Logitech/Saitek Side Panel Control Deck Review + Unboxing (PLUS Hidden Button)

[@mr.j997]

I have this one combined with the Thrustmaster shifter and Logitech G29. Works flawlessly and is perfect for ETS2

[@richardbilsie9929]

I have it paired with a thrustmaster t300rs and it works perfectly. No issues yet!

[@nostalgicfeelings9838]

I use this with the logitech g29 for ATS, it's amazing!!

[@dvega69]

So my G27 will work I would assume

[@haydencookson4213]

dvega69 yes

[@charliefenton1239]

Hayden Cookson does it work on the g920 for Xbox ?

[@haydencookson4213]

Charlie Fenton 123 yes as long as it’s Xbox one

[@stevemoza9467]

Excellent, honest review. Good to know these things since I've now started to get interested in these type of games. PS. Received my Logitech G27 today nice bit of kit.

[@SimUKReviews]

+steve Moza fantastic. Thanks Steve.

[@SimUKReviews]

Hypothetically speaking; If I were in discussions with a designer and considering venturing into this type of market. Would that be of interest to you? One thing we would always maintain is a high level of build Quality, no cheap nasty rubbish. Hypothetically speaking of course.

[@garychap8384]

I'd certainly be interested. The layout of this unit looks like it would be useful for many other things, like ETS2 and possibly even FSX. The problem is the buttons make it look like a _"Fisher Price"_ toy for ages 3-6 : ( I'd have that in pieces within days, dremeling out the plastic cutouts and mounting automotive switches. But, if I were to go to that trouble, then the layout would be the next thing causing a compromise. If someone did it right... or even just a little better, I'd buy two : ) I think wheels are where it's at though... They're actually simple, and just about everyone is getting it wrong and producing ugly cheap plastic toys, with tiny wheels and a 'my first race-car' layout. My next wheel... Personally, I've been looking for a "non-racing" wheel. Imagine having proper indicator/headlight stalks, rather than paddles and buttons attached to the wheel... also, imagine a standard mount on a proper metal shaft/bearing so you can attach real world wheels - from a large old bus or tractor right down to an old classic walnut-inlaid Mercedes or a soft leather-covered BMW wheel. Talking to a friend, I learned that apparently the majority of wheels can be accommodated in a fairly generic mount, much like VESA plates can accommodate different sizes of monitor... and for the oddballs, nothing stops anyone making their own plate. Perhaps people should stop trying to make plastic wheels that try to be all things to all people ... just give a decent generic hollow-shaft system with an optoencoder, a set of stalks, and some spare screw-terminal inputs - and then let the user source their own wheels to suit their style. Want to hook up the wheels centre--horn? ... just wire it down the shaft and connect it to one of the extension input terminals ... then just let the software know what to do with it. Who needs _'real feel'_ ... when you can have _'real deal'_ ? Just made friends with guy who has a lathe, so I'll be making a wheel shaft using some bearing rings I've bought and using a cheap brass opto-encoder. I figure that a simple dirt-cheap PIC Chip or Atmel can handle everything I need. Force-Feedback or auto-centering is easy enough. Cheap rubber belt (vacuum cleaner spares probably) - over the shaft at the top, over a stepper at the bottom and with a sprung-wheel pulling from the side to keep it under tension. The Atmel knows where the wheel is and can generate outputs for the stepper, if you turn on 'autocentering' ... and if the belt wears out, it's chosen to be a standard belt you can order from anywhere (the tensioner lets you use almost any belt of the approximate size. But the killer here is that you have a real life wheel, on a proper metal shaft... so you can really make it your own, and the spare inputs give the flexibility to use high-end vehicle wheels complete with any plush rockers and buttons they might have. As for my stalks, I'll be picking these up from junkyard - they already have the switchgear for in-out, rotate, up-down or back-forth, it's just a case of building a frame to hold them ... ... and, if anyone else wants one, all the authentic gear can be ordered - new or second hand, provided I go for a very common car model. If I could get a decent wheel with a metal shaft on proper bearings - I'd happily mod it to take the beautiful auto wheel I have. Unfortunately, I've taken many wheels apart now, looking for a good candidate - and, to be brutally honest, they are ALL junk. : /

[@PatRick-go2mg]

DO you know of any other side control panels with USB for PC? because i play mainly bus simulators and would love a better quality one.

[@SimUKReviews]

There are many switches available, some with keys etc. I don't have any links but look on ebay.

[@PatRick-go2mg]

what would i search on ebay?

[@guitarheromartijn]

I bought it this Year, with steering wheel and from logitech. Out of the box the pedals didn't work had to resolder a couple of wires since they broke off. The soldering wire was shit all around so i redid everything and I am confident they won't break on me again. If the side panel buttons break down I probally use the housing to build my own controller to be honest(probally with some 3d printed parts). But beside that it is great for farming sim and even though it is over priced I still use it alot. I still don't know where the holes and groves in the back are for maybe someone here has an idea?

[@jokka83]

Thanks for the good and honest review. I bought this set with the steering wheel and pedals for OMSI. I share the same opinion as you. the steering wheel is not precise enough to get closee to curb and navigate carefully in narrow streets. There is a fairly big dead spot in the center of it. The pedals are to tiring to use for a simulator as OMSI, they also have a long travel. The console is also lacking quality, but it is also great at the same time.. I bought the bundle for about 200 pounds, and I think it's too much money for so poor quality. On the other side I think it gives some really cool immersive experiences. so it is hard to tell if it is really worth the money. Just be aware that the quality isn't up to par.

[@SimUKReviews]

I quite agree :-)

[@Willhw05]

With regards to the deadzone issues you have tweaking the setting have fixed the problem with me especially in steering saturation and steering deadzone, this does change depending on the game your playing

[@Agrilad-uh9py]

My friend has it from its new point and still works perfect

[@SimUKReviews]

Yes so does mine, you just have to be REALLY gentle and careful with it.

[@Stringbean421]

Thanks a lot Mike for passing me the link to this video. I've seen you use this device a few times now in OMSI and Fernbus so at least I know what it actually is now. Shame about the build quality issues you mention and I am a bit put-off by the way the buttons look and feel. Thanks for an open and honest review. Steam sale starts this Wednesday,..ooooh yea.

[@SimUKReviews]

+Nunsweepit421 nice!

[@EezeeListen]

Very happy to see that this unit has been made available again, but alas it is too expensive for me. I have 2 x 16 button USB "button boxes" I bought on ebay; they are a bit bulky but I have stuck them onto a portable "tv dinner table" and it's ok, but I would much prefer the Saitek. Maybe I'll win the Irish lotto!!

[@SimUKReviews]

I recall we compared their viability? I'm sure you have the better quality setup, anytime soon I could be without any side buttons.

[@EezeeListen]

It is quite sad to hear that something that is relatively expensive (for what it actually is), is not made in good quality. Makes you wonder about the rationality of the company, or do they just want a "quick buck" and then ignore the repercussions. It seems they are just cashing in on the appeal factor of having a device that accompanys FS.

[@SimUKReviews]

I does suggest a lack of Pride in their work, and also a severe lack of respect for us the consumer. What happened to the days when things were built to last?

[@cliveluty6240]

Thank you very much for your clear and Frank review. Nice one.

[@SimUKReviews]

Glad it was helpful!

[@nerdtech6464]

finally the best vid about this masterpiece

[@jamiefukofuka1155]

it would be so cool if the connect thing in the back connects to a panle that shows speed grain tank levle and other thing and different thing for different types of games

[@SimUKReviews]

Yes that would be awesome

[@dmassive]

The review is very good. Do you still have it working or did it break?

[@SimUKReviews]

Thanks. Still working and looks like new (I am very gentle with it at all times and nobody but me uses it :-)

[@dmassive]

@@SimUKReviews Great! Thanks!

[@monsi9626]

I know this video is a bit older, but I have a question and I‘d be really thankful if you could answer it: Can you use it for the bus simulator OMSI 2 and the BS18?

[@SimUKReviews]

Yes for all.

[@phillipmcpherson3309]

Did I understand you to say the side panel is compatible with ATS?

[@SimUKReviews]

Yes, works great with it

[@oBseSsIoNPC]

For the size of the thing, the buttons or switch opportunities were missed and for the $$$ - value, it's quite rubbish. Just finished putting parts together to build my own box, minus the joystick and it is like $80CAD vs $200....that just tells you how much overpriced that box is, because even a decent joystick itself is like $20. So when big manufacturers make this whole thing, it probably costs them $35 or less. What a ripoff, sadly.

[@JTGarbo]

Can this work for heavy vehicle simulators like OMSI2 and Euro Truck Simulator 2?

[@SimUKReviews]

Yes absolutely.

