Throttle Quadrant

[Gort]

Anyone using a Saitek throttle quadrant with good results? I'm not looking for a HOTAS throttle, just a straightforward way to control T-P-M and perhaps cowl flaps, flaps and gear with the rocker switches. 

 

Thanks in advance.

[ST_ami7b5]

Yes I do, but just as a complementary to my G940 throttle.

I use it for mapping radiator, mixture and prop-pitch.

No probs so far (I use it for about one year).

 

Those switches are also good... 

[Dakpilot]

Also been considering one, or two of these, like the removable "knobs" so you can have all black ones...is it possible to use two of these in ROF? as an idea of their use in BOS as twin multi throttle/pitch/mixture + 12 extra buttons 

 

anyone with experience of these?

 

Cheers Dakpilot

[Matt]

You can use as many as you want.

 

I used one aswell for RoF. But mine developed spikes very early (less than half a year iirc) and that rendered it basically useless. And that seems to be a common problem.

 

So overall, I cannot recommend it.

[Dakpilot]

That does not sound good! I see in ROF you can assign multiple engines to individual throttle, mixture and radiator controls am assuming prop pitch will be added for BOS

 

Has anyone else had any disappointing experience? it would be a shame to buy two of these only to have them fail within 1 year? or perhaps this was just a hiccup?

 

Cheers Dakpilot

[Klaue]

S! I own two of them and they both developed spikes , very disappointing. my first lasted over a year,the second just over three months.I now own a CH TQ great product but I like the longer throw of the levers on the saitek better.   

[ST_Pirato]

I used 2 of them for almost 2 Years ,they had a little bit of spiking in the end,though it wasn't much. I upgraded to the CH Throttlequadrant. It's more expensive than the Saitek ones,but it has 6 levers and the overall quality feels much better. The throw is a bit shorter but that's not much of a downside.

[ST_ami7b5]

I used 2 of them for almost 2 Years ,they had a little bit of spiking in the end,though it wasn't much. I upgraded to the CH Throttlequadrant. It's more expensive than the Saitek ones,but it has 6 levers and the overall quality feels much better. The throw is a bit shorter but that's not much of a downside.

 

Considering buying the CH TQ...

[J2_Trupobaw]

I've been using Saitek Quadrant for half a year. The overall experience is great (compared to flying with no quadrant) but the throttle lever feels lose already. No spikes, but my next hardware buy will be CH quadrant.

[ST_ami7b5]

I used 2 of them for almost 2 Years ,they had a little bit of spiking in the end,though it wasn't much. I upgraded to the CH Throttlequadrant. It's more expensive than the Saitek ones,but it has 6 levers and the overall quality feels much better. The throw is a bit shorter but that's not much of a downside.

Where did you buy it Pirato?

[ST_Pirato]

I bought it either on Amazon or on Ebay,can't remember anymore.

[Sokol1]

Dakpilot,

 

As " norm" in low cost controllers devices this quadrant perhaps use the most cheap potentiometer available in China (in Sukhoi forum someone related to joystick manufacture say  0,1$ in batch...)... Something like:

 

http://p.globalsources.com/IMAGES/PDT/B1056396896/Rotary-Potentiometer.jpg

 

Explained here: http://forums.eagle.ru/showpost.php?p=883109&postcount=7

 

BTW - The "hight end" - at time - Tm Cougar are plagued due use of no so good potentiometers.

 

Topic related with Quadrant problem:

 

http://forum.avsim.net/topic/207336-saitek-throttle-quadrant-spiking/

 

Another "fix":

 

 

A DIY oriented person can replace these Quadrant pot's with a quality ceramic one, like Bourns, Spectrol... the major problem is find one with same physical dimensions to fit in same place. Another difficult is: joystick potentiometer have electrical trails set for 40~60 degrees, commercial potentiometers typically are set for 270 degrees...

 

But, are alternative for this quadrant?

 

Yes, the CH Quadrant, cost ~twice but offer double number of axis/buttons (6/12).

 

And this brand are "famous" for use good quality pots, but if you have a bad luck to need replace one and dont live in USA or next a retailer, forget...

 

Sokol1

Edited October 6, 2013 by Sokol1

[Dakpilot]

Thanks Sokol1 for all that useful info, I have not tried either but for some reason the "look" (especially the switches/buttons) and shorter throw of the CH push me towards the Saitek   hopefully it could last a year, then maybe there will be alternative options 

 

Cheers Dakpilot