Saitek P8000 Command Pad

P8000 Command Pad (PC Dash 2)

Manufacturer: Saitek

Price: $49.95 (US)

Review date: 4-6-01

The original PC Dash from Saitek was a pretty cool addition to HOTAS setups of their day. It used a keyboard pass-through connection to allow the PC Dash to serve as a "control center" of sorts. Flight sim enthusiasts loved the original PC Dash because complex actions could be controlled on the neat looking dash instead of the clunky old keyboard. Although you still needed to remember what each button did it was easier to use and drove you deeper into the realism of the sim. As computer designs changed and the power output of the keyboard connection changed users found they PC Dash didn't always get along with their newer systems.

To roll with progress, Saitek announced a while back that they would be releasing the next generation of the PC Dash changing the interface to USB. Then in an unexplained decision, they made it known the PC Dash 2 would not be marketed to the US. Cries, complaints and begging helped overturn this decision and the PC Dash 2 (AKA the P8000) is now available to the US.

Features:

• 8 way hat switch
• 35 Programmable buttons
• Shift and fire buttons
• Stow-away legs allowing use over top of existing keyboard
• Cover access to place layout templates over buttons
• USB connection

Box Contents:

• P8000 Command Pad
• Users manual
• Driver CD (with demo software for creating custom button overlay graphics)
• Tech support and Warrantee cards

System Requirements:

Windows 98 or ME operating system, at least a Pentium 166MHz system with 32MB RAM, DirectX 7.0 or higher (included on CD), Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.x or higher (included on CD), USB port.

Installation and Setup:

The Saitek setup process is easy but there are a few steps that you must follow to be successful. The people at Saitek assume that the user like those of generations before them will not read the instructions before trying to plug it in. The USB connection that tempts you to believe "plug-and-play" is the instruction is clearly marked with a tag warning you of the following: Important Notice: You must install the software from the Saitek CD on to your computer before attaching this controller. If you do not heed the warning you will need to use the NukeUSB utility included on the CD before trying again (The instructions for the NukeUSB utility are in the manual but if you get to the point where you need it you prove you cannot follow instructions...).

Install the Saitek Gaming Extensions (SGE) setup software first as the tag directs you to. It auto-plays and walks you through the entire process. Be prepared to feed your CD drive the Windows CD if asked and to restart the system once the process is complete.. Also be sure to check the Saitek site for a newer version of the SGE software. The unit I received contained the "almost" latest version but a patch was available on the Saitek site for download. I downloaded and installed the 7.33 MB file, installed and used it.

After the installation and restart the SGE setup utility takes over and gives you instructions for connecting the controller. It should detect the device and activate the proper driver. The setup utility then opens a test window so you can try the buttons and hat switch of the controller. Once this process is complete it sets up the basic function of the Dash prompting you for the URLs of your favorite websites. It also offers to use the driver CD or the web to load the latest profiles for games it finds on your system; this step can take a while to scan your drive(s) for compatible games. A list will be displayed and you can select which profiles will be installed.

New residents on your system desktop include the small SGE icon in the system tray, an SGE desktop shortcut and a SGE icon in the Control Panel. Both the desktop icon and the Control Panel shortcut bring you to the SGE interface shown below. The interface is where you can select, view and modify specific SGE profiles for the P8000. The interface is familiar, using the improved system explorer layout with a menu bar to the right and a graphical representation of the PC Dash 2 in the primary window. The 3D graphic of the Dash can be rotated, zoomed upon and used in real time. By clicking any of the buttons or other active surfaces of the image the current SGE program action assigned to it will be displayed in the lower window. The actions can be simple short duration presses, holds are specific duration sequences of key presses. You should consult the gold old help files for instructions on how to setup exactly what you want to do.

Once you have created the ultimate profile you can save, export for sharing and print the setup for reference. I did not find a way to print overlay templates directly from the interface. This would be a great addition to future software updates.

The P8000 Mounted over top of the keyboard.

(Click image for larger view)

The P8000 default key cover template.

(Click image for larger view)

The SGE software menu.

(Click image for larger view)

Performance:

The P8000 is a useful tool for the right job. No-one will claim it to be the ultimate independent controller although you can set it this way if you desire. The d-pad or hat switch can function as the primary control surface and is backed by the 2 trigger buttons and the 35 pad buttons. I created a Quake 3 profile using nothing but the Dash. Yes, it worked but was not an efficient mean of control.

Where the PC Dash 2 really shines is when it is paired with other controllers. For most of the testing I used the Dash with the Logitech WingMan Strike Force 3D Joystick and occasionally added the CH Products USB Pro Pedals for a bit more of a workout. A few things need to be in place for this elaborate setup to work. You need USB ports- in my case I was using 3 ports thanks to a hub I have installed on my system. The other thing you will probably need is game/sim support for multiple controllers. Although the PC Dash operates as a background device you will probably need to be sure the game/sim has multiple controller functionality for optimal compatibility. I had no issue at all with sims like MS FlightSim 2000 and Fly! 2K. The profiles and in game setups I used for both of these flight sims were near identical in function. This reduced the learning curve and allowed me to easily switch between the games without having to learn a new set of button functions.

I am working on a Paint Shop Pro overlay for my flight sim configuration on the PC Dash 2. I used the default key cover template and penciled in the assigned actions until I came up with what I believe is the best layout for the pad. The pad is used for navigation, communication and lesser used but important functions of the sims (engine starts, light controls, etc.). The pad was laid over the keyboard to conserve desktop space. Everything worked quite well but I had one simple disappointment. There is no way to stand the P8000 up in a vertical position next to your monitor. From the day I knew I was receiving one of these cool dashes I envisioned in standing up next to my monitor with a snazzy interface template inserted into it making it look like a dash of a plane. I am sure I can (and will) come up with something to make this possible but you can't do it out of the box.

Overall performance is great. With or without a insert installed over the buttons they respond well. You need not worry about pressing the button "just so" like on some bubble button devices. The dash is decent in size but not overbearing. It fits over top most standard keyboards to maximize desktop usage but lacks other mounting options. The performance adds to the function of other controllers- this really is not a stand alone device although if you stretch its function and your imagination you can use it alone.

Overall:

The P8000 is a welcomed addition to flight gear setups. I am glad it was decided to be released in the US and I am sure many flight simmers agree with me. Without a doubt it will add to the control level and realism factor for most users. The pad is well designed, easy to setup and use and has sleek looks. I had hoped it would be vertically mountable but it is not an option.

Still, the P8000 is a fine device. The Control Center recommends it!

Pros:

• Versatile
• Over 35 control actions
• Easy USB connection

Cons:

• No vertical stand or mounting
• Very few (if any) graphical templates available