Introduction

I have been through a variety of bits of hardware, and having used the more well known stuff (CH products, Go Flight) I am now starting to see the value in smaller providers, a bit of DIY, and using what works. My recent finds include a small panel that appears to rival the latest go flight module, at 1/3 of the price from: http://www.desktopaviator.com/index.htm

I hope they wont mind me borrowing one of the product images to promote it for them, I am placing my order today as a birthday present to myself and will report back when its in use:

I also found a rather nice trim wheel idea this time from a UK supplier: http://www.ghproducts.rhys-hurn.com May well get this as well, but 1 thing at a time :)

My Hardware

Thrustmaster HOTAS
Nice heavy feel, good for heli flight and military jets. However it is a bit confusing with loads of buttons and options. Now I have worked out how to remove the throttle detents that were getting on my nerves it is even better. I have got used to the buttons, but still dont use them all :)

Saitek Cyborg EVO - Wireless Joystick (Retired)
Amazing for helicopters or fixed wing flight. Just enough spring to give feedback but gentle enough to handle rotary flight.

CH Products - CH Yoke USB version (Retired)
Add realism to your fixed wing or large aircraft. The 3 built in throttles are great for GA single engine props, although the limited range of the throw means I prefer to use my Elite quadrant where possible. One thing of note is the 'switches' are not real switches as you find on the MEL. They are levers that press a button for up, and a button for down. Functional, but not a real as a proper switch. My CH yoke has now been in the cupboard for over a year, I therefore count it as retired as I focus on heli's and just fly everything with the TM HOTAS.

CH Products - Pedals (USB)
I love my pedals as I cant stand twist joysticks. However they are too gentle for me, and too easy to put the brakes on so one day I will be upgrading.

Elite MEL Throttle Quadrant (Retired)
2 Throttles, 2 Prop and 2 Mixture controls combined with both flaps (3 way, centre sprung up down select) and gear (2 way not sprung switch). USB connection with smooth action and decent range for gentle adjustments during flight. As above, tend to fly single engine or heli's and the TM HOTAS is perfect.

Go Flight - GF-45
A go flight display module, really useful and added a whole new dimension to my flying.

Go Flight - RP-48
4 rotary encoders and 10 buttons. Linked with the GF-45 above this lets you control most of the cockpit although I could do with a couple more displays.

Not all of this is shown in this, the first pic of my 'Home Cockpit' corner. However this was my first attempt at 2 screens: