Saitek Aviator Joystick

iservenomaster · Post by **iservenomaster** » Sun Feb 20, 2011 9:59 pm

Just want to see if this is compatible?

...also if any of you have good or bad to say about it as well...

Thanks!

http://www.buy.com/prod/saitek-aviator- ... 77896.html

49rTbird · Post by **49rTbird** » Sun Feb 20, 2011 10:19 pm

This is a very old Saitek model. It may work with the Sim but there are lots better models out there (imho)!:o

Nubarus · Post by **Nubarus** » Sun Feb 20, 2011 11:13 pm

I use a Saitek Cyborg Evo, I find it a very nice stick to use and they are not expensive.

Nigel_Strange · Post by **Nigel_Strange** » Mon Feb 21, 2011 2:56 am

I used the Saitek AV8R for a short time. I found that the base was not weighted enough for me, so I had to hold the base down while using it, which prevented me from using the keyboard at the same time.

I would not recommend it. The switches can be programmed, which is handy, but since I use the keyboard, I don't have much use for the switches.

My favorite was a Microsoft Sidewinder, but it died, so I had to replace it, and they didn't make them anymore.

I have used a Saitek X52. It was OK, but I didn't have the room for both the stick and the throttle on my desk at the time. Now that I have more room, I have tried it, but found the whole business of programming buttons to be a bit daunting. Also, the rudder control is a rocker on the throttle controller, which is not nearly as intuitive as a twist control on the stick.

I currently use a Thrustmaster T.16000M.

Good points:
It uses a magnetic point indicator, which provides a more accurate position reading than most.
It is ambidextrous, so you can switch it for lefties.
Comfortable, good weight, good spring (not too powerful for the weight of the base) smooth button pressures. Overall good performance.

Bad points:
Some games mistake this joystick for a gampad, which causes the character to rotate constantly until I unplug the joystick. This is annoying mostly because these games SHOULD include a feature to disable gamepads, but don't. So, unplugging the stick is the only way to get around this.
There is a light on the base that comes on whenever the joystick is off center. The idea is for you appreciate the extreme sensitivity of the stick, so that even the slightest touch will set off the light, letting you know that it is reading even the slightest pressure. The downside to this is when you're playing in dim light, this light keeps flashing in your face. Also, the stick sometimes does not center completely, leaving this light on. You have to tap the stick to get it to center itself in order to kill the light.
The buttons on the base are flat, so you can't really use them unless you count them with your fingertips. There are six buttons on each side of the base, but because the stick is ambidextrous, the buttons duplicate one another: you can't use all of them at once.
The throttle control is OK, but I would prefer something larger.

MMaggio · Post by **MMaggio** » Mon Feb 21, 2011 3:58 am

The Saitek X52 does NOT have a rocker switch! You must be referring to the X45 which does have a rocker and imho is the better controller.
Whatever you choose, be assured that the game offers an easy way to program your controller.

Nigel_Strange · Post by **Nigel_Strange** » Mon Feb 21, 2011 7:51 am

MM, you are probably right. The thing is in my closet, but I'm too lazy (and fearful) to open it to check.

As for programming the controller, it is not simply a matter of selecting a button that does a task. You have to program yourself to remember where all the buttons are, and then, you have to do a lot of experimentation to determine what the best layout is for your personal play style. After spending considerable time with it, I finally decided that the stick+keyboard was just easier for me to use.

MMaggio · Post by **MMaggio** » Mon Feb 21, 2011 12:39 pm

I write down all the commands in the game. Then I select those commands that are necessary for flight & combat.
I then figure what is the most intuitive place to put that command. Some are obvious of course, but the rest usually find a pattern.
It's not that difficult if you go about it logically. As you use the profile, you might not need to make any changes or very few.

SeeJay · Post by **SeeJay** » Mon Feb 21, 2011 1:19 pm

Hi and welcome, if i haven't before.

I use the X52 system and it works great with this sim. Not to expensive either.
There is a keymap image in your default game folder to help you.

I picked all buttons that I need for flight/combat and set them up as I thought would be great.
Then I work, just as Nigel says, with flying - changing and repeat this until I find what I need
without thinking about it. Takes a little time but it's most useful when you're busy in combat.

Good luck and hope to see you out there.

Post by **Marvin** » Mon Feb 21, 2011 5:58 pm

From post: 102672, Topic: tid=7302, author=Nigel_Strange wrote:You have to program yourself to remember where all the buttons are....

Which can be a real problem since it's not possible to program a button to bypass those Yoda moments.

Maarschalk · Post by **Maarschalk** » Tue Feb 22, 2011 3:31 am

LOL....I can use a Yoda moment bypass button on my X52.....

:P:P:P:P. Some times you get into a routine of trading and then when you switch to a routine of combat you forget where that target lock button was.....

Gnou · Post by **Gnou** » Fri Mar 04, 2011 4:50 pm

From post: 102672, Topic: tid=7302, author=Nigel_Strange wrote: As for programming the controller, it is not simply a matter of selecting a button that does a task.
[...]

The software (SST) is pretty easy to use, you can do basic key-press as complex one.

From post: 102672, Topic: tid=7302, author=Nigel_Strange wrote: [...]
You have to program yourself to remember where all the buttons are
[...]

The little LCD on the throttle controller indicate you the profile currently used as the command name when you press a button. There is also an option to be in "help mode" when you press the clutch button, that allow you to check the command linked on any button you press without activated it.
So... Yoda moment can be bypassed easly, yes ;o)

From post: 102672, Topic: tid=7302, author=Nigel_Strange wrote: [...]
and then, you have to do a lot of experimentation to determine what the best layout is for your personal play style.

Hum... Sure, but who can do this job if not you ?
Oo

Saitek products still very good regarding their price.
If they can have some lack in finition, they are very durable.
I got a X45 during 6 years, I am using a X52pro + rudder pedals since 4 years, and the Throttle Quadrant since a few month.
I have also the Aviator one for my girlfriend boy since 2 years.

I never had any bad experience with all these Saitek products.