Sledge

I think we're going to continue to see this hobby grow, not only from the software standpoint, but also in the area of hardware. Take a look at the Thrustmaster Hotas Cougar, the simped F-16 pedals, the various manufacturers of pre-fab cockpits such as Ranger332 posted here, the list of "hardcore" items continues to grow. Now, there are even companies beginning to make "affordable" motion platforms available! (ok, more affordable than they have been in the past anyway) One thing I noticed is the number of these items that are related to Falcon 4.0. Just goes to show you what can happen when a truly quality product on the software side is released. A passionate community forms, and the hardware is developed to make the most of the software. Not only that, but even if the original producer of the software quits supporting it, the community steps up to the plate to continue the evolution of the product. I can remember being told that USAF was probably going to be the last of the "pointy nose" sims! Time to stone some prophets of doom! So, the new sims may be a little slow to roll off the assembly line lately, but hey yall, the best is yet to come! Just think about the stuff we have today and how impossible it would have been just 10 years ago! I think the items I would really like to have to push the realism factor to the next level would be a projection system that would put me in a "dome" where I could turn my head to see my wingman, or the bogie trying to toast me, without a hat switch, or a padlock view, or even track IR. That, to me, has always been the weakest part of combat flight simming. After all, the addage " Lose sight, lose the fight" was'nt coined just because it rhymed! Yup, if a fella had himself something like that, it would'nt matter much if he was sittin in an F-16 shaped bathtub with all sorts of switches and knobs to play with, or a garage with the lights out, that would be the thing that would make a dogfight a real heart pumper! Well, there's my .2 cents worth!

Most beautiful: B-58 Hustler Historic: Wright Flyer Best: P-51 Mustang

How about: What are the dimensions? (Will it fit under my desk) Who will be handling them in the U.S.? What sort of warranty do they back their product up with? When will they be available in the U.S.? Have they been successfully tested with the Thrustmaster Cougar? (What other controllers have they been tested with for that matter) How close in appearance and dimensions are they to the real F-16 Rudders? Thanks Skater! - Sledge

Hey thanks Skater! These look great, and they're compatible with the Hotas Cougar, with operable toe brakes! Woo Hoo! Time to start saving my pennies! Looking forward to your review, and thanks again. -Sledge

I'm running the Thrustmaster Hotas Cougar, and if these are F-16 style pedals I would love to add them to my setup. However, I've never seen or heard of them outside of this thread. Could someone please post a link so I could see these and get some info on them? Thanks yall! - Sledge

For any of you Falcon 4 heads out there- I downloaded the F4 sp3 and now F4 won't run at all! Are there some intermediate patches I have to have installed to get the SP3 to run properly? I simply installed it with original install from the CD on the machine and, nothing. Any help would be appreciated! Thanks!-Sledge

Alright! This is great! I did as you said there Dagger and wow, I am impressed with SP3! Thanks once again for your help gettin this up and runnin! It really breathes new life into Falcon4. - Sledge

It just does'nt get any better than that! I LOVE IT! !!!!!

<S> Eagle! Tear 'em a new one! :twisted: Prayin for you and all our troops for victory and a safe return! God Bless, God Speeeeeeed, and Thanks! - Sledge

Howdy JD! Well, you and I are in there once in a while. I definitely prefer HL to GS. Seems much more stable to me. See ya in there soon!

Never mind, I found it. :) -Sledge

I cant get the tanks goin either. What is this weapon editor? I think I was absent that day. Tanks alot!-Sledge

He he, youth and skill are no match for old age and treachery! Bring it on boys!-Sledge

I'll be praying for you Eagle! Words cannot express my gratitude to you and all you folks who put it all on the line for those of us at home! Jesus said "No greater love has anyone than this, to lay down one's life for his friends." Now go make Saddam lay down his life for his country! HA HA!! But seriously, Thanks! God Bless and God Speed!-Sledge

Thumbs up Boss! I'm liking those clouds. Very nice work, keep us posted! - Sledge, out.

Lets see... I just rebuilt the motor in my suburban so I would'nt have to buy some feeble little 4 banger, or 6 banger. Then we took the beast up to where the snow is (in 4 wheel drive of course!) and let the little ones, (including me and my sore, tortured, 40 year old body) slide down hill on sleds. Oh yes, this was all for fun! As far as the beans go, I'm still eating as many as before, much to the chagrin of those forced to spend hours on end in the cockpit with me! There must be a way to collect and use that stuff....

Outstanding work bud! Keep it up!

On your wing in prayer Eagle! Get well soon, and God bless!

I really like Falcon 4.0 and have seen reference to this update for it. Does anyone know where I can download it? Also, before I do, are there any compatability problems with it and WIN XP pro? Thanks in advance yall-Sledge

Ah, great! Thanks again Dagger!-Sledge

I totally understand, Eagle! Let's just hope our wives never find out about our "other" loves, eh? -Sledge

Hey Jag, I've been using thrustmaster equipment for many years, and they're great! I have only had a couple of problems that I had to have fixed and they were great about taking care of the problem.(free of charge no less!) Right now I'm using thier new Cougar setup with rudder pedals from an outfit called PFC (precision flight controls) out of Mather California. These pedals are not cheap but they are the most realistic I have seen. They have metal pedals, a metal base, and your entire foot does not rest on the pedal but your heels rest on the metal base with the balls of your feet on the pedal as in a real aircraft. They even have toe brakes but I have'nt been able to get them to work with the Cougar. Oh yes, I use my thrustmaster with WIN xp pro no problem. I have a TM F-16 FLCS and TQS that have been in use for many years with no sign of trouble, so they get a hearty endorsement from me! Enjoy!-Sledge

Fact is, there is evil in the world, and sometimes you gotta go kick evil's butt. (and I don't don't mean the motorcylce stunt rider) I also believe that everyone is entitled to my opinion, and I am glad to be able to say it without fear of being drawn and quartered or otherwise terrorized. Thanks to all of you who have served, are serving, or will serve our country and the cause of freedom in the earth. God bless and God speed.

Shoot......I was all excited......thought there was an F-8 to fly.......now I'm just thirsty. -Sledge

Way to go Boss! Stay on that thing's six and wax it's butt good! On your wing sir! Semper Fi-Sledge