Looking to get back in; hardware/ peripheral questions

[Blue*Dun]

I've been away from IL2 for a number of years and have the itch to get back in a "cockpit" again.  I'm kind of a tech dimwit and I never was all that good of a pilot, but I loved it.  I went through the Joint-Ops training just so you know how long its been. I always needed guidance with installation of the sequence of mods, etc.  So, if you don't mind a few questions I'd appreciate any help getting re-started. I did a search on this site and found a thread which linked the steam page describing minimum hardware requirements.  I think my hardware is fine, but it will be the first time I've played Sturmovik with a laptop (docked to bigger screen, mouse, keyboard, etc.). I know laptop hardware doesn't quite have the giddy-up as a desktop with the same make and model number components.

 

I'll let someone confirm if my specs are ok or not:

Lenovo Legion 5i laptop 

• 2.3 GHz Intel Core i7 14-Core (12th Gen)
• 16GB DDR5 RAM | 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD
• 15.6" 1920 x 1080 @ 165 Hz IPS Display
• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 (6GB GDDR6)
• USB 3.2 Gen 1 | Thunderbolt 4
• USB Type-C DisplayPort | HDMI 2.1
• Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) | Bluetooth
• Windows 11 Home (64-Bit)

 

I have an old Logitech Freedom 2.4 wireless joystick.  Couldn't really get it to work well on Windows 10, but I really liked it prior to that.  It appears there is no support for it any longer on the Logitech website. I guess that means its time for a new joystick?  I see people still selling them on eBay.  I was hoping I could keep using it so if you have any thoughts on that...I'm all ears. Perhaps someone is familiar with this stick and happens to know whether its history or not.  If so, would you mind giving me a recommendation for a reasonably priced stick? I was looking at this one:

https://www.amazon.com/Thrustmaster-T-Flight-Hotas-4-playstation/dp/B07DLKVKD5/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3MKBTDHTH9OHS&keywords=thrustmaster+joystick+pc%2Fps4&qid=1679170631&sprefix=thrustmaster+joystick+pc%2Fps4%2Caps%2C150&sr=8-3

 

I have Track IR. I'm assuming I can still use my 12 year old unit with the latest driver?

 

And finally, where do I start in terms of installing the sim? I gather I don't have to go way back to IL2 Sturmovik 1946?  I don't even remember the last version/ mod I had, but its all wiped out now anyway.

 

I appreciate your time very much

 

EDIT: I forgot to ask if there's any real-time, hands on training or tutorials similar to Joint-Ops? Not necessarily as extensive. Or is YouTube the way to go these days?

 

Edited March 19, 2023 by Blue*Dun

[DD_Crash]

I think the only thing to do is to buy the cheapest game which is probably Stalingrad and try it on reduced settings and see how you go.

[cardboard_killer]

On 3/18/2023 at 4:24 PM, Blue*Dun said:

If so, would you mind giving me a recommendation for a reasonably priced stick?

 

I do NOT recommend the T.Flight stick. I tried to start out with it and replaced it within weeks. I ended up giving it away after I couldn't get $20 for it. The Thrustmaster T1600M series seems to be the best entry level system, although I never owned one. The Logitech Extreme 3D Pro seems to be okay if you are only looking to test the waters.

 

My second stick was a VKB Gladiator II, which is no longer made. VKB's current Gladiator is the NXT, but they are significantly more expensive than what I bought. Shameless plug: I have the stick for sale; if you are in the US and are interested PM me.

 

On 3/18/2023 at 4:24 PM, Blue*Dun said:

I have Track IR. I'm assuming I can still use my 12 year old unit with the latest driver?

 

I believe so.

 

On 3/18/2023 at 4:24 PM, Blue*Dun said:

And finally, where do I start in terms of installing the sim?

 

Go to https://il2sturmovik.com/  and buy one of the modules that interests you. I recommend the original BOS, but BOBp is also a good value in my opinion. They are on sale crazy cheap right now.

 

On 3/18/2023 at 4:24 PM, Blue*Dun said:

Or is YouTube the way to go these days

 

This. Look for videos by DerSheriff and Col. Ninny and Requiem for great how to fly videos.

[Blue*Dun]

Thanks for the help...much appreciated. Is hyperlobby still around or is multiplayer completely contained within the game modules? 

[BOO]

I think you’ll find the latest driver for your Track IR is about 12 years old! Talk about a company resting on its laurels. Still, if it ain’t broke…..

 

Plus 1 for the T1600. I started with a t flight. It’s ok as a very casual thing buy cheap buy twice and all that. 

Edited March 24, 2023 by BOO

[LukeFF]

9 hours ago, Blue*Dun said:

Thanks for the help...much appreciated. Is hyperlobby still around or is multiplayer completely contained within the game modules? 

 

Hyperlobby is long gone. It's all done within the game.

[AtomicP]

I used to use the T16000 stick and prior to that the T.Flight. The T16000 is miles better in terms of accuracy; everything is easier to do especially fine control when you're flying in formation etc. Unless someone gives you a T.Flight or you can pick it up for pennies, I suggest you skip it. I've since moved on to a VKB Gladiator NXT which is a step up again but mostly because I wanted extra buttons for DCS jets.

 

Best value stick and throttle is likely still the T16000 and TWCS from Thrustmaster. I still use the throttle with the VKB stick. I recommend sticking some damping grease on the throttle though as it's a bit imprecise out of the box.

[Blue*Dun]

Shoot...just sat down today to install IL2 on my new computer only to discover they jacked their prices up...even for Stalingrad. How often do they reduce the prices? I was going to start with Stalingrad but I won't pay 50 bucks for it or the others. Hopefully they will come back down again soon.

[AtomicP]

14 hours ago, Blue*Dun said:

Shoot...just sat down today to install IL2 on my new computer only to discover they jacked their prices up...even for Stalingrad. How often do they reduce the prices? I was going to start with Stalingrad but I won't pay 50 bucks for it or the others. Hopefully they will come back down again soon.

Pretty regularly, I'd say they tend to track seasonal holiday periods so I'd guess something around Easter. You could probably search the announcements to get an idea of past sale dates, although I'd recommend using Google (with site:forum.il2sturmovik *your query*) instead of the one here as it's not great.

[Blue*Dun]

18 minutes ago, AtomicP said:

Pretty regularly, I'd say they tend to track seasonal holiday periods so I'd guess something around Easter. You could probably search the announcements to get an idea of past sale dates, although I'd recommend using Google (with site:forum.il2sturmovik *your query*) instead of the one here as it's not great.

Thanks for this info AtomicP!