Saitek PZ45 Three Lever Pro Throttle Quadrant

I'm a long-time fan of Microsoft Flight Simulator. I "fly" with the joystick in my left hand so that I can use the mouse with my right hand to click switches and look around the virtual cockpit. This makes using the joystick's throttle cumbersome, so I decided to get an add-on throttle. The Saitek Throttle Quadrant fit the bill perfectly.

Let me say up front that I was initially a bit leery about purchasing this unit because of reports of "phantom keystrokes," but I'm happy to say I've been using it for several days with no problems whatsoever.

There is an included software disc but I would recommend not using it as it might be the cause of the problems some people have been having. I did not use it, nor did I need to--I simply plugged the unit into a USB port and Windows XP recognized it immediately. It showed up in the Game Controllers control panel and was configurable in Flight Simulator without the need for extra drivers or configuration software.

Note: If you're using this with Flight Simulator, in the Flight Simulator Settings > Controls > Calibration screen select the Saitek Throttle Quadrant as the Controller Type, then select Simple Controls and set the Sensitivity to maximum and the Null Zones to minimum. If you don't do this you won't get the full range of control from the levers. You can set each controller individually, so doing this won't affect your joystick or yoke if you're using one.

The included desk clamp mounts to either the bottom or back of the unit, giving you a couple of different options as to the position of the unit in relation to your desk. I found the desk clamp to be secure and foolproof.

Functionally this unit is exactly what I wanted. The levers are the perfect size, move smoothly, and have a long range of motion. This gives you much better precision than a standard joystick throttle wheel. At the minimum setting you can feel a little indent in the control; if you move it below that you trigger a joystick button. This is handy for functions like reverse thrust or brakes. Additionally, there are three rocker switches on the bottom of the unit, perfect for controlling things like flaps and elevator trim.

The handles on the levers are colored and shaped just like real general aviation power controls. The handles are interchangeable, and Saitek thoughtfully included extra handles to allow you to reconfigure the look of the unit for things like multi-engine aircraft. I've read that you can use more than one of these units at a time, and the ability to reconfigure the handles can come in handy in more complex setups.

I have only one complaint about this unit, and that is that the USB chord is a little short at only about 4 feet. If you're using this unit in conjunction with Saitek's flight yoke (which has a USB port in it) the short chord is actually a good thing, but if you're using the unit as a stand-alone like I am you may need a USB extension chord. Not a big deal, just something to be aware off.

All in all this unit exceeded my expectations. There's nothing like flying a tricky approach and having a real throttle controller to make precise power adjustments. I have no "phantom key press" problems, and if you purchase this unit I would recommend bypassing the included software CD as that might be the source of problems some people are having. No problems for me, and I'm really happy.

I had previous bought the Saitek Pro Flight Yoke system and was very impressed with the construction, much better than the CH yoke I have been using. So, I bought the Saitek Throttle Quadrant to add to it to give me multi-engine capability.

I mount it next to the other Throttle Quadrant and plugged it into one of the 3 spare USB ports on the yoke. MY system and FS9 saw it right away. It came with a bag of colored knobs for easy reconfiguration. I tested all the buttons with no problems.

Note: I did not load the software. I have tried this with the Yoke and FS9 would crash. I removed it, and they work fine without it.

I have taken many flights and used the Throttle Quadrant for several hours now without a single problem. Thanks Saitek for a solid product.

Also, This product was available thru ANTONLINE who were great in processing and shipping my order. Received my order in 4 days.

Setup was fairly easy. I was not told that there are 3 switches associated with the X/Y/Z axis, as they pass Zero. It is a nice touch. I have the throttle engage the brake, the Prop engages the reverse thrust, and so on. Just my choices. So there are actually three axis sliders and 9 switches.

Install the drivers bur do not install the setup software, use the FS-9 or FS-X controls setup. It was all auto selectable.

I installed mine in Flight Simulator-X and the mounting is adjustable and much better than the CH product. The levers simulate the real thing better, too. Well built and solid. Thanks Saitek.

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