Hi There! I've just bitten the bullet and bought a new Joystick, a CH-FighterStick to replace the gameport CombatStick that I've been flying with since my Janes USNF days. While I'm waiting for it to show up I guess I've got a few questions to ask.

The rest of my HoTAS consists of gameport version of the CH Throttle and Thrustmaster Elite pedals (Which I hope will last a few more years!!!!).

Question 1. Should I run the USB Joystick through the same powered usb hub as my Track IR 3 or keep them separate?

Question 2. I've got a gameport to USB converter in the cupboard. Should I plug my throttle and pedals ( plus the combat stick) in using that or stick with the gameport? (I have'nt been using it because the CH drivers are prity good and I loose some of the buttons on my joystick if i use the converter)

Question 3. I was hoping to butcher my combat stick and try to get a trim wheel, pitch control setup( and extra buttons) (If I can bring myself to do it - it's like an old friend!!!!) Has anyone done this? What problems did you encounter?

Question 4. Has anyone got any points to look out for or suggestions?

I just hope it doesn't take too long to get here!

I have all my controllers going directly to my mobo... (3) my mobo has 4 usb connectors on the back.. the 4th one I use for a hub and that is where I have my TIR, headphones, camera, printer on the hub.

q1- generally it is regarded as best practice to plug your stick directly into a usb port on your computer- but powered hubs are usually ok.

q2-i'd try connecting with the gameport first and see if it works- xp can be 'difficult' with mixed usb/gameport controllers- but you should be able to do this.

q3-many people have 'butchered' sticks. it's relatively easy- maybe this thread for ideas?
http://forums.ubi.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/49310655/m/3821084134

i'd be tempted to try wiring pots(and 4 buttons?) to your gameport>usb convertor, if q2 worked, and keep your combatstick as a 'button bay' aswell.
don't have a wiring diag to hand but should be easy to google. pots required should be 100k ohm linear taper-NOT audio taper.

q4-for elevator trim i'd think about multi turn pots or gearing- more movement = greater finnesse in control.
http://mission4today.com/index.php?name=Downloads&file=details&id=1021
might also be useful.

http://www.ch-hangar.com/
should be worth a look thru while you are waiting .

tip- if you take any stick apart take lots of pictures/ make diags of wiring, connections etc
and be methodical.

good luck with the new stick

I've got my FighterStick yesterday, Bliss and Happyness! I can actually hit things again!!!! (My Combat stick was about 10 years old and had been opened up so many times the plastic pillars holding the screws inside were crumbling away. It had an anoying dead spot! It's like flying in a factory fresh plane rather than one thats been put together from spare parts and bits of dead planes. No More groaning joystick as I turn my plane!!!)

Mixing the USB and gameport controls seamed fairly easy so I haven't bothered with my USB converter yet. I've just got to work on my responce curves!

Thanks for the feedback and tips!

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