I tried searching these and other boards and google and didn't find much on this subject (mostly 'I'm using a gamepad for fs2004 but want to find a joystick' type posts). I would like to know if one can use a gamepad for FS2004.I was looking at this wireless one from Saitekhttp://www.saitekusa.com/usa/prod/p3000.htmWith the shift key it looks like I could get quite a few commands into it. One stick for control surfaces and one for panning plus the other 8-way D-pad for perhaps trimming (or whatever) makes it look pretty good. Anyone have any suggestions ? -------------------------------Although I have a Saitek X-45 throttle/stick setup, the reason I'm wondering about this is that I sometimes like to lie on the floor propped up on pillows with my LCD monitor moved off the desk. This might sound a bit strange but I find this good for the back and relaxing. I spend enough time sitting doing my watercolours and canvas paintings (that's what I do) and want to do some flight simming without sitting.

I bought a Saitek P880 for travel and it is quite workable. Here's how I set it up:1. Right joystick for aelerons and elevator.2. X-axis of left joystick for rudder.3. Y-axis of left joystick for throttle. This part was a little tricky. I used the Saitek software to create three bands for the y-axis. The middle band I left blank: that is, the middle third of the y axis on the left joystick is programmed to do...NOTHING. This is because I'm also using the same joystick for rudder on the x axis, and I didn't want to accidentally change the throttle settings while I was manipulating the rudder. Then, I assigned the top band to the "increase throttle" key (F2). The bottom band I assigned to the "decrease throttle key" (F3). So, when I move the left joystick up, the throttle increases. When I move it down, the throttle decreases. When I don't move it up or down, the throttle stays where I left it.4. Use the 8-way D-pad for panning.5. Assign buttons for elevator trim, flaps, propellor, mixture, change view (S key), brakes, ATC. With the shift function, you will have plenty.

Thanks for the information. That P880 model looks about the same as the one I mentioned except it's not wireless. The setup you mentioned sounds like a good method for the two sticks so I'd probably set it up similar to that.I have a question about the shift button. Do you press it once and then all buttons can be pressed for their shift-mode functions or do you have to hold it down and then press other buttons. I would guess you press it as a toggle instead of holding it down (would seem rather silly to have to hold it down as it would then require both hand just to press buttons).

>I have a question about the shift button. Do you press it once>and then all buttons can be pressed for their shift-mode>functions or do you have to hold it down and then press other>buttons. I would guess you press it as a toggle instead of>holding it down (would seem rather silly to have to hold it>down as it would then require both hand just to press>buttons).Yours may be different, but on the P880 the shift is more like a "shift lock" key on a typewriter. I.e., you press it once and the buttons are all shifted until you press it again.

"you press it once and the buttons are all shifted until you press it again."------------Ok ,great. I didn't think it would have to be held down as that would be silly. I think I'll pick up this one I mentioned as it has good reviews and now I know it should be fine for fs2004Thanks for the info!