MS Sidewinder Forcefeedback Pro joystick

[stanley1933]

I have a computer which had MS 95 installed originally a few years ago. It also had an MS Sidewinder Forcefeedback Pro connected by a number of joystick 'pins'. Everything worked really well with the original discs for Combat WW2, Falcon 4, MS Flight Simulator 98 and some other discs. Recently, I had a problem with the computer, and a reputable company repaired the problem. When I received it back, the system is now Windows XP. The connections on the computer are all USB, without the 'pins' connections. Subsequently I am unable to use the Sidewinder!! Is there a suitable connection that I can acquire to connect the original 'pins' to USB please? Would there need any additional software at all? Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. The use has normally been 'occasional', not a 'full time occupation'. It keeps my interest mainly. Many thanks for any assistance.

 

[hang-the-9]

Does not sound like they "repaired" the problem but changed not only the motherboard but also the operating system. That's like "repairing" a car by buying a new one.

You probably need to get something with a gameport on it to use. http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3981743&SRCCODE=WEBGOOPA&cm_mmc_o=mH4CjC7BBTkwCjCV1-CjCE&gclid=CP3C7MKDqrUCFUkw4AodrwoAvg

Cheap sound card with a gameport port on it, that has drivers for XP. Install that in the PC, you will be able to use the joystick again. Make sure that this is the type of pins your joystick has first.

 

[stanley1933]

Hi. Many thanks for the helpful information. I like the concept of comparing the 'solution' to my problem with changing an old car for a new one!! Thats what I thought too - but couldn't do much about it it appears! NOT happy with the outcome. I also realised later, that the 'pins connection had been swopped for USB ports! So I bought an adaptor to take the 'pins' connection to a 'USB' connection from Amazon in this instance. Unfortunately I had an accident and only just got back to this. The PC I have is not connected to the internet, so when I get that sorted, I will get back to trying to get it all going again. Nevertheless, the helpful suggestions made have been well received. Thank you very much. Stanley.

 

[Scanjo]

So I bought an adaptor to take the 'pins' connection to a 'USB' connection from Amazon in this instance.

If this is a short cable with a DB-15 (the "pins" connection) on one end and a USB connector on the other, then it will not work for a Force Feedback Pro. It will only work for an analog joystick such as the 3D Pro. The FFB Pro is digital. There is a project that has created a Do It Yourself converter which works with the FFB Pro, the 3D Pro (digital with 2 analog modes also), the 3D Pro Plus, and the Precision Pro. You can read about it at

http://www.descentbb.net/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=19061

There are also some boards being built which you can buy.