I've got a Suncom HOTAS set and understand that it will in fact work under XP using the button programming alone.I also have a Sitecom USB/Gameport adaptor and can get the stick axis to come through but not the buttons.Anyway, firstly, any advice on using the Suncom setup under XP would be great. This is for a generic single seat simpit.Secondly, anyone converted a set (or any other gameport equipment) to work via USB natively? I'm thinking of hacking a USB stick or two and using the board and connections within the Talon and throttle - would like to be able to use the bottom two switches on the throttle (currently only usable to switch program banks). Anyone used the plasma USB controller board? Any advice appreciated.

>I've got a Suncom HOTAS set and understand that it will in>fact work under XP using the button programming alone.>>Anyway, firstly, any advice on using the Suncom setup under XP>would be great. This is for a generic single seat simpit.I know "jmig" on this forum is using the Suncom SFS throttle / stick and he's planing to hack it using a couple of my DIY USB adapters I designed called "Plasma - Mini Me" (formerly known as "Baby Plasma").These now have 5 axis, 12 buttons and 1 digital 8-way POV HAT support. http://www.betainnovations.com/hardware/minime_plasma.html>I'm thinking of hacking a>USB stick or two and using the board and connections within>the Talon and throttle - would like to be able to use the>bottom two switches on the throttle (currently only usable to>switch program banks). The danger with that is some USB sticks might not use standard 100K pots. In some cases, your readings might be totally off. As such, you might be stuck having to use the pots from the USB stick, which may or may not fit into your Suncom hardware. Just something to keep in mind.>Anyone used the plasma USB controller board? Any advice>appreciated.Well since I'm the Plasma developer, I'll let someone else handle this question and my response would be biased. ;)It would probably be a very expensive upgrade for a Suncom throttle IMO. You might want to try building a couple of your own "Mini Me" modules. Much, much cheaper route, but no HOTAS support.Cheers.-Leo

>I know "jmig" on this forum is using the Suncom SFS throttle />stick and he's planing to hack it using a couple of my DIY USB>adapters I designed called "Plasma - Mini Me" (formerly known>as "Baby Plasma").>>These now have 5 axis, 12 buttons and 1 digital 8-way POV HAT>support. >http://www.betainnovations.com/hardware/minime_plasma.htmlLooks very good, could use two to get both stick and throttle fully working. Would need to get a PIC programmer though I guess.>The danger with that is some USB sticks might not use standard>100K pots. In some cases, your readings might be totally off.>As such, you might be stuck having to use the pots from the>USB stick, which may or may not fit into your Suncom hardware.>Just something to keep in mind.Yup, didn't think about that. Your Plasma boards look much better anyway though.>Well since I'm the Plasma developer, I'll let someone else>handle this question and my response would be biased. ;)The man himself!>Much, much cheaper route, but no HOTAS support.In what way, no HOTAS support?>Cheers.>-LeoThanks for the reply.

>Looks very good, could use two to get both stick and throttle>fully working. Would need to get a PIC programmer though I>guess.Olimex sells one (PIC-PG2B) for $9.95. I just recently bought one and it's worked great thus far. >>Much, much cheaper route, but no HOTAS support.>>In what way, no HOTAS support?Cheaper in the sense that the "MiniMe" uses very few components compared to the full Plasma module. So if you are willing to forego HOTAS support, "MiniMe" should do the trick in your case. You just connect those multi-mode rocker switches on the throttle as regular button inputs.I have plans to develop a

>Olimex sells one (PIC-PG2B) for $9.95. I just recently bought>one and it's worked great thus far. Thanks, I'll see what I can get here across the pond... ;)>You just connect those multi-mode rocker>switches on the throttle as regular button inputs.That's what I figured. No problem that stick and throttle would be on individual connections though (I assume that's what you mean by no HOTAS support?) since FS200? supports multiple controllers, LOMAC/LOACS the same.Anyone know of a virtual device controller that will combine any controllers into one unit? as Bob Church's software for CH control manager does with CH sticks, yokes and pedals?

I can testify that the SunCom throttle uses 100k pots. I have taken it apart. It uses slider pots about 1 1/4 long. I bought some 50K pots to replace the 100K when I considered attaching the throttle to my CH Products yoke. (CH Products USB yoke uses 50K pots.)I have not yet, gone into the joystick. I only plan on using the handle and buttons. I am presently designing and building a bolt to the floor center control stick as used by the F-15, F-18, etc. Since, the throttle uses 100K pots, I assume the joystick does so, too.As Leo mentioned, I will be using his USB electronics to power the control stick.John

>>Olimex sells one (PIC-PG2B) for $9.95. I just recently bought>>one and it's worked great thus far. >>Thanks, I'll see what I can get here across the pond... ;)Take a look at www.sparkfun.com. They sell it for $12.95. They may be closer to home for you (where ever that may be).>No problem that stick and throttle would be on individual connections though (I assume that's what you mean by no HOTAS support?) HOTAS - Hands On Throttle And Stick. It refers to a system of allowing a pilot a multitude of controls using a limited number of inputs. The Suncom SFS Throttle you own employs a HOTAS system where several buttons can have up to 3 functions each based on the position of a rocker switch. Plasma supports this feature, but MiniMe does not. That's what I meant by HOTAS support in this case.You currently have 2 axis for dual throttle, 2 axis for joystick and 1 axis for rudder pedals. That

>I am presently designing and building>a bolt to the floor center control stick as used by the F-15,>F-18, etc. Since, the throttle uses 100K pots, I assume the>joystick does so, too.>>As Leo mentioned, I will be using his USB electronics to power>the control stick.>>JohnJohn, thanks for that. Would be interested to be kept in touch with your project. Sounds very good.

>Take a look at www.sparkfun.com. They sell it for $12.95. They>may be closer to home for you (where ever that may be).I'm in the UK but should be able to find the required.>HOTAS - Hands On Throttle And Stick. It refers to a system of>allowing a pilot a multitude of controls using a limited>number of inputs. The Suncom SFS Throttle you own employs a>HOTAS system where several buttons can have up to 3 functions>each based on the position of a rocker switch. Plasma supports>this feature, but MiniMe does not. That's what I meant by>HOTAS support in this case.Right, see what you mean with regard to the multi functions for each control. Yep, I knew what HOTAS was (have the Suncom and Cougar setups) but to be honest, the multi-function aspect doesn't really apeal to me anyway, rather just have the single functions as with the real controls, less confusing (except where realistic, e.g. NWS disconnect on the Cougar stick etc.)>You currently have 2 axis for dual throttle, 2 axis for>joystick and 1 axis for rudder pedals. That

Leo:>You currently have 2 axis for dual throttle, 2 axis for>joystick and 1 axis for rudder pedals. That

Ok, now I really feel silly having explained what HOTAS is to a Cougar owner. :-doh