NEWS

November 2004

• I've been busy for some time now- new baby, intense job, other interests.  I just moved to a new host offering more space and traffic.  Many broken links to get sorted out over the coming weeks.
   

• As you may have guessed- the "help wanted" plea was a bust.  Everyone wanted to be paid to receive free gear from manufacturers and tell everyone what they thought of them.  Its just me from here on out- at least until Lil' Nate gets old enough to inherit the site.
  
  
  

December 2002

• Brace yourself- I have completed and posted the review of the Microsim Racebase R6 MKIII Race Cockpit.
   

• I am also working on a comparison of a couple gaming chairs that I should have posted right after the holidays.
   

• The Control Center would like to welcome Tak Wu to its news and reviews group.  Tak comes to us from Canada where he studied computer science.  Look for his material to start appearing in the coming weeks.

September 2002

• HELP WANTED!  Seeking a dedicated tech head to oversee news updates, reviews and general site maintenance.  Contact me for details.

July 2002

• Microsim maker of the Racebase racing cockpit is providing The Control Center with an evaluation unit.  All 4 of the boxes arrived safely and assembly is complete.  Expect a full blown review (I know its been a while!) once I have some quality time with it.

• I have received quite a few request for drivers for Suncom and AVB.  Unfortunately, Suncom does not have a web presence any longer.  Some Suncom gear can be setup using default or custom configurations.  Other, more specialized Suncom gear such as the Throttle cannot be used in version of Windows beyond Win98.  AVB has moved from www.avbtech.com to www.avbusa.com.  All of The Control Center's links should now be updated.

March 2002

• Its been a long time!  I considered closing The CC's doors but many still find the site a valuable resource.  With many sites simply closing down for good I want to keep the site alive as long as possible.  However, updates will be sporadic as my busy schedule allows.
  
   

• Its true, Suncom is no more.  Their website is no more and they no longer produce game gear.  Their hardware can still be found but beware- most of the hardware drivers are not compatible with Windows XP.  With no one left on the payroll its unlikely compatible drivers will surface.
  
   

• I have updated the Links page removing dead links and adding a few new ones.  New links include:
  - HyperStimulator Racing- providing race style cockpits for your PC racing setup.
  - EDimensional- maker of 3D glasses and eye tracking control device.

Monday, December 17, 2001

• You can get the InterAct Pool Shark from The CC store for an unbelievable price of only $4.99 while they last!

Sunday, December 16, 2001

• I have added a note to the Saitek X45 review to clear up some confusion on OS compatibility.  For the best compatibility information I recommend  the UnOfficial Saitek Help Center.
  
   

• I have also put together some information on the Belkin products so many have been asking about.  You can see the details here
  
   

• The download page now has Zykon JoyRider Pro, PDPI L4 and Suncom SFS Throttle drivers available.  Anyone having other Suncom drivers please let me know so I can get them posted.
  
   

• News has been slow to be posted- do not take this as a lack of dedication on my part.  As I have explained may other times-   I have a full time job, a lovely wife, a few pets and other hobbies that occupy my time.  With many sites closing their virtual doors due to growing costs I am doing everything possible to keep The CC alive.

Sunday, November 18, 2001

• Saitek has contacted The CC with press releases on two new items- the Cyborg 3D Force Feedback Joystick and the R440 Force Feedback Wheel.  I especially like the design of the new wheels pedals.  read the press releases
  
   

• The makers of the recently reviewed FrontX have released Firewire and RCA input/output connectors for the unit.

Sunday, November 11, 2001

• Xbox Alpha Bundle, Xbox Bravo Bundle and Xbox Sigma Bundle are all available from EB Games for pre-order with an expected ship date of 11/19!  Alpha and Bravo are $489.95 and Sigma is $539.95.  Get em while you can!
  
   

• Yep, you guessed it- The Control Center is getting an XBox and will begin reviewing/previewing controllers and accessories for this hot new console system.
  
   

• Belkin has provided The CC with samples from their Nostromo product line including the N30 Gaming Mouse, N50 SpeedPad and N45 Gamepad.  Expect full reviews of each before Thanksgiving.
  
