rec.autos.simulators

Does anyone have any comments good/bad re: CH products Virtual Pilot as a
control for ICR?  Does ICR recognise the Pilots throttle stick for
acceleration imput?  How about the new CH Pilot Pro that I recently saw
advertised?  I have both the Flightstick Pro and Thrustmasters PFCS, but
believe it or not, I find they dont give me the kind of control Im after.
I currently use a Advanced Gravis stick, with the buttons configured for
throttle/brake.  Any imput would be appreciated.
**Joe**

writes:

I'll jump in here. You obviously don't want to take my reccommendations at
face value :)  but I may have some technical help for you.

First, it you're looking for something to control a Papyrus game, don't
get the Virtual Pilot Pro. It's a bunch of stuff that you won't use and
isn't supported. The regular Virtual Pilot is the way to go.

Here's my personal setup: I have a Virtual Pilot for steering wheel, right
fire-button for shift up and left fire-button for shift down. I am using
the new CH Pro Pedals for  gas and brakes (they'll be in the stores within
a couple of weeks) and I don't use the throttle. Before that I was using
some cheapie rudder pedals as gas and brake, but I much prefer being able
to apply gas and brake at the same time with the current pedals.

If you aren't looking for pedals, the VP can be configured to accept the
throttle as gas, but I would probably reccommend using the fire-buttons as
gas and brake and leave the transmission in "Automatic".

The control is smooth, precise, and I can get much better lap times (in
the order of 2-3 seconds) than when I was using a stick.

Chris Moore
CH Products

I purchased ICR version 1.0.  Could someone tell me if there have been
any software updates ?  Where can I get them ?

Thanks,

 Stuart

: >Does anyone have any comments good/bad re: CH products Virtual Pilot as a
: >control for ICR?  Does ICR recognise the Pilots throttle stick for
: >acceleration imput?  How about the new CH Pilot Pro that I recently saw
: >advertised? ...
: >

: I'll jump in here. You obviously don't want to take my reccommendations at
: face value :)  but I may have some technical help for you.

: First, it you're looking for something to control a Papyrus game, don't
: get the Virtual Pilot Pro. It's a bunch of stuff that you won't use and
: isn't supported. The regular Virtual Pilot is the way to go.

--- This is good to hear, thanks for the tip!

: Here's my personal setup: I have a Virtual Pilot for steering wheel, right
: fire-button for shift up and left fire-button for shift down. I am using
: the new CH Pro Pedals for  gas and brakes (they'll be in the stores within
: a couple of weeks) and I don't use the throttle. Before that I was using
: some cheapie rudder pedals as gas and brake, but I much prefer being able
: to apply gas and brake at the same time with the current pedals.
[......]
: The control is smooth, precise, and I can get much better lap times (in
: the order of 2-3 seconds) than when I was using a stick.

: Chris Moore
: CH Products

--- Hi Chris again (remember me?  Pedals from the other group? :-) )

        Anyway, I would put the V.Pilot up against anything else on the
market for use with IndyCar.  I'm completely happy with it and times/speeds
have improved since buying it last Spring or so.  I _do_ use the throttle
lever, but the fire buttons may work ok for you too.  It's just what you
get used to.  I like the throttle mainly due to the linear accerate/brake
action and the fine control.  The buttons it's all or nothing basically.
Very smooth motion, VERY durable (I've logged 10's of 1000's of miles
in ICR with it so far and not a hitch.... knock on wood!  The throttle
lever does seem rather tender though, but I've always been very careful with
it).  Great mounting ability on the edge of the desk, very sturdy for play.

        The only downfall is it's _not_ quite suited for the Combat-flight
sim games.  Though it did work ok for TieFighter.  PAW-42, AOE, AOtP etc
are awkward while using it.  SealTeam works GREAT though :-)

        I CAN'T wait for the pedals to hit the market.....
--
Christopher Goucher                                 Atlantic Geoscience Centre

work: (902) 426-4754                                    Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
home: (902) 865-9270                                                    CANADA

: I purchased ICR version 1.0.  Could someone tell me if there have been
: any software updates ?  Where can I get them ?

V1.04 ftp.std.com:/vendors/papyrus  -I think...
Bob/NYC

--
I'm not a Kennedy, my pants just fell down!