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Hardware Review: Saitek Pro Flight Cessna controls: Difference between revisions
Hardware Review: Saitek Pro Flight Cessna controls (view source)
Revision as of 11:23, 12 July 2012
, 12 July 2012Update on MacOS crash bug, add comment about velcro on rudder pedals.
(Typos and thoughts on pedal price/performance) |
(Update on MacOS crash bug, add comment about velcro on rudder pedals.) |
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* Pro Flight Cessna Rudder Pedals | * Pro Flight Cessna Rudder Pedals | ||
As of version 2.8.0, these controls are fully supported out-of-the-box in FlightGear | As of version 2.8.0, these controls are fully supported out-of-the-box in FlightGear. Saitek also produce non-Cessna branded Pro Flight yoke, quadrant and rudder pedals. Though I haven't used them, based on photos I expect they are very similar in quality and function. In particular, the rudder pedals appear to be the same chassis, but with different pedals, and the throttle quadrant is identical to that provided as part of the Pro Flight Yoke System and Throttle Quadrant products. | ||
The background to this review is worth explaining. A new FG user posted a request for help configuring his new Saitek Cessna controls on the FG forums. They didn't work out of the box as no configuration files existed, and he didn't have enough experience to write the config himself. I offered to help, intending to iteratively write configuration files and have him test them. As this was going to be a very slow process, I contacted Saitek and explained the issue. They very kindly sent me a full set of controls so I could write FG configurations files and this review. | The background to this review is worth explaining. A new FG user posted a request for help configuring his new Saitek Cessna controls on the FG forums. They didn't work out of the box as no configuration files existed, and he didn't have enough experience to write the config himself. I offered to help, intending to iteratively write configuration files and have him test them. As this was going to be a very slow process, I contacted Saitek and explained the issue. They very kindly sent me a full set of controls so I could write FG configurations files and this review. | ||
==Yoke== | ==Yoke== | ||
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While a really simple control, I find this really adds to the realism of the sim. Rather than simply blipping the trim control on my joystick, I have to reach and turn the trim wheel itself on every attitude change. The wheel has the characteristic knobs of the Cessna controls, though I'm not sure if it's a 1:1 replica - I suspect it's slightly smaller to stay a reasonable size for the desktop. | While a really simple control, I find this really adds to the realism of the sim. Rather than simply blipping the trim control on my joystick, I have to reach and turn the trim wheel itself on every attitude change. The wheel has the characteristic knobs of the Cessna controls, though I'm not sure if it's a 1:1 replica - I suspect it's slightly smaller to stay a reasonable size for the desktop. | ||
In testing on Linux and MacOS, I found intermittent problems when connecting the trim wheel though the yoke USB hub, which cause a crash on MacOS, and the trim wheel not to be loaded on Linux. Both these problems can be worked around by plugging the trim wheel directly into the computer. I suspect that this is some interaction between the hub and trim wheel at a low hardware interface level is to blame rather than a problem with FG itself, so it is unlikely that this will be fixed for the 2.8.0 release. If this problem is resolved, I will update this review.. | |||
Given my comments regarding the yoke above, I would strongly recommend that anyone buying the yoke also get a trim control. | Given my comments regarding the yoke above, I would strongly recommend that anyone buying the yoke also get a trim control. | ||
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The rudder pedals are big, widely spaced, and with a large knob in the middle to adjust the force required to move them from neutral. The pedals themselves are intended to mimic those of a 172, and have the characteristic "step" part way up the pedal. As with other rudder pedals, as well as providing rudder control by sliding forwards/backwards, each pedal has a toe brake, allowing differential braking. | The rudder pedals are big, widely spaced, and with a large knob in the middle to adjust the force required to move them from neutral. The pedals themselves are intended to mimic those of a 172, and have the characteristic "step" part way up the pedal. As with other rudder pedals, as well as providing rudder control by sliding forwards/backwards, each pedal has a toe brake, allowing differential braking. | ||
I own a set of CH Products Pro Pedals, which I've had for many years, and they provide an interesting comparison. The major difference between the designs is the size and weight of the pedals. The CH ones are smaller and lighter, and requiring less force to move from neutral, even when the Saiteks are on minimum tension. The room I do my virtual flying in is carpeted, and a side-effect of the increased force is that the Saitek pedals need to be braced against the wall to avoid the chassis slipping. The | I own a set of CH Products Pro Pedals, which I've had for many years, and they provide an interesting comparison. The major difference between the designs is the size and weight of the pedals. The CH ones are smaller and lighter, and requiring less force to move from neutral, even when the Saiteks are on minimum tension. The room I do my virtual flying in is carpeted, and a side-effect of the increased force is that the Saitek pedals need to be braced against the wall to avoid the chassis slipping. The chassis has holes designed to take screws, so one can screw them straight into the floor. They also come with velcro that can be attached to the base to provide grip on the carpet. I haven't suggested either of these options to my wife, but I may attach them to a piece of board in the future. | ||
Ergonomically, they are also different. The CH pedals are significantly narrower, with less space between your feet. This is a bit more realistic for the 172, as there's not a huge amount of space under the instrument panel. Where the Saitek pedals are noticeably better is in the angle your feet have to travel for the toe brakes. The CH pedals are flat and hold your entire foot, and the rotational travel for the toe brakes is quite large. This means you must sit significantly higher and closer to the pedals to be able to apply full brakes. When flying a fighter or an ultralight you feel that you are sitting up a bit too much when using the CH pedals. | Ergonomically, they are also different. The CH pedals are significantly narrower, with less space between your feet. This is a bit more realistic for the 172, as there's not a huge amount of space under the instrument panel. Where the Saitek pedals are noticeably better is in the angle your feet have to travel for the toe brakes. The CH pedals are flat and hold your entire foot, and the rotational travel for the toe brakes is quite large. This means you must sit significantly higher and closer to the pedals to be able to apply full brakes. When flying a fighter or an ultralight you feel that you are sitting up a bit too much when using the CH pedals. | ||