Thrustmaster TCA Quadrant Airbus Edition

My personal review of the new Thrustmaster TCA Quadrant Airbus Edition
Tips and Instructions are only to be used for the Flight Simulator on your PC! It should go without saying that I am only flying a PC Simulator, not a real aircraft. My videos therefore are not intended as professional instruction! And my videos do not show SOP ( Standard Operating Procedure) of any distinct airline.
Please leave a thumbs up if you liked the video. Cheers!
Twitch - / blackbox711
Follow me on Twitter - / blackbox711
PC Specs:
- Intel i9-9900K OC @ 4.80 GHz
- MB Asus Maximus XI Hero
- Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080Ti
- 32 GB Corsair Vengeance DDR4-3200
- 27" Acer Predator XB271HK Monitor with G-Sync
- Logitech K120 Keyboard
- Zowie FK1 Mouse
- Thrustmaster Warthog Stick, Throttle and TM Rudder Pedals
Software addons in Prepar3D
- FSLabs A320-X
- P3D PMDG B737 & B777 and B747
- Tfdi B717
- Majestics Q400
- REX Skyforce for Cloud, Sun, Moon Texturing
- PTA to adjust Shaders
- Aktive Sky 16 Weather
- Chaseplane for in game view changes
- Navigation Charts provided by NAVIGRAPH (www.navigraph.com)
Software addons in XP11
- FF A320
- IXEG 737
- Rotate MD80
- FlyJSim B737-200 and B727
- X-Enviro for Cloud Textures, Shaders and Weather
- X-Camera for in game view changes

[@g7usl]

Thank you Blacky for the review. Always great to watch ALL your video's and this one, although short didn't disappoint.

[@davey6693]

Wish all reviews were as simple and clean as this. Straight to the point but all important details covered. Thanks BB.

[@g7usl]

All Blacky's video's are great and he has a knack, of making it sound so good.

[@BobbyFuzzy]

Great video. Clear, well explained, honest opinions, no fluff.

[@davidhood2200]

Just got my shipping confirmation today for the officer’s pack! Can’t wait to try it out with the FSLabs airbus!

[@p4tg4m1ng6]

Finally nice review.

[@noel12397]

Great review. I'll see if I buy it though.

[@RainMakeR_Workshop]

As far as I can tell, this is the ONLY hotas setup that can work for lefties! There are a decent number of Ambidextrous stick options and a few leftie sticks. But this is the FIRST throttle that I've ever seen that can work in a southpaw setup.

[@ShadowBeta]

In real life it doesn’t matter if u are left handed or nor, u just fly, it makes no difference

[@757Spy]

Thank you for the great preview ... the spy throttle may ship later today !!!

[@paultjuh86]

Does that mean more a350 videos? Keen for that, your previous cold start video was fantastic for learning this complicated aircraft.

[@dantesquassi4116]

Thx so much, rlly helped

[@albinnilsson711]

can i use this airbus thrustmaster and the joystick togheter with diffrent rudder pedals?

[@andylie7699]

i have got the quadrant and joystick. what i cant figure out is how to control 4 engine throttles at once for example with the boeing 747. is it possible to program this with just one quadrant or do i have to get a second quadrant to control 4 engines?

[@ravindrashetty4530]

It looks nice

[@PedroPilotx]

How I configure on FSLabs?

[@fs-ikarus3539]

Is it known, if this interesting feature is working properly as well with the combination FSX and Aerosoft-Airbus?

[@ZiptiesSimulations]

If only there was a place to buy one...

[@vaporcloudz9960]

eBay my friend just a $100 or more than the actual price or you can wait until late FEB 2021 thats when all the backorders are going to be dealt with

[@mikeyoung9810]

@@vaporcloudz9960 It's a shame that resellers buy up all the product and greed it back to the public for 1/3 more.

[@Topcat1952]

Just got mine at Amazon for $99 each. Got them in 3 days from order.

[@Topcat1952]

@Javiator Sounds like the screw-up fairy was busy on your order. I had not pre-ordered at all. I was just looking around on Amazon and saw them listed and it stock so I just ordered on the spot. They were in California (I am in PA) but were here in 3 days via USPS. Go figure!