[@willtaylor8152]

wheres the best place to look for one of these, I had a look at CEX but by the time I had enough to buy it, they had sold out. I don't really want to pay the average 120 pounds for one on eBay but I am quickly running out of ideas.

[@SimUKReviews]

I paid 120, still have it today and love it...but you have to be really careful with it they break easily...which is prob why 2nd hand is hard to find.

[@willtaylor8152]

@@SimUKReviews Thanks, I'll bear that in mind. Sim racing/farming on a low budget is definitely a challenge.

[@SimUKReviews]

As a cheap solution I used a USB Numpad mounted to a bracket...works pretty well.

[@neilshepherd4689]

Did you get one in the end ? I got mine today from CEX £90. I absolutely love it. Fram sim and snow runner is a game changer playing with it. Next up later tonight will be ETS2. Mmmmmmm im so tempted to book a week off of work soon 😀😀😀 just so i can game

[@randybenton778]

Where is button 28? The equivalent of the "Enter" button on the Keyboard?

[@SimUKReviews]

Scrolling know is also a button...just push down....I think that's the one.

[@sinravo86]

I got this to work with the G920 on Snowrunner. the problem is the game settings is to use G920 on its own or the panel with the tractor wheel... I am trying to find a way to use them together

[@SimUKReviews]

It used to work together, but controller support is pathetic.

[@randomguydoes2901]

The price of that thing is a middle finger. As is GIANTS ethics.. you know they make you pay to host your own dedicated server :)

[@Atomic67G]

I went through 2 of the entire kit. The buttons fall inside the housing and the connection inside the wheel brakes over a short time due to poor assembly. I got tired of exchanging every few months and have a G27. I am very gentle with it and I keep things in excellent condition so it can be said I don't abuse my things. You did a great job on the review as with all your videos however :)

[@SimUKReviews]

Thank you Eustace. Terrible build quality.

[@shanemoriarty1243]

Great video, very informative, a shame that the build quality is not higher. Quick question though, is it possible to use the G27 wheel, shifter and pedals alongside the side panel? I know the wheel, pedals and panel work together but have yet to see anyone use the shifter in addition to the panel

[@SimUKReviews]

+Shane Moriarty yes indeed, I have many fernbus videos where I use all three.

[@shanemoriarty1243]

Excellent! This is great to hear. Could you possibly give me some advice on how to go about setting this up? As in how to get both systems working together? I would greatly appreciate any advice you can give me :)

[@SimUKReviews]

So simple. Just make sure both are plugged in before you start any game. Then simply bind keys as you wish.

[@shanemoriarty1243]

Sim UK thanks for that, I had heard there was more to it than that but that sounds really straightforward, thanks mate

[@SimUKReviews]

No probs

[@stephenbennett1989]

It's a real shame about the build quality but better to know now great review I've just have to convince her indoors a plastic box with loads of buttons is an essential pc buy

[@SimUKReviews]

It simply is, just ask my wife she already knows! lol

[@dennishansen7497]

hi, is it possible to have maybe 2 sidepanels together so if you are in a excavator you could use both at the same time like in real life?

[@SimUKReviews]

I think hardware-wise this wouldn't be an issue, but it would ultimately depend on the game and its ability to keep keybinds separated. I have used a G27 XB360 Sidepanel and Sidewinder in Farm sim 15, so it is certainly possible.

[@JK-xe5uy]

cool video man, looks cool but cheap at the same time, i wanna build 1 myself but im havin trouble trying to find that joystick! any idea's or links? everything else i can find online, cheers, keep up the good work

[@SimUKReviews]

Thanks. TBH I haven't seen a joystick with this functionality anywhere else!

[@CA-gc8me]

Yeah Logi is the worst, now I am having a big issue for almost a month where Logi won't provide replacement for a faulty mouse (they agree to send it, ask for address, then asking to do something with a dead mouse, then again asking for invoice, then again something else and they doing like this every few days going through same steps. UK call centre is refusing calls after 3 seconds, so basically they do not provide a warranty !!!!)

[@SimUKReviews]

That's not good.

[@BlackEagleGermany]

Kann man das Set und besonders das Side Panel auch für andere Spiele nutzen und konfigurieren? Wie konfiguriere ich das Side Panel für andere Spiele?

[@SimUKReviews]

Ja, du kannst. Sehr einfach, aber nicht ALLE Spiele.

