Skybird
01-03-11, 01:56 PM
Again, simHQ offers a well-done feature on the programming software of the different HOTAS systems currently available - around half a dozen sysytem are on the market, with the Cougar now being retired. With such systems, not only the quality and options of the hardware counts, but also what you can make of them - by programming them. Here, ergonomy of the interface and possible options for functionality are what count. And the feature gives a good overview in these regards.
http://www.simhq.com/_technology2/technology_094a.html
Conclusion
It is clear that there is no one HOTAS that has software that makes it overtly more capable than any other. However, the available products sort themselves into two categories. The CH Fighterstick and CH Pro Throttle, the Thrustmaster HOTAS Cougar, and the Thrustmaster HOTAS WARTHOG are HOTAS systems with powerful programming capabilities that allow the user to do almost anything one might wish, either before starting up a sim or once the action has begun. Furthermore, the throttle hardware and associated software from Thrustmaster allow an effortless matching of the physical throttle detent position with appropriate corresponding electrical response. T.A.R.G.E.T. overall is the most capable HOTAS programming software out there, but while it is full of impressive features, its glaring lack of ability to create more than one virtual controller is something that CH Control Manager can surpass easily.
In contrast, software applications for the Logitech Flight System G940, the Saitek X-52 Pro Flight, and the Saitek X-65F Pro Flight also generally lack many of the more advanced features of the other two manufacturers, and once a sim is started the axis properties of these controllers by-and-large cannot be modified. Since throttle axis linearity and physical-vs.-electrical response for these products cannot be modified while maintaining a fixed bottom point, throttle detents for these products seem to be merely a marketing bullet point, and if anything they are more of a hindrance than a help when actually flying most sims.
The Logitech Flight System G940 is further hampered by software that was designed for simpler controllers and has been adapted just enough for use on a multi-axis, multi-mode HOTAS. The fact that the Logitech Gaming Software help file shows an inexpensive Logitech Force 3D joystick with the “advanced” programming to make the stick write “hi” in Windows Notepad speaks volumes about the extra effort Logitech has made to develop suitable software for this product. The fact that the Logitech Flight System G940 reports as three separate devices, with no existing method of combining axes into a custom single controller, is also a big blow to users of older or less-featured titles.
Although this article is a discussion of HOTAS hardware only, it is worth mentioning the fact that CH Products and Thrustmaster have made the effort to develop software that unifies different types and capabilities of hardware. For example, Control Manager supports four different CH yoke models, three different joystick models, a throttle, a throttle quadrant, pedals, the MFP customizable keypad, and an industrial trackball mouse. T.A.R.G.E.T. supports the HOTAS Cougar (joystick, throttle, and any connected pedals), the HOTAS WARTHOG joystick, the HOTAS WARTHOG throttle, the T.16000M joystick, and the MFD Cougar Pack. Either of these two programs can combine axes and buttons from multiple devices and present them on a single virtual controller. Conversely, the Logitech Gaming Software cannot do this, and in addition Logitech product programming is further divided; LGS is used for wheels and joysticks, while mice, keyboards, and headsets with programmable buttons all have their own unique software. The end result presented by Logitech is a disjointed system less capable than any other high-end HOTAS manufacturer, despite the fact that the new LGS v7.00 is a step in the right direction.
However, programming capabilities are only one part of the whole story. Hardware capabilities play a big part in HOTAS preference, and in this realm each product from the four manufacturers is rather different.
CH Products has a sliding (not rotating) throttle and their HOTAS components can be purchased as individual items.
The HOTAS Cougar accepts gameport rudders, has adjustable throttle detents, and is metal. Arguably, its internal construction is not as durable as the CH Products HOTAS based on the CH Fighterstick and CH Pro Throttle.
The HOTAS WARTHOG does not come with rudders, but arguably has the smoothest and most precise stick and throttle on the market.
The X-52 Pro Flight has a display in the throttle base, an adjustable grip, lighted buttons, and sells for significantly less than any of the other products.
The X-65F Pro Flight comes with Pro Flight panel controls and is the only manufacturer-produced force-sensing HOTAS.
If you’ve ever wondered how the major HOTAS programmability options stack up, now you know. There is no HOTAS with everything, nor do we even all agree on what the perfect HOTAS would be (mine would be a force feedback, all-metal, split-throttle with lots of rotaries, 18-axis, adjustable grip, adjustable tension device with swappable sticks and a hybrid of the T.A.R.G.E.T. / Control Manager interface — in other words, elements of the HOTAS systems discussed here plus some features that none of them have).
For now, flight simulation enthusiasts are lucky to have multiple manufacturers producing quality HOTAS devices for our entertainment enjoyment.
