I am almost ready to take flight simming to the next level. Currently I am flying with an Xbox 360 controller and mouse. I am ready to step it up and get a decent setup to make the experience much more realistic. I enjoy flying a wide variety of aircrafts ranging from commercial airliners such as the PMDG 737/747 and the soon to be released 777 to GA planes, jets, helicopters. I pretty much like it all. So with that being said. I have done some reading but would really like some input from the community on what to purchase.

 

What is a good joystick that will allow me to fly these wide variety of planes, helicopters, etc? I was looking at the Saitek 52. I think that's right. Do I also need to purchase anything else such as rudder pedals, and a flight yolk? I would like to be able to control a lot of things from 1 joystick rather than have to rely on keyboard for one thing, and mouse for another, etc. I want to be able to assign commands like the landing gear, flaps, spoilers, different views, so I can control it all from my joystick while flying. That way I don't need to take my hands off as much. 

 

I may also invest in the TrackIR as well if that seems to be worth it. If there's anything else you guys think I should get that will make this a whole better experience then please don't hesitate to post it. I'm all open to suggestions. 

 

Also last but not least, what do you guys think about using a 70-75 inch TV at 1920x1080? I'm not really into the 3 multi-monitor setup thing. I rather just have one big screen. Do you think this will make the experience better? I currently am using a 30" monitor at 2560x1600 and it looks very nice. But I want to be immersed into the scenery while I fly. So I'm considering getting a large TV for this. Let me know your thoughts.

 

BTW, the hardware would have to be future proof, since I also use X-Plane every now n then, I would like for this to work on that platform as well.

 

Yoke for sure.  Joystick if you're flying Airbus, Scout, Cub, etc. Rudder pedals are also nice for immersion.

 

 

What is a good joystick that will allow me to fly these wide variety of planes, helicopters, etc? I was looking at the Saitek 52. I think that's right. Do I also need to purchase anything else such as rudder pedals, and a flight yolk?

 

I have the Saitek x52 Pro - very nice, but there are good HOTAS setups for less money (e.g., Thrustmaster T-flight HOTAS) - your level of investment depends on how important a good joystick is vs. how much you want to add other hardware.

 

Regardless of what joystick (or yoke) you get - get a set of rudder pedals.  No one flies by twising a stick (OK - with the exception of the throttle control on the collective and maybe some weird setup I'm not aware of).  Rudder skills are an essential (and sometimes neglected) part of flying properly.

 

If you fly yoke-equipped aircraft (which it appears you do) then get a yoke.  Same philosophy as the rudder pedals - if you want a realistic experience then match the aircraft to the equipment.

 

 

 

I may also invest in the TrackIR as well if that seems to be worth it.

 

ABSOLUTELY - after the basics (yoke, stick, rudder pedals) this is THE must-have hardware.

 

 

 

what do you guys think about using a 70-75 inch TV at 1920x1080?

 

My opinion (I fly exclusively VC but I think this appears to the 2D cockpit also) - will be way too big.  Instruments / equipment / etc. will be larger than life size.  I use a 42" HDTV as a monitor - this appears to make everything be actual size with the settings I use.  The rule I have seen is that the distance from eye to screen center = (screen height)/0.6 or 1.67 x the screen height.  Also try setting the fsx.cfg line WideViewAspect=True - I use this setting and I believe it gives a better peripheral view - and with TrackIR is really (IMHO) an excellent trade-off to a multiple-monitor setup (and TrackIR also gives great vertical view motion - and allows you to do things like look behind the yoke and other objects which you cannot do with multiple monitors alone).

 

AND - get a licensed version of FSUIPC and run all your controls through it.  Learn to use it's full capabilities - it will tune your controls better than anything else (and, if you go with Saitek hardware, avoid using their software - just plug the units in and use the default drivers and FSUIPC).

 

BTW - for all you FSUIPC users - I just found a set of Lua scripts that allow you to tune Com and Nav radios, ADF and transponder using the number pad on your keyboard - very cool!

Hi, You might want to consider aiming to get rid of the mouse and controller buy buying hardware like a CDU or MCP.

 

I have a Saitek yoke, throttle and pedals which greatly expand the experience. Although I am saving up to buy a PFC yoke!

 

I used a 40" LED Tv and didn't really like the experience as it was hard to see while taxiing. BTW get trackir too! I've gone back to 3 24" monitors. Might go onto a protector with 100" screen.

Wonderful suggestions! What's a good gaming keyboard for flight simming as well? I was looking at the logitech g19 or g19s. Has more keys so you can assign more functions.

