On a scale of 1 to 10, 1 being non-programmable and 10 being that your HOTAS fetches the morning paper and makes coffee for you, software for the four high-end HOTAS manufacturers ranks as follows:

Saitek / SST: 6; macros, digital axis programming, three modes, etc.

Logitech / Logitech Gaming Software: based on E3 discussions, probably about 6.5; it will do everything SST will do plus swap axes. It remains to be seen, however.

Cougar / Foxy: 8.5 - macros, logical functions, swappable/reversable axes, axis curves and deadzones (on-the-fly if you want), etc.

CH / Control Manager: 9.8 - all of the above plus something no other software suite has, the ability to do math. The ability to calculate lets CM do just about anything you would want in a programmable controller interface.

Great info fellahs. Thanks.

To me, it's a decked-out Cougar with FSSB R2 or FCC-2, Hall sensor-upgraded throttle with UMT bushings (even better if an actual metal throttle arm gets made), and Simped F-16/C pedals at this point, even if logical programming has nothing on CH's Control Manager Scripting.

My Cougar only has the FCC-1 mod, though, along with +HS-modded RCS pedals. The throttle still has the stock pot and a very iffy Y-axis on the microstick, while the stick has a big patch of paint rubbed off. (Paint on the Cougar sure comes off easily!) However, I sold the CH Products Fighterstick and Pro Pedals that I had (both USB) because they just plain didn't feel ergonomic at all. The Pro Pedals were too closely spaced, and the Fighterstick felt like it was digging into my palm somewhat. (No, the light feel and use of plastic didn't put me off-the shape and feel in my hand did.) That, and a FCC/FSSB-modded Cougar is probably the best match for Falcon 4.0 short of getting a real F-16 HOTAS and somehow making it work with any old PC.

That said, I want a Logitech G940 because the stiff, pressure-driven feel of the FCC doesn't really work well for IL-2 and, well, anything that isn't a modern jet or perhaps a helicopter. That, the G940 is a high-end HOTAS with true force-feedback for once, it has a split throttle, and its pedals have toe brakes. Whether I'll have 300 US$ to spend on it by the time it releases is another question, however. Also, I'm waiting for reviews given Logitech's infamous track record with reliability, proper axis response, and the like.

Nameless, for stuff like IL-2 I bought an 80$ Saitek AV8R stick. Few buttons, but light easy stick, twin throttle, twist axis for rudder - plenty enough for prob sims.

Obviously if you want FF, the Logitech would be the better choice, but for me I never considered a second "real" HOTAS, just something for then the Cougar is too strong.

If the AV8R had that stiction around the center due to the spring-loaded disc contacting the base like my old Cyborg 3D Gold, I'm not sure I'll like it.

I have two potential candidates for an IL-2 stick already:

-Logitech WingMan Strike Force 3D
-Logitech WingMan Interceptor

The former needs a gimbal redesign to eliminate pot play. It's bad enough that physical movement in only one axis will still induce a small change in the other due to how the pots are coupled to the gimbals. Not good. The latter needs a full-on brain transplant with a BU0836 or something similar to get around the digital gameport.

I personally prefer the Interceptor design (more switches on stick, VERY ergonomic, and a smaller base that takes up much less desk space), but the Strike Force 3D already has USB and force-feedback.

The bigger question is "Do I have the time to modify them to meet my requirements?" If not, is there someone who is willing to do the modifications for me, perhaps for a fee?

Well, Foxy is where Control Manager was at v2.0. Control Manager 4.51, well makes (still) CH Products the most programmable controllers on the planet.

Oh really? Knowing both intimately, I'd question the facts behind such a statement, as well as the depth of your knowledge of the two softwares. Do you even own a Cougar yet and know Foxy intimately to make such a statement? The answer's "No" isn't it?

Nutty

let the games begin...

James,

I know both softwares, and Ghost's statement is accurate. So if you want to drag posts up that are almost 3 months old, I suggest you don't select arguments for which your preference is on the unfavorable side.

Suffice it to say that Thrustmaster and CH both have HOTAS hardware and accompanying software that have much to offer to their fan base, and that's a good thing.

I take it Frugal's is still down? LOL

If Nutty wrote foxy, of course he is gonna:

a: be offended

b: understand the software to a level that HIS knowledge makes Foxy as usable as Control Manger... the average user, not so much.

I prefer TM but, it has certainly frustrated me to the point that I have, literally, thrown my sticks across the room.

I do not look forward to the day I have to chose a new HOTAS because the TM option is no longer available.