Sunday, November 26, 2000

• In console news- Dale Earnheart Jr. has endorsed the PSX and PS2 Blue Thunder Racing Wheel from InterAct.  The wheel features programmable sensitivity, separate foot pedals, a digital shifter, adjustable tilt and height, an 8 way d-pad, 8 buttons and vibration feedback.  Dale is quoted as saying he uses the wheel at home for practice. 

InterAct Blue Thunder Racing Wheel
(click image for details)

Friday, November 24, 2000

• I have received the new rumble feedback, Saitek P1500 Gamepad and a Saitek Cyborg Gold for review.  The P1500 will also be put to task against the HammerHead Fx and WingMan Rumble Pad for the crown of the best rumble gamepad.  Look for these reviews and the shoot-out soon!
  
  

• ACT Labs is taking pre-orders for the 5 position shift plate for the RS Shifter.  There is a limited supply so order early.  Orders are due to ship December 5th.
  
  

• Microsoft and the makers of No One Lives Forever are giving away 20 Microsoft Sidewinder Gamer Voice controllers and a copy of No One Lives Forever.  Winners will be chosen December 11th.  Enter here

Sunday, November 19, 2000

• Well it happened- I fired up UT for a few tournament battles and mid-melee my Microsoft Sidewinder Dual Strike hat switch snapped off.  I have received a few e-mails describing this problem.  Microsoft was gracious enough to provide them with replacements but the new ones broke the same.  Now I sit here with one in the same condition.  Ughhh...
  
  

• There is a growing buzz over "The Claw" from down under.  Since my primary FPS controller is down for the count I am quite interested in this one.  The Claw connects to your system using a simple keyboard pass through plug.  There is no software needed so this controller works across all operating systems.  Each of the buttons can be assigned keyboard actions for gameplay.  Hopefully a review unit will be making its way to me soon.  In the meantime you can check out The Claw website for details.
  
  

• Two new reviews have been posted of Logitech gear.  The Logitech WingMan Attack stick is a good entry level joystick fashioned after the other sleek looking WingMan joysticks.  The other review is of the Logitech WingMan Gamepad Extreme.  The Extreme has tilt control and a great layout.  Be sure to check out each review. 
  
  

• I have a bit of work left on the new Logitech WingMan Strike Force 3D review.  This stick offers a few additional features over the other force-feedback joystick in Logitech's current line.  It has stronger force motors, an additional hat switch and a unique 3 function wheel.  Look for this review soon.
  
  

• As part of The CC's expanding coverage I will soon be reviewing the fUnc Surface 1030 mouse pad.  This $19.99 mouse pad claims to offer a superior surface for better control and accuracy.  I will be testing its claims with a huge selection of mice, both typical ball and the new opticals.

Thursday, November 16, 2000

• The Control Center expands once again!  The CC will soon be featuring Sega Dreamcast controllers and will begin adding PC mice to the mix.  Like it or not the PlayStation is not the only console system out there and people are controlling games with things other than joysticks, gamepads and wheels.  
  
  

• Saitek has released a beta SGE that installs under DirectX 8.0.  Be sure to use the NukeUSB utility on the SGE CD before installing a OS upgrade.  You can get the beta here.  For those that have been asking for a Windows 2000 driver set- Saitek is working on this and should have something posted by years end.
  
  

• I've removed the Game Rankings review listing from the News From the Net page.  They recently changed their policies and never offered much hardware content.  I also changed some of the other feeds listed on the page to fill in the removed content.
  
  

• Reviews are due this weekend!  Check back...

Sunday, November 12, 2000

• DirectX 8.0 has been released by Microsoft.  Luckily they have not tampered with the DirectInput aspect of it and you should see no change in your game controller operation.  Still, after upgrading its suggested you visit the advanced tab of the game controller applet to assure the "poll with interrupts enabled" checkbox is NOT checked for optimum performance.
  
  

• Need Logitech WingMan Profiles?  The WingMan Team has a nice collection of user created profiles.  You can visit the page here.  Don't forget to share your custom created profiles with them too.
  
