There have been several developments in flight simulator software and the simulator controls have also developed along with it. In the past, most people were stuck using their mouse and keyboards, and only some lucky individuals had access to the primitive joysticks. With the rising popularity of these simulators, an increasing number of tech companies released highly advance controls that were more accessible to the general public.
Today, there are several advanced flight simulator controls available that can actually recreate the feeling of being in the pilot's seat of the different types of air planes that are available in the software. In this article we have mentioned different types of simulator controls that are used.
Joysticks are the most commonly used controls and they are available in different varieties. They come with a plethora of features that may range from the minimums to the extremely complicated features, and this is reflected in the price. If you are on a stringent budget then consider buying the Logitech Extreme 3D Pro Joystick. Although it is not specifically made for that purpose, it works really well for flight simulations.
This joystick comes with 12 customizable buttons that can be easily programmed to regulate any part of the software. It is pressure sensitive and comes with a hat switch. This product is not only highly versatile but also very reliable. Logitech's brand reputation makes it a great choice in general, and Extreme 3D is easily the best joystick that you can purchase for the price.
If money is not a constraint and you are willing to enjoy a high level experience then Saitek X52 Pro Flight System is the best choice. The joystick comes with 12 programmable buttons and several additional features. It also comes with a throttle system, an integrated LED display, controls for afterburners, dedicated buttons, and several other features. The unit comes with programmable LED lighting, back-lighting, and customizable controls. The set also features a software development kit that allows the users to create games or specific programs. The Saitek X52 is a highly complicated system that is designed for the highly enthusiastic and knowledgeable users.
Pedals are another type of flight simulator controls worth buying, and the price may range from $80 to $500 or more. The expensive pedals come with more advanced and complex features and their specifications also go up. They are designed to behave exactly like the pedals in a fighter jet. However, if you are looking for easy to use pedals then you may consider buying the Products Pro Pedals. They are simple, yet the features are great.
Throttle Quadrants are another important type of controls that permits the simulation of controlling the throttle of an airplane. Similar to the other flight simulator controls mentioned earlier, you will find a wide variety of throttle quadrants that match different needs and budgets. The Saitek Three Lever Pro is the perfect Throttle Quadrant for the money minded individuals and it comes with fewer levels.
Besides the above mentioned popular controls, some of the less known controls are the landing gear, TPM systems, ignition, and propeller pitch, trim wheels, radio controls, virtual GPS systems and maps.
Use the right flight simulator controls for the best results. To find out more information on the topic visit the site.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=M_Umesh

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7650089