Thrustmaster T.16000M FCS Space SIM Duo

I absolutely love this game. Having racked-up over 4,500 hours of play-time I genuinely still feel like I'm barely scratching the surface of it, as you can LITERALLY explore the entire Milky Way (so that's over 400 billion star systems). As at 20 January 2022, the entire player base have explored a mere 0.05% of the galaxy (or exactly 222,083,678 unique star systems to be precise), so there is still PLENTY to do !Is the game for everybody ? Heck no, it has a definite learning curve, and whilst the game does include a number of very good tutorials to get you started, if you can find a buddy that also plays this game and learn some additional tips and tricks from them ? You will be much better-served to venture off into the cosmos.The thing I love the most about ... MoreI absolutely love this game. Having racked-up over 4,500 hours of play-time I genuinely still feel like I'm barely scratching the surface of it, as you can LITERALLY explore the entire Milky Way (so that's over 400 billion star systems). As at 20 January 2022, the entire player base have explored a mere 0.05% of the galaxy (or exactly 222,083,678 unique star systems to be precise), so there is still PLENTY to do !Is the game for everybody ? Heck no, it has a definite learning curve, and whilst the game does include a number of very good tutorials to get you started, if you can find a buddy that also plays this game and learn some additional tips and tricks from them ? You will be much better-served to venture off into the cosmos.The thing I love the most about this game is just how open-ended it is. There is literally NO linear progression path for you to follow; no main plot to wade through to get to an end-game - it's ALL entirely optional to you, so you can become pretty much anything you'd like including a Courier, Trader, Smuggler, Thief, Assassin, Mercenary, Taxi Service, Explorer, Miner, Bounty Hunter, you name it.There's even a player group within the game whose sole purpose is to rush around the Galaxy helping people who have become stranded through lack of fuel (the "Fuel Rats"). They're basically the Guardian Angels of the game =]Even within game modes you have plenty of options. Want to play on your own (i.e. just you and the game's NPCs ?) Play in SOLO mode; want to play with just your friends and the NPCs ? Play in PRIVATE GROUP mode; want to play with everybody in the whole galaxy ? Play in OPEN mode, and you can even switch between modes as you go ! Everyone's a winner =DThe game features two DLCs - the first ("Horizons") is included now as part of the standard game so you get that with the base game. The original Elite Dangerous was a space flight game, where you could land at stations and take on missions, but you couldn't ever get out of your ship. Horizons added the ability for you to land on planets and get out in roving vehicles ("SRVs") and drive about the planet.The second expansion pack ("Odyssey") introduces an entire on-foot FPS module to the game, so you can not just get out and drive around, you can now get out and WALK around, which may not SOUND like a massive deal ? But trust me, it is. Firstly it opens-up two new career paths - the ON-FOOT MERCENARY (who undertakes FPS-style missions for pretty much most of the existing "class" (if you will) types but on-foot, so on-foot assassination missions; on-foot theft and heist missions; on-foot sabotage missions etc., and the EXOBIOLOGIST being a "class" (again, you aren't limited to picking classes, they don't exist *per se*, so this is just an indication of the type of work you enjoy/choose to do) that collects data on flora on different planets across the Milky Way, and sells them for credits.To my mind, Odyssey is becoming very much a must-have expansion for Elite Dangerous moving forward.So what is my main criticism of the game ? Space legs. The ONLY thing that frustrates me about the game is that Frontier still haven't enabled "Space Legs", which is the process of enabling you to walk onto your ship at (for example) the cargo bay, and then walking THROUGH your ship to reach your cockpit. At the moment what happens is you board your ship at the cargo bay, and you then automatically appear in the cockpit; and when you disembark from the cockpit, you automatically appear outside the ship. Again, it might seem minor, but it would MASSIVELY improve the immersion if Frontier were to embrace this.In any event, I hold Elite Dangerous very close to my heart. I ABSOLUTELY love it, and I would recommend you give it a good look to see if it's the kind of game for you !See you in space, Commander o7

