I recently purchased MS FS9, I have an old copy of MS FS 98, figured that they must have improved something right?.....well I don't think they have. It's pathetic, I mean really.So, I got a Saitek Pro Yoke and throttle quadrant to go along with it and if you put the two together it's just a frustrating mess.Half the time the yoke is not calibrated correctly. I have followed Saitek's instructions on how to calibrate the yoke (in both Windows XP AND in FS9) and still every time I start my computer or even just re open FS9 it's out of calibration again (or sometimes it goes out after just starting a new flight).Now the mixture and prop control don't work (even though they show as working in game controller properties and were previously working just fine).also, the plane started swerving left off the runway as soon as I add power (even though I have auto rudder selected). which didn't happen the first few times I used it, it even swerved left off the runway when I added left throttle in a twin!Come on... four CD's and the panels / graphics are STILL THE SAME as 1998! is FSX the same too?I have a decent graphics card and a very fast machine and IMHO the scenery sucks! e.g. towers and bridges in the distance flicker on and off 'floating in the sky' before they become properly visible and fixed in space. It's a joke.They should just spend more time doing one or two aircraft well with realistic graphics if they want to make a 'real' experience.I purchased a King Air 'add on' panel and I can't even follow the 'real life' checklist's to start the engines! In fact I can't even read half the wording on the panel because the quality is so bad and I have a 24" monitor.Thank god I actually get to fly the real thing for a living, I can't see how anyone can use this as any kind of a serious tool. I'm sending it all back to amazon for a refund. Hey, I could buy a 10 dollar yoke and use FS1998 and get as much out of it.

I recently purchased MS FS9, I have an old copy of MS FS 98, figured that they must have improved something right?.....well I don't think they have. It's pathetic, I mean really.So, I got a Saitek Pro Yoke and throttle quadrant to go along with it and if you put the two together it's just a frustrating mess.Half the time the yoke is not calibrated correctly. I have followed Saitek's instructions on how to calibrate the yoke (in both Windows XP AND in FS9) and still every time I start my computer or even just re open FS9 it's out of calibration again (or sometimes it goes out after just starting a new flight).Now the mixture and prop control don't work (even though they show as working in game controller properties and were previously working just fine).also, the plane started swerving left off the runway as soon as I add power (even though I have auto rudder selected). which didn't happen the first few times I used it, it even swerved left off the runway when I added left throttle in a twin!Come on... four CD's and the panels / graphics are STILL THE SAME as 1998! is FSX the same too?I have a decent graphics card and a very fast machine and IMHO the scenery sucks! e.g. towers and bridges in the distance flicker on and off 'floating in the sky' before they become properly visible and fixed in space. It's a joke.They should just spend more time doing one or two aircraft well with realistic graphics if they want to make a 'real' experience.I purchased a King Air 'add on' panel and I can't even follow the 'real life' checklist's to start the engines! In fact I can't even read half the wording on the panel because the quality is so bad and I have a 24" monitor.Thank god I actually get to fly the real thing for a living, I can't see how anyone can use this as any kind of a serious tool. I'm sending it all back to amazon for a refund. Hey, I could buy a 10 dollar yoke and use FS1998 and get as much out of it.

HelloI suspect the problem lies between the chair and the keyboard.

HelloI suspect the problem lies between the chair and the keyboard.

One of my questions was, is FSX the same basic graphics as 9? I was told by a computer guru that FS9 was a better buy because there is more add on scenery available, is this true?I have over 7000 hours in actual flight between the seats and panels of various types (including the CL600 and BE30) without accident or incident so I doubt that you are correct with your glib remark.

I have a decent graphics card and a very fast machine

what are your hardware specifics?--

I recently purchased MS FS9, I have an old copy of MS FS 98, figured that they must have improved something right?.....well I don't think they have. It's pathetic, I mean really.----------------------I purchased a King Air 'add on' panel and I can't even follow the 'real life' checklist's to start the engines! In fact I can't even read half the wording on the panel because the quality is so bad and I have a 24" monitor.

King Air Extreme & FS2004 works quite well on my 6 year old computer. Sorry you are having problems.Alex Reid

what are your hardware specifics?--

Shuttle XPC w/G31 express, E8500 Core 2Duo 3.16 (another joke... MS Flight Sim can't even take advantage of dual core technology)!MS XP Home, 4GB PC6400 dual channel RAM, 500GB SATA 3G HD with 32MB Caches (x2), GeForce 8400 GS video, enough power to easily record and playback a 24 track audio mix with real time effects including mastering effects in my audio recording programs (running Pro Audio 8).

King Air Extreme & FS2004 works quite well on my 6 year old computer. Sorry you are having problems.Alex Reid

Well the Saitek controller is a piece of junk. Can anyone recommend something better please? How realistic is the FMS on the KA extreme? does it replicate the Universal model and how acurate is the programming?