[@PorPor.T]

which setting do you use for the numbers on fsl?

[@NicolasB2000]

Great video, could you share your settings for xplane, as I didn’t get the thrust reversers to work properly. Thanks in advance 😊

[@Blackbox711]

Hi. I will try to post a video this weekend on the setting.

[@Quotenwagnerianer]

The reason why the manual throttle range is so small is because Thrustmaster put the CLB detend in the wrong position on the quadrant. It should be someplace around the 2/3 mark but they put it on the half mark. This increases the distance between the FLX and the CLB detend and reduces the manual throttle range.

[@Blackbox711]

Yep, that is also true

[@aquamich129]

Considering the form factor, it is difficult for all of us using a monstertech clamp, to have a longer range on a compact device. There is a compromise on the range to enable the detents which is the positive outcome here. What is intersting with their approach is the piece of hardware enabling the detents. you can 3D print different version!

[@socatatb2188]

Hello, congratulations, very good tutorial, but ..... any manual on how to configure it for p3d v4? Thanks

[@neokles1]

Thank you for the review. Are the A/T disconnect buttons working?

[@Blackbox711]

Yes they do

[@AlsinaGaming]

Hey boss great review but quick question how did you get FSX to register The Throttle quadrant. i havnt been able to.

[@Blackbox711]

Hi. I only tested it in Prepar3d and XP11

[@oswaldomendoza7017]

Great review. Is the short manual thrust range a deal breaker? I wouldn't like to have to keep micromanaging the throttle... otherwise i would stay with what the thrustmaster a320 joystick brings

[@Blackbox711]

The smaller proportion of these Thrustlevers are something you need to get used to. Personally I prefer the Thrustmaster Warthog levers which I can use with a large variety of aircraft addons and are much better when it comes to thrust management.

[@mikeyoung9810]

It would seem there is a large market for realistic controls for all kinds of aircraft.

[@leenicholl4224]

How did you setup the engine masters and engine mode selector? Also love the vids!

[@Blackbox711]

Thank you. Which simulator? There are different ways for setting things up

[@leenicholl4224]

@@Blackbox711 Currently I am using P3D V4.5 Hotfix 2 with FSUIPC if that helps? Thank you for your help!

[@leenicholl4224]

@@Blackbox711 is there any way to do this in Hotfix 2?

[@armsv8432]

please! I got it a few days ago and I can´t figure out how to set up the reversers! In Xplane and on FS2020 it doesn´t seem to work properly...

[@Blackbox711]

MSFS was not compatible at the time I made this video. XP11 should work. I will try to post a short video this weekend about the settings.

[@Frankestein01nl]

Hahaha, nice explanation, i was wondering when they'd release the 1:1 version. but the tableclamp-fitment makes sence.

[@Blackbox711]

Yes, this product is aimed at a certain group of flightsim enthusiasts. Those looking for a 1:1 replica of the real thing will be disappointed.

[@mathza552]

1:1 would be skalarki?

[@coffeebreakhero3743]

Is this good for generic space sim use? I want to buy a hotas, and it's the only one available at a nearby shop the only joystick they have is logitech extreme 3d I'm a newbie

[@Blackbox711]

Hi. No, this product is specifically for the A320 aircraft addons. It will probably work for space sim use, but for that there are cheaper peripherals.

[@g7usl]

Hi BB, what rudder pedals are you using please and what would you recommend, please?

[@Blackbox711]

Hi. I am using the MFG Crosswind pedals for over 2 years now and am very happy with them.

[@RoDuSu]

Question unrelated to the throttle quadrant, what airport are you landing at in this video? :)

[@Blackbox711]

Hey Robert. It is Salzburg/LOWS

[@swiss1887]

Hello BB Thanks for the video. Mine came on Friday. Can you please say or show how and where you have set the buttons and switches in FSLabs? Many Thanks!

[@g7usl]

I would think he uses FSUIPC for that.

