From: opus@cbnewsc.cb.att.com (robin.g.kim)
Subject: Re: Review - Thrustmaster FCS Pro and RCS (rudder) 
Organization: AT&T
Distribution: na
Date: Tue, 6 Oct 1992 13:12:14 GMT

In article <1992Oct6.061329.13152@netcom.com> hchong@netcom.com (Hoi Chong) writes:
>From article <1992Oct6.022102.22556@netcom.com>, by hchong@netcom.com (Hoi Chong):
>> Well, I finally got both the FCS Pro and RCS in, have been waiting since
>> a week away.
>> 
>> The FCS Pro is of course a Pro version of the Thrustmaster FCS (flight 
>> 
>> The lower part of the FCS Pro is totally metal, including the base casing,
>> (large) springs, and other internal working parts.  This gives it a heavy 
>> base.  The regular FCS base is lighter than the CH Flightstick, but the
>> Pro version is certainly better (heavier) than CH.  What is more important
>> is the main springs of the Pro.  

I have a CH FlightStick, and agree that a heavier base is always better.

>> The springs (one for X-axis, one for Y-axis) are SOLID.  Feel like real
>> airplane control, before the days of fly-by-wire.  Kind of make the feel
>> of CH (and regular FCS) wimpy.  

I agree here also--the FlightStick's tension is too soft.  The stronger
springs of the FCS Pro would tend to counteract the heavier base, as far
as stability goes.  Is the FCS Pro more or less stable than a FlightStick
in one-handed operation (i.e. you don't use your other hand to hold the base
in place)?

>> RCS (rudder control system) is perhaps the most impressive product of
>> Thrustmaster.  It looks and feel like the real thing.  The two foot 
>> positions are about 2 feet (or 24 inches) apart.  The spring is metal and
>> quite strong.  The foot position has a rubber "slot" for your feet.  
>> The action is smooth and is goes quite a long way.  

I'm pretty disappointed with my Maxx rudder pedals, since the stupid
potentiometer twitches just off center (didn't do this when it was new).
I'll probably end up pitching it.

>> The entire structure is made of aluminium, and take up quite a bit of 
>> space.  In fact, I would say that the rudder might be too real (spells too
>> big) for an 8-year-old. 
>> 
>> Both FCS Pro and RCS is listed at $150 each.  But some places are advertiziing
>> them for much.  Only problem is that they don't have stock.  If you want
>> them immediately, you will have to buy direct from Thrustmaster at list
>> price, which I did.
>> 
>> I think this is worthwhile buy, if you purchase 2 games a month.  Of course
>> then you will also have to buy a 27" screen... 

I wish I had your game + game paraphrenalia budget!

>I tried the FCS Pro with Aces.. fantastic.  It adds a "new" capability to
>the sim.  
>
>Remember the going-round-and-round, when you bank 90 degree and pull
>the stick back all the way trying to catch the tail of the enemy plane?
>With the FCS Pro coolie-hat, you simply thumb the hat forward, 
>(while pulling back the stick all the time) which will give 
>you a "top-view", showing you an "ahead view" what you are 
>chasing.  The great thing is that to get back to front view, you 
>simply let go of the hat, and the front view automatically returns.
>
>I usually just "kick" the hat forward (or left, or right for respective
>views) without holding the hat in the position.  This will let you see
>that view for a split second before returning to front view again.  

I keep one hand on the keyboard at all times to do just this, which sure
is a pain.

The main reason I'm posting this is to ask you to report back after a few
weeks or months whether your new joystick has problems with centering.
A lot of people have reported such problems with the old FCS.  If it
hasn't been fixed in the more expensive version, I'd like to know.

Thanks,
Rob
ihlpy!opus@att.att.com