A great step up

Moving up from a Logitech 3d extreme- just wasnt willing to invest in something nice at first.My understanding is that the internals of the 16000 are the same as Thrustmastmaster's higher end joysticks. There isnt any play or drift yet- both of my much cheaper 3d extreme required a dead zone on most the axes out of the box. The easily swappable left to right configuration is excellent, and the trigger and buttons feel great so far. The base also holds much better than expected with lift up or shifting being rare instead of the norm.I have large hands- I loved the original x box controller big hands- and this stick suits me well. The grips are huge but if you have small hands they might not be as easy and comfortable.Definitely worth the money. Probably going ... MoreMoving up from a Logitech 3d extreme- just wasnt willing to invest in something nice at first.My understanding is that the internals of the 16000 are the same as Thrustmastmaster's higher end joysticks. There isnt any play or drift yet- both of my much cheaper 3d extreme required a dead zone on most the axes out of the box. The easily swappable left to right configuration is excellent, and the trigger and buttons feel great so far. The base also holds much better than expected with lift up or shifting being rare instead of the norm.I have large hands- I loved the original x box controller big hands- and this stick suits me well. The grips are huge but if you have small hands they might not be as easy and comfortable.Definitely worth the money. Probably going to grab the stick and thruster set as well.

Configuring a T16000 Joystick

The joystick out of the box NEEDS to be configured. It is the cheapest ambidextrous joystick (for all you lefties out there) and once configured is extremely good.The software - Target GUI - which have you have to download is extremely wide ranging and covers all joysticks in the range, The GUI for the most part is self explanatory, however some basic details, should in my opinion be made available.This relates to the sensitivity/dead zones of the joystick (very contra intuitive) and also the mapping of the hat, a bug that has not been fixed for 3 years and has to be manually made. Simply the figures I would use on the joystick axes are central detente of about 10 and slope of 4 on a S Curve. You can work that out for yourself once you click on the arrow next to ... MoreThe joystick out of the box NEEDS to be configured. It is the cheapest ambidextrous joystick (for all you lefties out there) and once configured is extremely good.The software - Target GUI - which have you have to download is extremely wide ranging and covers all joysticks in the range, The GUI for the most part is self explanatory, however some basic details, should in my opinion be made available.This relates to the sensitivity/dead zones of the joystick (very contra intuitive) and also the mapping of the hat, a bug that has not been fixed for 3 years and has to be manually made. Simply the figures I would use on the joystick axes are central detente of about 10 and slope of 4 on a S Curve. You can work that out for yourself once you click on the arrow next to the axes :)The central hat is configured by clicking on the image to the left as highlighted as TS1 - 4 and then clicking the virtual keyboard and the hat can be seen to the bottom right.Once saved this will be applied along with the other settings to the profile.Please be aware that the programme HAS to be running all the time you are playing as it is a filter system (identified as Warthog lol), to which you can add other devices, such as throttles or other joysticks, including the dual kit L/R for the 16000.Otherwise the joystick is ok, but the above, very rough configuration takes it into a different class. Mapping of other buttons etc. is possible and can make Flight or Space Sims, much more enjoyable and give you an edge if required.

Disappointed with this Thrustmaster product

A bit disappointed, the controllers have a sturdy feel, but as others have stated, all 3 are made out of plastic, a little less than 1/8" thick or thin depending upon which way you look at it.The rudder peddles, the width from outside left to right is 11.5", comfortable position for me when sitting, feet are 15" apart left inside of my foot to right inside. Point being I have to almost put my knees together to get my feet on the peddles, great for a kid but not so much for an adult. As with a real aircraft, and I am a pilot, you push forward on the peddles to apply the brakes. If you have the peddles right under your feet up against your chair, easy enough to do, but is rather uncomfortable to have them that close, any further away, since there are no adjustments ... MoreA bit disappointed, the controllers have a sturdy feel, but as others have stated, all 3 are made out of plastic, a little less than 1/8" thick or thin depending upon which way you look at it.The rudder peddles, the width from outside left to right is 11.5", comfortable position for me when sitting, feet are 15" apart left inside of my foot to right inside. Point being I have to almost put my knees together to get my feet on the peddles, great for a kid but not so much for an adult. As with a real aircraft, and I am a pilot, you push forward on the peddles to apply the brakes. If you have the peddles right under your feet up against your chair, easy enough to do, but is rather uncomfortable to have them that close, any further away, since there are no adjustments it is very difficult to get the peddles pushed all the way forward to apply the brakes. There is also the fact the there isn't any real tension pushing the peddles backwards or forwards to control the rudder so you can go off course or worse buy simply putting your feet on the peddles.I purchased this set to us with MS Flight Simulator 2020, when you go to controls in MSFS you can see the joystick and the throttle. When you go to the joystick settings, it shows all the buttons and a lot of axis settings, like Joystick axis, X, X-, X+, Y, Y-, Y+ and so on, problem is, its trial and error to figure out which axis goes to which joystick control. When you go to the throttle settings, it shows the same thing but instead of saying throttle axis, it says joystick. It took a long time to finally get everything setup and working the way I wanted, problem though is when I went back a few days later, I was back to square 1, even thought I saved the settings, it did not remember them.I know the manuals shows all of the button and axis settings per device, and this might be a MSFS issue, but the settings should be a little, or a lot clearer as to button and axis assignments/settings/configuration per controller, you shouldn't have to guess.Joystick seems to work ok but I do have a problem with the buttons. I have an old Logitech Extreme 3D Pro joystick, same amount of buttons and all have numbers on them, the Thrustmaster joystick does not so at quick glance finding the right button can be a challenge.I know, this review is mostly negative, and a lot if my frustration stems from not wanting to spend hours calibrating and adjusting settings hoping that the settings will be saved. I am the kind of person that if I cannot figure out the basics within the first 15 or 20 minutes, I have no use for whatever it is. Other than the rudder issue, which to me renders that device useless, if you have the time and patience to configure and set everything up give the joystick and throttle control a shot, you might have better luck than I.

