Doc Tony wrote:

Got 'your' attention tho', yes? Anyway, until some soul comes along,
just doing the conversion from CH yoke/throttle/pedals [all going to my
son, BTW] and unpacking the SAITEK system consisting of the Saitek yoke
with its accompanying throttle and I have an extra separately purchased
Saitek throttle [it's a hair bigger and has a USB connector whereas the
3 lever throttle that came with the Saitek yoke has the sub-mini pin
connector, dunno why, but that's what it has and plugs directly into the
yoke. There are also 3 USB ports and a 5v connector which I have no clue
as to the reason since the yoke is USB bus operated but perhaps this is
for no more left USB slot scenarios. Again, dunno!] and the Saitek
pedals. Also nice looking!

Once I begin fiddling with the thing first with Windows [XP-Pro] and
then within FS-9 and FS-X set-up areas, I'll relate how it goes. The
'word' was [various sources] to try letting Windows do the configuration
sorting-out so to speak and then, and ONLY then, try the Saitek
accompanying program because the program [CD] has its hassles, so say
those who have gone that route. So, I'll see what Windows says using the
USB controller recognition thing for all the parts and then see what the
sim says under axis and assignment tinkerings.

Hello? Hey, it happens! But perhaps some interesting info can develop
and/or troubleshooting input either public or via email. I'll say this,
I 'do' indeed like the physical 'looks' of the Saitek stuff! And the
'feel' of the yoke even before being connected is nice and I especially
notice that METAL pitch tube versus the CH plastic [read: sticking a la
mode for very fine yoke movements] so let's see what happens.


Doc Tony
;-)


Update! STOP PRESS! It was just 'too' good to be true ... when things go
totally without a hitch [connections, set-up, initially everything works
perfectly, etc., etc. ] and completely smooth and easy, you just 'know'
that's not a good omen!

Landing at O'Hare, getting used to the new set-up [SAITEK yoke, two
SAITEK throttle quads and SAITEK rudder pedals] and then as the A/C
built-in voice panel says that I'm "400 above" and I'm getting set to
put the twin jet down I suddenly 'ALSO' hear =="LANDING GEAR UP
PLEASE"== [!!!] but I didn't touch anything! Yep! And check the MANY
SAITEK yoke/throttle user comments at Amazon ... the "phantom key press"
issue caused by the SAITEK yoke and 'admitted' by the SAITEK folks as a
factory defect!

When the yoke/throttle combo arrived before November, I should have
suspected that I might have one of the older [with the defect] series of
SAITEK yokes with the phantom key press issue. Amazon made with the 30
days free postage return print out and I now have 30 days to return the
item. Meanwhile they have offered a free replacement [now due anywhere
from "December 3 through 17" !] ==or== the option of canceling the order
for a full refund. I'll wait-out the hopefully factory corrected yoke
defect and retrieve my old CH yoke for further service until the new
SAITEK yoke and factory defect 'phantom key press' issue solved arrives.
Note I say 'hopefully' solved! OTHER than that, the yoke is great with
no 'sticking' due to the METAL pitch tube shaft which, by the way, does
not protrude out of the back and is completely enclosed in the back of
the SAITEK yoke. Hey, sh** happens! Also refer to the SAITEK forum where
this yoke "phantom key press" issue is addressed by various users AND
where SAITEK itself admits to an internal yoke factory 'wiring' defect
that causes the random [could activate 'anything' on its own!] key press
thing!


Stay tuned! And keep those public responses coming! ;-)

Doc Tony
;-)