Thinking of getting a Thrustmaster T16000M FCS... should I get two, or a throttle?

[cheater]

Hey all! I've seen the T16000M recommended. I lucked out and got one in a yard sale. What do I get:

- a second T16000M
- a TWCS throttle
- both a second T16000M and TWCS throttle
- second T16000M, TWCS throttle, and rudder pedals

I'm not sure what the differences are between these setups. What are the differences in your opinion?

Until I get the other parts, think I'll be good with a single T16000M plus an Xbox One Elite Controller for the left hand? Do you think that's a good setup?

Thanks a lot! I really appreciate how great this forum is.

[cheater]

Thanks for the info Dolphin!

[funkynutz]

Originally posted by cheater00:

Now I'm not fully sure: on the joystick, is the rotation digital?

Nope, fully analogue.

The Throttle on the FCS does have an analogue thumbstick thinking about it, but it's tiny compared to a full joystick (may or not be an issue for you, I've got big hands though).

Another reason to stick to a HOTAS setup is compatibility: Many games (NOT Elite), won't natively recognise/support dual sticks (and the software to make it work is Thrustmaster's TARGET, which sucks balls), while most will recognise the stick and throttle combo.

On the flip side, dual sticks is also good for flying helicopters in flight sims, Arma etc...

I should probably add I'm contemplating buying the throttle myself, but mainly for flying jets in DCS (dual stick support is terrible - basically both sticks act as one, and the tiny throttle sliders on the sticks suck for that anyway).

[cheater]

Originally posted by FunkynutZ:

Originally posted by cheater00:

Now I'm not fully sure: on the joystick, is the rotation digital?

Another reason to stick to a HOTAS setup is compatibility: Many games (NOT Elite), won't natively recognise/support dual sticks (and the software to make it work is Thrustmaster's TARGET, which sucks balls), while most will recognise the stick and throttle combo.

great point, thanks

[clupe_idae]

I'm enjoying ED with the Space Sim Duo set and find manoeuvring a pleasure with two sticks. The TARGET software took a bit of getting used to but is great for configuration. They have an ED profile you can download for a quick setup.
I play in VR and find myself hunting for the base keys though they do have braille style markings.
One thing I found with the T.16000M is that after a while the Z axis can become erratic and need fixing. Apparently they used a potentiometer rather than a magnetic sensor.

I ought to add that the TARGET profile I used doesn't account for the FSS scanner and cockpit modes update.

[cheater]

Originally posted by clupe_idae:

I'm enjoying ED with the Space Sim Duo set and find manoeuvring a pleasure with two sticks. The TARGET software took a bit of getting used to but is great for configuration. They have an ED profile you can download for a quick setup.
I play in VR and find myself hunting for the base keys though they do have braille style markings.
One thing I found with the T.16000M is that after a while the Z axis can become erratic and need fixing. Apparently that potentiometer isn't a magnetic one.

I ought to add that the TARGET profile I used doesn't account for the FSS scanner and cockpit modes update.

Which is the Z axis? The tiny throttle at the base of the joystick?

[Dolphin Bottlenose]

Originally posted by cheater00:

Which is the Z axis? The tiny throttle at the base of the joystick?

I believe he is talking about the RZ axis (the yaw).

Interesting that you have mentioned it. My yaw also tends to pull left sometime, when I just made a maneuver, and rest my hand on a right side hand-rest place.

[cheater]

interesting. i wonder if the warthog has a magnetic rotation encoder?

[clupe_idae]

Originally posted by Dolphin Bottlenose:

Originally posted by cheater00:

Which is the Z axis?

I believe he is talking about the RZ axis (the yaw).

Yes, the rotation on one of my sticks broke after only a few months use. In TARGET's Device Analyzer the Rz value was moving up and down of its own accord (it shows as Z with two combined). In-game I lost control of the ship, initially thinking it was some damage mechanic :D
Some report that wear and tear can lead to the casing or wiring interfering with the potentiometer.
I think that when working well they're good value for money, but would be better if Hall effect sensors had been used throughout ;)

[Dolphin Bottlenose]

Originally posted by cheater00:

interesting. i wonder if the warthog has a magnetic rotation encoder?

The Warthog doesn't have the yaw axis.

[cheater]

Thanks. Wondering which joysticks are of good quality with hall sensors including yaw. And how much they cost...

[clupe_idae]

Originally posted by cheater00:

Wondering which joysticks

If my "repaired" T.16000M fails (it's working fine now after taking it apart) I'm going to try something like VKB's WW2 inspired Gladiator Mk 2 at 94 Euros (I play IL-2 Sturmovik: Battle of Stalingrad in VR). Their Space Combat Grip "Kosmosima" grip is 92 - 131 (without socket).
VPC's Constellation Delta grip is at 109.95 Euros (again base is separate).
Personally I can't justify spending more than that as I'm looking to buy three sets and there's a new wave of VR just around the corner. And that's why the T.16000M is good value to me (it won't be if it breaks though :D).

[cheater]

thanks for the info. Is the VKB joystick fully magnetic? Please keep me updated on your T.16000M!