T.1600M Joystick complain

[ComSimPilot 623]

Hi all,

Looking for an alternative joystick for the airbus but also for any aircraft in flight simulation. The main reason is that I am not happy with the not smooth motion of the Thrustmaster T1600M.

 

I have seen generally good reviews about this stick that is why I purchased it, but soon I realized that the motion is not smooth at all. First of all, there is a huge central detent in the middle. The stick will come in the dead center position with big force and also very fast. That does not seem at all realistic to me. But there is more. If you move the stick for example half way back (elevator) and then keeping the same elevator input move the airlerons full left and full right you will notice something weird. Towards the end the motion is fast , towards the center there is a very detectable abdrupt change in the movement due to the mechanical system it is mounted. Besides the general feel of the stick and the left-hand functionality which are great, I don't see any reason to consider this joystick as a realistic solution. 

 

Any other has the same observations as me? Or any other joystick suggestion with better smoothness will be very much appreciated.

 

[edpatino 1,964]

Seems that you have a calibration issue. I have the same stick and I'm very happy with it, considering also its relatively low cost. I've even upgraded to the newly released T.16000M HOTAS FSC system. On my desktop I have the Saitek X52Pro and if you ask me, I'll tell you that I prefer the Thrustmaster a hundred times!.

Cheers, Ed

[CB_Pilot 54]

I agree with Ed; something wrong with your hardware. I've got the same stick and I don't have your problems. Hope you get it fixed - T1600M is a good bit of kit.

[longrangecruise 57]

I have the same stick and I'm very happy with it, considering also its relatively low cost. I've even upgraded to the newly released T.16000M HOTAS FSC system

That's good to know, Ed. I was a bit worried reading the OP. I ordered the new HOTAS sytem too. It still takes another 2-3 weeks till it's available in Europe...

[richie894 45]

I love my T1600M. May be you have a bad one. I hear the X55 is good, but the X56 is terrible (cheaply made parts).

[Jimmy RFR 406]

I'll join the chorus here - I think you either have a calibration issue, or perhaps a actual hardware issue with your copy.

 

I've used (and recommended here) the t.16000m for quite some time, I find it to be very good for the price range. This is coming from previous use of a x55 (joystick finally went dead, after previous other issues) and a x45 (constant connection issues between stick and TQ). At this point, compared to the cost of the Saitek products, I can have the t.16000m fail many times over and need to be replaced before I'm approaching what the Saitek sticks cost.

 

Of course, the primary reason that I recommend the t.16000m is because it can be setup for use with your left hand - very nice if trying to use a TPM or separate TQ on the right side.

 

I'd recommend trying to calibrate it first, but if you still have issues, I'd recommend returning and getting a replacement.

[ComSimPilot 623]

That is certainly no calibration problem. It is the way the joystick is designed. I uploaded a video where I demonstrate that. I don't know if you can see it, but there is a different amount of resistant accross the movement that is not linear. There are two clear "bumbs" in the center zone. This is experienced when the elevator is not in the zero position and you move the airlerons. In the video I try to be "weak" so to show the problem, ie. I put the minimum force to move it. If I move the stick with more strength then the issue is not visible. I can feel the bump but it doesn't alter the movement. 

 

[Jimmy RFR 406]

That is certainly no calibration problem. It is the way the joystick is designed. I uploaded a video where I demonstrate that. I don't know if you can see it, but there is a different amount of resistant accross the movement that is not linear. There are two clear "bumbs" in the center zone. This is experienced when the elevator is not in the zero position and you move the airlerons. In the video I try to be "weak" so to see the problem. If I move the stick with more strength then the issue is not visible. I can feel the bump but it doesn't alter the movement.

 

I think I can see what you're talking about. I really didn't notice any sort of objectionable 'bumps' in my copy. Not to the degree that you've seemed to demonstrate. There is a 'center', but completely expected. Mine is actually smoother then my x55 (with springs installed) was.

 

To be fair, I never had huge high hopes for the t.16000, given the fact that it was a fraction of the price of my x55 - right at the price point where since I decided I wanted it mounted firmly to my center stick platform, I didn't hesitate to punch some 1/2" holes through the base with a drill bit so as to bolt it down. My next move is to actually tear it apart again and take it out of the huge base, converting the push buttons to (on)-off-(on) momentary toggle switches on a raised plate in front of the stick.

[Bobsk8 12,681]

The T16000M is the smoothest joystick I have ever used. You must have gotten a defective one. 

[ComSimPilot 623]

The T16000M is the smoothest joystick I have ever used. You must have gotten a defective one. 

 

Personally I don't think its defective. It is also a personal judgement when it comes to a feeling of smoothness. Someone says a car is very smooth on the road, someone else feels some bumps that are not important for the other. Maybe I asked for too much, overall I am happy with it considering its price. The sidewinder force feedback was the smoothest I've tried in my case but not as accurate.