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Software
The software that comes with the Pro Throttle USB is similar in fashion to Microsoft's Sidewinder Game Profiler, except not quite as flashy. For starters, the throttle's default setup in Windows gives it normal button functionality that can be mapped in any DirectX game with relative ease. Without having the extra software installed, I installed MS Combat Flight Simulator and was taking to the skies in no time. With that said, the control application isn't really necessary for someone who uses the throttle on an occasional basis.
I would like to point out that while the product doesn't really include a printed manual, the documentation of the Quick Start sheet doesn't take much explaining, and the software help is *very* useful. Check this picture out from the installation process. It pops up this helper window describing everything you'll need to do during the installation process. More vendors could afford to be so helpful with their installations.
The software does have its benefits though. For one thing, if you have other CH Products equipment in the house, you'll need the control manager to configure the button profiles for the toggle mode. Also, the software lets you load new button assignments and key configurations into memory without having to reprogram all your games' default key arrangements. Furthermore, if you have several different joysticks, the control manager can integrate their functions into one "virtual joystick" which can be mapped into a game where multiple controllers aren't supported.
The Control Manager application |
According to the CH Products support page and their support technicians, Control Manager doesn't support Windows 2000. Oddly enough, though, I installed it in Windows XP, and the instructions and documentation give a lot of information about using the app in Windows 2000. It also works fine in WinXP, so your mileage may vary. But don't go crying to CH Products if your software won't work in Win2K.
Speaking of Win2K users, I tested the throttle mostly in Win2K. According to CH Products, the Pro Throttle USB is supported in Win2K, but only as a normal joystick device. With this in mind, I plugged it in and started right away configuring X-Wing Alliance and Combat Flight Simulator to work with it. Both did, flawlessly. With this in mind, you Win2K users out there shouldn't have a problem at all using your new Pro Throttle USB with your favorite games. I didn't have a USB joystick to test it alongside, so I used my MS Sidewinder 3D Pro, which complemented the feel of the throttle well.
>> Conclusion
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