Returning Saitek Flight System

[LuckyBlundy]

Hi all -

Well, I'm sincerly disappointed. A few weeks ago I posted asking for advice on a new joystick and after some helpful discussion decided to buy the Saitek ProFlight Yoke System.

I'm requesting a return authorization. I'll pick out a good force feedback joystick in its place.

Why,you ask? Well, it's complicated. At first, I hooked it up and called up my standard flight to test it out. The first thing I noticed was that, although the left hand lever on the quadrant operated the throttle OK, the center lever, for some strange reason, operated the rudder. Well, OK, I can reprogram it. I took off in 2D cockpit view. I went to bank and, oops, I'm in VC view, then a few seconds later in tower view, a few seconds later in spot view.

The red button on the right 'horn' of the yoke is supposed to cycle through the views, and it does, unfortunately it does so at random intervals which are often associated with turning and/or climbing or diving turns. Havn't figured out that one yet but it acts like a loose connection somewhere. I've got an enquiry in about it.

After an enquiry about programming the sliders(levers) I got a procedure that works(at least partially) but is not mentioned anywhere in the scanty documentation. I succeeded in programming the center slider to increase or decrease the prop RPM. Unfortunaely, it too decides to operate independantly and cuts the RPM at random times - usually in the middle of a turn.

As mentioned, the documentation is poor. The most aggravating thing about it is the lack of any indication(diagram or list) of the key designations used in the profile editor. I sort of guessed at one and did manage to successfully program the engine start and shutdown into one of he rocker switches on the throttle quadrant. It's the only part of the thing I've been happy with so far. Like I say, I guessed that I was programming the proper key and was right but I don't want to carry this too far because I'm afraid I'll overwrite some of the default keys which operate as I want them to, I.e. elevator trim, flaps and landing gear.

I've requested a return authorizaton and, depending on the reply I get concerning the weirdly functioning view and RPM functions I'll use it. Anybody have any suggestions for a good force feedback joystick?

One thing. Of my enquiry about programming the sliders, Saitek got back to me promptly with the correct information.

sadly disappointed,
Steve

[angels355]

I think people here would say that CH products are the ultimate, but I've heard that they are expensive. Just thought I would mention that.

My favorite joystick is a Logitech Extreme 3D Pro, it's not a force feedback, and not a wireless unit, but I like it a lot, and at Target it's only $29.95 last time I checked. I think they probably make a force feedback version, you could check it out.

[jwenting]

Personally, I consider Saitek at the moment superior to CH in all respects.

Better quality, better ergonomics.

But OP doesn't want to take the trouble of learning to use his equipment, he wants something that can be just plugged in and use everything without having to do anything.
Any control with more than 2 or 3 buttons won't do that.

[LuckyBlundy]

After requesting a return authorization from Pilotshop I recieved an email with the following quotes,

"Saitek has identified a small problem with their yokes. Please contact them and they will replace it."

"They will send you a new one and pick yours up. Please let us know if you have problems."

A young man from Saitek who had been helping me with these problems wrote back and said;

"i was just about to give you the same instructions after reading your last email!

We shall have a replacement that works sent straight out to you."

It would appear that "OP" was right, despite the many buttons, and there seems to be a quality problem. This is not unusual in a new piece of equipment and Saitek is apparantly doing everything in their power to make it right.



Steve

[Soundwhiz]

Owned.

[angels355]

I thought it was something like that. I have three Saitek Gold usb joysticks, and only one is working, I like them but they are getting a little old.

[Aarinu]

>Personally, I consider Saitek at the moment superior to CH in
>all respects.
>
>Better quality, better ergonomics.
>
>But OP doesn't want to take the trouble of learning to use his
>equipment, he wants something that can be just plugged in and
>use everything without having to do anything.
>Any control with more than 2 or 3 buttons won't do that.

I hate to break the news to you, but 90% of the joysticks on the market are plug and play. There is no "programing" involved. The setup might not be to YOUR (meaning the individual using said device), but for all practical purposes, it SHOULD be plug and play.


O yeah, and you sir got OWNED...

[jcmissionary]

There's also been numerous reports of Saitek yokes having 'phantom' button press issues, as seen in their forums. The OP referred to this problem in his post, so I wouldn't lay this at the feet of being lazy.

That being said, the people I've talked to who have functioning Saitek yokes love them, for the most part. Even to the point of throwing away their CH yokes. I will be getting one as soon as this problem is resolved, hopefully in the next few months.

[ladamson]

>There's also been numerous reports of Saitek yokes having
>'phantom' button press issues, as seen in their forums. The OP
>referred to this problem in his post, so I wouldn't lay this
>at the feet of being lazy.
>
>That being said, the people I've talked to who have
>functioning Saitek yokes love them, for the most part. Even to
>the point of throwing away their CH yokes. I will be getting
>one as soon as this problem is resolved, hopefully in the next
>few months.
>

That's my plan too; since I've heard there is an actual problem that Saitek is working to fix. I've been a fan of their joysticks for the last three. Currently use the X-52.

Ladamson

[Alec Adamyk]

Well, I owned a Saitek X45 for about a year and had to replace it for various problems several times in that period. Fortunately I bought it from Best Buy with a maintenance contract. When I went to return it again It was dropped from the line and I ended up getting a Saitek X52. Within 6 months I replaced it 6 times.. There was a major problem of drift that would appear at odd times and the only way out was to restart. Checking their forums it seemed to be an ongoing problem for everybody with no good solution. I finally returned it and bought the CH Pro Throttle, Yoke, Pro pedals and Fighter stick. Expensive but what a joy after learning to program them. I used to own the Thrustmaste throttle and flight system years ago and they were beautiful. Unfortunately they didn't work too well in the new computers. I tried the Logiteck 3D Pro but didn't like it. I like the HOTAS system. Hands on throttle and stick and separate rudder pedals.

Alec