(Part 2) Best products from r/hoggit

Whats your current specs?

I'd say avoid VR initially, I personally think it is the better overall experience but its a bit tough to learn DCS in and costs more overall in terms of hardware and performance.

So for under $1k budget, I'd get something like this if you can fit it in your space, or you could spend a bit more and get the [warthog]
(https://www.amazon.com/Thrustmaster-T16000M-FCS-Flight-Pack/dp/B01N2PE8CZ/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_147_t_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=N77385WVH3Q2D79PYPY2) which is a great setup, just no pedals.

Then, trackir or Open track for sure. And yes, you described how it works but its not a 1:1 head turn, and you can change the sensitivity. I don't really move my head more than 15 degrees or so.

Then I'd suggest buying the F/A-18, its a good mix of difficulty and capability.

After that, I'd go for the bottle neck in your system, but I dunno your specs. I'd suggest a 2070 super if you can afford it, or see if you can pick up some decent components over at /r/hardwareswap

After you've got some hours and feeling like you need more, maybe start saving for a VR headset, I'd suggest the index, but I've heard great things about the rift-s. Odessy + on a budget if need be.

> Don't by a plane with complicated systems and tricky/unique flight characteristics if you can't fly an F-15 proficiently. The FC3 planes have simplified systems but most have the same level of flight model. The F-15C and Su-27/33 are 3 of the best air to air planes in the game, so you're not at a disadvantage in that regard, if they were full fidelity they'd probably be even better (more radar modes to work with is one that comes to mind), master these then get the mirage

Thanks I think I'll stick with the FC3 planes mainly the F-15C for now, I heard that Mirage is not ransferable between Steam and Standalone so that might be a problem.

Also Can Steam players play with Standalone players?

> Get a proper hotas before going past the FC3 aircraft

So HOTAS X would be insufficient? I did look at the T16kM do I need the throttle combo? or just the stick? since I see there is what looks like a small throttle slide right there

and what do you think about the VKS Gladiator MkII stick? I've been eyeing it for a while (because I like how it looks, but expensive, I'm probably more likely to get T16K M. )

One last thing, Su-27, the engine won't start, I know the Start up sequence is pretty similar for all FC3 planes, I did the same things I do on the F-15C but the Throttle doesn't respond, there is no engine noise the plane just won' start.

MiG29 did respond to the same start up sequence, (battery>cockpit>engine>Nav lights>flaps)

I'm running a home made headtracker with free-track that I've been using for probably 3 years now. I recently swapped out the camera I was using with a PS3Eye since they're only $8 on Amazon now, and performance is excellent.

If you know how to do basic soldering it's simple to build the point model, and the components will probably run you about $2-3... with a PS3Eye, you're looking at an approximate total build cost of $10-15 (assuming you have a soldering iron, etc).

Free-track is a little tricky to configure at first, but there's tons of good how-to's on their forums. Some people prefer the facetracknoir point tracker to free-track because it's a bit easier to set up and some report better performance. I've had mixed results with it over free-track personally.

Anyway, my point is trackIR5 + track clip pro will run you close to $200 and while I have yet to see an unbiased side by side comparison with a free-track setup, I can't imagine it's all that superior... BUT if you have the cash for one and don't like getting your hands dirty, it's a great option for that reason.

If you do end up building your own, feel free to PM me with any questions along the way.

They work pretty well. I was going to get a different set that some place makes that looks a little more solid but these were about half the price and I’m very happy with now solid they are. I am going to trim the throttle mount up a bit because the protrude pretty far right now but that’s an easy two minute job with the dremel.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KJCC4Q7/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_qlDkDb847EXRA

the ones in this series look pretty good:

https://www.amazon.com/McDonnell-Douglas-Boeing-Eagle-Manual/dp/0857332430/

No Bone, but Yes BUFF! (and just about any airframe anyone who plays DCS would care about)

Don't skimp out on peripherals if your putting all that money into a rig! I love my TM warthog. I felt disconnected from the aircraft before I got a proper HOTAS. If you got the TM Warthog; rudder pedals are a must because it does not twist.



Side note to anyone interested in a free pair of rudder pedals...
I just happened to have my right toe brake spring give out on my Saitek Pro Flight pedals the day after I clicked the order button on some MFG crosswinds (made my buyers remorse less painful). Everything works fine on them except the sprint seems to have come loose on the right toe brake. The axis still works it just has no spring return. They didn't really affect my flying. Might be an easy fix if that bothers you.

If anyone wants some decent pedals for free, PM me.