Fantastic upper-low end HOTAS with QC issues

These things were made to fit with Elite Dangerous in their color choices. Tons of buttons, but I understand the criticism in reviews on physical placement of the hat switch on the top and the buttons on the base can be awkward to find your way around. I frequently have to look at it in order to know which one I am pressing, which was fine-ish with the first one I got which didn't get super bright until you floored it in one direction. Unfortunately mine developed some issues with drift and return to neutral. I kept increasing the deadzone to try and compensate, but eventually had to touch base with Thrustmaster. The service was meh, but they did replace it under warranty and send me a new joystick at no charge. Which is where I touch on the dumb lights at the base ... MoreThese things were made to fit with Elite Dangerous in their color choices. Tons of buttons, but I understand the criticism in reviews on physical placement of the hat switch on the top and the buttons on the base can be awkward to find your way around. I frequently have to look at it in order to know which one I am pressing, which was fine-ish with the first one I got which didn't get super bright until you floored it in one direction. Unfortunately mine developed some issues with drift and return to neutral. I kept increasing the deadzone to try and compensate, but eventually had to touch base with Thrustmaster. The service was meh, but they did replace it under warranty and send me a new joystick at no charge. Which is where I touch on the dumb lights at the base of the joystick... the replacement model they sent me doesn't have the issues with drift, but Thrustmaster at some point replaced the correlative lighting with a very, very bright constant light. You will find complaints about that feature all over the internet and I keep meaning to snip the wires because it's very distracting when you're playing something dark like Elite Dangerous and keep having to look right into that light to determine which base button you're ambiguously about to push. All in all very solid though, it was a massive upgrade from the T-Flight and works great with the Monstertech chair mounts, even if those will drive you to bankruptcy. Most of the buttons and trigger feel fine, but some of the hat choices on the throttle seem silly. You get used to it though.

Get yours today!

