Thustmaster Cougar... is it worth the bucks???

[AnzacPT]

Thustmaster Cougar... is it worth the bucks???

[AnzacPT]

Thustmaster Cougar... is it worth the bucks???

[AnzacPT]

i want to put a larger text...

but i keep getting this error:

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[AnzacPT]

i finally got a copy of LOMAC and since it has been a while since i played a decent sim, i am thinking in investing in a decent hardware kit...
i am about to buy the Thrustmaster HOTAS cougar.
but i thought i might ask all of you who have one if it is worth it...
is gameplay enhanced with it?
since the keyboard will still be used, is it vey hard to position everything?
does the cockpit mouse has an impact? (i donâ´t know, but i think i saw some things that were not recomended with cockpit mouse)

[AnzacPT]

PART2
i mean... in the end... does it justifies the almost 320EUR i am going to fork for it?
and what about rudder pedals support? it strikes me that Thrustmaster has not released rudder pedals for the Cougar... and their support for the product appears to be quite bad. years have passed since the Cougar came out and i donâ´t know if they have improved the product. nor they have released the F/A-18 stick like they seem to have promised.
anyway... i wait for your opinions...
My setup:
Shuttle XPC SN41G2 Black
1GB DDR Samsung 333
120GB Seagate HDD
Audigy 2
Samsung Combo Drive
Samsung 19" CRT monitor
GF Ti4200 128MB
Logitech MX500 mouse
Microsoft Keyboard
Windows XP SP2

[AnzacPT]

i think i know what caused the error...

donâ´t try and use the EUR symbol.

[Scen]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by AnzacPT:
PART2
i mean... in the end... does it justifies the almost 320EUR i am going to fork for it?
and what about rudder pedals support? it strikes me that Thrustmaster has not released rudder pedals for the Cougar... and their support for the product appears to be quite bad. years have passed since the Cougar came out and i donâ´t know if they have improved the product. nor they have released the F/A-18 stick like they seem to have promised.
anyway... i wait for your opinions...
My setup:
Shuttle XPC SN41G2 Black
1GB DDR Samsung 333
120GB Seagate HDD
Audigy 2
Samsung Combo Drive
Samsung 19" CRT monitor
GF Ti4200 128MB
Logitech MX500 mouse
Microsoft Keyboard
Windows XP SP2<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Okay it's difficult to be brief and I have made several posts to people that are thinking about getting a cougar.

Here is the deal in short. The Cougar was originally made from stainless steel and it worked great. Towards the end of R and D they decided to keep the cost of the unit down by making it from a cheaper metal. In doing so they didn't figure how the gimbles would wear over time and that is what is causing issues with the Cougar.

I can say this though. In the year and a half that I've owned it I have never had a problem with with it. But recently I read about the Mods people where doing with regards to two areas. Gimbles and Hal sensors (pot replacements) and I did some follow up.

This modification will cost you around $400.00 extra but in the end I find it to be worth every penny. Bar none after going with Evenstrains Mod and Cub Pilots Hall Sensors you will have the best stick you can ever buy but at a cost.

So with that said before you jump in be sure and read the forums over at cougarsworld.com and make your own decision.

There very solid and much less expensive solutions out there. I would look at CH products and on the real cheap side look at Saitek.

I can say this with all honesty I cannot recommend going with the cougar unless you are prepaired to spend a lot more money to get it modded. If you do go that route you will have the best stick IMO on the market period.

The community support is great but buyer beware.

Scendore

[Hristo_]

Had both Thrustmaster Cougar and CH Fighterstick/Pro Throttle (as well as Thrustmaster F-22, TQS throttle and Elite rudders).

Simply put, go CH. Why ? Browse reviews at Amazon.

"If Russian planes are anything like Russian flight sims, there should be some scared US pilots out there http://ubbxforums.ubi.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif"

[roybaty]

I have a Cougar, and love it but only after tinkering and a homemade mod http://ubbxforums.ubi.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif.