[@koenmeier8553]

fslabs has preset all the buttons for you.

[@Blackbox711]

When starting P3D and the TCA Quadrant plugged in, there should be a popup-window asking if you want the FSLabs to automatically setup the buttons and axis. You can check this in the Addons-Menu under FSLabs Commands iirc.

[@swiss1887]

@@Blackbox711 Hey BB After installing the latest update, I was able to set up both devices as described. Thank you for your support! Greetings from Switzerland

[@filippodesantis6387]

Does it work on the xplane A320 flight factor for Mac? Thanks!

[@Blackbox711]

Hi. I don’t have a MAC unfortunately, so I can’t test that. Please put that question directly to Thrustmaster. Happy Landings

[@arandomhivenoob2030]

Heyy I’m considering to buy this but can we like add another throttle quadrant to have like a a340 throttle?

[@Blackbox711]

Yes, there is that option 👍🏼

[@arandomhivenoob2030]

@@Blackbox711 oh ok thanks have a nice day:)

[@christ3193]

Hi, great Video. Do you know if it works with FSX and Aerosoft A320 Add-On? Do I have to configure something with FSLab? Thanks

[@Blackbox711]

Hi Chris. The FSLabs will recognize the TCA quadrant and ask you if it should configure it for you. If you are FSUIPC for your joystick settings and deactivated controller in P3D itself, you will need to activate them again there and delete all dual button and joystick mappings there.

[@Blackbox711]

I don’t own FSX or Aerosoft A320, so can’t give you any infos on that.

[@marekpaul6110]

As all HOTAS products are out of stock in in the UK ....

[@schillaci5590]

I have a nasty feeling that when it's on sale again, the price will be at least 50% higher. I'm predicting double. This has been an exercise in gauging demand.

[@user-oy2bz5wm2b]

On the way!!!

[@SIMRIG412]

Lol did it even come

[@airgabso]

sorry I take this opportunity to ask how to assign the commands for the mode selector and start engine, perhaps from FSUIPC? (P3D) thanks

[@Blackbox711]

The FSLabs will set them for you. You need to make sure you have the controllers activated under P3D even when using FSUIPC for configuration. Just make sure the flight joystick control axis and buttons are deleted in P3D settings when using FSUIPC.

[@airgabso]

ok thanks, but i needed to know how to do it step by step thank you so much

[@FBWFTW]

Blackbox-what is the FSUIPC workaround? Is that on the FSL forums?? I have my entire FSL system setup thru FSUIPC

[@koenmeier8553]

there are some threads on the fslabs forum on fsuipc and the new throttle set

[@Blackbox711]

There are a few things to address when using FSUIPC as a means to set up axis for your peripherals. One important thing is to make sure you are using Direct Input in the P3D settings, and also you need to have Use Controllers activated in P3D. Lastly you need to make sure you deactivate all axis and buttons for your peripherials in P3D. Otherwise there will be a signal interference.

[@FBWFTW]

@@Blackbox711 I have that setup like that now. I don’t disable controllers in P3D-I merely delete all assignments for axes and buttons except for like the fslabs menu (Takeover PB)

[@nicolaslandolt]

Thanks for the review. I got the whole package and am quite happy with it. I have a little question about the FSLabs A320: Whenever i fly an ILS approach its using CATIII by default, until disconnecting the autopilot. Is there any chance to fly the CAT I ILS-Approach (I guess this should be the standard with good visibility?) Thanks in advance:)

[@Alex_is_flying_sims]