One of the BEST Flight Systems you can buy!Although, there are not many options available at the time of writing this as many of these Flight Sets are becoming more and more difficult to purchase in New or Unused conditions. Many models are being discontinued and unavailable anywhere for purchase...which leaves limited options. However, This set is a more up-to-date model in keeping up with current technology. The T.16000M FCS features 4 independent axes, including twist rudder (controlled by rotating the stick), 16 action buttons with “braille”-style physical button identification, one 8-way Point of View (PoV) hat switch and an ergonomic trigger. Its striking orange accents and backlighting bring gamers’ immersion to a whole new level.T.16000M FCS flight ... MoreOne of the BEST Flight Systems you can buy!Although, there are not many options available at the time of writing this as many of these Flight Sets are becoming more and more difficult to purchase in New or Unused conditions. Many models are being discontinued and unavailable anywhere for purchase...which leaves limited options. However, This set is a more up-to-date model in keeping up with current technology. The T.16000M FCS features 4 independent axes, including twist rudder (controlled by rotating the stick), 16 action buttons with “braille”-style physical button identification, one 8-way Point of View (PoV) hat switch and an ergonomic trigger. Its striking orange accents and backlighting bring gamers’ immersion to a whole new level.T.16000M FCS flight stickExclusive precision: H.E.A.R.T* HallEffect AccuRate Technology™! 3D (Hall Effect) magnetic sensors located on the stick (*US patent: US08471815)Precision levels 256 times greater than current systems (16-bit resolution: 16000 x 16000 values!)Magnets ensure friction-free action for razor-sharp precision that won’t decrease over timeHelical spring (0.1” / 2.8 mm in diameter) inside the stick providing firm, linear and smooth tensionFully ambidextrous joystick!3 removable components allow the joystick to be perfectly tailored for left-handed or right-handed usePiloting with a joystick in each hand is now possible in all games compatible with two joysticks16 action buttons with “braille”-style physical button identification!12 on the base and 4 on the stick + one 8-way Point of View hat switchSwitch allowing users to configure the 12 buttons located on the base in a left- or right-handed position4 independent axes, including twist rudder (controlled by rotating the stick)Ergonomic trigger for brake (civilian flight) or rapid fire (military flight, space simulation) controlMultidirectional hat switch (for panoramic view)Ergonomic design for optimum comfortWide hand rest for reduced stressWeighted base for enhanced stabilityTWCS throttleTWCS (Thrustmaster Weapon Control System) throttle: use your left hand to increase your combat speed and manage your spaceship or jet fighter.The TWCS throttle’s lower positioning compared to quadrant-based systems provides unrivalled comfort.To give simmers complete control, the TWCS throttle includes 14 buttons and one 8-way-PoV hat switch that are added to those of the joystick. In total, this provides gamers with 9 axes, 30 buttons and two 8-way PoVs – plus 3 extra axes via the optional TFRP rudder*.The TWCS throttle features 5 axes and a rear RJ12 connector offering 3 additional axes via the external optional TFRP rudder* from Thrustmaster’s flight product ecosystem.*Sold separately...Which this set includes.T.A.R.G.E.T programming software: program up to 256 buttons on the joystick (buttons merged from keyboard and mouse)Thrustmaster Advanced pRogramming Graphical EdiTor software: combine with other Thrustmaster devices (so that they are recognized as a single USB device), and load or create specific mapping profiles for each gameThis product is not distributed under license from and is in no way endorsed by Microsoft Corporation.The Thrustmaster TFRP (T.Flight Rudder Pedals)First rudder ever to feature the S.M.A.R.T (Sliding Motion Advanced Rail Track) slide rails system!Capitalizes on the brand’s 25 years of expertise and leadership.Is the device most highly requested by members of the flight sim community.S.M.A.R.T (Sliding Motion Advanced Rail Track) slide rails rudderSystem of 4 slide rails crafted of industrial-grade aluminium for perfectly smooth sliding motionSelf-centering rudder axis: the perfect balance between smoothness and resistance for re-centeringLong range of travel on rudder axis for precise maneuvers10-inch/25-centimeter footrest (12/45 shoe size) for rudder functionVersatile ergonomic design suitable for all types of flight (aerial combat, space adventure, civil flight, etc.)With the heel-rest removed, you can control the rudder using the ball of your foot, with your heel on the floorWith the heel-rest in place, you can rest 100% of your foot on the pedalLarge base and inclined design combining comfort with stabilityTwo differential brake pedalsLarge differential brake pedals: 10 inches/25 centimeters (12/45 shoe size)Rounded central pivot with central grip, on the differential brake’s axisPivot angle with a 15° range of travel: on an incline for deliberate activation, avoiding inadvertent activation when using the rudder

Good Flight Stick and Throttle Option

I have an 80/20 cockpit that I usually use for sim racing, but I added this flight stick and throttle and it is great fun for Microsoft Flight Simulator and Star Wars Squadrons. The stick has good build quality, even though its plastic, and it has two hard mount threaded holes. It feels very good in my hand and has plenty of conveniently located buttons with braille dots on them so I can find them while in VR. The throttle also feels great, although the resistance is a little stiff for me. It also has two hard mount threaded holes and so I was able to conveniently mount it to the left side of my cockpit. My only complaint is the pedals. I did not find them to be comfortable and so they are in the box collecting dust.In summary, although not cheap, this flight ... MoreI have an 80/20 cockpit that I usually use for sim racing, but I added this flight stick and throttle and it is great fun for Microsoft Flight Simulator and Star Wars Squadrons. The stick has good build quality, even though its plastic, and it has two hard mount threaded holes. It feels very good in my hand and has plenty of conveniently located buttons with braille dots on them so I can find them while in VR. The throttle also feels great, although the resistance is a little stiff for me. It also has two hard mount threaded holes and so I was able to conveniently mount it to the left side of my cockpit. My only complaint is the pedals. I did not find them to be comfortable and so they are in the box collecting dust.In summary, although not cheap, this flight stick and throttle are nice options if you are semi-serious about my flight simming.Buy with confidence!