I'd go CH if I were you, having a Cougar is like investing in a realationship, when it's good it's great, when it's bad...well we all know how it is right? http://ubbxforums.ubi.com/images/smiley/59.gif

-------------- QUICK SPECS --------------

-------------- HARDWARE --------------

MOTHERBOARD: Asus A7N266c
PROCESSOR: AMD XP2000@1.7 Ghz
SOUNDCARD: SB Live, Gamer 5.1
VIDEO CARD: PNY nVidia Ti4400/128
RAM: 1 Gig 2100 DDR
HOTAS 1: Thrustmaster COUGAR
HOTAS 2: Saitek X36
PEDALS: CH Pro Pedals USB
OTHER INPUT: Track IR2


-------------- SOFTWARE --------------

OS: Win XP Pro
VOICE COMMAND: Shoot 1.6
DX Ver: 9b

[AnzacPT]

Thank you all for your comments and opinions..

really.

i think i might have a go with the Cougar then.

ah, hell... i have been assembling my own computers for years... should be able to handle a HOTAS...

once again, THANK YOU... and iâ´ll come back to you all if i need help with the beast

[OmegaOska]

Mind if I ask one things?

If I choose CH, that means I need a total of 3 USB ports? (stick, throttle, pedal)
Would this be a problem if some games don't support three controllers, can this be solved?

[Hristo_]

Yes, you0'll need 3 USB ports.

Not a problem, as CH stuff can work as one (virtual) controller, which you define thru their control software.

"If Russian planes are anything like Russian flight sims, there should be some scared US pilots out there http://ubbxforums.ubi.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif"

[AnzacPT]

browsing some foruns, i have come to believe that the Cougar could be used with some pedals...


has anyone managed to do that?

[Alfster_1]

Not to me.....

I bought a brand new Cougar about 18 months ago......used it for maybe a week, then packed it away in the closet.....and it is still there today. I may get the mods done to it someday, but I'm betting that it never sees the light of day again. The CH sticks are very nice, and even the newer Saiteks can be made into decent sticks.

Just my thoughts, nothing more......

[AnzacPT]

wanna sell it?

http://ubbxforums.ubi.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[Tartan_67th]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Alfster_1:
Not to me.....

I bought a brand new Cougar about 18 months ago......used it for maybe a week, then packed it away in the closet.....and it is still there today. I may get the mods done to it someday, but I'm betting that it never sees the light of day again. The CH sticks are very nice, and even the newer Saiteks can be made into decent sticks.

Just my thoughts, nothing more......<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Hello m8, can i ask why you only used your Cougar for a week then packed it away?
Thx Tartan

[Jamiroq]

regarding Cougar and rudder pedals:

iirc Hoffman Simped Vario, Vario Pro (gameport variants) and the F-16+ can all be plugged directly into the Cougar...

here's (http://shop3.webmailer.de/cgi-bin/ePages.filereader?40c4c248002dd173271aac172c270683 +DE/catalogs/92118) a link to the store where they sell the pedals and here's (http://home.t-online.de/home/d-hofmann/homeeng.htm) a link to the Hoffman homepage.

My system specs (http://freeweb.siol.net/bgustin/ss.htm)

[MentalSpastic]

The Cougar with Evenstrain Mod and Simped pedals are worth the money if you are a dedicated flier. Without the Mod the Cougar has .250 inch of play measured at the top of the stick with no potentiometer response. Evenstrain with Hall Effect sensors reduces that to zero.

I would say, get the whole setup and skip the wild women and fast cars. Just my opinion...

http://home.comcast.net/~argylestransom/Pics/A10Bun.jpg

[Scen]

The timing of this couldn't be more perfect.

If you are on the fence about purchasing a Cougar because of the mentioned mods needed here is the answer.

Evenstrain (Greg) has been working on these for a while and know him this is a good alternative to the regular evenstrain mods.

He calls them the evenstrain lites.

http://www.4anidea.com/evenstrain/index.html

Check em out. In fact it makes me want to get another cougar .

Scendore

[OJ_Alice_Kwon]

yes.

The cougar is awesome stuff if you can afford. http://ubbxforums.ubi.com/images/smiley/784.gif
I used M$ precision, then saitek evo. My last controller was that cougar and I realized it is the most precise, ruthless, and ultimate system virtual pilots must have.

Of course you need additional rudder but you can programm one of analogue axis of courgar to simulate the function of rudder.(However I recommend you have rudder)

BTW I bought a home-made rudder.

