Thinking of buying Saitek Pro Flight Yoke

[tttocs 301]

Interesting comments on the mod.  I've had mine for 2 1/2 years now and have resisted because I actually like the amount of elevator pressure the spring applies, as it makes things feel more real to me.  IRL, for anything much larger than a 152/172, untrimmed elevator pressure is pretty stiff, so having the spring provide a large amount of resistance (which I can then "trim off") feels more correct to me. 

 

No, it isn't technically right as IRL you trim off pressure but position remains pretty much the same, whereas in the sim you trim off the need to be off center which causes the pressure, but my mind compensates and makes it feel more or less correct.  Bottom line is, I don't want elevator pressure to be anything but a bit stiff as it should be in the planes I fly.  It makes me use trim as I should.

 

As others have noted, my only real issue is the "stiction" around the center detent.  I don't want the required pressure to decrease, only the tendency to stick in the middle.

 

Thoughts?

 

Scott

[James Bennett 52]

Interesting comments on the mod.  I've had mine for 2 1/2 years now and have resisted because I actually like the amount of elevator pressure the spring applies, as it makes things feel more real to me.  IRL, for anything much larger than a 152/172, untrimmed elevator pressure is pretty stiff, so having the spring provide a large amount of resistance (which I can then "trim off") feels more correct to me. 

 

No, it isn't technically right as IRL you trim off pressure but position remains pretty much the same, whereas in the sim you trim off the need to be off center which causes the pressure, but my mind compensates and makes it feel more or less correct.  Bottom line is, I don't want elevator pressure to be anything but a bit stiff as it should be in the planes I fly.  It makes me use trim as I should.

 

As others have noted, my only real issue is the "stiction" around the center detent.  I don't want the required pressure to decrease, only the tendency to stick in the middle.

 

Thoughts?

 

Scott

 

I think they're talking about the stiction not the spring pressure.

[psolk 3,040]

Interesting comments on the mod.  I've had mine for 2 1/2 years now and have resisted because I actually like the amount of elevator pressure the spring applies, as it makes things feel more real to me.  IRL, for anything much larger than a 152/172, untrimmed elevator pressure is pretty stiff, so having the spring provide a large amount of resistance (which I can then "trim off") feels more correct to me. 

 

No, it isn't technically right as IRL you trim off pressure but position remains pretty much the same, whereas in the sim you trim off the need to be off center which causes the pressure, but my mind compensates and makes it feel more or less correct.  Bottom line is, I don't want elevator pressure to be anything but a bit stiff as it should be in the planes I fly.  It makes me use trim as I should.

 

As others have noted, my only real issue is the "stiction" around the center detent.  I don't want the required pressure to decrease, only the tendency to stick in the middle.

 

Thoughts?

 

Scott

The mod with springs will retain pressure remove detent...

[tttocs 301]

I think they're talking about the stiction not the spring pressure.

 

I understand that the mod is said to improve the sticking issue (which is of interest) but my specific concern is that the mod does so by reducing spring pressure (which I don't want).

 

That's why I was soliciting additional comments on this from those who've done the mod.

 

Scott

 

Edit: Paul, I posted at the same time as you were responding... so you feel that the pressure is roughly the same but with the hard detent removed, correct?

 

Thanks.

Edited February 17, 2014 by tttocs

[psolk 3,040]

I understand that the mod is said to improve the sticking issue (which is of interest) but my specific concern is that the mod does so by reducing spring pressure (which I don't want).

 

That's why I was soliciting additional comments on this from those who've done the mod.

 

Scott

 

Edit: Paul, I posted at the same time as you were responding... so you feel that the pressure is roughly the same but with the hard detent removed, correct?

 

Thanks.

"slightly" less pressure but the lack of detent makes it well worth it.  My control on final is greatly improved.  I also find myself hand flying MUCH more now as it is a more enjoyable experience now.  Ideally I personally wouldn't mind finding a "heavier" spring but as of right now the yoke is night and day above where it was prior to the mod.

Hope that helps.

Paul

[tttocs 301]

 

 

Ideally I personally wouldn't mind finding a "heavier" spring but as of right now the yoke is night and day above where it was prior to the mod.

Hope that helps.

 

Absolutely, thanks!

 

Scott

[fppilot 4,371]

 

 

Actually, the detents and spring tension are somewhat tolerable, it's the fact that the shaft upon push/pull sticks then releases, sticks then releases.   Does the MOD take care of this?  It's been said in several places NOT to use lubrication on the nylon bushings.

 

I wonder why there is such a difference in what is being experienced.  I have had my Saitek yoke (Pro Flight Cessna) for about 15 months now and I have experienced absolutely none of the sticking or binding that I read some others experience.  I do have the pronounced detent, which I can live with, but no sticking.

 

On the detent issue, years ago I had a high end flight stick (believe it was a Thrustmaster) that had two-position sliders that would disengage the center detent(s).  Wonder why a yoke could not be designed that way.

[tttocs 301]

 

 

I do have the pronounced detent, which I can live with, but no sticking.

 

I'm OK with the detent, it's the little bit of sticking (you can actually hear it as I move my yoke off center) that bugs me.  It's not awful, but I'd like it to be better.  But yes, I do wonder about the difference between the Cessna and regular yokes.  I've never seen a shot of the Cessna yoke's innards to know if there's a physical difference or if it's just a matter of minor differences between manufacturing runs.  I know the throttle quadrant that came with the yoke has a very different feel from the second one I purchased, so there's definitely some manufacturing variability with Saitek stuff.

 

Think I might make the mod a weekend project.  After all the service this device has given me, even if I botch the job it doesn't really owe me anything at this point.

 

Scott

[fppilot 4,371]

So is the sticking exclusive to the Pro Flight (not Cessna)?  The one with the timer embedded in the yoke?

[tttocs 301]

 

 

So is the sticking exclusive to the Pro Flight (not Cessna)? The one with the timer embedded in the yoke?

 

Don't know.  Would love to see photos of the innards of the Cessna yoke to see if there are differences, but I never have.

 

Scott

[Noel 4,501]

So is the sticking exclusive to the Pro Flight (not Cessna)?  The one with the timer embedded in the yoke?

I have the Cessna, and my main complaint is just that--the tendency to catch/bind just enough to where when you pull or push it sticks, then releases and jumps a short distance, then catches, then releases, making fine changes impossible.  It's 'quantum mechanics' applied to yoke travel!

 

For now I'm landing w/ the elevator trim assigned to the left side rocker switch  or the Cessna trim wheel as it's the best I can do.  I really like the trim wheel though the one I have suffers from disconnect every time I turn the machine off and on no matter what USB port I use from motherboard to peripheral USB hub, etc.  So it's going back and I have a replacement coming.   I think if I can just get the sticky shaft solved I'll be happy w/ it.  It' may just be a little tight and with time may loosen up on its own from being 'broken in.'

[James Bennett 52]

Guys I have purchased the Cessna yoke and will be recieving it today. Assuming i have time to set it up I will report back. It's been a long time waiting but for £100 for the yoke and throttle and looking at about £60 for a decent stick anyway, i took the plunge. If I get the sticking issues, i'll push for a replacement, if not, happy days!