[@laforestacristallinadimegr5372]

how do you extend the telescopic gripper arm with the Saitek panel i am d ps4 console please help me i'm going crazy thank you very much 😳😳👍?

[@SimUKReviews]

Not sure you can??

[@laforestacristallinadimegr5372]

@@SimUKReviews hello I thought about rotating the 🕹️ but it doesn't work or am I wrong thanks?

[@SimUKReviews]

Ahhhhh! I understand now lol. You might have to bind it, not all controls are bound but....do try the button on top of the joystick; blue and red are two diff. joystick inputs. :-) hope that helps?

[@laforestacristallinadimegr5372]

@@SimUKReviews to this I did not know you mean by the options adjust the AXIS Thanks?

[@SimUKReviews]

So you need to go into controls and check what is bound for the operation you want.....if not bound to anything you need to add a binding. On the side panel if the light is red that is joystick 1 and if the light is blue it is joystick 2.....Great bit of design IMHO.

[@rybozo2301]

Does this plug directly into the console?

[@SimUKReviews]

Not sure this is console compatible....unless they have updated it.

[@wilconoort1311]

What length is the wire from the unit to the pc?

[@SimUKReviews]

I would estimate 2m. But easy extended.

[@sebtjalsma]

Does it work on any wheel? Looking to get one👍

[@SimUKReviews]

Not all games, but most.

[@sebtjalsma]

@@SimUKReviews do u know if it works with thrustmaster tmx wheel

[@themeparkkieran4573]

@@sebtjalsma it is compatible with any wheel as it's a separate item that you plug into your pc not a wheel specific accessory

[@sebtjalsma]

@@themeparkkieran4573 so it doesnt work with xbox?

[@themeparkkieran4573]

@@sebtjalsma no unfortunately not currently

[@jessiemoore3094]

I wanna try it with elite dangerous lol

[@cmdrcrimbo]

Can this be used for elite dangrous? I have been on the lookout for a button box

[@SimUKReviews]

Ohhh yes

[@cmdrcrimbo]

@@SimUKReviews Cool Thanks

[@jackcouzens7618]

I've owned mine for 6 years, and it just broke. I use I constantly 🙃

[@SimUKReviews]

Oh dear. Been about 6 years for me...... Did a button push through or something else?

[@nivekkled]

Thanks

[@SimUKReviews]

You're welcome.

[@owjfabrication6822]

What is the clamp size

[@charliefenton1239]

Can you use it on Xbox one fs19

[@SimUKReviews]

Not sure, don't have one to test. But I have seen PS4 working to a point I think, so maybe google a bit?

[@kiatsumi7355]

I'd buy it, but not for that price.

[@yourmumisfit1080]

Will this work for FS19

[@fastracman6856]

Yes

[@kalmaranimations6274]

how do u steer and drive if you have that on

[@SimUKReviews]

It works in addition to my wheel and peddles...so they are both active at the same time.

[@jurgenbussche]

can i use it as a button box on race games ?

[@SimUKReviews]

Absolutely

[@ashleyel-khashab]

In the US the side panel and the steering wheel all are made out of medal

[@SimUKReviews]

W H A T !!! I am so annoyed lol

[@darrellreay]

Wait did I miss something? Where is the secret hidden button? Good review, was gonna have this beside my g29 but I'm not gonna spend my hard earned on something that's gonna break so easily and the missus ain't keen on me spending that much on a "toy" , Women will never understand. Didn't Saitek recently get bought out by Logitech?

[@SimUKReviews]

+Raging Dazzy oh I don't know about logitech? That would be very good news for the summing community if they did. I'll look into that thanks. The secret button is the on the scroll. So scroll up and scroll down plus push button. It doesn't have a number next to it on the board (mine at least) hence the hidden button. Perhaps I should have drawn a bit more attention to it. Women, just don't do they :P

[@SimUKReviews]

Just did a bit o research and you're right, Logitech G now own Saitek! That's really exciting news thank you so much for bringing that to my attention!

[@darrellreay]

Yeah no problem, I was more than happy with the news when i found out. Hopefully they can create some kind of farm sim panel / g29 hybrid and i'd be a happy bunny

[@loverichardson9954]

Raging Dazzy is it gonna break, because i haven't heard that it was bad quality (Logitech owns saitek)

[@SimUKReviews]

+Love Richardson logitech owns saitek now. When this was built it was owned by madcap and they are all about cheap nasty stuff. Mine has not broken "yet" but sooo many people have complained about buttons pushing all the way through and more. It's cheap in terms of build quality no question. That being said it works brilliantly.