Also I have a entry level joystick MadCatz AV8R I just dug out of storage. Barely used. Anyone who doesn't have a joystick PM me.

I've recommended this book before - and Mr. Hoozin just got a chance to read it and echoed your WSO sentiments after doing so - so I'll pimp it here again since you mention the WSO stuff. It actually does a pretty good job of describing some of what a WSO does, and honestly? It sounds fun.

Strike Eagle: Flying the F-15E in the Gulf War

If you're not sure already that you want to get into flight simming as a hobby then you should buy a cheap joystick to start out with. Something like this. Cheap enough that if you don't like it it's not a big deal that you spent $16 to find out, and if you get hooked by flight simming it's not a big deal that you spent $16 to find out you want to buy a proper one.

Don't bother with VR or TrackIR at first. Just try out the free SU-25T module with a joystick and keyboard and mouse for a while to find out whether you like the experience.

From there, upgrade to a proper HOTAS (the ones listed here are good.)

Try that out for a while, and if you're still hooked, you can start adding gadgets from there.

Good practice would be putting at least a month in between each major purchase just to make sure you're not buying stuff on impulse.

What you want to avoid is dropping multiple hundreds of dollars on a hobby that you're really into for a short amount of time and then starts gather dust in a closet. Flight simming can get really expensive really fast, but if you play your cards right you can get your feet wet for almost nothing and then add stuff piecemeal from there.

I had my first joystick for 3 years before I bought my first rudder pedals. From there it was another 2 years before I upgraded to a HOTAS, and another 2 years after that before I bought a VR headset.

Also if you or anyone else is really looking into it the two most useful text book I found to be SMAD (Space Mission Analysis and Design): https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mission-Analysis-Design-Technology-Library/dp/9401051925/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=space+mission+analysis+and+design&qid=1559028595&s=gateway&sr=8-1


Other good reads are Fundamentals of Astrodynamics (which is much more relevant for KSP) https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fundamentals-Astrodynamics-Dover-Aeronautical-Engineering/dp/0486600610/ref=sr_1_1?crid=SWR1ICPOGQ7X&keywords=fundamentals+of+astrodynamics&qid=1559028689&s=gateway&sprefix=the+fundamentals+of+astro%2Caps%2C134&sr=8-1 And Ignition! to cover the history in a very entertaining manner https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ignition-Informal-Propellants-University-Classics/dp/0813595835/ref=pd_sbs_14_1/259-4345144-1867258?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0813595835&pd_rd_r=9e3755d8-811a-11e9-9b3b-b9bbd55e85d0&pd_rd_w=sq1G0&pd_rd_wg=m37dV&pf_rd_p=18edf98b-139a-41ee-bb40-d725dd59d1d3&pf_rd_r=WPHT2J5EFR2KZ1WYVJEX&psc=1&refRID=WPHT2J5EFR2KZ1WYVJEX .


You can probably find pdfs online for those if you look mind.

Surprised I haven't seen it here:

Magnum! The Wild Weasels in Desert Storm.

Its not quite on par with Viper Pilot, but I think it's a close second. An excellent narrative of the the transition between the Vietnam and Gulf War (also includes the Gulf War).

Very enlightening stuff, would read before Viper for a better chronological order.

If you enjoyed this, give Stealth Fighter a read!

And if you're in this subreddit, give Skunk Works a read. It's one of the best.

You absolutely can. This one is designed especially for flight controls but it's way more expensive than the one you listed. It might take some fiddling with the base to get the mounts to fit and everything to be comfortable, but you can totally make it work.

Late to the party I know, but I'm also waiting for the TWCS.

The amazon.com page has filled out a bit, looking like October for US, maybe a bit later for EU?

Cool xmas pressie?

Just a VESA pole mount that I put velcro strips on. Would honestly prefer a solid desk mount, but that requires a non-glass desk, which I'm building, but isn't near completion yet. Here's a link to the mounts I use, bought them off of amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Pro-Signal-Bracket-Mount-VESA75/dp/B00PZDB2HM/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=tv%2Bpole%2Bmount&qid=1568067880&s=gateway&sr=8-6&th=1

They've done me well for the past few years. Solid cheap mounting option IMO.

Thank you for the reply and information. I use J Pein mounts for my TM WH. Is that a mount that your triple MFD would be able to be made to fit to?

Link for reference:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KJCC4Q7/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_2r2xDbXZXAPP8

Thanks in advance!

