Saitek Pro Flight Yoke with Three-Lever Throttle (PZ44) by Saitek
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Digital camera reviews of Saitek Pro Flight Yoke with Three-Lever Throttle (PZ44)
Digital camera Review: Took MSFS to a whole new level
Summary: 5 Stars
Ever since FS2K I have wanted to try a yoke and rudder setup. My sidewinder joystick had served me well since FS5 but I always thought there could be more realism added to the experience. I was expecting great results and was even more surprised when I hooked up the Saitek Yoke to my PC and took off from my home base in Flight Sim.
In one word - awesome.
First of all I ordered the unit using the free shipping option. I was figuring maybe a week and a half at best as Amazon showed an estimated shipping date seven days away. I was pleasantly surprised to find that my Sunday night order arrived Wednesday afternoon; that was pretty cool.
Upon initial inspection I noticed that my box appeared to be opened already and I was expecting the worst case scenario - missing parts, broken peices, etc... None of that played out however and my unit was still wrapped in plastic and the CD was sealed.
Figuring out how to set the unit up and go was straight forward and I never cracked the CD open. Just plug and play all the way. A couple of tweaks to the button assignments in Flight Sim X and I was ready to taxi.
The yoke itself is pretty solid feeling. The shaft is made of metal which gives it a sturdy look and feel. The only aircraft I have ever been behind the controls of in real life flight are a Cessna 150, F-16 two-seater and a Boeing 707 (prior Air Force Aircrew on the 707 and got to ride in the F-16 for winning an award in my unit.) I liked the feel of the springs in the yoke during flight as it made the unit feel realistic from what I recall of my 150 flights.
Perhaps my favorite part of the unit is the seperate throttle stack. I had originally planned on the CH product but I couldn't look past the tiny throttle quadrant behind the wheel. With the Saitek, you can put the throttles where they feel comfortable. For me, and my C172, I put them low and to the right where they belong. Taxiing using a throttle lever is so much easier than dragging the mouse or using the keyboard. My turns on the apron and taxiways are much more controlled. Crossing 3000 feet and adjusting the mixture only seems natural now that I have a big red handle to remind me. Plus, the long lever action of the throttle quadrant makes for a much smoother transition than the tiny wheel on my sidewinder. Everything just feels more natural and my approaches are much more smooth with my hand on the throttle lever.
The throttle stack is detented at the minimum level and there is a half inch or so of back movement left for aircraft with reverse thrust. This makes flying the 208 very fun and ensures no accidental reverse activation. In addition, there are three two-way rocker switches on the throttle. I use them for lights and master switches. Now I can get on the active and hit a couple of buttons for my strobes and landing lights and be on my way as I round out my turn upwind. Very cool in busy environments.
Overall I am thrilled with the Yoke and Throttle system. My rudder pedals are already on their way so I should be totally immersed in flight sim and Vatsim by the weekend.
Digital camera Review: Excellent flight yoke & phantom key issue resolved!!
Summary: 5 Stars
Okay I must admit I was initially put off by the number of reviews and posts I'd read with regards to the notorious 'phantom key' issue, that is views intermitantly changing, gears going up and down etc. with no input from the user.
Although I believe CH Products make terrific flight controllers and I use the CH pro pedals, pro throttle and F-16 fighterstick I was attracted to the Saitek Yoke's larger, separate throttle, smooth metal shaft and multi-mode capabilities.
With some trepidation I purchased the unit on the proviso that I could return it hassle free should I have a 'defective unit'. Sure enough, within ten minutes of setting it and trialing it in both FS9 and FSX my views were changing randomly from once every minute to once every few seconds! I tried deleting the keys and re-programming them in FS and turning of the USB power saving fuction in Windows hardware manager but the problem persisted. Determined to get it working (as I was immediately impressed by the look, feel and movement of the yoke & throttle) I did a little research and discovered that by merely downloading and installing the latest versions of Pete Dowson's FSUIPC dll's for FSX and FS9 the phantom key press issue was resolved. As many MS Flight Simmer's may or may not be aware, Pete's FSUIPC is installed into the modules folder in the FS directories and tweaks/improves input, clouds, weather and interfaces many 3rd party addon's with MSFS. FSUIPC can be found at www.schiratti.com/dowson.html I am currently using FSUIPC4 v.4.2.0.0 for FSX and FSUIPC v.3783 (beta) in FS2004 under XP SP2.
Where the problem has originated I cannot be sure but is a shame that an otherwise excellent product has had it's reputation and most likely sales tarnished by this unfortunate problem that the majority of users seem to have experienced. Without the frustration of the phantom keys issue this yoke is an outstanding product and a pleasure to use.
Digital camera Review: Really Nice
Summary: 5 Stars
My set works as advertised. There were no issues with any buttons. Prior to purchase I emailed Saitek, and they said that retail stocks should have exhaused those.
I am really happy with the setup. It allows you to program buttons as you wish.
Digital camera Review: Don't buy it.
Summary: 1 Stars
I read the many reviews of this Yoke describing the problem with the 'phantom key press' issue. I also saw the note on Amazon's website that indicated the problem was fixed. Based upon this, I went ahead and ordered the Yoke as a Christmas present for my 15 year old son. To make a long story short, the Yoke is GREAT but it was still afflicted with the "phantom key press'. It is most frustrating to have the screen view change or other unexpected things happen at any time. Do not buy this Yoke until the manufacturer can totally guarentee the problem has been fixed. Digital camera Review: Amazing Yoke
Summary: 5 Stars
A great product, that when you combine with the Pedals and the Throttle, you get a great experience.Got 3 modes for register, and a great variety of buttons.With the Sofware, you can play more than just simulators with him.