Sidewinder Force Feedback 2

chrismox · 21 Jan 2006 at 11:36

I've just bought one of these USB joysticks, my new PC not having a midi port.

I plugged it in and Win XP recognises it and installs the drivers automatically. I've checked the Game Controllers section of the control panel, it's there and tests fine except... no force feedback!!!

Is the force feedback not available in Win XP? I tested the joystick in FS2004 and it works fine but, obviously, no feedback.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

THEAVFCKID · 21 Jan 2006 at 11:56

Obvious question first so please dont be offended It is plugged into the mains isn't it?

Some times there can be a problem with setup if usb is plugged in before drivers are installed.

Is the little light illuminated?

chrismox · 21 Jan 2006 at 11:58

Yep, plugged in and the red light is on and not flashing so it is powered. Is there any simple way to test force feedback?

THEAVFCKID · 21 Jan 2006 at 12:01

the tests in control panel / game controllers/properties always work with my s/w ff

Have you tried it with a game?

chrismox · 21 Jan 2006 at 12:04

In the control panel I have no way to test force feedback forces

THEAVFCKID · 21 Jan 2006 at 12:08

if you select game controllers your sw ff should be listed.
Highlight it and select properties that should open a new window where you can "Feel the force"

chrismox · 21 Jan 2006 at 12:10

Am I missing something?

THEAVFCKID · 21 Jan 2006 at 12:17

I will have to go and drag mine from the spare room as it has been some time since i used it. Back in a mo

THEAVFCKID · 21 Jan 2006 at 12:19

I know ther should be a tab titled forces

chrismox · 21 Jan 2006 at 12:20

Right - ignore me!

I had simply plugged the joystick in and let Win XP use its own drivers.

Having now installed the controller software from the CD, things are slooking a little more clever - I have a control panel that lets me test the forces etc. Furthermore, they work so I'll be off to test the joystick again in FS2004 and see if I can do any better!

Thanks anyway.

THEAVFCKID · 21 Jan 2006 at 12:20

Have a look here while i set mine up
http://support.microsoft.com/ph/1016

THEAVFCKID · 21 Jan 2006 at 12:21

Glad we have a happy ending Enjoy the experience

chrismox · 21 Jan 2006 at 15:48

Thanks, worked in FS2004

james.miller · 21 Jan 2006 at 15:50

as with anything you install, you should always download the latest drivers.

chrismox · 21 Jan 2006 at 20:53

Strong advice but not easy when Microsoft don't publish any and claim that none are needed.