Hello, the ILS Approach procedure remain an ILS approach procedure, depending of your airline (SOPs) you will have to do additional actions to confirm your current approach category. CAT III minimums are generaly used to perform an ILS approach in LVP condition (low visibility procedure), you will have to choose, as Pilot in command/Pilot, flying the category you are going to fly regarding several conditions: weather, MDA limitations, aircraft technical status, MEL (minimum equipement list), airline limitations (SOP), performances (weights)... You airbus will always be CAT III capable (well, your airbus fslab version, sometime, airlines in real world don't have CAT III equiped for operational and economic reasons). But an ILS can be only CAT I for exemple, not necessary CAT II and CAT III. The difference between those, is the Decision Height (DH) or Minimum Decision Altitude (MDA) written in your IFR charts. So if weather is good, aicraft is fine, crew is okay and no specials, you will always take the most restrictive minimum aligned with all current conditions in your calculations. Exemple: in Amsterdam (EHAM) tonight, we had metar like this: 22010KT 6000 FEW020CB 10/09 Q1000 TEMPO -SHRA we took CAT I ILS 18R because even if the weather is not good, CAT I is still aligned to those weather minimums requirements in Amsterdam. But If I was on an airport saying that CAT I decision altitude is at 2500ft (example) it won't be possible for me to use it with this metar, I will divert or look for CAT II or III minimums in the charts (sometime even checking an other runway, because not all runway are equiped with the same CAT limitations). I am not working for Blackbox, but as your question was pertinent, I hope I answer you, don't hesitate if you have any questions. Maybe someone will even add to this or correct it! I have a youtube channel but this is mainly in french, sooooo you will maybe not get all of it! :D Cheers! Alex

[@sotul6777]

the CAT III ("Single" if you have one autopilot activated) shows the capability of the aircraft. If you have any failures this capabilty could decrease. So if your`re entering a CAT I Minima on the performance approach phase you are flying a CAT I approach although the aircraft has the capabilty to fly up to CAT III (always provided the ILS installation at the airport itself is CAT III)

[@nicolaslandolt]

@@sotul6777 Thanks for the answer! If i got you right, the message on the PFD only shows the highest possible standard with the current configuration of the aircraft? So the CAT III Popup on the PFD doesnt mean i am flying a CAT III approach, but it shows me, that it would be possible?

[@nicolaslandolt]

@@Alex_is_flying_sims Hi thank you very much for your detailed answer. My actual question was, why the FSLabs Airbus always shows CAT III, even though i entered the CAT I minima and the weather was good enough, to fly a CAT I approach. Nevertheless i learned a lot from your comment, thanks a lot!

[@Blackbox711]

Correct. It shows the aircraft maximum landing category. So with an engine failure it will only show CAT 3 Single even though you have both autopilots engaged. That has to do with the fact that you only have one engine driven electric generator left.

[@lollojahn]

Do you have Problems with asymatric thrustlevers?

[@FrankfurtAvgeek]

Updating the drivers/firmware should solve the problem

[@danieltaylor7385]

Can you use this for Boeing aircraft as well?

[@Blackbox711]

You can, however not very ergonomic in my opinion

[@tiagofelix8998]

Is it works in fsx or p3d with airbus from aerosoft too?

[@Blackbox711]

Please check that with the official Thrustmaster website. There you can find all infos on which simulators work. I only tried P3D and XP11 with the mentioned addons.

[@tiagofelix8998]

@@Blackbox711 I bought it today, I'm going to see it tomorrow if it works or not with fsx or p3d and report to you 😉

[@emilianovazquez2954]

@@tiagofelix8998 pending your answer if it works in fsx and aerosoft ....

[@saiffalata9511]

where can i buy microsoft flight simulator 2020 & x-plane

[@simsandsurgery1]

Steam. They are both kinda expensive though so I might recommend buying one before the other if you’ve never had a flight simulator.

[@Bren39]

Seems small.. Is this one to one scale with real life unit? Mainly the levers.

[@Blackbox711]

Hi. No, definitely smaller compared to the real ones.

[@pavelkostrov1617]

Thanks for the video. I still cant buy joystick cause its out of stock. 🤨

[@freexze8422]

Is this competible with extream 3d pro joystick?

[@Blackbox711]

I don’t see why not. They are two seperate hardware parts.

[@freexze8422]

@@Blackbox711 oh okey

[@RTMZ06]

I pre ordered this on July 30th... still waiting and also very disappointed that it isn't FS2020 ready out of the box.

