Cougar

[Guest]

I think my FLCS/TQS finally died on me. Cant dowload anymore and generates wierd and constantly changing characters.I'm hesitant about the Cougar due to the large dead space issue as I use my controllers for a lot of FS2002 helicopter flying (which requires minute and constant inputs).I'm leaning towards CH USB set-up, but am worried about to much throw and the "light" feel.Any thoughts on Cougar + FS helio?

[Guest Jetstar2]

Well if you want to do any serious helo flying, you really need a force feedback joystick (one that isn't spring loaded to return to the center like on most joysticks). I recommend Micrsoft's Force Feedback 2 because it has a good feel, contruction seems strong (it's not a joystick that will fall apart on you after a year or so of use) you can program it's buttons to do anything and it is dirt simple to program. There are also a few other force feedbacks out there you may want to check out. Robert

[Guest]

Thanks for the response. Why force feedback?

[blave]

I have the Cougar. Right now it's boxed back up in its original carton... The stick has very high stick force, at least as compared to my CH Products Janes Combat Stick. I replaced the stock springs with some lighter ones from a previous TM product (F22?), but still found flying helos quite difficult.The other problem is the throttle quadrant - it has a "sticky" action to it. It's hard to explain in words, but the result is that it's very difficult to precisely control collective pitch. I also took that apart and tried some things, including the complete removal of the tension adjuster gizmo. It didn't help much. After a month or so of having it all hooked up, I finally said "enough" and went back to my CH stuff. I'm happy as a clam, although the CH stuff doesn't look as cool as the Cougar. I am thinking that I'll upgrade to a full CH USB setup at some point, esp. if I go to Win XP.The Cougar bits are Very Very Nice on the outside, but IMO their internal mechanicals need some work for them to be usable, at least by me.Re: force feedback - I used to have an MS FF 2 stick. I don't really "get" what the big deal is w.r.t. helo flying in FS2002 and FF... It certainly didn't help my flying, and In Real Life there isn't a lot of "feel" transmitted through the cyclic (at least in what I have flown). If FS2002 had effects like the FF 2 demo station has, it might be more appealing. But the FF efx implemented in FS2002 are minimal IMO, and the hassle factor of the AC adaptor, and the size factor of the MS stick (which is HUGE), aren't justified by what you get.Dave BlevinsKRHVP.S. all the above notwithstanding, if anyone is interested in a Cougar setup, I am willing to sell mine for $200 plus shipping and insurance; US only. Contact me directly.

[PeterR]

My understanding is that the FF stick with effects (and power?) turned off is the desired configuration. This results in a stick with no tension.However, I would propose just removing the springs in a regular stick if that's what you're after. Costs less.

[Guest]

Thanks for all the input

[Guest]

Dave, If you are willing to give your Cougar another shot, I have my personel experience to pass along to you regarding the proper way to calibrate a Thrustmaster Joy stick. I too, had returned my first F-22 Pro because I thought the spring tension was way too stiff. Then I discovered, after they had sent back another one, that the calibration is the KEY. If your interested, email me back and I'll be happy to go through the "numbers" with you....EasyflyerP.S. I am a helicopter pilot and the Thrustmaster is the ONLY controller to give you the most accurate control feel...IMO