I recently purchased a Belkin Nostromo N52 "speedpad". As you can see from the photo below, this is basically an optimized version of the W-A-S-D layout and is popular for 1st person shooters.http://images.belkin.com/F8GFPC100/STD1_F8GFPC100.jpgHowever, I have found this to be a fantastic accessory for FS9. I utilize the keys for various control functions (trim, flaps, gear, etc.), which is nice, comfortable and a bit more intuitive than the keyboard. But what really makes this thing useful for me is the little wheel (similiar to a mouse wheel), and the gamepad. I use the wheel for throttle, prop and mixture ... I hold down one of the keys to decide which "shift state" the Nostromo is in (every key and function can have 3 different states, and you can decide how you want to toggle between them), and then I just spin the wheel forward or back to control my engines. I don't have a seperate throttle quandrant, so this function gives me a nice tactile representation of moving the levers. Since this is a left-handed device, I don't have to let go of the joystick to make these adjustments.Next, I use the gamepad (on the right side, beneath the orange button) to zoom in and out, and I have a seperate state of the gamepad that I have aliased to the keys that can move around the virtual cockpit (such as Ctrl-shift-backspace to move left). Combined with the Track-IR, I am no longer locked into place in the virtual cockpit. This pad lets me actually shift my view up and down, and lean to the left or right. It feels very much like I am shifting my virtual body or craning my neck as an extra dimension to the panning of the Track-IR. It's great for leaning to look out the side of the cockpit when taxiing tail draggers, or sitting up straight to get a good view of the runway on approach.Combined with a joystick, I think this device gives you all of the functionality of an expensive set of controls. It is extremly comfortable to use, and reduces a lot of the strain associated with keyboard use.This thing retails for $50, but it is easy to find through online vendors for around $20 or less.Anyway, I haven't seen this discussed here and I thought it might be of interest.

JimmyI never heard of this thing before but after reading a few reviews it looks like something I've been wanting for a while. Thanks for the heads up.David

Yes, this indeed looks like a neat piece of kit.ThanksHussman

Jimmy,Thanks for the info man.Mark.

This looks like a great little unit for flying a lap top. Nice, compact and portable.Hmmmmm. Maybe they should install them in real 747's for the pilots to fly with. ;-)

This looks like a great idea.I am afraid I don't know much about gamepads and am an old Senior who has been into pretty much flightsim only since the old 5 1/2" floppy days.(Did play pac man, ping pong, and tennis with my kids many years ago though).Am I understanding correctly that you can program the wheel for separate Throttle/Prop/Mixture controls? What I mean is separate throttles for each engine, separate prop controls for each engine, and likewise for mixture. While we are at it, how many engines?Looks like it might be a dandy $24.95 investment.Sure appreciate the info.Happy Flying:RTH

Sorry for butting in here, but after reading what Jimmy wrote I don

The Microsoft Sidewinder Strategic Commander72 programmable buttons-(6X4X3-6 buttons can have 24 different profiles and you have three of these) 2 zoom buttonsA moveable top section can also be programed. -I use this to move around inside my taildrager Scout to see better during taxi by moving left or right inside the cockpit. Also back and forth or up and down.I have used this unit for about three years. You can fly HOTAS very easily.Oh yeah, it cost me $20.00US then! You can probably check it out at the MS site. If not, try a Google search.About setting your engines,I don't see why it can't be done since EACH of the 72 buttons can have a string of commands associated with it.I use it for complete ATC, incremental prop and mixture,panel pop ups,etc......Enjoy,Bill

I think you'd want to program a pair of keys (throttle up/throttle down) for each engine all in one mode. It would be kind of awkward having to change modes in order to access different throttles. I'm buying one of these as soon as my bank account recovers from the new digital camera LOL.David

Hi Guys,Well I was working on some programming tricks for FS with FSUIPC and because I was preparing an article it may be of interest to show you the first pages: Do more with your joystick!During the past flightsimming years, the PC flight simulators becomes more and more complex. Very sophisticated airplanes can be downloaded for free or purchased for a reasonable price. Many of them includes all bells and whistles in a way that

Hi guys,I'm new here and just got back into MSFS after 3 years. I've got the Nostromo SpeedPad N52 and I was wondering if anyone has made any profiles for FS9? It would sure help a newbie out to have something to start with. Thanks

Looks cool but I can't keep track of a dozen buttons let alone the combo this things offers!XP Home SP2Asus P4P800-SE Intel 3.0GHZDDR 400 D/C 2x512MBGeForce FX 5700 256MB (56.72)SB AudigyMSFF2 & X45 throttleSee you in the fence...CYYZ

I've got one of these too - at one point I had it set up to give me quick access to all my CTRL+# view presets with Active Camera 2004 - worked very well. It's a godsend if you play FPS games like UT2004, HL2/CS, Far Cry etc as well...