 

Also is there a real hardware FMC that replicates the one used on Boeing planes that I can purchase. Something that's pretty much plug n play where as I don't have to mess with configuring, and all this stuff.

 

So taking everyone's advice into consideration, this is what I plan on getting to get a good experience:

 

1) Saitek Pro Flight Yoke System PZ44 - $149.99

2) Saitek Pro Flight Rudder Pedals PZ35 - $94.99

3) Saitek X52 Pro Flight Control System PS34 - $153.99

4) Saitek Pro Flight Throttle Quadrant PZ45 - $50.98

5) TrackIR

 

Will that work?

Your list looks good. I would add:

 

Paid version of FSUIPC

OPUS Weather Engine Software

 

I use a 40 inch TV for my main monitor, with TrackIr, and really enjoy the experience. I am going to a 53 inch soon, but, I would not go bigger because of the previously indicated issue with instrument size appearance.

 

Have fun..

Wonderful suggestions! What's a good gaming keyboard for flight simming as well? I was looking at the logitech g19 or g19s. Has more keys so you can assign more functions.

 

Also is there a real hardware FMC that replicates the one used on Boeing planes that I can purchase. Something that's pretty much plug n play where as I don't have to mess with configuring, and all this stuff.

 

So taking everyone's advice into consideration, this is what I plan on getting to get a good experience:

 

1) Saitek Pro Flight Yoke System PZ44 - $149.99

2) Saitek Pro Flight Rudder Pedals PZ35 - $94.99

3) Saitek X52 Pro Flight Control System PS34 - $153.99

4) Saitek Pro Flight Throttle Quadrant PZ45 - $50.98

5) TrackIR

 

Will that work?

I have pretty much same stuff and I've been happy with them. I have actually two quadrants, as yoke was bundled with one. I don't use it though, as it attachs to specific yoke port (not usb) and I always remove yoke when I'm not flying a plane equipped with one. I also recently bought Saitek TPM which is good for many GAs and also features 9 on/off or select switches, which I haven't yet fully set.

 

IMO Saitek stuff isn't perhaps the best available equipment out there, but they offer good value for the money and a good selection of different controllers. TrackIR is also a must and I can't fly any sim without it anymore, they feel just silly. TrackIR helps working with VC hugely and gives beautiful immersion with triple monitors.

Looks good. I have the Saitek X52 Pro for "stick and rudder" flying (Super Cubs etc. but also many modern Light Sports aircraft etc.) and the Saitek Pro Yoke for aircraft that have a yoke in real life, together with the invincible CH Pro Pedals that I've probably had for ten years.

 

You don't need to buy the throttle quadrant since the yoke already comes with that exact quadrant. However if you want to fly twins with as much realism as possible, you can buy a second one. The caps are removable so you can arrange them realistically across the two quadrants (Throttle+Throttle, Prop+Pop, Mix+Mix for pistons). For me, two throttle quadrants take up too much space on the desk.

All good stuff. For your joystick I would recommend getting a Microsoft Sidewinder forced feedback 2. It has been out of production for years but you could find one used or even NIB on eBay or a local Buyandsell website.

My flight sim gear includes CH Products' Fighterstick, Pro-Pedals, and Throttle Quadrant, all USB.  Since I fly from the virtual cockpit, I also have Track IR.  One other thing you will want to do is to install FSUIPC.  The freeware version is fine if you do not plan on using FSUIPC's advanced features.

I'd recommend the Saitek Combat pedals... They feel a lot better than the basic ones you list.

I'd recommend the Saitek Combat pedals... They feel a lot better than the basic ones you list.

 

I would tend to agree (but without real authority because I have not used them) since the Combat version like the Cessna version appears to have a design more like a true rudder pedal.  And for some reason Saitek wants you to pay an extra $75 for the privilege of the experience.

Thrustmaster T Flight Hotas is what I started using back in April. No complaints from me and it's priced well.

If you have the cash, there are better yokes than the saitek, but we're talking $700. Several made by pfc and goflight just released one. I have a Thrustmaster warthog and it's amazing. Going to that level for a yoke is my next upgrade. And 70" is enormous. You will need to be sitting 8-10 feet from it. I tried my 47" tv on my desk and it was too big that close. I had to really turn my head to look at the sides of the screen. Trackir was difficult. But man the level of immersion was amazing. Looking out the window at altitude; I felt that high.

I would recommend trying to get away from the keyboard and mouse to make it a more realistic experience.