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stevedrew · 16 August 2009, 11:06 PM

Ian,

All of the above is great advice.

The minimum you should be looking at is a joystick with twist capabilities (to emulate a rudder). A throttle is not always ESSENTIAL, but it's certainly desirable. I think you'll find that if you're a bit of a novice flier, you will not be constantly throttling up and down during combat. So the throttle is not as essential as the twist rudder. A good joystick will also have the capability to LOCK the twist function (for when you wish to upgrade and get rudder pedals).

Some Joysticks have a throttle on their base, others are known by the acronym HOTAS (hands on throttle and stick). You fly these with a hand on your joystick and a seperate throttle control. This is the optimum set-up for a flight sim, as you will find that you will use your throttle more when you become a more experienced pilot.

A Force Feedback Joystick is always an added bonus. There is a small motor installed in the handle that vibrates when it senses inputs such as firing your machine guns or when your aircraft is approaching stall. This is a situation that you need to carefully think about. For WW1 flight sims, the FF is a good indicator as most of your flying and fighting is done at a much slower speeds than say an F16 Falcon, but there is a payoff...when you have lined up your enemy and fire away, your stick will shake and put your aim off. Most pilots of WW1 sims agree that FF is desirable, but it will be your choice.

So that is the minimum requirement...a joystick with twist capabilities (ability to lock the twist function is more desirable), preferably with a throttle (either incorporated in the base [less desirable] or seperate [more desirable]).

As you get more experienced, you'll want to get TrackIR (after using this, I have no idea how I ever shot down any enemies...a must for flight combat). The next thing would be to get yourself a good set of rudder pedals. If you wish to fly and fight online with your new wingmen, a headset with microphone will be your next purchase (get a comfortable set so you can wear them for extended periods). Buttkicker may be the only other thing you could purchase, but is only necessary if you want the "total immersion" package.

Totalspoon's reply is excellent advice, and if you follow that and consider all the replies, you'll be well armed with information. Then you just need to wait till your bank account catches up with your desires.

16 August 2009, 11:06 PM	#6 (permalink)
stevedrew Forum Ace Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 896	Ian, All of the above is great advice. The minimum you should be looking at is a joystick with twist capabilities (to emulate a rudder). A throttle is not always ESSENTIAL, but it's certainly desirable. I think you'll find that if you're a bit of a novice flier, you will not be constantly throttling up and down during combat. So the throttle is not as essential as the twist rudder. A good joystick will also have the capability to LOCK the twist function (for when you wish to upgrade and get rudder pedals). Some Joysticks have a throttle on their base, others are known by the acronym HOTAS (hands on throttle and stick). You fly these with a hand on your joystick and a seperate throttle control. This is the optimum set-up for a flight sim, as you will find that you will use your throttle more when you become a more experienced pilot. A Force Feedback Joystick is always an added bonus. There is a small motor installed in the handle that vibrates when it senses inputs such as firing your machine guns or when your aircraft is approaching stall. This is a situation that you need to carefully think about. For WW1 flight sims, the FF is a good indicator as most of your flying and fighting is done at a much slower speeds than say an F16 Falcon, but there is a payoff...when you have lined up your enemy and fire away, your stick will shake and put your aim off. Most pilots of WW1 sims agree that FF is desirable, but it will be your choice. So that is the minimum requirement...a joystick with twist capabilities (ability to lock the twist function is more desirable), preferably with a throttle (either incorporated in the base [less desirable] or seperate [more desirable]). As you get more experienced, you'll want to get TrackIR (after using this, I have no idea how I ever shot down any enemies...a must for flight combat). The next thing would be to get yourself a good set of rudder pedals. If you wish to fly and fight online with your new wingmen, a headset with microphone will be your next purchase (get a comfortable set so you can wear them for extended periods). Buttkicker may be the only other thing you could purchase, but is only necessary if you want the "total immersion" package. Totalspoon's reply is excellent advice, and if you follow that and consider all the replies, you'll be well armed with information. Then you just need to wait till your bank account catches up with your desires.