  

• I am almost done with the review of the Logitech WingMan Strike Force 3D joystick.  It should post by mid week.  I also am near completing the test and review phase of both the WingMan Gamepad Extreme and WingMan Attack Stick.

Tuesday, November 7, 2000

• The review of the CH Products FlightSim Yoke USB is posted.  The last of the flight yokes from CH offers the addition of prop and mixture levers to the list of features.  Read the full review
  
  

• The Control Center is now affiliated with:
  - EBWorld.com
  - Buy.com
  - Chips and Bits
  
  Anything you buy from these sites (using the links above, clicking a banner or selecting an item from the store) directly supports this site.  I incur expenses for hosting and buying review items and your purchases help offset these costs and keep The CC going.  Thank you

Saturday, November 4, 2000

• Saitek has announced their entry into the rumble gamepad boom.  The P1500 Rumble Pad will be available by the end of the month for $29.99 (US).  Read the full press release
  
  

• MindMaker has released the second version of Game Commander.  Game Commander 2 enhances the original with auto-fire, voice training (if needed), compatibility with communication programs, a more powerful editing interface and more.  You can download the new version or update your existing software for $15-29.99 (US).  A full retail package with noise canceling headset will soon be available for $39.99.
  
  

• My review of the Thrustmaster Nascar Pro Digital 2 Wheel is finally posted.  The fine people at Thrustmaster did a great job getting the wheel to me but the DHL delivery service was less than cooperative.  I used my real vehicle steering wheel to navigate the business parks of Baltimore to retrieve this wheel from their offices.  See if my trip was worth the effort
  
  

• Also posted is my review of the Inland Pro Digital Force gamepad.  This pad is the most comfortable gamepad I have ever used!  See what else I have to say about this feature packed controller in the review.
  
  

• ACT Labs has posted updated drivers for the Force RS wheel dated 10-26/00.  The drivers are for Windows 95/98/ME and 2000.  These drivers address minor issues and add full support for Windows ME.  Grab the drivers here

Tuesday, October 31, 2000

• Nothing but treats on "All Hallows Eve".  The Control Center is packed with new gear and the review process is underway.  Expect to see reviews on the gear that arrived last week posting as early as this Saturday.  I even took a few days off my full time job to catch up!
  
  

• Saitek has released the Action Pad.  The Action Pad is 1/2 of the combo in the GM2 Action Pad and Gaming Mouse.  For me, an many other left handers the action pad may be a good first-person-shooter solution.  You get the benefit of the pad and can use your preferred mouse.  The full press release can be viewed here.

Thursday, October 26, 2000

• The UPS man arrived today with a sore set of arms.  In his many boxes were the following Logitech gear for review:
  - WingMan Attack
  - WingMan Strike Force 3D
  - WingMan GamePad Extreme
  - WingMan Rumble Pad (already reviewed but now I will supplement the review with multiplayer details)
  -and if that was not enough, the Logitech Cordless Desktop Pro
  
  Expect these reviews to come out starting late next week with the Strike Force 3D on deck first.
  
  

• Also making a landing at The Control Center is the CH Product USB Flight Sim Yoke.  I plan on spending a good deal of time with this one.  I'll be pairing it up with the USB Pro Pedals for part of the review.
  
  

• The man from DHL is less friendly than the UPS man.  DHL has called me and told me they are holding the Thrustmaster Nascar Pro Digital 2 Wheel at their office 45 miles away.  I'll have to make a road-trip to retrieve this one and get the review underway.  Sorry for the delay.
  
  

• There will be no weekend update.  I have an out-of-town event to attend.  Expect the next update early next week.

Monday, October 24, 2000

Saturday, October 21, 2000

• The long awaited Logitech WingMan Rumble Pad review has been posted.  I had been waiting for Logitech to send an evaluation unit but due to the huge demand for this review I purchased it myself (so much for the monthly budget!). read the full review
  
  

• I have also posted a review of the budget based Logic3 PC GTO Wheel.  This wheel has a small design (only 8" diameter) and no pedals.  It sells for <$25 and may meet the needs of those who want a wheel and just don't have the space for a full size unit. read the full review
  
  

• Speaking of Logic3 and space limitations- I have also posted a review of the Logic3 Podium.  Although designed as a base for PC and console wheels I found it also works quite well as a joystick stand and accommodates my laptop too.  read the full review
  
  

• I am unable to hold to my promise to bring you the Thrustmaster Nascar Pro Digital 2 review this weekend.  Lets just say the DHL delivery guy and I keep different schedules.  I hope to straiten it all out and have this review for you soon.
  
