

http://realsimulator.com/html/tusba.html

[GP*]

Sokol,

 

Thanks for your expertise! I hope to pick one up soon.