ok... i have been meaning to give an update for a couple of weeks but christmas busy-ness and my inherent laziness have got in the way...
i went with the Thrustmaster T16000 and TWCS throttle. i wish that these companys would employ as desigbers the people who use the products. the equipment it designed for some mutant who has hands about half as big
again as mine. if i use the handrest on the stick i cannot reach the thumb buttons... of which there is unused room for two more. the throttle grip is so large one has to move their hand to the front to use the foward buttons and roll their hand to the rear to use the rear/lower buttons. pre-purchase i presumed that the throttle would plug into the stick, this is not so, it is stand-alone. hence i could have purchased another, smaller throttle from another company and used that. oh well... live and learn.
the hall sensors in the throttle have taught me that i have all the fine motor control of a gorilla. but i am learning. i have dead zone tuned to max. and will lower it as i go. so whilst not wowed by the stick, being too large and lacking as many buttons as it could have, i am not disappointed.
the throttle... ahh the throttle... to big, way to big. but it's main issue is what the internet calls 'sticktion' a portmeau of sticky and friction. it take so much push to get it moving that i have to steady the base with the ball of my hand else it slides across the desk (i am in the process of making a craftwood base to hold it in place. once the throttle starts moving it is ok but should it sit for any amount of time we are back to the whole sticktion and steady the base thing all over again.
it does have some good points... buttons and switches everywhere. three hats which in essence can be used as four switches each and a small paddle style axis which puts the yaw at my fingertips... docking and dogfighting has never been easier... slipping into a rock hermit to grab those sweet cheap precious stones and metals seems unfairly pleasurable and satisfying.
the 'sticktion' is... repairable by buying this...
https://vkb-sim.com.au/products/nyogel- ... 1834825913
not cheap and difficult to source. and has the disadvantage of needing to be replaced from time to time.
i found this...
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=uXqHUsm0cho
which.. in a fit of pique, i purchased. it is in transit and i shall review it (should) when it arrives. i got the last one on etsy but i am sure Corehawke will do another run.
a final word on buttons... i discovered a technique using
https://joytokey.net/en/ that allows me to map all the keys i use any many more to my stick/throttle so that once i start playing i need not touch the keyboard. increasing immersion immensely.
i am happy to elaborate on this should anyone need it.
afterword: installing the grease or the impulse slider requires disassembly of the throttle... voiding my warranty.
perhaps this is an intended consequence. perhaps not.
ty to all who answered my original cry for help