[@CreeplexHD]

The fifth patch fixed that problem, now it is plug and play

[@SIMRIG412]

@@CreeplexHD still junk and unable to buy it anyway because trashmaster sucks

[@CreeplexHD]

@@SIMRIG412 Have you tried it?

[@Avantime]

It's annoying that they don't have the full range available with the throttle & speedbrakes/flaps. And there's no desk clamp without buying the flying clamp, which isn't available in my country.

[@Blackbox711]

Sorry to hear that

[@simonlepilot6465]

Yes this is an awesome Product.. but would have been better if Thrustmaster had illuminated the Quadrant like on the real Airbus.. but its a great start. Hopefully future products may illuminate.

[@Blackbox711]

Hi Simon. That is an important feedback for Thrustmaster.

[@JoE-68-]

what scenery do you use?

[@Blackbox711]

Digital Design Salzburg

[@pepesiller2487]

Where you buy this trust master?

[@Blackbox711]

I got sent a free copy for testing. I know at the moment it is sold out in most countries.

[@SIMRIG412]

More like trashmaster

[@heksazgon]

One question, is it 1:1 To The real one? Or A bit smaller?

[@Blackbox711]

It is a lot smaller

[@heksazgon]

@@Blackbox711 thanks

[@Datttsnake]

Can you adjust where the Detent Starts?

[@Blackbox711]

Hi. In what addon? In the FSlabs and Toliss you can.

[@Datttsnake]

@@Blackbox711 No i mean in the throttle itself, can you adjust where the detent is instead of it being at the notch above reverse can you move it to where you want it physically in the unit itself. Thanks :)

[@Blackbox711]

Sorry, that is not possible since the detents are mechanically linked to the notch markings on the thrustlevers

[@real_pl]

In msfs does it work on all planes?

[@Blackbox711]

That I can’t say since I only tried it with the A320. But since it uses simple axis and button controls I would assume that you program it to work with other aircraft as well.

[@real_pl]

@@Blackbox711 thanks a lot :)

[@CaptainSazzman]

MSFS 2020 has been updated and is compatible with the TCA

[@Blackbox711]

Thank you for the info

[@MTRNord]

If only amazon and thrustmaster didn't f* up the delivery. Still waiting even though I preordered

[@Blackbox711]

Hope you get it soon

[@system1542]

Pre-ordered mine 2 months ago on Amazon UK, trustmaster canceled it after postponing it twice. Hope your able to get yours.

[@alexkapinga2024]

Same

[@AGMTB.]

Me too. On the day of delivery nearly 2 months after preordering, its suddenly said "delivery date pending" i was beyond pissed when I saw that 😤

[@flightsimming3456]

@@system1542 same bro

[@studentonly1127]

What price?

[@Blackbox711]

In Germany 99€

[@ravindrashetty4530]

What is the cost ?

[@Blackbox711]

In Europe it is around 99€

[@nikofpv]

Cute.. but I'll stick to my VPC Mongoost-50cm2 ^^

[@Blackbox711]

How much is the VPC Mongoost?

[@PassportBrosBusinessClass]

Very cool if you just want to play MICROSOFT FLIGHT SIMULATOR. But I prefer my Logitech X56 + G Pedals because I love DCS WORLD

[@JFLJKD]

all you need is actually just patience + cad knowledge + 3d printer + time

[@Blackbox711]

patience is something I am really lacking

[@YeetusMcfeetus]

my end of year goal: get this and a better pc😂

[@ravindrashetty4530]

Do you ship this to India ?

[@Blackbox711]

Hi. I am not working for Thrustmaster so I don’t know if they ship to India. Maybe try a local vendor to see if they can send you one?

[@fabivlk1927]

That is Salzburg Airport, I live in Salzburg😂

[@user-id4di2sy7r]

Почему нет воздушного тормоза и закрылок?

[@Blackbox711]

Please post your question in English

[@Malloriak]

@@Blackbox711 He just said why no flaps and spoilers level presented.

[@yorkshirepud6676]

Am thinking mmmmm ,mmmmmm could I live with it but 100% would be to take out those verrrrry nasty silver switches for metal one`s then I would cut tin and glue it to the sides paint it black it`s good in fuction but a bit tight in parts shame (change colour to black metal switches) if your reading this make an alli one just to see if it sells with the updates above!