  

• The Link's page has been expanded yet again.  A few new manufacturers have been added while a few that have dropped off the planet have been deleted.  I have also added a few other controller related sites to the growing list.

Monday, October 15, 2000

• Reader Paul Kim has posted another review on the "Post your own review" page.  This time he looks at the Logitech IFeel Mouse.  Thanks Paul!
  
  

• Genius has released two new game controllers.  Both a force feedback joystick and wheel are now available.  Each works off the I-Force 2.0 API and are working from the reference designs.  Prices were not posted for either.
  
  

• The InterAct Go Pad and Axis Pad was marked for release today.  The prices are listed at $29.99 and $19.99 respectively.  I hope to get my hands on a Go Pad for review soon.  It seems to be a great solution for laptop users.
  
  

• Thrustmaster has posted some prototype renderings of their F16 Stick that will be a part of the HOTAS 2000 setup.  Testing of the real thing gets underway shortly.  Although I can't get a commitment on a release date I hope the HOTAS 2000 appears some time in 2000.  See the images
  
  

• This weekend I should have 3 product reviews posted:
  - Thrustmaster Nascar Pro 2 Wheel
  - Logic3 Podium
  - Logic3 PC GTO WHEEL

Sunday, October 15, 2000

• Saitek has delivered their 2000 holiday gift guide.  The press release lists details on may of the new Saitek controllers for both the PC and PlayStation.  Included are details on the Cyborg 3D Gold and Action Pad.  read the full press release 

• Microsoft has posted a beta driver to address the problem encountered with the new Force Feedback 2 Joystick and VIA USB ports.  You can get the beta update here.  Remember this is a beta and may not work for all.  The final is scheduled to be posted on the 17th.
  
  

• I have posted a write-up for the Batter-Up controller.  The manufacturer no longer exists and the controller came out in the early 90's so this controller is listed as a "classic".  Its not a review but still an interesting read.  Check it out

Sunday, October 8, 2000

• For those that have been looking for a PDPI Lightning 4 Gameport and having problems accessing the PDPI site you can now get them through ACT Labs.  The direct link is here.
  
  

• The CH Products FlightSim Yoke USB has been released.  Due to a huge demand orders are backlogged a week.  This also means that it will be a while before CH gets evaluation units out to reviewers.  The new yoke is similar to the USB FlightSim Yoke LE with the added features of propeller and mix levers.

Thursday, October 5, 2000

• Today I received a Thrustmaster Nascar Pro Digital 2 racing wheel for review.  The new version of the Nascar Pro Digital will be available soon and sell for $59.99 (US).  Expect a full review next weekend.
  
  

• I have received confirmations from a number of manufacturers that their new gear will be arriving for review in the next week or so.  This means I will be pretty busy working through the new gear.  Luckily a 4 day weekend is coming up!
  
  

• I've added 2 new manufacturers to the links page:
  Control Vision
  A-Four Tech
  
  

• A visitor has added a review to the new "Visitor Reviews" page.  Thank you Paul Kim for your words on the WingMan GamePad Extreme.  You can read and submit reviews here.
  
  

• The Message Board has been moved back to its old home.  Craig at OperationSports had been hosting the board while I was with the UGO Network.  Since they changed their hosting plan we had to find our own servers.  Thanks to Craig for the help in the past.
  
  

• Logitech has posted details on their latest WingMan controller- the WingMan Strike Force 3D.  The Strike Force is an expansion of the Force 3D with a larger base and an additional programmable hat switch.  The new stick will sell for $89.95.  No date for release was available.

