From: hchong@netcom.com (Hoi Chong)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.games
Subject: Re: Review - Thrustmaster FCS Pro and RCS (rudder)
Date: 6 Oct 92 14:51:09 GMT
Article-I.D.: netcom.1992Oct6.145109.2601
Distribution: na
Organization: Netcom - Online Communication Services  (408 241-9760 guest)

From article <1992Oct6.131214.11230@cbnewsc.cb.att.com>, by opus@cbnewsc.cb.att.com (robin.g.kim):
> 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)?

You don't have to use the other hand to hold the base (for a $150?), but
then again I don't play the game like a madman (yanking the stick back and
fore as if I am holding onto my life).  But Thrustmaster do sell (yes, more
money) clampable base for holding both FCS Pro and WCS.  They allow you
to clamp both FCS Pro and WCS to the edges of the handle of your chair
(like extending the handle), so that both controls are in the fly-by-wire
positions of the real modern fighter (like F15).  I think one is $60 while
2 goes for $100.  I am not thinking of buying them because mine is a big
comfort chair that has enclosed handles that cannot be clamped.

In fact, they will sell you a chair with those clamps.  The chair even comes
with all the safety belt (this is too much, even for me).  I think the price
is $300 (really not sure).

Like I say before, Thrustmaster will probably soon be coming out with 
complete flight cockpit, instrument panel (assuming game companies will 
cooperate), and such.  So kids, save up your money.  Three hundred will
probably not do by that time, how about a thousand. 

>>> 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.

I have 2 MAXX rudder and both for some reason when bad (one acted like
yours).  But a friend came over (wanting of course to play with my
27" screen/WCS/CH setup with Aces) and fixed both of them w/o any glue
or tools.  I think what he did in your situation was to remove the glue
off the connection and repositioned the potentiometer with the metal piece.
Try this at your own risk! 
>
>>> 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.

Problem is that my the other hand is on the WCS.  Quite comfortable. 

> 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.

Let y'all know. >