[@jbarry39]

Nice...too bad it you can't buy it anywhere!

[@Izmael1310]

Thank you for this review. It feels to me it is very cheap plastic used for the knobs. There are literally like 3 switches and they just used some cheap plastic. I also expected the eng switches are going to have some "click" sound and I heard nothing. Very disappointed. Also for some reason it feels very small basically like a toy like a most of the steering wheels on the market which are much smaller than real steering wheel.

[@ezy6045]

I hope thrustmaster do a tiller

[@ogaduby]

its a shame you didn't mention how engine master switches are actually low quality - really don't understand why?!?!. 1:52 on your video you can even see how switch tops are loose. Shame there is no higher-quality version of the gadget, something aluminum maybe...

[@nshon7]

4:55 No support for MSFS2020 yet? What an oversight!

[@Blackbox711]

Well, who is to blame?

[@doodle_bob7333]

I heard it's coming in the next update

[@cjmillsnun]

@@Blackbox711 Probably TM as they didn't get one over to Asobo in time.

[@embecmom5863]

if you have small hands this is great, but looks plastic, doesnt really have all the same markings / design as the real one, the clb etc are in the wrong place and the reverse thrust area is tiny.. for the price personally think this is an absolute waste of cash.

[@Avantime]

It's a cheap 2-axis throttle with hall effect sensors that will replace the Saitek at this price range, as the pots of the Saitek famously fail too soon.

[@Shattentor]

@@Avantime Very true! Especially for the price this throttle is great value. No other throttle in this price range has hall effect sensors, not even the much anticipated Honeycomb Bravo. It can only be better than the Saitek, which is basically the only competitor in the

[@philipread8733]

It’s for a game, not real life for god’s sake !

[@JoseAlfonsoChavez]

​@@philipread8733 THANK YOU!

[@guitarsarelikestupid7200]

And if you don't want to fly the A320.......Tough shit.....

[@jordancollins7714]

It kinda looks small and cheap. I ordered the HoneyComb Bravo and I'll probably just buy the Airbus Handles for that.

[@Blackbox711]

It is smaller than I would have expected too. But the quality is still good, escpecially the smoothness of the thrustlever movements.

[@SIMRIG412]

@John Smith you're stupid. Honeycomb throttle is the same size as the yoke and definitely isn't smaller lol. Also honeycomb throttle is was better has buttons and stuff you need unlike the trashmaster. Honeycomb comes with 2 ways to mount it when trashmaster need bolted from the bottom. Honeycomb beats logitech and thrustmaster by 1000%

[@bradvictor9798]

Bro U need to switch your view up. Which hand is on the Quadrant (left) Are u trying to be the 1st officer or captain?? Suggestion. Joy stick in left hand and Quadrant on right for more challenging immersion. Oh wait Brits drive on the wrong side of the road XD

[@mynameisray]

Soo.. pay 260 CAD for this.. or.. spend 100 more and get the Honeycomb... hard choice.. cheap trash. or good quality...

[@wchafe1]

Compared to the A10 HOTAS it does look like cheap plastic junk, but from the promo video I've seen of the Honeycomb it doesn't look much better.

[@umi3017]

No TO/GA button is a no-go for me, as a boeing man , EJETs guy, Mad dog and also bus driver then...

[@Blackbox711]

Well even though I am a Boeing pilot at heart, the airbus solution on TOGA is excellent. No need to push buttons, just slam the thrust levers to the firewall

[@stevejobs3895]

would be nice if you could find any of this shit in stock... Hell, I paid $160 for a Thrustmaster T16000.... It's insanity...

[@gabrielvarig]

SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONEY!!!!

[@Vinzenz_piano]

looks very cheap...

[@CadStr]

You cant buy this product, there is no units avaiable

[@Blackbox711]

Sorry to hear that. Hope that more units will be available soon.

[@CadStr]

@@Blackbox711 waiting since July so haha