While it may not be the kind of military aviation book you are looking for, Skunk Works is a pretty fascinating read about the development of the F-117 Nighthawk.


https://www.amazon.com/Skunk-Works-Personal-Memoir-Lockheed/dp/0316743003

I highly recommend this NZXT case and it's cheaper: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07TC73F72/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

Got one for myself and built 2 more for a friend and a family member.

If the weight of your headset (or the tugging of the cable) has you down, you can use suspension cables like these: https://www.amazon.com/Managment-Suspension-Playstation-Microsoft-Accessories/dp/B0777H24ZG

They make a world of difference in the comfort of the headset. Especially headsets with beefy cables like the Reverb.

There's the Thrustmaster t.16000M stick. It's a little light on hats, but from what I've heard it's pretty quality otherwise. Amazon link here

https://vkbcontrollers.com/?product=vkb-sim-gladiator
Here’s another good option for a stick. Do you have a price range on mind? Also, you can buy the throttle separately. https://www.amazon.com/Thrustmaster-TWCS-Throttle-Controller-2960754/dp/B01L28LVUG

Also, try /r/hotas for help

I’m thinking about buying this Chinese knock off track IR on Amazon. It comes with the lights and a PS3 webcam that has the IR filter taken out.

The seller lists a few softwares you can use with it, I’m going to link it here to see if anyone has any useful information or to tell me if it’s a bad idea. The reviews are mostly positive.

S18 - OpenTrack Camera + IR LED Track Clip Pro Work on FSX ATS ETS TrackIR 5 Alternate https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07P8HG3DW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_poumDbCJN7D88

Do you recall which one it was?

These are some of my favorites...

https://smile.amazon.com/Magnum-Weasels-Desert-Elimination-Defence-ebook/dp/B005D7FLL8/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1517679129&sr=1-3&keywords=wild+weasel

https://smile.amazon.com/F-105-Wild-Weasel-SA-2-Guideline-ebook/dp/B01BY34K9I/ref=sr_1_12?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1517679129&sr=1-12&keywords=wild+weasel

https://smile.amazon.com/Viper-Pilot-Memoir-Air-Combat/dp/006213034X/ref=pd_bxgy_14_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=006213034X&pd_rd_r=8WMAQ52QBK32SPHVQN6S&pd_rd_w=p2r2i&pd_rd_wg=efvEa&psc=1&refRID=8WMAQ52QBK32SPHVQN6S

and this one is on my wish list...

https://smile.amazon.com/Hunter-Killers-Extraordinary-Maverick-Dangerous/dp/0062375121/ref=pd_bxgy_14_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0062375121&pd_rd_r=0MV8ENFG0Q747QE4WRAJ&pd_rd_w=d7Byq&pd_rd_wg=NA79Y&psc=1&refRID=0MV8ENFG0Q747QE4WRAJ

It is the Super Warthog Wheel Stand Pro -- I just removed the right RSG when I got it.

https://www.amazon.com/Wheel-Thrustmaster-keyboard-throttles-included/dp/B01NAN0SF3

Also, I ordered the $40 joystick adapter so it's the small adapter for the stick rather than having the plate mounted.

Appreciate the suggestions but I'm not following the logic on them.

https://www.amazon.com/Topgun-Days-Dogfighting-Cheating-Hollywood/dp/1620871033 this is a must read, I think. It's written by a former F-14 RIO and also one of the 'Mig-28' pilots in the movie. LOTS of good insight into the Tomcat community.

When I was younger and had to deploy and travel for work, I had a Saitek ST90 for simming on the go with my shit laptop, normally playing games that were older like the graphsim Hornet series or DOSboxing Jane's Fighter Anthology and Jetfighter 4. I'd say look in to grabbing a small footprint like the logitech 3dpro or the Thrustmaster equivalent and playing Strike Fighters 2

https://www.amazon.com/ThrustMaster-2960754-Thrustmaster-TWCS-Throttle/dp/B01L28LVUG

Only $8 in bulk pack
http://www.amazon.com/Sony-PlayStation-Camera-Bulk-Packaging-Pc/dp/B0072I2240/ref=pd_cp_vg_0

I just ordered one.

https://www.amazon.com/Mount-Joystick-Throttle-Hand-Control-Game-Device/dp/B07KJCC4Q7/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?keywords=joystick+desk+mount&qid=1561950153&s=gateway&sprefix=joystick+de&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1

Link to sale

I use these to mount to my chair. Then the throttle / stick attached with Velcro so the mounts can be folded away when not in use

Pro Signal Bracket Pole Mount VESA75/100 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PZDB2HM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_WTPQDb91YMZJ4

And where I found the idea:

https://youtu.be/G5xeDbYrp74