Controller compatibility for BCM

[Guest]

Will BCM support game controllers with programmibility? I was thinking of buying a Gravis Xterminator gamepad because of its programmable features plus the fact it can hold its own in space combat games too. Sorry I'm trying to stray away from joysticks to try something different for a change. The Gravis Xterminator got some pretty good reviews and is not to be underestimated. It's got the analog features for joystick like control and digital features present in many popular joysticks on the market plus its programmable. Has anyone here played any space combat game with a top notch gamepad like the Xterminator or another? Some feedback is appreciated.

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"Do not fear the unknown, embrace it."

cmdr. Kron

ICV Vanguard

[Supreme Cmdr]

BCM does not support any specific controller. If the controller supports DirectInput, then it will be used. If you need any advanced functionality, then use the software that came with the controller.

[Parias]

*Pats his 17-button Gravis Firebird and laughs psychotically*

I will be UNSTOPPABLE! MWA HAHAH!

....Well, except for the fact that the Firebird only works on my older computer.. Serial port issues and all that (needs to plug in through the keyboard). So I'll just have to live with me MS Force Feedback Pro

But, on topic, you're gonna try and play BCM with a gamepad commander? Well, like the SC said, just use the software to define your key config if possible.. but I honestly can't recommend using such a controller for a space game like this. I suppose it MIGHT work... but give me my purdy lil Force Feedback stick (or even my 6 year old "Mr. Floppy" Flightstick) over a gamepad any day

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Cmdr. Parias

Spectre Fleet

Chief Engineer, Starstation Destiny

ICV-Galatae

ICQ:1293359

Staff member at HardNews

"Next time you feel like dropping in, keep going untill you get to a river, and THEN drop in." -Jake Logan

[Thomas Siemens]

Parias uses a 17-button Gravis Firebird!?! Ack. Poor me, I have only a F-16 FLCS/TQS combo - doomed to loose!

(Btw., I don't want one of those "legacy free" thingies - then the 200 bucks spent on this combo were gone with the wind... )

Thomas (a.k.a. Gudihl)

Official Tester, Battlecruiser Series

[Chris Blair]

Hi all. I have a Wingman Extream Digital pro but it is so screwed up it's... I DON'T KNOW! but I need to find a joystick that is stable. Now don't get me rong, I like the stick but it is VERY unstable with the rudder conflicting with the main X-Y & Z. I also purched 2 Sidewinder Pro's. They were also unstable beacuse of the rudder. So does anyone know of a "STABLE" stick with a rudder? It doesn't realy matter how many buttons are on it. Just so that I can control my ship without sudden swift changes beacuse my rudder is conflicting with my speed control. Thanks.

See ya...

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Cmdr. Chris Alan Blair

Spectre Fleet

Spectre Starstation

ICV-Ticonderoga

[Hector Socas Navarro]

Input devices? Pah, just wait until I get the full version of GameCommander Mwwaaahahaha.

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See you out there, among the stars

Cmdr Nava, GCV Nemesis (Official BC3k tester)

[Steve Schacher]

I've been using the Microsoft Sidewinder Freestyle Pro. It's a gamepad with motion sensors to simulate a joystick. I love it!

It has 9 buttons that are programmable, with shift functions allowing for 18 commands. Plus it has an 8-way rocker that is also programmable. It also has a throttle wheel.

But the best part is that I just wave it in the air and the battlecruiser twists and turns at my command!

[Eclipse]

I use a Panther XL to control my BC and most other games. It's been a pretty good stick so far, and it will be nice to be able to use all the butons in BCM.

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Cmdr. Antilles

Spectre Fleet

Spectre Starstation

ICV- Eclipse

Chief Security Officer

Learning is not compulsory... Neither is survival.

[Guest]

Alright I shopped around and found the best stick with the best price. I bought a InterAct Cyclone 3d stick with 17 programmable buttons with up to 34 programmable functions. It's got a hat, the twist function found in the sidewinder pro and all the buttons are in good reach. At the unbelievable price of $19.99 . Hehe, beat that. Space sims truly aren't meant for gamepads after all.

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"Do not fear the unknown, embrace it."

cmdr. Kron

ICV Vanguard

[Guest]

...Well that may be fine for all you guys, but i'm left-handed! It's a real bitch finding a decent joystick which can be used by us lefties

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Commander Robert Martin

GCV-Dark Knight

Prime Fleet

S26 Commander, Beta Wing

[Eclipse]

RM: I'm left handed as well. After much trying I just converted to using righthanded joysticks. It takes a bit of doing,but it's not impossible.

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Cmdr. Antilles

Spectre Fleet

Spectre Starstation

ICV- Eclipse

Chief Security Officer

Learning is not compulsory... Neither is survival.

[Steve Schacher]

Although it's a bit pricey ($70), the MS Sidewinder Freestyle Pro is a gamepad that acts like a joystick. You won't have the feel of a cockpit in front of you (or the desktop footprint of a joystick/throttle combo), but the motion sensors are great. Just hold it in your hands (lefty or righty), tilt it up or down for pitch, tilt it left or right for yaw (or roll, you decide). I set left/right for yaw and use two index finger buttons on the sides for roll. It has the standard A/B/C and X/Y/Z buttons (which are dual programmable) , as well as an 8-way rocker. The motion sensors can be turned off for games that just want gamepad control.

You won't get arm fatigue from using a joystick (especially on Thrustmasters, I used to use the FLCS/WCS combo).

I doesn't have a lot of buttons (I used to use the Gravis Phoenix before it broke -- now THAT was a joystick!), but the ones that it does have are sufficient. I use the keyboard for less frequent keypresses.

[Chris Blair]

Hi Steve. I have a Logitech Extream Digital Pro and I LOVE it. But there is a problem espeacialy with space sims. The problem is it won't center properly beacuse it is soooo loose in the center to center properly. I don't get arm fatigue at all. But I am wandering if the Sidewinder Freestyle Pro will (without getting arm fatigue) hold it straight so that I can fly straight without drifting off to GOD KNOWS WHERE I will be heading? If so than that is the controler I want to buy. If not is there ANY controler out there that IS build correctly?

Thanks .

See ya ...

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Cmdr. Chris Alan Blair

Spectre Fleet

Spectre Starstation

ICV-Ticonderoga

[Steve Schacher]

The MS Sidewinder Freestyle Pro comes with configuration software that will allow you to set a dead zone in both directions. I don't have centering problems (meaning that I can tilt it slightly and it won't affect the orientation of the ship). This is only an issue when you turn off the AI (in BC3K, other sims may not have this ability). I suppose that if you need to put the controller down without causing the ship to zoom off at an angle, you can always disable the motion sensors first (a simple button-press on the controller).

It also comes with a USB adapter, but the throttle control doesn't work with legacy DOS emulation in USB mode.

It also comes with a motorcross racing game, although I haven't installed it.