A new dawn (for me)

[1./KG4_OldJames]

Hello everyone,

 I have just been given a free pass (or hall pass) by my "The Wife" due circumstances that will remain untold.

This means I have been given permission to purchase, for myself, a gaming computer, and required hardware/software to spend my days in the attic playing flight sims.

Jealous? you should be!

I am planning on getting myself a pc that is vr ready, but not buy a HTC Vive, or Oculus Rift just yet as LG have just burst in with a new headset and sytem, and I would like to wait and see what comes of that.

I like the idea of TrackIR, and would like some thoughts on that if you would be so kind,

Also, I like the idea of the Warthog HOTAS joystick and throttle, but are these the best options?

 

I was toying with the idea of a cyclic and collective setup for DCS and the Huey, but I find that hard to justify with only one decent rotary wing aircraft available.

 

I will be purchasing/downloading IL2 BOS, and DCS when i get setup.

 

Any advice would be gratefully accepted.

 

p.s. Envy is one of the seven deadly sins!

[Sokol1]

Also, I like the idea of the Warthog HOTAS joystick and throttle, but are these the best options?

 

TmW is the best "HOTAS" that you can buy - since alternatives is Saitek's or old (design/electronics) CH combo or the low cost "entry level" TWCS.

 

I think is just not the best solution for WWII combat simulators/games - specially the joystick due their gimbal issues.

 

Don't forget the  hidden cost of TmW: require external rudder pedals (85~600$).

[mga]

Some random thoughts: TrackIR is a very nice thing to have, but if you want to save a bit of money (I believe it costs about $150) search for "trackir free alternatives". The Warthog is one of the best joysticks although it does have a few flaws. You could make it even better by having it extended (it does make flying much more precise, especially for the Huey). Also, I recommend one of these:http://www.wheelstandpro.com/products/wheel-stand-pro-for-thrustmaster-hotas-warthog-saitek-x-55-x52pro-x65---deluxe-v2-   It is quite expensive, but it makes changing between "sim mode" to "regular computer mode" very easy. I find it very useful for VR as well since I can keep my chair farther away from the desk while keeping the joystick in the same place relative to the chair.

Edited March 15, 2017 by mga

[1./KG4_OldJames]

Good info. I have always been flight simming with average to poor equipment. This should make the world of difference...although all the gadgets in the world won't cure being a poor pilot.

[sinned]

Strongly recommend mgf crosswind pedals and vkb gladiator.

 

Vkb got some qc issues but maybe in my opinion, the best ww2 era joystick.

[mga]

Good info. I have always been flight simming with average to poor equipment. This should make the world of difference...although all the gadgets in the world won't cure being a poor pilot.

Yeah, I am still disappointed on that front

[Sokol1]

Vkb got some qc issues but maybe in my opinion, the best ww2 era joystick.

 

And VKB just announce a alternative their KG-12B "lack of buttons", MCG grip.

 

https://forum.il2sturmovik.com/topic/28168-introducing-vkb-sim-modern-combat-grip-mcg/

Edited March 15, 2017 by Sokol1

[Beazil]

*If you have the aptitude* Oranj just posted this in another thread.  If you are moderately handy, you might like his suggestion as a low cost trackir solution.

 

https://forum.il2sturmovik.com/topic/28169-guide-relatively-cheap-homebrew-headtracking-setup/

 

And while I have a vive, I don't blame you for waiting on the VR headset.  Jason just posted that he has ordered a new headset to try out in another thread...

 

Actually, here's a link.  Tomcat had some suggested links in there for starVR as well.  You might want to watch the discussion and check some of the links.

https://forum.il2sturmovik.com/topic/27913-vr-yet/page-2

[1./KG4_OldJames]

As far as vr goes, it looks like the months coming up to Xmas are going to be very exciting/annoying depending on wether or not you already have a be headset.

[BeastyBaiter]

For joysticks, I don't view the TM Warthog as being better than Saitek's X-55/56. It's different, but not actually better as the build quality are roughly equal (those metal bits are cosmetic only and both have questionable wiring). TM does have better quality control though, so the odds of getting a lemon are smaller than with Saitek. It's also less power hungry, so you don't need a pair of USB's straight off the PSU or a wall socket to power it properly. The X-55/56's advantage is a whole bunch more rotaries for things like prop pitch, radiators and FoV as well as several included springs for tailoring stick tension to taste. But as said, it's power hungry and a lot of grief can be expected if you aren't powering it properly. With all that said, if money isn't an issue, I suggest looking into some of the boutique controller makers we have on the forums here. They have some interesting options and the build quality (from pictures and user reviews) seems to be a bit better than any of the mass produced options.

 

For TIR5, it's nice in that it isn't as finicky as free track. You plug it in, install the software and adjust deadzones/sensitivity to taste. It's quick and easy, though it is kind of like using a joystick for the first time, it does take a little getting used to. Given the price and your plan to move away from it soon, I'm not sure it's worth the money. Might be better off just going straight for a VR headset or making due with free track if you already have a decent webcam.

[1./KG4_OldJames]

Almost there, PC up and running, Joystick pedals and throttle arrive tomorrow...should be a busy weekend, probably offline so as not to shame myself.

[CanadaOne]

Back on the original IL2 site, years back, I invented "Toe Tracker". Literally a mouse taped to the bottom of your toes that controlled the forward view. Had a center view reset mapped to the stick, and though it took some practice, all in all it worked surprisingly well.

[1./KG4_OldJames]

Back on the original IL2 site, years back, I invented "Toe Tracker". Literally a mouse taped to the bottom of your toes that controlled the forward view. Had a center view reset mapped to the stick, and though it took some practice, all in all it worked surprisingly well.

People would pay to watch that!

[1./KG4_OldJames]

Ready to fly...

my setup is now

Intel i5 2400 CPU @3.10 GHz  4Core

16 Gb RAM

NVidia GeForce GTX 1050

Thrustmaster t16000 w pedals and HOTAS throttle

Windows 7 (meh!)

42" LG tv as a moniter (dont need reading glasses )

and opentrack ir head tracking

Edited April 15, 2017 by OldJames