Sunday, October 1, 2000

• The Thrustmaster sponsored contest with a prize of a FreeStyler Board for the PlayStation is now over.  Thank you to all who entered.  The winner is Linda Kish!  The review of the FreeStyler Board is now posted.  Read the full review
  
  

• The next contest will be sponsored by AVB.  AVB will be offering 10 VMouse devices as prizes!  I will be posting details soon.
  
  

• I have added the capability for visitors to submit their own reviews.  The format of the posted reviews needs some tweaking but the function is there.  Please add your opinions to the list!  Submit/Read reviews
  
  

• Thrustmaster is almost ready to launch the release of the new Top Gun Series joysticks.  The sticks will range in price from $19.99 to $89.99 (US).  Each of the sticks feature the same look and have anywhere from 2 to 8 buttons, throttle and rudder control, force feedback and more.
  
  

• Saitek has opened up a section of their web page dedicated to the GM2 Action Pad and gaming Mouse.  The site features helpful information on setup and use along with links to reviews, and hopefully will be adding a profile download section.  Visit the GM2 Site
  
  

• The WingMan Team has created a great new FAQ for WingMan devices based on common questions they receive.  You can grab the FAQ from their website that also contains a huge collection of WingMan profiles.
  
  

• I know its getting to be an old excuse but I am still awaiting the arrival of much gear for review.  Due in is hardware from Microsoft, InterAct and Logitech.
  
  

• There is an incompatibility between the new Microsoft Sidewinder Force Feedback 2 joystick and motherboards using the VIA USB Host bridge.  The problem has been acknowledged by both the Microsoft and VIA camps but no solution is available yet.  Some have reported success by using an add on PCI USB adapter.

Thursday, September 28, 2000

• There are just a few days left for the Thrustmaster sponsored contest.  The prize is a FreeStyler Board for the PlayStation/PS2.  The contest ends 8/31/00.  At that time a full review of this cool controller will be posted right here.  ENTER CONTEST
  
  

• Saitek Industries introduces the ST200 USB Control Stick and Throttle, and ST220 Digital Stick and Throttle. These latest additions to the company's family of joysticks offer many of the same qualities gamers have come to expect from Saitek for under $20 each.
  The ST200, which is available exclusively at Best Buy, is USB compatible and works with Windows 98 and higher.
  The ST220, available at all other major retailers, features both USB and game port connections. 
  These lightning fast sticks boast ambidextrous design, four rapid-response fire buttons, as well as level throttles.  
  
  

• MindMaker is doing beta testing now and plan to have Game Commander 2 out by the end of October.  It'll be $39.95 on CD with noise canceling head microphone; $29.95 in download form. Current customers can download the upgrade for $15 (if the original was purchased on or after Sept. 1, the downloadable upgrade is free).

Sunday, September 24, 2000

• The AVB VMouse review has been posted.  The VMouse is the only rumble effect mouse that does not need special drivers- meaning operating system and driver support is not needed.  This new mouse from AVB will be available for sale by months end for the suggested price of $35 (US).  Read the full review
  
  

• Don't forget to enter the contest where you can win a Thrustmaster FreeStyler Board for the PlayStation and upcoming PlayStation 2.  The wife to be and I have been having much fun with it.  The contests ends at the end of the month when a full review of the board will be posted.
  
  

• I've received reports of the Microsoft Sidewinder Force Feedback Joystick 2 being seen for sale in certain parts of the US.  If anyone has picked one up your impressions of this new stick would be appreciated.  Pleas post your comments to the message board.
  
  

• I've activated a search function to The Control Center.  Use it to find details and information you seek.

Thursday, September 21, 2000

• Thrustmaster is releasing the next line of Nascar wheels.  Both the Nascar Pro Digital 2 and The Nascar Charger 2 will be available by the end of the month.  The Nascar Pro Digital will retail for $59.99 (US) and the Charger 2 for $39.99 (US).  For images of the new wheels see the E3 2000 pages where they were originally announced.  
  
  

• In the "I already knew that" category"- Microsoft officially announced the release of the Sidewinder Strategic Commander on the 18th.  The device is intended to reduce key searching in strategy style games and let you concentrate on gameplay.  For a good review of the new Sidewinder device visit The Game Basement.  The CC should be receiving this one for review shortly.
  