[@siebedeclercq7944]

Is it good to buy or not

[@SimUKReviews]

+sdc gamer less than £120 and be very gentle with it, they are flimsy but excellent for many games. Not many better alternatives if any tbh.

[@dj_technoofficial]

have you ever played it on OMSI 2

[@SimUKReviews]

+Joshua Cumbers yes works a treat :-)

[@zenius2035]

This control can be use on ps4

[@SimUKReviews]

Yes I believe it has been done now :-)

[@Wankdorf183]

See lot of videos, and is not working on ps4

[@dawei2515]

where was the secret button

[@SimUKReviews]

The scroller (bottom left) also has a push button which was not mentioned in the original manual....not sure if they have changed that now as it has been years 🤔

[@dawei2515]

@@SimUKReviews okay makes sense but im not sure haven read the manual

[@SimUKReviews]

Just don't press any buttons too hard :-)

[@dawei2515]

@@SimUKReviewshavent had any probs with that mine is like 3 years old now and works great still

[@SimUKReviews]

Very glad to hear that...long may that continue for us both :-)

[@Lucas-ke9er]

Does it work with ps4?

[@SimUKReviews]

Possibly...Sure I saw someone who had half the buttons working, but not 100% so far as I know.

[@Lucas-ke9er]

@@SimUKReviews Ok, Thank you!

[@leesullivan8532]

shame that Madcat took over Saitek would have been a better product

[@SimUKReviews]

Well then you will be glad to hear that Logitech have taken over Saitek from Madcatz (or maybe not lol)

[@leesullivan8532]

if Logitech took over Saitek from madcatz it that be really good due to Logitech as great Quality and i do like your video and your tutorials are great keep up the good work

[@SimUKReviews]

+Lee Sullivan thank you.

[@AdurianJ]

I use this for DCS

[@SimUKReviews]

Me too!

[@willgarland5223]

Can you use it on an Xbox one

[@SimUKReviews]

I doubt it TBH, but I don't have one to test.

[@tasactiveplays76]

You stated that the build quality was shocking and the buttons were buttons. Shocking. Absolutely shocking. Then you went on to say its worth a buy

[@SimUKReviews]

Just because the buttons are shocking, it doesn't detract from how good a device it is (I just wish it was built better) I wouldn't be without mine, but you do really have to look after it.

[@tasactiveplays76]

@@SimUKReviews fair enough mate, i am getting one for my birthday and was looking for a review. Which one was the hidden button?

[@SimUKReviews]

You will love it (just put it away when young kids or careless/heavy handed adults are about). The scroll wheel bottom left has a button too, early information didn't highlight that it was a button, by now they must have included it in the spec sheets?? Who knows, maybe not lol

[@tasactiveplays76]

@@SimUKReviews cheers for the advice. Do you have a discord server? You should get one

[@SimUKReviews]

Thanks, no I tried a few time but just WAYYYYYY to busy to be able to manage it :-)

[@nathanielharnarain4995]

Do it work whit ps4?

[@SimUKReviews]

No I don't think so.

[@117johnpar]

I didnt know this thing existed. I want it. But also dont. This is unfathomably bad build quality and material quality even for Logi, thats saying something. If you showed me this I'd assume it was a Fischer Price product. And its overpriced even for if it were made of their normal material quality. Abysmal!

[@SimUKReviews]

I still have mine, requires a bit of tlc and keep away from children and heavy handed types

[@EA-58]

Mine broke after a few weeks using it normally with FS17.

[@SimUKReviews]

Bugger! I do feel for you, I have to treat mine like warm chocolate. My hope is that Logitech will introduce some much needed quality to these products soon. I hope you got a refund?

[@EA-58]

No refund as usual :-(

[@SimUKReviews]

+Erwin 1965 I'm sorry to hear that Erwin.

[@rinkerchris2474]

i need it I NEED IT

[@SimUKReviews]

I've been very happy with mine, but just look after it real gently like.

[@GroupProjectsHQ]

its bad....no its good... make your mind up lol

[@SimUKReviews]

Device functionality good. Build quality bad Overall looks good Compatability good Price bad 😆

[@GroupProjectsHQ]

@@SimUKReviews fair play, nice of you to reply

[@shanepeden509]

Does it work on xbox one

[@SimUKReviews]

Erm....don't have one. But .... may..be..?????

[@samferd9134]

Yes it does :)