Shuttle XPC w/G31 express, E8500 Core 2Duo 3.16 ... MS XP Home, 4GB PC6400 dual channel RAM, 500GB SATA 3G HD with 32MB Caches (x2), GeForce 8400 GS video,

micro-box machine ... don't know what MOBO limitations there may be, but such machines can be difficult videogame platforms.suggest you review some 'tweek' guides -http://forums1.avsim.net/index.php?showtopic=267901

enough power to easily record and playback a 24 track audio mix with real time effects including mastering effects in my audio recording programs (running Pro Audio 8).

means little when talking about FS.

(another joke... MS Flight Sim can't even take advantage of dual core technology)!

how many dual core processors were on the market between 2002-2004?--

I have a friend here in town having the same kinds of calibration problems with the Saitek yoke. They're not answering his emails...and it turns out there are others. Many others.Bob ScottColonel, USAF (ret)ATP IMEL Gulfstream II-III-IV-VColorado Springs, CO

micro-box machine ... don't know what MOBO limitations there may be, but such machines can be difficult videogame platforms.suggest you review some 'tweek' guides -http://forums1.avsim.net/index.php?showtopic=267901means little when talking about FS.how many dual core processors were on the market between 2002-2004?--

Pointless comments, it means a lot.PS. Even FSX does not utilize dual core / quad core technology in the way that Cakewalk Sonar (for example) does.

I have a friend here in town having the same kinds of calibration problems with the Saitek yoke. They're not answering his emails...and it turns out there are others. Many others.Bob ScottColonel, USAF (ret)ATP IMEL Gulfstream II-III-IV-VColorado Springs, CO

Thanks Bob, that's the kind of answer I was waiting for, I have spent all day reading literature and following instructions and the Saitek thing is not working. I sent them an e mail too, be interesting to see if they reply.As far as everything else goes I could live with it, I just need some accurate reliable control.

I have had no problems with the Saitek, but I do not use their drivers. I use the MS windows default and fsuipc registered module to handle the controller assignments and calibration.I'm surprised you can see no difference between FS98 and 2004.scott s..

Shuttle XPC w/G31 express, E8500 Core 2Duo 3.16 (another joke... MS Flight Sim can't even take advantage of dual core technology)!MS XP Home, 4GB PC6400 dual channel RAM, 500GB SATA 3G HD with 32MB Caches (x2), GeForce 8400 GS video, enough power to easily record and playback a 24 track audio mix with real time effects including mastering effects in my audio recording programs (running Pro Audio 8).

Well, let's see. My daughter's computer has a 2GB C2Duo with your 8400GS card. Runs FS9 very well. Although when she had a better GPU, FS ran alot better. Your audio programs can be run with onboard video, but not FS. 8400GS is way under powered for your CPU. I know what the box says about specs you need to run FS. Just depends where you put the sliders, and how you take care of your machine.Bob

Original poster,Did you do the upgrade to MSFS 9.1 also?

I have spent all day reading literature and following instructions and the Saitek thing is not working.I only ask because it wasn't specified. You've sent emails; have you gone to the Saitek support forums seeking advice?http://www.saitekforum.com/index.phpI can safely say in my experience neither FS9 nor the Saitek product are junk. I've had great success using them together and it's unfortunate that you have had a bad experience. That doesn't mean it can't be changed to a positive one. Lots of people have had the same problems and just as many are satisfied. Looking in a diverse environment with like users can always yield more/better information...

One of my questions was, is FSX the same basic graphics as 9? I was told by a computer guru that FS9 was a better buy because there is more add on scenery available, is this true?I have over 7000 hours in actual flight between the seats and panels of various types (including the CL600 and BE30) without accident or incident so I doubt that you are correct with your glib remark.

HelloDespite the fact that you have 7000 hours and are obviously a clever chap backed up by a "Computer Guru" no lessYou failed to do a simple search of this forum in order to discover this simple set of instructions--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------->Unplug the controller, click Start>Run, type regedit and click OK. In the Registry Editor browse to the following folders in order:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE (HKEY_CURRENT_USER if using Vista)SYSTEMCurrentControlSetControlMediaPropertiesPrivatePropertiesDirectInputAnd delete any folder starting with VID_06A3. Plug the controller back in, move it fully a couple of times and see if that has fixed it.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------This is a known fault with the calibration on Saitek controllers , I am surprised that your "Computer Guru" did not know thisInstead you jump in here stating that FS 2004 in "A pile of Junk" and that the Controllers are "Junk" when the simple fact is that you have a lack of knowledge with the software and hardware you have bought.I could have told you how to fix this last night but for the tone of your post , I just thought why bother.All you needed to do was to come into the forum and ask simply " I am having a few problems with calibration, what can I do"This would have got you sorted in no time at all.When you read back your opening post do you not feel a little embarrassed, Its the type of rant I expect from my nephews not a 7000 hr pilot.