Hardware & Technical [Hardware] USB to 15 Pin Joystick Gameport Converter for Microsoft Sidewinder

Flamepreacher

Flamepreacher
Hi guys, I've just picked up a second hand Microsoft Sidewinder Pro Force Feedback Joystick in a charity shop for £1.50

I've always heard that this is a classic force feedback joystick and obviously I need an adaptor to make it work in a USB port.

Is anyone still using one and can reccomend an adaptor that works? Having done some research I hear that not all adaptors work with this specific joystick.

Any help welcome, ta!
 

Shadowdancer

Shadowdancer
Wonne said:
Sad truce is that gameport is dead.
Click to expand...

I can barely hold my my tears. *wipes excess sarcasm off the floor*

The gameport was a horrible plague, what with the thing being fed straight off the stick pots and switches going straight to the pins, and a system interface that was about the butt ugliest piece of interrupt mangling this side of A20 which meant the whole mess would stand or fall (mostly it fell) with system timing. That thing can rest in a shallow, unmarked grave somewhere on a planet in system \x0a\x53\x45.
 

JonnyRedHed

JonnyRedHed
I have a still boxed CH products CH FX force feedback joystick. It has the gameport plus a 9 pin din. I would like to maybe convert it to USB but just don't have the skills.

Being digital, none of the gameport adaptors work I am told for force feedback. I would like to see iot working with force feeedback in Win7 x64. Not sure its even possible without some x64 driver.

If anyone has any ideas. Else I might be willing to part with it.


I'm happy to give a new home to ANY MS force feedback 2 joystick, or any other force feedback joystick or HOTAS. Broken or working condition. Just PM me.
 
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Bootsock

Bootsock
It's a great stick, but the gameport thing makes it bordering on landfill now sadly.

Personally I'd give up on it unless you have lots of spare time, really have a thing for soldering stuff and want a pet project.

I'd list it on eBay as you could still make a few quid on it and then just buy a FF2 instead as they'll work out of the box via USB on Windows 7 and 8. Get the right auction and you can pick up a FF2 about £25.
 

JonnyRedHed

JonnyRedHed
I already have a small collection of force feedback sticks and HOTAS. I would of liked to also bring the CH FX back to life, but it seems the project would need an electronics expert and windows x64 driver to be written.

There are some who still value the CH FX stick, I'll hang on to it and yes maybe put it on ebay one day soon or post in the various flight sim fourms (UK and Eastern Europe)

I would though like to mod the MS FFB2 with a much better stick/grip. The Cobra M5 being a good stick at the right price. It is a slim grip compared to the CH Fighterstick's thicker more solid feel.


I'm happy to give a new home to ANY MS force feedback 2 joystick, or any other force feedback joystick or HOTAS. Broken or working condition. Just PM me.
 
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Hajimoto

Hajimoto
I have tried the GP to USB adapter just the other day with my old F15 Suncom stick and it did not work at all :(

Looks like I will have to continue to use the X52 Pro...... Man I love that Suncom Stick though
 

kile

K
Wonne said:
Gameport to USB adapters work only with the most basic sticks :(
All old MS Sticks use some kind of exotic language for the gameport.
According to Wikipedia there is an DIY projekt, but it doesent look promising.
http://www.descentbb.net/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=19061

Sad truce is that gameport is dead.
Click to expand...

I've been using this adapter with a Sidewinder 3D Pro Plus I've bought virtually unused two years ago and I've played ED on it since premium beta. I'm very happy with it. :)

Unlike the DIY version with wires sticking out, my version has all the components on one PCB. All you need is a USB cable to connect it. There are pictures of it here: http://www.descentbb.net/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=15526&start=169

I still have parts for a few adapters and will gladly build and test it if anyone needs one (or two).

Keep in mind that this is the version for the MS Sidewinder 3D Pro, 3D Pro Plus and the Precision Pro - it does not support the Force Feedback features. The Precision Pro already has a USB capable chip inside, and can be switched to USB with some wiring, but the adapter works for those too.

No drivers are needed, you just plug it in and it works :)
 

Kubular

K
Just tried out kile's adapter and it seems to work great with my 3D Pro.. great to get it back on the go again, it's been collecting dust for quite a few years now. Much more sensitive and far easier to control than my 'mordern' Cyborg X stick. There is alittle bit jitter in certain positions (with throttle at max for example) but it's minor so barely makes a difference and is far easier to live with than having to correct for a joystick that has a mind of it's own.

These old Microsoft sticks are great, so glad there's a way to get them back in use again. :)
 
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