by Leonard "Viking1" Hjalmarson

  Thrustmaster is always near the front of the pack with new control technologies. True, Microsoft was the first to release a digital control joystick, but trust the Thrust bunch to take it the next step.

TM is best known for their fully programmable gear. The F22 Pro is so flexible that it is a bit daunting to learn to use. But for the pilot who wants maximum programming power with the feel of the real thing, nothing else compares. Paired with the TQS throttle , it's the nearest thing to HOTAS HEAVEN.

TMs latest entry in stick stuff is called the Millennium 3d Inceptor. This stick is actually based on the design used in the Space Shuttle. Yes, Virginia, TM supplies NASA with the controllers used in the actual on site Shuttle simulator. OK, so let's talk Millennium technology.

First, the optical technology employed in the Millennium does away with the problem ridden potentiometers that gave TM so much heartache in the F22. Okay, Microsoft saw that benefit years ago. But in the Millennium TM has used a grayscale wheel to read the infrared light input instead of the typical wheel with holes in it that is used to detect motion. As a result, TM achieves the best of both worlds: analog precision, digital design. No more jumpy readings such as appear on the interrupter wheel sticks like that of Microsoft.

Not content to merely improve on the accuracy of the device, however, TM has also enabled this new stick to connect to a standard game port! Yes, these guys have found a way to send serial information through your Soundblaster. Ok, yes, you are better off with a TM or CH dedicated game card, but I connected the Millenium to my AWE64 and the ride has been silky smooth.

Now, if you liked the Microsoft twist action design, you won't be disappointed here. The Millennium allows the same twist action for that yaw force, which will be used as a rudder when you set up the stick for a sim like Flying Corps. I admit it's a stretch at first, but after half an hour in Flying Corps I was making all the same moves I had previously been making with my SUNCOM Eagle and CH Pro combo. No sweat!

Naturally, the Millennium is fully programmable. Here too TM has made a natural evolution away from the complex software of the F22 and FLCS sticks. In this new stick you can program on the fly. FINALLY! It was CH who pioneered this simplicity, and it's great to see it come to Thrustmaster. Yes, there are pros and cons to this, but for a single stick solution it's a natural. Installation was simple and the stick was recognized as soon as the Thrustmapper software spooled up.

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Now let's talk about the feel of the stick and its actual use. Compared to other sticks the Millennium functions in a unique way. To pull the nose of your aircraft or advanced amazing spaceship thing up you TILT the stick more than pivot it forward. See, the stick is hinged in the middle, not at the base. Now if you are flying merrily along and want to use rudder action at the same time as you drop your right wing, you will lean the stick right in the conventional way and twist at the same time, while patting your head with your right hand... (VBG) Ok, I jest!

Seriously, it takes a bit of getting used to but once you've been at it a bit, its quite effortless. In Flying Corps, where I don't need the Bazillion commands that I use in F22: ADF, it was a natural. And my kids instantly LOVED it!

As above, you can program the stick, and there are six buttons, three of which are on the base and three more on the head. The head of the stick mounts the traditional four way hat-switch and pickle button, plus a third on the top right. The mandatory throttle slider is on the base of the unit.

Now, I've only spent just over an hour with the stick personally, but I'm almost afraid to put more time into it! I love my dual stick rigs and am looking forward to the SUNCOM split throttle, but there is something about this damned Millennium. It just feels good. The unit is quite heavy, which I like. But it also has a precision in response that I haven't experienced before. Yeah, it's probably the digital technology.

If Thrustmaster takes this same technology and builds a new F22 Pro, I will be arguing with my wife about ANOTHER new stick. Its about time we F22 Pro lovers go digital anyway, and with USB calling to us like the Sirens of old, it seems inevitable.

That's all to the good. On the downside, programmability is somewhat limited and its unfortunate that the hat is so flat, making using it a bit more touchy than the hats on other sticks. Then again, when Thrustmasters new Attack Throttle is released it will expand the programmability by more than 100% AND give you a complete digital HOTAS for about $120 US.

Suggested retail for this unit is $69, but you can pick it up as low as $44.

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