Hi,

I am having a hard time controlling the Dodosim 206 for FSX especially in holding a steady altidude, even at the level 1 easiest setting. I have a generic joystick with the normal spring auto-centering. I am reading all over that the best joystick for copters is one that does not have spring tension and auto - centering. Sure enough, I get close to maintaining a level configuration but as soon as I try to adjust even slightly, I fight the spring tension and it starts drastic movements that are hard to get back to normal. I can see how not having the annoying centering would make things a lot easier.

Can anyone recommend a reasonable priced joystick that has less tension or no spring at all that is close to the feel of a real cyclic? Thanks, Tom

Tom,

 

I see that you had no response to your question so I will try to fill the gap for you.

First things first however...

The good news is that you really don't have to buy another stick because of the self-centering nature of the one you are using now.

If you read through the manual of the bell 206 from dodosim you can find on page 12 (creating the control) and page 33 (how to use it) a solution for your problem. It's called "force release (cyclic trim) and even if it's not the real thing, it does help you with the pressure you have to keep on the stick.

I use a Thrustmaster Warthog combo myself. It is a great stick/throttle combination alround but a bit heavy on the muscles when flying choppers.

However, when you program one of the buttons on your stick to enable the "force release" you can (almost) fly the 206 with your thumb and forfinger.

 

To the bad news...

I don't know of any stick without any form of selfcentering. You can always buy a cheap stick (I would preffer one without ruddertwist and really... the cheapest you can find will do the job) and remove the spring yourself. I did that once but it does make your flightstick almost unusable for other planes.

The most logical buy would be a combination with a separate throttle/collctive control to make life easier. A hotas combination of Saitek comes to mind here but you will have to remove the tensionspring yourself.

The other option is the one where you buy a dedicated helicopter setup but those don't come cheap. Around a 1000 USD is the mark for cyclic and collective.

 

Luc Brusselmans

Belgium