[AnzacPT]

well, the cougar arrived today, so i think iâ´m gonna start thinking what i am going to say to wife... http://ubbxforums.ubi.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

anyway, even though i havenâ´t even connected the beast, it just feels awesome to grab it...

http://ubbxforums.ubi.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

anyway, i came with my XPC to the company this afternoon, so at the end of the day, i might get the first test going on.

(no internet access at home, so iâ´ll plug it here, where i can make an urgent download if needed.)

BTW - OJ, you have bought a home made rudder pedals kit? iâ´m impressed... does it have the brake function? i think some guys at Cougarâ´s World managed to do it..

[Scen]

Congrats on your purchase... A little tip for you right out of the gate.

When ever you update your firmware on the cougar be sure and unplug the throttle. There have been a number of reports where the newer firmware can ruin the throttle pot. So just to be safe UNPLUG the throttle.

I would just enjoy the cougar for now and save your penny's for one of the mods later on. I posted a link to Evenstrains Lite mod above. Do some investigation and I would really consider later on changing out your pots.

Also another tip is head over to cougarworld and check out one of the stickys on the forum. It talks about little tips and tricks to make your cougar more enjoyable.

For now enjoy your Kitty.

Scendore

[Bigsweede]

Depends if you have the cash or not...
Pretty Xpensive and still not perfect unless u pay another bunch of money to modify it.
But.. they're good..

KTM 525 SXS Supermotard
P-IV 3400 Ghz
ATI9800XT-256Mb
1 Gb RAMBUS
SB-Audigy 2
5.1 Boze

[AnzacPT]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Scen:
Congrats on your purchase... A little tip for you right out of the gate.

When ever you update your firmware on the cougar be sure and unplug the throttle. There have been a number of reports where the newer firmware can ruin the throttle pot. So just to be safe UNPLUG the throttle.

I would just enjoy the cougar for now and save your penny's for one of the mods later on. I posted a link to Evenstrains Lite mod above. Do some investigation and I would really consider later on changing out your pots.

Also another tip is head over to cougarworld and check out one of the stickys on the forum. It talks about little tips and tricks to make your cougar more enjoyable.

For now enjoy your Kitty.

Scendore<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Hello Scendore,

thank you for your tips...

i did check the link you posted. those seem like interesting solutions, but for now i am going to enjoy the Cougar "as is"... and for another thing... right now i donâ´t think i have the budget for another investiment of that size... plus the fact that i would have to send the cougar to the US of A, or make the mod myself... at, this point, iâ´m not sure i want to void the warranty...

also, does anybody knows of a good way to carry the Cougar around?

this beast is enormous... and heavy... there should be a transport bag somewhere... we usually get together to play on LAN, and to be always putting inside the original box doesnâ´t sound like a perfect thing to me...

anyway, thanx for you help and directions...


-----------------------------------------------
Portugal Euroâ´2004
Come and meet Portugal
http://www.euro2004.com

[bun-bun195333]

take a look at this link...

Make your own rudder pedals (http://www.flightsim.com/cgi/kds?$=main/howto/rudtoe.htm)

http://home.comcast.net/~argylestransom/Pics/A10Bun.jpg

[Alfster_1]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Tartan_67th:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Alfster_1:
Not to me.....

I bought a brand new Cougar about 18 months ago......used it for maybe a week, then packed it away in the closet.....and it is still there today. I may get the mods done to it someday, but I'm betting that it never sees the light of day again. The CH sticks are very nice, and even the newer Saiteks can be made into decent sticks.

Just my thoughts, nothing more......<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Hello m8, can i ask why you only used your Cougar for a week then packed it away?
Thx Tartan<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Tartan,

Several reasons really......

#1 The spring force.....I like a very light centering stick...I have flown sims since the early days of 1985, and that is what I prefer. Not that the Cougar is bad, just that it's not for me. My last TM stick was the FLCS, but after that stick TM decided to go with the stout return springs.

#2 The stick without the mods does have the slop in the center, and a definite dead spot. I bought mine before all the mods went down in price, and wasn't about to pay as much for mods as I did for the stick to start with, plus have to send it away for weeks to be modded.

