helicopter controller: vertical mount throttle?

[Fielder 3,328]

I just got Aerosoft HueyX 'copter. My regular controllers for planes is CH flightsitck and their CH throttlePro (single handle throttle).Is it better to velcro the throttle in a vertical position so that the handle is moving up and down instead of front to back? Does this make the control operate a little more like the handle of a real helicopter control?Actually I had to tighten up the throttle to hold the handle from falling down vertically due to gravity.(The HueyX is on sale $19.77 (today only) at PCaviator (including 10% off Tuesdays).

[Alan_A 1,650]

I've been logging a lot of helo time recently and have been finding that if I reverse the axis on my Thrustmaster Warthog throttle, so that you have to pull it back to increase the collective, it's a pretty good match for how you'd work a real collective. You pull it partly up and partly toward you to increase throttle. The CH Pro Throttle has more of a front-to-back option, but should still do in a pinch. The other day, I came across a photo on Hovercontrol posted by one of the veteran members - he'd mounted a CH Pro Throttle on the left side of his chair, on its side with the handle facing outward, set at an angle so that to increase collective, he'd have to pull the throttle upward and toward him. I'd link to it but I've been through a bunch of controller threads over there, and I'm having trouble finding it again.If you really, really get into helos (it can happen - they're addictive), there are custom controls you can buy. There's a list under development at Hovercontrol - right now just a set of links but it should give you a good idea of what's out there.At a lower price point - and if you haven't already - check out the Dodosim Bell 206B. The HueyX is great, but the Dodo is a couple of notches better - really the top of the game in FSX helos. They're working on a Huey but the project goes back several years and it's not clear when they'll be done with it.Finally, check out Hovercontrol - it's a terrific community (including a number of RW pilots) and you'll find answers to all your questions there.Hope this helps.

[Fielder 3,328]

Thanks for the tips!Side of the chair sounds good!I might have to figure out a way to mount it at an angle, so as you say it could be pulled 'upward and toward' at the same time. I did go ahead and figure a quick fix to increase the tension on the CH handle so it doesn't fall due to gravity. I just folded an index card in half and scotchtaped it to the moving plate (on top the throttle platform). Both sides of the card extends inside the controller and it rubs to create resistance.Reversed throttle suggestion: thanks.

[Alan_A 1,650]

Reversing the throttle axis is the main thing - gets you the patting-your-head-while-rubbing-your-stomach sensation that goes with helo flying (to climb and accelerate, stick forward, collective up and back). It becomes second nature after a while. Now the only problem I have is that when I'm flying fixed wing, I sometimes gun the throttle right over the numbers when I mean to cut it. Have been making some long landings recently...Good solution with the index card. I'd forgotten that about the Pro Throttle but yes, it's a bit loose - would just drop if it was set up straight up and down.If you're enjoying the Huey and have some dollars left over after the sale, you might want to check out the new Sonic Solutions soundpack, just released today. Haven't yet picked it up myself (I'm on the way there now) but advance word is good.Enjoy!UPDATE: Just test-drove the Sonic Solutions soundpack. It's great - adds a lot of atmosphere. Well worth the $10 US or so. Recommended.

Edited February 8, 2012 by Alan_A