I personally use CH equipment since over 11 years, and I know the control manager software, too. I can testify oin the good quality of the hardware and the extremely user-friendly ergonomy and functional diversity of the software. With control manager and it's scripting language, you can acchieve almost every effect and functionality you can ever dream to have. To me, CH are the HOTAS producers of my choice.
http://www.simhq.com/_technology2/technology_094a.html
Conclusion
It is clear that there is no one HOTAS that has software that makes it overtly more capable than any other. However, the available products sort themselves into two categories. The CH Fighterstick and CH Pro Throttle, the Thrustmaster HOTAS Cougar, and the Thrustmaster HOTAS WARTHOG are HOTAS systems with powerful programming capabilities that allow the user to do almost anything one might wish, either before starting up a sim or once the action has begun. Furthermore, the throttle hardware and associated software from Thrustmaster allow an effortless matching of the physical throttle detent position with appropriate corresponding electrical response. T.A.R.G.E.T. overall is the most capable HOTAS programming software out there, but while it is full of impressive features, its glaring lack of ability to create more than one virtual controller is something that CH Control Manager can surpass easily.
In contrast, software applications for the Logitech Flight System G940, the Saitek X-52 Pro Flight, and the Saitek X-65F Pro Flight also generally lack many of the more advanced features of the other two manufacturers, and once a sim is started the axis properties of these controllers by-and-large cannot be modified. Since throttle axis linearity and physical-vs.-electrical response for these products cannot be modified while maintaining a fixed bottom point, throttle detents for these products seem to be merely a marketing bullet point, and if anything they are more of a hindrance than a help when actually flying most sims.
The Logitech Flight System G940 is further hampered by software that was designed for simpler controllers and has been adapted just enough for use on a multi-axis, multi-mode HOTAS. The fact that the Logitech Gaming Software help file shows an inexpensive Logitech Force 3D joystick with the “advanced” programming to make the stick write “hi” in Windows Notepad speaks volumes about the extra effort Logitech has made to develop suitable software for this product. The fact that the Logitech Flight System G940 reports as three separate devices, with no existing method of combining axes into a custom single controller, is also a big blow to users of older or less-featured titles.
Although this article is a discussion of HOTAS hardware only, it is worth mentioning the fact that CH Products and Thrustmaster have made the effort to develop software that unifies different types and capabilities of hardware. For example, Control Manager supports four different CH yoke models, three different joystick models, a throttle, a throttle quadrant, pedals, the MFP customizable keypad, and an industrial trackball mouse. T.A.R.G.E.T. supports the HOTAS Cougar (joystick, throttle, and any connected pedals), the HOTAS WARTHOG joystick, the HOTAS WARTHOG throttle, the T.16000M joystick, and the MFD Cougar Pack. Either of these two programs can combine axes and buttons from multiple devices and present them on a single virtual controller. Conversely, the Logitech Gaming Software cannot do this, and in addition Logitech product programming is further divided; LGS is used for wheels and joysticks, while mice, keyboards, and headsets with programmable buttons all have their own unique software. The end result presented by Logitech is a disjointed system less capable than any other high-end HOTAS manufacturer, despite the fact that the new LGS v7.00 is a step in the right direction.
However, programming capabilities are only one part of the whole story. Hardware capabilities play a big part in HOTAS preference, and in this realm each product from the four manufacturers is rather different.
CH Products has a sliding (not rotating) throttle and their HOTAS components can be purchased as individual items.
The HOTAS Cougar accepts gameport rudders, has adjustable throttle detents, and is metal. Arguably, its internal construction is not as durable as the CH Products HOTAS based on the CH Fighterstick and CH Pro Throttle.
The HOTAS WARTHOG does not come with rudders, but arguably has the smoothest and most precise stick and throttle on the market.
The X-52 Pro Flight has a display in the throttle base, an adjustable grip, lighted buttons, and sells for significantly less than any of the other products.
The X-65F Pro Flight comes with Pro Flight panel controls and is the only manufacturer-produced force-sensing HOTAS.
If you’ve ever wondered how the major HOTAS programmability options stack up, now you know. There is no HOTAS with everything, nor do we even all agree on what the perfect HOTAS would be (mine would be a force feedback, all-metal, split-throttle with lots of rotaries, 18-axis, adjustable grip, adjustable tension device with swappable sticks and a hybrid of the T.A.R.G.E.T. / Control Manager interface — in other words, elements of the HOTAS systems discussed here plus some features that none of them have).
For now, flight simulation enthusiasts are lucky to have multiple manufacturers producing quality HOTAS devices for our entertainment enjoyment.
I personally use CH equipment since over 11 years, and I know the control manager software, too. I can testify oin the good quality of the hardware and the extremely user-friendly ergonomy and functional diversity of the software. With control manager and it's scripting language, you can acchieve almost every effect and functionality you can ever dream to have. To me, CH are the HOTAS producers of my choice.