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The ability to control prop pitch and flaps on an analog lever is absolutely invaluable for dogfighting. I bought this quadrant mainly for use as trim levers in IL-2, and it performs that task very well. However, that is easily fixed by setting the max sensitivity above 100% (which is best done in a program like il-2 joycontrol). The bi-directional switches are also a plus because it allows you to make other settings like mixture or supercharger stages easily accessible.The only downside to the throttle is that IL-2 doesn't see its full range of motion for some unknown reason. I have three of the levers being used for trim, one for prop pitch, another for flaps, and the last for power. Setting up the levers for trim was surprisingly simple since IL-2 recognized that there was a center and they could be moved either toward 0% power or 100% from center to simulate positive or negative elevator trim, for instance.
3) Using CH's control manager you could set sensitivities, dead zones, centering, response curve which a few easy mouse clicks. (Orient them 90 degrees out of phase- if strips are side to side on the quad, then front to back on the board).Then do the same on the board bottom and desktop and you have a secure mount with the disadvantage of being left with strips glued to your desktop.6) A few users mount the thing vertical (with clamps or velcro) instead of horizontal - levers move up and down instead of forward backward. This is usually not necessary but it's there to help if needed. But heck the 6 vertical fipper buttons can do that when its mounted in the usual horizontal position. Response times vary from several minutes to several hours. Some random observations:1) CH product support (specific questions answered) is outstanding if you know exactly where to look for it. Google your way to the 'CH Hangar' forum. For proof, take a peek in the forum before purchase.2) Microsoft's Flight Simulator doesn't recognize what type of controllers you are trying to use and might automatically assign alierons rudders etc.
Second look in MSFS sensitivity settings (the fifth throttle axis will have sensitivity = 0 which is nonsense), just pull the six axes' sensitivity sliders to full. This orientation is more natural for using the big levers to control main flaps, cowl flaps, landing gear, dive brakes, elevator trim. However there is a workaround to mount anywhere on top of the desktop. Leaving the levers for use as 4 throttles, fuel mixture, and blade angle pitch. Place parallel velcro strips along the bottom of the quad, and on the board's top. onto the quad. Buy a small attractive 1/2 thick shelving board at Home Depot, Lowes,.etc. All questions will be answered completely (probably by the author of CH Control Manager himself, Bob [Sticky]Church).
4) Works perfectly with Win XP or Vista.5) Control manager gives setups for reverse thrust using CMS script, or its otherwise covered in a faq at the ch hangar forum (the forum also has a 'for dummies' introduction to control manager programming).6) There are ridges (is that the right word) on the bottom of the controller which prevent it lying flat on the desktop, clamping to the front edge of the desk is the designed method for securing. But first calibrate the controller. Not days, not weeks. It would be necessary to reassign the axes and buttons withing MSFS's menus itself.
CH Service & drivers are unusable, wasted a lot of time. works good on mac but just not working (erratic inputs) on Microsoft Flight Sim and XP. and that's where I wanted this device to work.
The point - it can never get full/cut throttle, full rich/lean mix, or full/cut prop speed. All knobs are removable, custom configurable, comes with 4 black, 2 red, and 2 blue knobs. This is a good product, well made, and easily mountable to a table. However, it works fine (0-100%) with X-plane 8.6 (and later I guess). Haven't tried it with MS FSX. It is easily configurable in Windows XP, doesn't need additional software for most apps. It works with MS Flight Sim 2004, but all of the axes (the 6 levers) fail to read from 0-100%, reads from about 20% to 80%.
It also is great at making U FEEL like U are really flying. Title says it all. Makes U feel like U are really controlling a sub. On a side note, this Quadrant works great with "Virtual Sailor". Multi Engine Love. This CH product allows me to fly My Favorite Airliner,the "MD-11", with precision.
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