Cheap, but realistic, controller for Mac

[zirca]

Hello,
First post and total noob to FPV. Hoping to get some help from the community.

After all the blog/web reading on FPV, it sounds like getting a cheap quad (Hubsan - check) and logging some time on LiftOff will greatly help my real-life experience.

Can anyone recommend a cheap controller that will work for MAC to use liftoff? I'd like to give this a go, before I invest in a proper transmitter. I don't want to use an xbox controller, as all the posts seem to indicate it's a crap experience vs. the real thing.

Greatly appreciate the help,

[Banisher]

I'm not sure how much "cheap" is. :) But here is a potential solution...


Transmitter:

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__24968__Turnigy_4X_FHSS_2_4ghz_Transmitter_and_Receiver_Mode_2_.html

USB adapter:

http://www.amazon.com/Universal-Flight-Simulator-Cable-Futaba/dp/B00DR4I4O0

Software:

https://www.orderedbytes.com/controllermate/



That transmitter (I think) has a 3.5mm trainer port, which you will need to connect to the USB adapter. That transmitter probably sucks compared to others when it comes to actually using it to fly for real, but I bet it's fine for playing Liftoff, and will definitely be 100 times better than using X-Bawks controller. :)

Windows may recognize the USB adapter as a joystick controller out of the box, but the Mac not so much. That's where the software comes in...

ControllerMate helps you build your own virtual joystick driver basically. It's a little intimidating at first, and takes some time and care to setup, but once you get it set, you don't have to fool with it other than make sure it's running before you launch Liftoff. I use it on my Mac and it works flawlessly. Also, I think that you can get away with not needing the full version ($$) features if one controller is all you ever setup.

need help setting up ControllerMate, search these forums for ControllerMate, there are a few setup guides already posted.

Good Luck and Happy Flying!

[LuGus Studios]

I would actually suggest investing in a good transmitter like a Taranis if you are seriously interested in the sport. Unfortunately when talking about remotes the combination of "good/realistic" and "cheap" does not really work that well, otherwise everyone would use the same remote ;)

[zirca]

Thanks for the replies, guys.

$30 is cheap in my mind. I 100% would not use this controller to fly an actual drone, I'd invest in a Taranis, or something like that, but I want to give this a go first before I dive in head first. I"m sure I'll love it, but figured $30-50 controller investment is a little simpler than going $250+

[Banisher]

I'll add +1 for Taranis. I bought an $80ish Turnigy as my first. But now about a year into using it and learning the ropes of the sport, I want that $80 back, to go towards a Taranis instead. :)

[JuniorDiscart]

If you can get your hands on a Taranis, that would be the best option. Another solution is to use a PS4 controller. They are relatively cheap and work on Mac OS X beautifully both wired and wirelessly (use this myself as well at the studio). Downside is that the left thumbstick resets its position when you let go of it, in contrast to a real rc. :)

[AESTHTK]

Trust us - you will love it. Buy the Taranis... ;)