   

• The most popular question I receive is related to compatibility with Microsoft Windows XP.  Visit the MS Hardware Compatibility List for assistance on this topic.

Sunday, October 21, 2001

• The review of the Saitek X45 Digital Joystick and Throttle is posted.  This cool combo features separate stick and throttle controllers for realistic flight sim control.  read the full review
  
   

• Thrustmaster has redesigned its website and added a few new features including GameDiva a feature for and about the growing population of female gamers.
  
   

• I have received information on a simple to build game cockpit from MicroSims.  Plans for the do-it-yourselfer start under $50 and pre-cut kits are also avasilable.

Sunday, September 23, 2001

• I rarely editorialize but...
  Recent decisions by numerous game makers to remove the World Trade Center from digital NY Cities is discerning.  Simply removing the WTC from the sims and games makes it appear that we would rather ignore their existence than remember.  The horrifying events of September 11th will be etched in the worlds collective memory for years to come.  Tragic historical events have been routinely featured in games such as the Microsoft Close Combat and CombatSim series.  In fact, each of these series are historically accurate and allow you the opportunity to change history as it happened (good or bad). 
  
  By removing the Twin Towers from the virtual landscapes of the NY city skyline terrorism wins another battle in their war on the free world.  I am certain the goal of the attacks had little to do with something so trivial as computer games.  In no way do I mean to belittle the incredible loss of life and heart-ache this has caused, not to mention the world changing in an instant.  Still, I feel game makers have responded with poor judgment.  Like other events found in FlightSim, the presence of the great towers in NY should depend on the date used in the sim- not erased from the code like they were never there.

Tuesday, September 18, 2001

• I have received a Saitek X45 (see press release dated 8-26-01) for review.  Expect to see my full rundown of it in the coming days.
  
   

• A visitor has posted his impressions of the RealFlight R/C Sim and controller on the Visitor Reviews page.  See what he thinks of this product I recently put to task.
  
   

• FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
  
  ACT LABS Launches USB Shifter With Over 50 Games Supported
  
  Richmond, BC. September 18, 2001 - ACT LABS, developers of cutting-edge gaming peripherals, have officially released their GPL USB Shifter product. The GPL USB Shifter is the universal version of their award winning RS
  Shifter accessory.
   

  
  The GPL USB Shifter is designed for use with all PC racing wheels and systems on the market. It includes a durable metal shift rod, sleek-housing design, ergonomic/interchangeable shifter knob, a die-cast metal grid plate, and special proprietary software that enables full shifter support in over 50 PC racing titles. Following the success of the RS Shifter, this latest addition to the ACT LABS line of racing products allows owners of all racing systems to enjoy a higher level of racing realism which free gear shifting provides.
  
  With the included ACT LABS Shifter Utility, gamers can easily enable full gear shifting support in their favorite racing titles.  Once installed, the Shifter Utility software runs in the background without the need for further game patches, allowing free gear shifting in games that do not have native shifter support.
  
  The GPL USB Shifter is available now and has an SRP of $69.99 USD.  More product information can be obtained from the ACT LABS website, www.act-labs.com or by calling toll free, 1-800-980-9997.

Sunday, August 26, 2001

• Saitek has announced the release of the X45 HOTAS based on the design of the popular X36 controllers.  The Control Center will be receiving one of these babies for review in the coming weeks.  In the meantime see the press release and image below.
  
  
  PC PILOTS SOAR WITH IMPROVED SAITEK FLIGHT CONTROLLER
   X45 Flies High For A Low $79.95
  
   LOS ANGELES, CA -- The Saitek X45 Digital Stick and Throttle has finally landed.
   New from Saitek Industries, the X45 is based on the award-winning X36, considered
   the world's most advanced flight controller.  Packed with the precision engineering of the X36, the new model comes with a  special constant force spring system for smoother control.  The X45 more closely  resembles an actual cockpit with a covered missile launch button and dramatic  backlit A and B buttons on the stick and D button on the throttle.
   In addition to ease-of-use and setup offered by USB, the X45 comes loaded with  the latest Saitek Smart Technology, the most powerful game controller software.
     Smart Technology simplifies complicated programming and allows multiple commands
   to be duplicated perfectly for instant use.  A rubberized grip makes the X45 comfortable for extended play.  The joystick  features four fire buttons, missile launcher, two 8-way hat switches and a removable  pinkie switch. The throttle rudder system comes with two fire buttons, 4-way  hat switch, throttle control with detents, rudder control, two rotary controls,  mouse controller with 8-way hat switch and LED for hot key display.  The X45 is available for $79.95.

