Throttletek - a viable alternative to Honeycomb?

[Ray Proudfoot 8,919]

Whilst I patiently wait for news on Honeycomb Aeronautical’s throttle quadrant I’m looking at alternatives and came across Throttletek. A fellow enthusiast pointed me to their Learjet unit which on closer inspection looks to be a viable alternative albeit at greater cost.

http://throttletek.com/lear-45-g-throttle/

They produce units for several aircraft but I’m looking for a single solution for the (currently) three aircraft I fly. PC-12, Learjet 25 and Concorde. As this unit has only two throttles it should be possible to use FSUIPC to assign the two left engines to throttle 1 and the right pair to throttle 2. For the other aircraft each engine can be assigned a single axis.

The website makes no mention of whether pots or Hall-effect sensors are used so I’m going to assume it’s pots as I’m sure they would mention hall-effect if they used them. I find it quite exasperating that this technology is not embraced by manufacturers when they know pots, whatever their quality, will eventually cause problems. Are Hall-effect sensors really that expensive or difficult to include in the design? 🙄 I’ve written to them asking a few questions so their answers will help.

PC Pilot reviewed one of their units and gave it a “Classic” award, the highest available which suggests they’re good quality. But I don’t see them being discussed much here. If they’re heavy enough to sit on a desk and not move when used them they look a really good option.

If you have one I’d appreciate hearing your thoughts and how you integrate it into your home system. Alternatively if you’re considering one feel free to chip in. 🙂

[vortex681 806]

"a viable alternative to Honeycomb?" but at MUCH greater cost! There are a few other alternative throttles at much less cost than the Throttletek:

https://www.fsxthrottle.com/?page_id=481#!/TwinPro/p/78782836/category=0

https://goflightinc.com/product/tq6/

https://www.virtual-fly.com/en/shop/controls/tq6-hands-on-for-real

[Ray Proudfoot 8,919]

I accept my link was a lot more expensive but it does look a serious bit of kit.

Going through the ones you linked to the first looks as cheap as chips and not really an upgrade on what I have now. Extra for painting? 🙄

I've played with the GoFlight a couple of times but was never taken by it. Lots of lateral movement and no real feel of quality given the price.

The problem with the last one is I rarely fly twin-engine props which is what that's designed for. The solidity of the Learjet throttles really appeals but I accept it's expensive. But it could provide a final solution for the throttle question.

I'd lose the buttons the Logitech has but I could swap a GoFlight T8 for a P8 and get most of those back.

BTW, I'd rather address you by your name? Got one?

[vortex681 806]

56 minutes ago, Ray Proudfoot said:

BTW, I'd rather address you by your name? Got one?

Yes, but I'm a little paranoid about my privacy - I'm sorry if you find that unacceptable. I hope you don't consider my posts any less valid as a result.

Edited June 11, 2018 by vortex681

[Ray Proudfoot 8,919]

5 minutes ago, vortex681 said:

Yes, but I'm a little paranoid about my privacy - I'm sorry if you find that unacceptable. I hope you don't consider my posts any less valid as a result.

Not even a first name in your sig? It's not that I find it unacceptable, just easier to refer to you by a name than a handle.

[vortex681 806]

Vortex is fine. For reasons I won't go in to, it had some significance in the real world for several years. It all adds to the mystery!

[Ray Proudfoot 8,919]

The thot plickens! Vortex will have to do then.

[adf 5]

$999 is not a "viable alternative"

Edited June 11, 2018 by adf

[Ray Proudfoot 8,919]

14 minutes ago, adf said:

$999 is not a "viable alternative"

What is then?

[adf 5]

Just now, Ray Proudfoot said:

What is then?

I'm not sure, I just feel like the whole purpose of the Honeycomb project was to deliver quality flight controls at an affordable price. In my opinion, $999 for just a throttle setup (albeit a nice one) is not affordable for the average simmer, myself included.

[Ray Proudfoot 8,919]

@adf, I’m not disagreeing with you. Just scouring the web for all the alternatives available.

I’m starting to have misgivings about the Honeycomb throttle quadrant simply because of zero news about it. I know they have been modifying the yoke but there’s nothing about the throttle.

And in their desire to keep the price to $200 there are constant changes to the yoke design and I’m wondering if the same might apply to the throttle.

We pay $2000 for a PC capable of running P3D so spending half that on something that should last 10 years could be considered an investment.

I have GoFlight modules that are 15 years old and still fine. Quality kit lasts.

[Iceman2 110]

I made some inquiries regarding the B747 quadrant a month or two ago and found dealing with them very good.

They were very professional in every way.  I haven’t ordered anything yet because the quadrant was a little pricey for me just right now and I need a little more time to convince the other half I need one.

IM

[Ray Proudfoot 8,919]

Thanks @Iceman2, that’s reassuring. I’ve it heard back from them yet. Mine is still a tentative investigation. It is a lot of money but then again, I have spent big money on other things in life and not regretted it. Quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten is something my old man told me and he was dead right.

The 747 unit is double that if the others so requires serious thought. It’s a pity we can’t get to handle these things as it would help the decision making process.

Do you have a home cockpit or a desktop setup?

Please update us on your plans.

[Iceman2 110]

1 hour ago, Ray Proudfoot said:

Do you have a home cockpit or a desktop setup

I just have a desktop with a VR headset.  Saving for the 747 throttle all though lately I’ve been enjoying flying around in the 777.

Torn between the 767 & the 747 quadrant. 😩

IM

[himmelhorse 1,276]

Hello all,

Another one to look at is the FlightSimPM set up. It looks great and is listed at 660 euros so it is a better (cheaper) option than Throttletek.

FSXthrottles, (quatro pro) starting at USD249, depending on what you want is one that offers a twin or four jet set up and looks reasonably                                                            well made. Cheaper again, but not as cheap as the Honeycomb.

If you are looking at a quad engine, I really think even a Saitek/Logitech set up is more expensive than Honeycomb BUT it does include the yoke                                                        of course.

There are plenty of options but some (including my favourite FlightSimPM) are way out of my price target range.

I think Honeycomb will  be hard to beat if and when it comes on to the market and will be my preferred option.

Lots to think about though and good luck

Regards to you all

Tony