Simmers are always looking to increase the realism of their hobby. In that sense, the only way to get a realistic feel for an aircraft is by using a quality flight controller. VMAX has taken realism to its highest level with the new AFCS-III USB Yoke and Throttle.
Background
As much as we love scenery and visual models, flight models and control devices are arguably the most important part of the flight sim experience. In the early days of flight sims, our options were limited to the keyboard and notoriously fickle PC gameport controllers. The advent of the USB interface has given simmers a large variety controllers that are a snap to install.
There are literally dozens of joysticks on the market, with a wide range of cost and quality. While the joystick is nice for certain military aircraft (and the Airbus), it doesn't replicate the feel of a real yoke for flying. While there are other yokes on the market, the AFCS III aims to be the pinnacle of flight controllers. So how does it do?
Installation
As soon as I unpacked the AFCS III, I realized that this is a serious piece of hardware. And hardware it is. The yoke is constructed of steel and aluminum. There isn't any plastic in the casing or yoke. The yoke itself feels heavy and gives the sensation that you're actually in a real plane. I immediately noticed how much larger the yoke casing was than other products. This is because the entire unit is encased. You don't see a rod sticking out of the back when you push it all the way in. Note that this can cause a problem if you want to place the yoke directly in front of the monitor, but don't have a lot of desk space.
The throttle is a separate piece of hardware not attached to the yoke. It is also constructed of steel. The yoke includes two rocker switches on each side and a front and rear button on each side.
In addition to the yoke and throttle, the box contained an instruction manual, USB cable and 15-pin gameport cable. To be honest, the sight of the 15pin cable gave me flashbacks to gameport nightmares. Fortunately my fears were unfounded. The 15-pin cable connects the yoke to the throttle and doesn't actually use the PC gameport. The USB cable had a male and female connector. One goes into the actual yoke with other going into the PC.
Windows XP recognized the new hardware as a PFC controller and installed the drivers automatically. I loaded up the XP Controller menu and made sure the device was responding and calibrated.
The yoke and throttle are mounted to the desk with standard 'C' clamps.
Let's go flying
Because I'd installed a new controller, I had to go into the FS2002 (Control Assignments) menu to reassign buttons. I set one of the four rocker panel switches to handle trim, another to handle flaps and a third to handle gear. I couldn't think of a need for the final switch. I also reprogrammed the other 4 buttons for various flight functions. My CH pedals handled rudder/brake duty.
With the controller programmed, I loaded up a new flight scenario, a Dreamfleet 737 in Reno Nevada. After setting trim and flaps, we were ready to roll. Unfortunately, my first flight ended in disaster. Try as I might, I couldn't get the aircraft to rotate.
Pete Dowson's FSUIPC joystick utility quickly identified the source of my problem. The X and Y ranges for the AFCS III were smaller than my other yoke. This is actually a good thing. A smaller range actually makes the yoke less sensitive. I recalibrated the center, min and max for both axis and reset my flight.
As I started my take off roll, I gained appreciation for the feel of a separate throttle. Since it's a separate unit, the throttle is larger than what you'll find in a combo unit. You're able to put your entire hand on the throttle and have a better feel for power adjustments than smaller 'fingertip' throttles.
The yoke itself felt fantastic. It had a very 'heavy' feel that combined with the separate throttle made for a more realistic flight experience. The yoke itself is based on a Saab 340A. I decided to get an expert's opinion. My neighbor Will is an MD-80 first officer with American Airlines. Before coming to American, he'd flown Saabs for American Eagle. I invited him over to take a test flight with the AFCS III.
Will was very impressed with the construction and feel of the yoke. He also liked the separate throttle unit. We loaded up the Dreamfleet 737 (since there isn't an high quality FS2002 MD80 panel out yet… hint, hint) and went flying.
Will agreed that the yoke was much better than the joystick and provided a more realistic feel. He commented that the control input still felt a little too sensitive compared to a real aircraft. I think this is a limitation of FS2002 more than the controller. He also found the yoke to be a touch stiff. The yoke will probably loosen up after some use. If not, it could easily be fixed with a silicone lubricant.
(Note: It was impressive watching a professional at the controls of FS2002. It was his first time flying the DF737, yet he easily adapted to the plane. He hand flew a trip around the pattern at 1,000 feet manually maintaining altitude and speed, leading to a perfect landing right on the numbers.)
Conclusion
The AFCS III is an incredible piece of hardware. It definitely lives up to the billing of taking realism to a new level. The only obstacle to becoming a must have for every simmer is the expensive $549 price tag. The AFCS III costs 4 to 5 times the cost of other yokes on the market. For most simmers, this yoke would represent the single most expensive component to their entire PC.
But you get what you pay for. I felt a world of difference going from the CH Products yoke, a good product in its own right, to the AFCS III. You have to keep both products in perspective. It's like comparing a Honda Accord to a Mercedes S600. While both of them are four door sedans that will get you from Point A to Point B, there is a definitive difference in construction, fit and finish. The AFCS III doesn't feel like gaming hardware, it feels like it was constructed for a real aircraft.
The AFCS III yoke and throttle is a great option for those demand (and can afford) the very best. It's a must have for any home cockpit builder. If you have the money, it is well worth the cost.
The AFCS III yoke and throttle is a great option for those demand (and can afford) the very best. It's a must have for any home cockpit builder. If you have the money, it is well worth the cost. Further details on the AFCS III – USB Yoke and Throttle are at the Avsim Store website.
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