Has anybody ever used a Game Pad for FS 2004? I tried one once and the right joystick as the throttle didn't work very well because it is configured for center off which is the mid throttle.I would like to use it with my laptop. Or maybe suggest a small regular USB joystick with the twist motion for rudder?Any ideas?Barry

I tried it with IL 2 and worked better than I thought it would. Just make sure you get one with analogue sticks. Most have two analogues then you can even have rudder action. I had a wingman rumble force gamepad before which was excellent. Even had a throttle.

Did you actually use it for FS 2004?The problem for me was the throttle? What did you use for the throttle? I would like to use the right joystick, but it centers, and really can't be used. It centers to the middle of the throttle range.Take care!Barry

No only tested with IL 2 FB.I used the throttle for throttle ;). Most gamepads don

I bought a Saitek P880 for travel. Don't know what kind of software you have, but Saitek's SST program allows you to set up BANDS on any access.I have tested this so far only with IL-2 Sturmovik. But the principle could easily be applied to Flight Simulator. Here's what I did:I assigned aelerons and elevator to the right analog joystick and rudder to the x axis of the left joystick. Then I created three bands for the axis. The middle band I left blank: that is, the middle third of the y axis on the left joystick is programmed to do...NOTHING. This is because I'm also using the same joystick for rudder on the x axis, and I didn't want to accidentally change the throttle settings while I was manipulating the rudder. Then, I assigned the top band to the "increase throttle" key (F2 as I recall). The bottom band I assigned to the "decrease throttle key" (F3 I believe). So, when I move the left joystick up, the throttle increases. When I move it down, the throttle decreases. When I don't move it up or down, the throttle stays where I left it.

Whoa....now why didnt I think of that!...a Gamepad w/joysticks for travel!*Checks online stores*

>I assigned aelerons and elevator to the right analog joystick>and rudder to the x axis of the left joystick. Then I created>three bands for the axis. In rereading my own instructions, I see that I left out a crucial letter: this last sentence should read, "Then I created three bands for the y axis." That would be the y axis on the left joystick, the one that I am using for throttle.