#3 I was flying IL2 more than anything else at the time, and didn't need all the functionality of the Cougar to make it worth the extra money, and trouble to get it fixed up, plus I couldn't figure a way to get rid of all that spring tension without destroying the stick. I like to listen to the aircraft telling me when I am pulling enough / too much, and not have a stick trying to rip my desk apart. Again, this is just a personal preference, and not trying to speak bad of the Cougar. By having that much tension, I could not get the very small movements necessary to be accurate. By the time I had pulled hard enough to make the stick move, it moved too far.

#4 Couldn't get it to work with my CH Pro Pedals with USB connection in IL2 for a long time, and lots of hassle. I think I finally got it to work, but it had taken so long, and had been such a pain, that I was already disgruntled..... LOL

I figured that someday, someone would come up with some mods for the Cougar that would be cost effective, and worth the time to install, so I kept it. I really like some things about the controller, but other things are just not my cup of tea. I don't think it is a bad controller at all, but I think that maybe it just doesn't suit my flying style. Maybe someday, with the right set of mods, it will make it's way back on my desk.

Hope some of this made sense, and I didn't ramble too much.....you know how we old farts can be sometimes..... LOL

[badmack]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by AnzacPT:
plus the fact that i would have to send the cougar to the US of A
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Don't overlook Ian's Uber2 mod. That one is strictly bolt in so you don't have to ship your Cougar. The workmanship is first class.

[ampadgog]

its way to expencive....plus you have to mod the hell out of it, in order to make it perfect, plus you need rudder pedals.

the x45 solution is exelent (though not perfect) and costs a lot less.

There are 10 kinds of people in this world: those who can count in binary, and those who can't.
&lt;IMG SRC="http://www.x-plane.org/users/12thiaptbone/mirage.jpg"&gt;

[AnzacPT]

HELLO EVERYONE!

GOT THE COUGAR, INSTALLED IT...

CONFIGURED ASAP...

THEN... LOMAC!!!

now... THIS is Flying!!!

i enjoyed myself until the early hours in the morning...

now my buddies are going to buy joysticks too..

not the Cougar because they say i am BARKING MAD to buy this...

but they will buy this one... at least we can enjoy ourselves in group...

Happy Flights to all...

[AnzacPT]

forgot to put the joystick model:

http://europe.thrustmaster.com/products/d_prd.php?p=T64&fam=6

[Scen]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by AnzacPT:
HELLO EVERYONE!

GOT THE COUGAR, INSTALLED IT...

CONFIGURED ASAP...

THEN... LOMAC!!!

now... THIS is Flying!!!

i enjoyed myself until the early hours in the morning...

now my buddies are going to buy joysticks too..

not the Cougar because they say i am BARKING MAD to buy this...

but they will buy this one... at least we can enjoy ourselves in group...

Happy Flights to all...<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

No problem... Again you have a great community of cougar owners that are eager to help if you have problems.

You're right just enjoy your stock cougar and take the time to get used to it. Just to let you know I had my Kitty for a year and I never saw a single problem not one. But I later decided to mod it and it was well worth it.

I'm telling you this just to let you know it's not going to fall apart on you. The only thing you might want to check right away is the break switch. Some of them where misaligned and when they where used it broke the mounting bracket. Be sure yours is aligned properly and you're good to go. You can look on the forums (sticky) at cougarworld and there are pictures and descriptions of the problem.

Good luck and welcome to the club.

Scendore

[Mc_Roth]

Welcome to the club.

Now much people claim having problem with pots...
I found that once in awhile i have to recalibrate it.

But anyway ita great stuff especially when you learn to properly program it.. awesome flexibility.

I made the analog CH Pro pedal transformation to support toe break awesome and cheap no that hard solution.

[AnzacPT]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Mc_Roth:
Welcome to the club.

Now much people claim having problem with pots...
I found that once in awhile i have to recalibrate it.

But anyway ita great stuff especially when you learn to properly program it.. awesome flexibility.

I made the analog CH Pro pedal transformation to support toe break awesome and cheap no that hard solution.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

You need to re-wire the cable or the plug on the Cougar to make the toebrake work insâ´t it?