Panther XL finally works

[Clayeth]

Well, as I metioned earler, I finally ordered a PantherXL, and once I got it, I couldn't get it to stay calibrated. Kept drifting up/down. So, I finally resorted to tech support (Personally I use this as my last resort). They said to download any windows critical updates (I didn't have any... just reinstalled recently). Well, that helped, but not completely fixed.

So I called back, and they finally said I could send it back and they would try to repair it. They couldn't send me a new one because they didn't make them anymore, and couldn't guarantee they'd be able to fix this one. I told them I guessed I'd do that... but after I got off the phone, i tried re-calibrating one more time (only did it once since getting the update). I made sure the joystick was at the upper edge of the dead zone, and viola! no problems.

But, I can't play worth crap with it... I relied on reflexes too much anyway, so that makes it even worse because everything's backward. I just wish the trackball worked right in Mech Warrior 4. instead of turning the torso when you turn the trackball, and depending on the speed; it turns depending on how far from the place it was when the game was started... so it's very difficult to use. So, while I'm glad it works... I don't really have any use for it right now. Maybe the next fps I get I'll start using it from the start... but I don't know if I'm willing to take the time to get good with that thing. That's why I hesitated ordering it in the first place... and now I question whether I should have. Oh well, I'm keeping it anyway. I might have to break out Xwing vs Tie Fighter again

 

[Do_Or_Die]

I use one too and have for a couple years now and it's gotten to the point that if I even try to use the keyboard/mouse combo, my ability to play drops dramatically. So basically, if it ever breaks I'm f-ed.

If you would like to get better at it, I'd suggest playing some botmatches with it and just practice using it because once you get used to it, it really is better than the keyboard/mouse in my opinion. You might be able to find a config file or setup on this site for Mech 4. I don't have it so I haven't messed around with it myself. Good luck.

 

[[A3D]Neo-Djinn]

I got my PXL almost two years ago also. At first I totally sucked at it, but after spending the money that I did with it I wasn't about to take it back. It wasn't until I found my clan (who only use PXL's and Panthers) that that I started to get better with it. I can't picture myself playing with anything less. I've tried to use my trackball and keyboard to play but I totally get my butt kicked all the time if I don't use it.

Practice against bots until you get the feel for it. I practiced for about an hour or two everyday in Quake 2 until I got the hang of it, and after a week I was kicking but along with the rest of the clan. I'm not certain about Mech4 but if you check out Clana3d.com they might have some configs or info on how to use it the way you want to. Personally I only go for games like UT and Quake, but most of the people in the clan are into everything.

 

[LittleFlower]

I gave up on the PXL. I bought two of them, and broke them within 3 months. I also bought a PantherDX (just the joystick), and broke that pretty quickly too. PXL is just too damn fragile. The problem is that they only have 3 months warranty, and I bought them during business trips in the US. They don't sell them in the Netherlands. So I spent $160 on that crap before I gave up.

However, I do love the concept of playing with joystick and trackball. For the last 9 months I have been playing with a "Poor Man's PantherXL". The PMPXL constist of a separate Logitech joystick and trackball (marblemouse). I love especially the marblemouse trackball. 1) it is optical so it doesn't get dirty like the PXL trackball, 2) because it behaves like a standard p2 mouse, I can use ps2rate to increate the sample rate from 40 Hz to 200 Hz ! That makes aiming a lot easier !!! I used to love the PXL joystick, esp the 2 4-way hatswitches. But the Wingman Extreme Digital 3D isn't bad either. It has a trigger, an 8-way hatswitch (for switching 8 weapons), plus 4 separate buttons. Plus it is very configurable. If your PXL ever dies, try the PMPXL, you might like it even better.

The only drawback of a joystick is the fact you can't dodge. I tried to setup the "twist" (R-Axis ??) to do strafe dodges. It works, but it is very hard to control. I do too many unintentional dodges. And what is even worse, you can only dodge sideways if you are not strafing at all. So you have to run in a straight line forward (or backward) to be able to dodge. Just going diagonal a little bit will prevent you from dodging. I have thought about setting up my hatswitch for dodging, but I need that for switching weapons. Plus I fear dodging still won't work if I don't walk in a straight line.
Anyone got any suggestions on how to make dodging easier with a joystick ? That would be greatly appreciated !

 

[[A3D]Neo-Djinn]

It's true that the PXL is a little on the fragile side.... many people in my clan have complained about the trigger breaking on them, or one of the springs on the X axis breaking. I personally have had the latter of the two happen to me, but a quick stop to the hardware store and I was back in business.

The PMPXL isn't something that others in the clan haven't tried before though. Many are using a Kensignton Trackball and joystick of their choice as a sub for the PXL. Some have even taken the ball out of the Kensignton trackball and "fitted" the PXL with optical sensors (they have a description of the mod on their site). BUT, IMHO anything is better than having to use your mouse and keyboard.

 

[Clayeth]

I don't have much time to practice with it right now... in fact I'm not even playing UT much lately... but next time I get into another FPS, I'll use it from the start, and hopefully it won't be as hard. As I said, my reflexes get in my way when I try to use it right now.