  

• The AVB VMouse has arrived and is shaking things up on my desk top.  With a bit of hard work and dedication I should have the review posted late this weekend.

Saturday, September 16, 2000

• CH Products has begun production of the USB FlightSim Yoke.  The final entry in the flight yoke series from CH features 5 axis controls, 20 buttons, trim control and a USB connection.  CH has also released details on the the new Pro Throttle USB.  New features of the pro throttle include a mode switch to allow three defined sets that can be switched on the fly. An LED light array to show the user which button set he or she has loaded: regular, combat, or advanced mode. A mini joystick is mounted for control with the thumb to allow advanced targeting, 360-degree view control, an excellent tool for racking up the “frags” in first person shooting games. Last the new Pro Throttle has a new radial targeting / trim wheel located in reach of the index finger. The new Pro Throttle USB is slated for a Q4 2000 release.
  

Saturday, September 9, 2000

• The Control Center and Thrustmaster are co-sponsoring a contest with the prize of a new FreeStyler Board for PlayStation and PlayStation 2.  For full details and to enter visit the contest page.
  
  

• Bob Church, maker of the digital chips for Thrustmaster HOTAS gear and Thrustmaster guru has created a file that allows the use of external rudders with the Saitek USB  X36.  You can grab this new file from The Stickworks.
  
  

• You're reading this from the new host server of The Control Center. Unfortunately The CC is no longer affiliated with UGO Networks due to their policy change- they now charge for their hosting.  My new host also charges for its services but is much more affordable and has few restrictions.  Let me know if you experience any problems with the new host. 
  
  

• The review of the ZYKON JoyRider Pro 4-in-1 controller is posted.  The controller offers joystick, yoke, wheel and motorcycle controls bundled into one unit.  This gameport device has limitations being an analog device but is affordable and covers many different gaming control types.  Read the full review
  
  

• ACT Labs has released a new legacy driver the the RS Shifter.  The new driver allows you to use the shifter with older games and those not supporting the RS Shifter.  You can get full details and download the small file from the ACT Labs website.
  
  

• Neoseeker has posted a review of the VRJoy Airstik 2000.  The Airstik 2000 is the next generation of the Cyberstick offering base free control.  You can read the entire review here
  
  

• I just received the Logic3 2000/2001 Product Catalogs.  There are many new devices coming from Logic3 for the PC, PlayStation and PlayStation 2 including new wheels, joysticks and gamepads.  Also included in the catalog are new accessories for your gaming system including the second generation of the SoundStation.  None of the new gear is displayed on the Logic3 website just yet.  As it is released I will post details and images.
  
  

• Another motorcycle controller?  First there was the ZYKON JoyRider Pro 4 in 1 then the MID. Motorcycle.com has posted details from a press release on a new motorcycle controller for both the PlayStation and PC.  The controller will be released at the end of September by Xtechnologies (Italian).  The Manufacturer makes a variety of controllers for PC and console systems.  The feature list of the controller includes 15 programmable buttons, USB or gameport connection, throttle and brake controls and adjustable angling.  
  
  

Sunday, September 3, 2000

• Gravis has released some new controllers.  The new lineup has redesigned joysticks and gamepads in it including the Eliminator Aftershock, Eliminator GamePad Pro, Eliminator Precision Pro, and Eliminator Joystick.  You can see images and product details on Gravis's redesigned website.  Expect reviews of most of these controllers in the coming months.
  
  

• Thrustmaster has released new drivers for the Nascar Pro Digital Wheel.  The new drivers solve some issues users have experienced.  Install the new driver specifically as described in the instruction to avoid problems.
  
  

• Again, ahead of schedule Microsoft has release the Precision Pro 2 joystick.  This update to the original Precision Pro was to be released in October but can currently be found on the shelves of local retailers.  The new joystick is USB only, and has a redesigned button layout and throttle control.
  
  

•  Ugo Network has changed their hosting policies and is now charging for their services.  I will be moving The CC to a different host in the near future.  No downtime is expected and the address will remain the same.