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 06:13:29 GMT
Organization: Netcom - Online Communication Services  (408 241-9760 guest)

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 
> control system).  I was told it was entirely metal.  Not true.  But no
> disappointment there (not yet any way).  In fact, the upper part of
> FCS Pro is just like the regular FCS, it is the lower part that is different.
> 
> Just for those who are not sure what FCS is, FCS is a full-size, taller-than-
> CH-flightstick joystick that has 4 buttons plus a coolie-hat.  The regular
> FCS stick respone is pretty close but not as good as CH Flightstick, but
> the Pro version is a totally different story.  
> 
> Most new flight sims now support all 4 joystick buttons, and also the 
> coolie-hat.  The cool-hat lets you look left, right, or back temporarily. 
> As soon as you let go of the coolie-hat, it automatically bounces back to 
> the front view.
> 
> 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.  
> 
> 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.  
> 
> My friend has the regular FCS.  For some reason he cannot get the FCS 
> coolie-hat to work properly with Aces (latest patch).  I have no problem
> with Aces, works perfectly with FCS Pro.  
> 
> 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.  
> 
> 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 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.  

Ok, no rushing, Egghead doesn't open until 9...
Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.games