Peter's review of Thrustmaster T.16000M FCS Flight Pack

Cons: From a professional pilot’s perspective;-The rudder pedals/brakes combo are okay. The joystick and throttle both have too many buttons and knobs that don’t seem to do anything. What is the paddle/seesaw device on the front of the throttle? Where is the diagrammatic explanation of all these functions?I have never flown an aircraft with a throttle like the T16000M - that and the stick buttons are ergonomically very poor. The effects of the controls are somewhat unrealistic. I would happily design a better generic arrangement for you, as I suspect it has not had more ch of an input from pilots!

Very good choice for the flight/space simmer looking for a HOTAS setup that won't break the bank

I'm a long time flight simmer and more recently have been playing a lot of Elite Dangerous. My fairly old Saitek HOTAS recently gave up the ghost and I was in the market for a new setup. I'd very much like a Thrustmaster Warthog but can't justify the price at the moment, especially as it recently seems to have spiked from 300-ish to 400. I'd heard good things about the T-1600M and found OcUK were selling this package with the throttle and pedals considerably cheaper than everyone else.The stick itself is very nice, It's got a decent weight to the base so it feels solid and won't move around the desk as you use it. The grip is very comfortable (and the package includes the necessary bits to change it over for left hand use). This stick uses the Hall Effect sensors ... MoreI'm a long time flight simmer and more recently have been playing a lot of Elite Dangerous. My fairly old Saitek HOTAS recently gave up the ghost and I was in the market for a new setup. I'd very much like a Thrustmaster Warthog but can't justify the price at the moment, especially as it recently seems to have spiked from 300-ish to 400. I'd heard good things about the T-1600M and found OcUK were selling this package with the throttle and pedals considerably cheaper than everyone else.The stick itself is very nice, It's got a decent weight to the base so it feels solid and won't move around the desk as you use it. The grip is very comfortable (and the package includes the necessary bits to change it over for left hand use). This stick uses the Hall Effect sensors which are found in Thrustmaster's considerably more expensive flagship HOTAS Warthog. The advantages touted are these sensors are very accurate and precise, with a high resolution. They don't wear out and aren't effected by dust getting inside the stick. So in theory at least, as long as you look after this stick and don't abuse it too much it should last forever. In my flight sims I've found it to be very smooth and pleasant to fly with. The throttle unit is also rather nice. Rather than rock back and forth the throttle slides back and forth on metal rails built into the base. The action is just a little bit juddery or sticky, but nothing that a bit of extra lube on the rails won't sort out. The base i quite light, but has a large footprint and the rubber feet do a good job of gripping my desk so I haven't found the throttle sliding or moving about the desk despite it's relatively light weight. It seems to be designed for larger hands though, so if you have small hands you might find yourself having to move your hand on the throttle to reach the buttons and rudder rocker controller on the front. The rudder pedals are about as good as you'd expect them to be at this price point. Again the unit has a good weight to it and the rubber feet grip the carpet far better than the ones on my old Saitek pedals which seemed to be forever slipping and sliding on the carpet as I used the pedals. The rudder travel itself isn't massive, but again at this price point you can't really expect more. The pedals themselves would seem to be suitable for all but the largest or smallest of feet. You can remove the lip at the bottom of the pedals if you wish. I do find the central position detent on the pedals to be a bit weak, and in use it can be quite hard to "feel" the central position of the pedals. The pedals are also rather close together (more so than the Saitek pedals). To be fair after a few hours use I've got used to it and don't really notice it. The toe brake action is nice and smooth too and the springs for these seem to be stronger than the Saitek ones which make them easier to use as you can more accurately feel the pressure you are applying to the brakes. Note though these are flight pedals and the toe brakes pivot around a point about halfway up the pedal - as such they aren't really suitable for use in driving games.I haven't tried the Thrustmaster Target software for programming - I can quite happily get by without it.I'd have preferred a fourth button on the top of the stick, and a stronger central detent on the rudder pedals. Overall this is a very good setup for the price (less than half the current cost of just the HOTAS Warthog stick and throttle). Highly recommended for those looking for an entry level stick/throttle/pedals setup or who can't justify the price of the HOTAS Warthog or some of the other high end specialist flight controllers (from the likes of VKB, etc).

Wandering Z-axis (twist)

Using this in a game where z-axis is common, like a space sim, the z-axis potentiometer will fail after only a few weeks or months, rendering the entire joystick useless. It is a design flaw and a known problem.You can either make a warranty claim every few months or just avoid this joystick altogether. Rather than waiting for exchange, I swapped the potentiometer with a suitable replacement from Mouser, which seems to be lasting longer.The same thing happens on the Airbus version, the only difference is that it's easier to open and reassemble that one.They should have used a magnetic or optical sensor, instead, they save a few cents with a garbage analog potentiometer.