New Logitech Joystick (G940)

[Hielor]

Coming out in September, apparently:

http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/03/logitechs-flight-system-g940-joystick-almost-replaces-flight-sc/
http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/gaming/joysticks/devices/5855&cl=us,enhttp://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/gaming/pc_gaming/joysticks/devices/5855&cl=us,en

Interesting features (some taken from the logitech site, some my own comments):

• Split design throttle with interlock and adjustable tension (First consumer stick with fighter-style dual throttle)
• 12 analog axes (pitch/roll + 3 trim wheels on stick, two throttles + two rotary controls on the throttle, rudder + two toebrake axes on the pedals)
• All three components (joystick, throttle, and pedals) can be bolted to a table or other surface for a solid experience. (good for simpits!)
• Eight programmable base buttons with independent interactive LED backlighting and user changeable legends (on the throttle)

*squee!*

In other news, this was my 1,337th post. Woot!

---------- Post added at 01:35 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:09 PM ----------

Video: http://blog.logitech.com/2009/06/02/e3-product-announcement-logitech-flight-system-g940/ (I hope that's just a prototype and not the real thing--that stick seems *very* floppy and didn't center well!)

---------- Post added at 01:36 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:35 PM ----------

On another note--it really is too bad that FSX doesn't have axes for aileron/rudder trim, especially with something like this stick...

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

I'm still waiting for somebody to make a USB THC...

 

[Hielor]

I'm still waiting for somebody to make a USB THC...

Haven't tried it, but you might be able to use one of these: http://www.3dconnexion.com/3dmouse/spacenavigator.php

 

[Andy44]

I hope Logitech is making a good business decision, what with FS going away.

 

[Hielor]

I hope Logitech is making a good business decision, what with FS going away.

MSFS is not the only flight simulator currently on the market, and FSX is still being sold.

 

[tl8]

Looks like a good stick, be good for simpits.

The cost of it has put me off, normal US to AU rates mean it will be $600

 

[Hielor]

Looks like a good stick, be good for simpits.

The cost of it has put me off, normal US to AU rates mean it will be $600

It is pretty expensive, but it's really not that much more than a stick/throttle and pedals would cost you separately, and this is all a matched set and has a lot more features. It's definitely worth it to me.

 

[yagni01]

Haven't tried it, but you might be able to use one of these: http://www.3dconnexion.com/3dmouse/spacenavigator.php

I'd thought about this, but I've seen reviews that it doesn't have very good resolution, and the movement is not that large. So I still have a THC on my (long) list of things to build.

 

[TMac3000]

Very fancy, but probably would be a bad investment for me, as I have a nasty temper and tend to break things when flight sims frustrate me.

 

[Hielor]

Hands-on review:
http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/04/logitechs-high-end-flight-system-g940-hands-on/

---------- Post added at 04:15 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:48 AM ----------

One concern of mine is that the pedals seem slanted pretty far back. Great for desktop flying, not so great for a simpit.

 

[Andy44]

Just mount them on a sloped floor panel.

 

[Hielor]

Just mount them on a sloped floor panel.

At which point the pedals now also have a significant "up" movement in addition to their "away" movement....

 

[Zachstar]

300 USD? Are they out of their minds?!

How about instead of marketing this thing that will sell maybe a few thousand at best they make that contactless joystick available for 50 USD?

 

[Hielor]

300 USD? Are they out of their minds?!

How about instead of marketing this thing that will sell maybe a few thousand at best they make that contactless joystick available for 50 USD?

300 USD is not unreasonable for this system.

Consider that the next closest you could come to this would be to get a stick/throttle, and then rudder pedals separately, since there are no other full sets. Let's look at Logitech's biggest competitor, Saitek:

Stick/Throttle: $170 http://store.gameshark.com/viewItem.asp?idProduct=3249&idCategory=176
Rudder Pedals: $120 http://store.gameshark.com/viewItem.asp?idProduct=3257&idCategory=176

That's $290, and the G940 has several features that the Saitek system doesn't, notably dual throttles, dedicated axis trim controls, and force feedback.

Or let's check out CH Products, which are often considered the "elite":
Stick: $110 http://www.chproducts.com/retail/j_combat.html
Throttle: $150 http://www.chproducts.com/retail/t_pro_throttle.html
Pedals: $150 http://www.chproducts.com/retail/pedals.html

Total: $410...and these are three separate items, so they don't work together as well (also important to older games, having them appear as one stick), and the Logitech again has several features that this doesn't.

In short: This is a very reasonable price for this system. They can't just offer the stick/throttle without the pedals, because it isn't a twist stick...

 

[Nerull]

300 USD? Are they out of their minds?!

How about instead of marketing this thing that will sell maybe a few thousand at best they make that contactless joystick available for 50 USD?

That's a pretty reasonable price for what it does, and considering other joysticks in the area. They do in fact sell, or several companies wouldn't sell them. Some people like having a bit more than a cheap joystick that will break in a month and is sloppy to begin with.

 

[blane]

300 USD? Are they out of their minds?!

How about instead of marketing this thing that will sell maybe a few thousand at best they make that contactless joystick available for 50 USD?

Why? They are available. Try Saitek for instance. For as low as 20 Euro you get a pretty good Joystick.

This product obviously is not for the casual gamer.

 

[Hielor]

Why? They are available. Try Saitek for instance. For as low as 20 Euro you get a pretty good Joystick.

This product obviously is not for the casual gamer.

Moreover, Logitech already has several lower-end sticks...

 

[bradfirj92]

Damn. I bought an X52 Pro and Pedals just 6 months ago. Worked out approx $350.

It is the absolute best thing I have ver bought though *cuddles*

 

[Hielor]

Damn. I bought an X52 Pro and Pedals just 6 months ago. Worked out approx $350.

It is the absolute best thing I have ver bought though *cuddles*

I was looking at doing something similar soon (although I was considering the Thrustmaster HOTAS)...now I'm very glad I waited. I'd mentioned previously that it was a shame there were no split-throttle fighter-style sticks on the market currently. Now there is one!

 

[Andy44]

I have an old CH FlightStick and Rudder Pedals which uses a serial port, bought before USB ports. The pedals are very sturdy and I hope I can use them again some day. My desktop PC still has a serial port, so they are hooked up, but I do all my computer stuff on my laptop these days, so I got a Logitech Wingman Extreme 3D with a twist rudder. Maybe I should see if I can get rid of the CH pedals on craigslist...