Author Topic: Newbie asks about joystick (Read 994 times)

stutz · « **on:** January 22, 2005, 06:33:42 PM »

I am new and stupid. I bought a Wingman Digital 3D off Ebay and it has a 15 pin game port plug. My new computer has no game port. I bought a USB to game port adaptor at Radio Shack ($18) but it does not work. (Says in the directions "not suitable for digital joysticks")

Anyone have any ideas? Should I keep this joystick? It has a twist grip, hat button, slider, and 11 other buttons.

What is the best joystick for the money I can buy? Keep in mind that I'm poor.

Thanks, Stutz

Ghosth · « **Reply #1 on:** January 23, 2005, 08:54:06 AM »

Do you have an old sound card that you can install into that machine? If so thats probably the easiest lowest cost way.

You didn't say which OS your running. XP tends to be a bit fussier when it comes to gameports.

See if you can take the adapter back btw.

Saitek has probably the best reputation of the lower end joysticks. Microsoft Sidewinders were king of the low end market but they quit making them.

High end is all CH products, and they are pricey.

StarOfAfrica2 · « **Reply #2 on:** January 24, 2005, 03:40:41 AM »

Umm, pricey compared to what?

You get what you pay for.

Some guys dont mind buying the warranty and returning sticks every 6 months. Personally I dont want the hassle. I bought one CH setup, and I keep using it. I have a backup just in case, but doubt I'll need it anytime soon. And comparing CH to the more expensive Saitek stuff there isnt much price difference. There IS a large quality difference though.

Grits · « **Reply #3 on:** January 24, 2005, 12:38:04 PM »

CH makes the most reliable and least expensive LONG TERM gear. It may be a bit steep to buy it, but the stuff just never wears out.

Furious · « **Reply #4 on:** January 24, 2005, 01:56:50 PM »

A reliable, inexpensive twisty type stick would the the MS Precision Pro 2.

No longer made, but you can find them "new in box" on Ebay.

Hajo · « **Reply #5 on:** January 24, 2005, 03:52:05 PM »

CH Products all the way.

Yes it is more expensive......but payback is that you don't have to buy a new stick every two years. (or sooner)

For instance....I had a Janes F16 Combat stick that was 7 years old. It of course was analog. I just upgraded vid and sound on a friends old PentIII 266 and plugged in that Janes Combat Stick. Guess what.....it works just great and is 7 years old.

F16 Combat Stick, or Fighterstick both USB the way to go. Add the Pro Throttle and Pedals also both USB in time. You'll never be sorry you did.

sullie363 · « **Reply #6 on:** January 24, 2005, 07:59:31 PM »

I habe a Wingman Digital 3D and the usb adapter works just fine. Although it did come witht he joystick.

lien · « **Reply #7 on:** January 27, 2005, 01:32:44 PM »

Hey Stutz,

IMO put that Logitech in the trash. I have gone through two of them now although the first one lasted me three years this second one has died and I just bought it in July of '04. It should come with a gameport to usb adapter. Its about a 6 inch long cord with a female pin socket that will fit the pins and the other end will have a usb that you hookup to you comp. If yours didn't come with one email me with your addy and if you pay for shipping I'll send you the extra one I have. My Logicraps are going in the trash anyways and I'm in the market for a new stick. I 've been looking at the CH equipment and think that is the way to go but as I'm on a limited budget right now I'm probably gonna get a Saitek x-52 or x-45. Anyone who reads this and has experience with any of these sticks your feedback would be most appreciated. Thanks.... Btw my email is dang_joey@yahoo.com

Curval · « **Reply #8 on:** January 27, 2005, 03:06:55 PM »

lien,

I had an X45 and now I have an X52.

If I had to do it all over again I would buy CH.

Check this thread out over at the Saitek forums, and also give the massive "Natural deadzone?" thread a read. Then you can decide.

Saitek forums

lien · « **Reply #9 on:** January 27, 2005, 04:05:29 PM »

Hey Curval,

Thanks for the feedback. Well I went ahead and took the plunge just went out and got the damm thing (X-52). I bought it from Fry's so i'll give it a check out ( i got 30 days to return it). Your opinion though has been noted. Thanks.

straffo · « **Reply #10 on:** January 27, 2005, 04:10:49 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Curval
lien,

I had an X45 and now I have an X52.

If I had to do it all over again I would buy CH.

Check this thread out over at the Saitek forums, and also give the massive "Natural deadzone?" thread a read. Then you can decide.

Saitek forums

Thanks Curval ,now I've something to answer to my wife when she ask why I choose to get the full CH set over a new Saitek.

Plus my settings are weird : all slider at 100% , no deadzone and no damping

For all axis

Btw is there a plural form for axis in English ?

OOZ662 · « **Reply #11 on:** January 27, 2005, 05:09:24 PM »

Plural axis (ax-IS) is spelled the same but pronounced ax-EYS like the end of "taxis".

straffo · « **Reply #12 on:** January 28, 2005, 01:30:44 AM »

Thanks OOZ662 , it's not obvious

And concerning pronounciation I'm sure "heu" you don't "heu" want to hear my terrrrrribblllee accent "heu"

Curval · « **Reply #13 on:** January 28, 2005, 11:09:17 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by lien
Hey Curval,

Thanks for the feedback. Well I went ahead and took the plunge just went out and got the damm thing (X-52). I bought it from Fry's so i'll give it a check out ( i got 30 days to return it). Your opinion though has been noted. Thanks.

lien,

Just so you know, I posted that at Saitek in somewhat of a rage. I was pretty ticked off at them.

Since that time I have come to quite like the X52 despite its problems.

For me the Natural deadzone has not been an issue that has caused me alot of stress. For me it was the mouse drift thing.

It actually seemed to settle down on my old computer but then reappeared about a week ago. To solve the problem I disabled the throttle mouse.

Last night I installed my X52 on my brand spanky new Dell Gen 4 and I had no drift at all...so the mouse is not disabled yet. If it comes back I will just disable it again.

It isn't as big a deal as I made it out to be in that post.

Straffo...suggest you direct the wife to the Saitek forums ONLY now.

jonnyb · « **Reply #14 on:** January 28, 2005, 01:14:57 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by OOZ662
Plural axis (ax-IS) is spelled the same but pronounced ax-EYS like the end of "taxis".

Incorrect. The plural of axis is axes. Your pronunciation is correct, though.