Hi

I just purchased the Logitech Extreme 3D and I wanted to get your thoughts on it for those that have it. First of all, I have the Microsoft Sidewinder Force Feedback 2, which I really prefer, but it's not compatible with Windows 7 64 bit systems. The MS Sidewinder works fine but the problem is that I cannot use any of the programmable features. I purchased the Logitech Extreme 3D from Best Buy because I figured I would be able to use the programmable features and it would be compatible with Windows 7. The thing I don't like about the Logitech is that it has the return to center force, which I don't like, and I noticed that when I bearly twist the joystick without putting any force on it and using my fingers, it causes the rudder to deflect a little. If I'm on the ground taxing, there's a slight movement to the left but there's no movement to the right, and the X axis has been calibrated. Does the Logitech Extreme 3D joystick supposed to have this inherent problem when you slightly move the handle in a twisting motion without forcing it, and is it possible that I may have a defective one? I can also go to the calibrations dialog and when I slightly move the handle with my fingurs, I can see the Z axis slightly move to the left but no movement to the right. The other thing is that I was told by the salesman is that he had purchased the Extreme and said that in 2 weeks, the joystick no longer worked. So, I'm thinking about taking it back. I know some like the Saitek joysticks but I don't like the return to center force and they do not use the twisting motion for the rudder or taxing on the ground. My brother has one and he said that his uses a rocker type switch as the rudder and he does not like it. I've tride it and I don't like it. The twisting motion is much better, much smoother and more controllable. I've mentioned that I cannot use the programmable features of my MS Sidewinder but I can use FSUIPC to program it. But the next time I tried to use a certain function that I had already assigned to my sidewinder, it no longer works and I have to go and assign it again, and I tired of having to do that. So, here's what I want in a joystick: I do not want a return to center action force, in other words, I want the handle to smoothly move forwards, backwards, and side to side, just like the real aircraft yokes do. My sidewinder has this smooth action. This is the way the real yokes work in any aircraft. And I want to be able to program certain actions to my joystick. So far, I haven't been able to find one. Is there a joystick that have these characteristics that I can purchase?

 

Ken.

I used the Logitech Extreme with FSX for several months. Strongly, strongly recommend you ditch the Logitech software use FSUIPC by itself. The calibration routines in FSUIPC completely eliminate the jerky, non-zeroing axes of the Logitech. Use the calibration curves in FSUIPC to smooth out the null zones and to make one axis less sensitive if needed.

 

In addition, you have much more capability to program the joystick buttons. Including using different button definitions for different aircraft (that are automatically assigned based on FSX aircraft selection.)

 

FSUIPC solved many of my frustrations with the Logitech, the axes calibration made a very noticable positive improvement. Not sure if you are doing this, but completely disable the joystick axes in the FSX config menus.

 

I flew a lot of hours in MIL type flight profiles with the Logitech. For the price, it was not a bad stick.

 

Hope FSUIPC can help and good luck.