Sunday, July 29, 2001

• Belkin has provided me with details on their new line of controllers that are currently shipping under the Nostromo name.    See the press release below along with pictures of each-

Belkin Introduces Its New Line Of Gaming Devices;

Nostromo Sets New Standard In Game Controller Design And Functionality

 (Compton, CA) - May 14, 2001 - Belkin Components, the leading manufacturer of computer peripherals and accessories, today introduced Nostromo, a highly innovative line of precision gaming tools for PC- and Console-oriented gamers.  The Nostromo line features six new devices (five PC and one for PlayStation 2 consoles) and features the Nostromo Array Programming Software (NAPS) with all PC-oriented devices.  The Nostromo Gaming Line will be introduced at the upcoming Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles, CA (May 17-19, 2001) and will begin shipping in North America on July 1, 2001.

 Two of the hottest devices in the Nostromo line are gamepads.  The N40 (F8GBPC002 - STREET $19.99) and the N45  (F8GBPC001 - STREET $24.99) GamePads offer users a multitude of functions.  The N40 GamePad features 10 programmable action buttons, Universal Serial Bus (USB) connectivity, Enter and Escape buttons, which make navigating Windows simple and easy, an extremely sensitive and smooth Directional Pad, and up to 55 programmable functions when using NAPS.  For users needing even more performance in a gamepad, the N45 model offers all the functions of the N40 GamePad and includes the following added features:  up to 70 programmable functions when using NAPS, 13 action buttons, dual analog sticks, and a mouse mode button, which allows you to navigate windows as if you were using a mouse.

 “Today’s games require a lot of game controller and today’s gamers want gaming tools that can equal up to that requirement,” said Tim North, product manager for the Nostromo line at Belkin.  “That is why we’ve incorporated the Nostromo Array Programming Software into all of the PC-oriented devices.  This software program enhances the functionality of the Nostromo devices by allowing users to create profiles, re-map buttons, program 3 shift states, and program several devices in order to use them as one virtual controller.  Now that’s playability!” 

 For an unparalleled gaming experience, the Nostromo line also features the N50 SpeedPad (F8GDPC001 - STREET $29.99), which offers users 10 programmable buttons, a programmable 8-way Directional Pad, a throttle wheel, and up to 57 programmable functions when using NAPS.  The N50 SpeedPad is a keyboard enhancement device for games traditionally using a keyboard.  It offers users a similar feel to that of a keyboard and can also be combined with the N30 GameMouse (F8GDPC001 - STREET $39.99) for the ultimate gaming setup.  The N30 GameMouse offers 3 programmable buttons, a scroll wheel, USB connectivity, and is enabled with TouchSenseä technology from Immersion.  Immersion's TouchSense technology allows computer users to feel objects and actions that correspond to events, graphics, or icons on a computer screen. 

N50 Speed Pad	N30 Game Mouse

 The last piece of the puzzle is  the Nostromo P45 GamePad (F8GBPS003 - STREET $29.99), which is made specifically for the Sony PlayStation 2.  Similar in looks to the N45 GamePad for PCs, this device features vibration feedback, 14 fully analog action buttons, a macro button, and a mode button with analog, digital, and steering modes. 

• Logitech has released version 4.00 of the WingMan software.  If you are running 3.62 or higher you only should update if you have one of the newer products in the WingMan line.  Download the file from The WingMan Development Team.

Sunday, July 08, 2001

• I have just completed a review of the RealFlight Deluxe R/C Sim and Futaba Controller.  This controller is a modified R/C transmitter that plugs into your gameport to control a R/C sim included with the package.  read the review
  
   

• Last weekend I had a system crash that took out my entire hard drive.  Many of the things I had been working on and yet to publish were lost.  yea!