FlightSim.Com Reviews: Portugal '98

Radio Shack Analog Joystick

By Dan Vanevenhoven (3 April 2000)

he Radio Shack catalog #26-447 is an analog PC joystick with throttle and hat switch plus an ergonomically superior pistol style grip. Full horizontal and vertical trim adjustment with auto centering is available. It also includes three thumb controlled buttons and one trigger button. The throttle control, 4-way hat switch and turbo switch have off/on controls. It has an 8 foot cable with DB-15 connector and uses the CH Flight Stick Pro emulation in Windows for easy set-up. It works with IBM PC/XT/AT/386/486/Pentium and compatables; Windows 3.1 and Windows 95/98.

REVIEW

This is one of the best non-forcefeedback joysticks I have ever seen. It can't compete with a CH Yoke which is my controller of choice but the Radio Shack stick is a very good and very well built joystick in its own right. Reaction is surprisingly smooth yet firm and comes back to center very quickly after letting go. You can hardly feel the rheostats like you find in even more expensive sticks. The throttle is also very nice and smooth and disconnects at the top of the control for easy switch over from manual throttle to auto-pilot operation and back.

The ability to turn off the hat and throttle controls with switches right on top of the stick is very handy. There is turbo control available on the stick itself however I don't recommend turning on the turbo control while flying a simulator--it can make for a wild ride. Overall I found that this stick was excellent; on a scale of 1 to 10 I would give it a 9 for a stick in its price range. It goes for $34.99 and is well worth it for the simmer on a budget.

NOTE

From what I understand from people at Radio Shack this stick is not at all of their stores but can be ordered and shipped direct if not available at a local store.

Review By: Dan Vanevenhoven
dvaneven@rocketmail.com

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