Joystick for MS Flight Sim 2004

[aviwil]

I don't know much about gaming . Will be purchasing MS Flight Simulator 2004 and want to buy a joystick too . Can anyone recommend a good joystick for this program - don't require any super sophistications . PC is Windows XP , 2.8 Ghz , 1 GB memory , Intel PERL mobo . Thanks .

 

[Confused]

Things you want on a joystick if you want to enjoy the experience:
Force feedback (gives you feedback on what the plane is doing, VERY important IMO)
Throttle (so that you can accurately control the throttle)
Rotation on the Z-axis (for turning the plane using the rudder, helps with subtle adjustments and is how real pilots control it - albeit with their feet, but you need the controls)
8 way POV (8 way will give you more a better field of vision, with less "steps" than with a 4 way POV)


Confused

 

[Schadenfroh]

logitech extreme 3d pro, $30 at CC

 

[Jeff7181]

For the BEST experience, get a flight yoke... a joystick is fine, but a yoke gives you such a better feel, it's really a night and day difference. If you really want to go all out, get a yoke with rudder pedals... it could then also double as a steering wheel/pedal setup for driving sims.

*EDIT* If you do get a joystick, try to position it where a joystick would normally be positioned in a cockpit... between your legs... or at least on the table dead ahead of you.

**EDIT** BTW... I still haven't splurged on a yoke, but I use a "Saitek Cyborg 3D Gold USB" which is a digital joystick with an 8-way POV, throttle, Z-axis for rudder, and 9 or 10 buttons.
Also when you get it installed, don't forget to tinker with the sensativity and null zone within Flight 2004... with a null zone too small, you'll find yourself wandering, with a null zone too big you'll find yourself flailing about the sky because it takes a lot of movement of the stick before anything happens... with the sensativity too low you'll find it difficult to navigate at all, and with it too high you'll be flailing about the sky again.

 

[Schadenfroh]

could i use my pedals from my racing wheel in 1942 along side my keyboar/mouse and joystick?

 

[Jeff7181]

Originally posted by: Schadenfroh
could i use my pedals from my racing wheel in 1942 along side my keyboar/mouse and joystick?

I believe so... depends on how they're connected... but I believe you could set whatever axis to whatever function you want.

 

[aviwil]

Thanks for your help everyone .
Confused , does the Logitech Force 3D and the Saitek Cyberg Evo meet those requirements you listed ? If so , which would be bettter ?
Schadenfroh , if I understood right , the Logitech Force 3D replaces the Extreme 3D Pro ?
Jeff7181 , the Saitek website shows the Cyberg Evo as being their going model , I think . Is this any better or worse than the 3D Gold you mentioned ? Can't found any product comparisons on the Saitek line .
Thanks again .

 

[Jeff7181]

Originally posted by: aviwil
Thanks for your help everyone .
Confused , does the Logitech Force 3D and the Saitek Cyberg Evo meet those requirements you listed ? If so , which would be bettter ?
Schadenfroh , if I understood right , the Logitech Force 3D replaces the Extreme 3D Pro ?
Jeff7181 , the Saitek website shows the Cyberg Evo as being their going model , I think . Is this any better or worse than the 3D Gold you mentioned ? Can't found any product comparisons on the Saitek line .
Thanks again .

here ya go

 

[Schadenfroh]

Originally posted by: aviwil
Thanks for your help everyone .
Confused , does the Logitech Force 3D and the Saitek Cyberg Evo meet those requirements you listed ? If so , which would be bettter ?
Schadenfroh , if I understood right , the Logitech Force 3D replaces the Extreme 3D Pro ?
Jeff7181 , the Saitek website shows the Cyberg Evo as being their going model , I think . Is this any better or worse than the 3D Gold you mentioned ? Can't found any product comparisons on the Saitek line .
Thanks again .

no, i dont think so, the extreme 3d pro has no force feedback, i dont think it has been replaced