Author Topic: Uh-oh (Read 732 times)

cav58d · « **on:** September 25, 2006, 12:34:31 AM »

I fear tonight that I may have to put my trusty "microsoft sidewinder II" to rest...I was flying, and was getting really strange throttle reply, so at first I look down at the throttle control in the 190 I was flying and noticed it wasnt smoothly moving up and down...I tried calibrating in the game, but that didnt help....I exited AH and went into my throttle properties from the control panel and saw that my throttle is dead from 1-49%...I can bring it back to idle, but when I try and power up, I got no reply from 1%-49%...slider does not kick in again until 50%+...I have tried re-calibrating, and unplugging the stick from my CPU, but I am stuck with the same problem....=(

Is there anything else I can do to troubleshoot, or should I begin making arrangements for the funeral...=(

kamilyun · « **Reply #1 on:** September 25, 2006, 12:47:54 AM »

Calibrate your throttle in the 50-100% range. You'll just have 1/2 the range of motion, but it'll still work.

I just fixed a hatswitch on my Saitek X45, so I'm inclined to recommend that if the calibration thingy doesn't work, then just try and replacing whatever switch/sensor is in there.

All you probably need is a screwdriver, soldering gun and a hair dryer (for the hot glue they use on wires). And some patience

Kermit de frog · « **Reply #2 on:** September 25, 2006, 12:53:53 AM »

restart your computer

Stang · « **Reply #3 on:** September 25, 2006, 12:58:43 AM »

Use a mouse like the other 90% of Aces High pilots.

cav58d · « **Reply #4 on:** September 25, 2006, 01:00:21 AM »

By God Kermit your my hero.... Restart actually worked!!!!! Pheeeew...I'm looking at my barely used, brand new X52 right now, and shuddering at the thought I may had had 2 use that as my main stick! Dont get my wrong, the X-52 is a great stick, but I love my sidewinder!

thanks so much

cav

bagrat · « **Reply #5 on:** September 25, 2006, 02:55:08 AM »

yeah u can restart ur computer, or u can grab it by the cord an swing it at children who cross ur path.

Reynolds · « **Reply #6 on:** September 25, 2006, 04:54:37 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by kamilyun
Calibrate your throttle in the 50-100% range. You'll just have 1/2 the range of motion, but it'll still work.

I just fixed a hatswitch on my Saitek X45, so I'm inclined to recommend that if the calibration thingy doesn't work, then just try and replacing whatever switch/sensor is in there.

All you probably need is a screwdriver, soldering gun and a hair dryer (for the hot glue they use on wires). And some patience

Hey, I lost the throttle on my X45 (Only throttle. Rudder and all the others over there still work) Do you suppose thats an easy fix?

NCLawman · « **Reply #7 on:** September 25, 2006, 10:20:42 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by kamilyun
Calibrate your throttle in the 50-100% range. You'll just have 1/2 the range of motion, but it'll still work.

I just fixed a hatswitch on my Saitek X45, so I'm inclined to recommend that if the calibration thingy doesn't work, then just try and replacing whatever switch/sensor is in there.

All you probably need is a screwdriver, soldering gun and a hair dryer (for the hot glue they use on wires). And some patience

What the heck? Have you got some emotional attachment to the joystick?

Get a new one!

kamilyun · « **Reply #8 on:** September 25, 2006, 10:23:13 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by Reynolds
Hey, I lost the throttle on my X45 (Only throttle. Rudder and all the others over there still work) Do you suppose thats an easy fix?

I haven't opened my throttle yet, so I have no idea what kind of switch is in there. But you could probably do it, take the part out, do a Google search on it (part # might be on it or something) and find a supplier. It probably doesn't cost more than $0.73.

I just moved the upper hatswitch to the lower position on mine. I'll try and find parts to replace the upper. I had very little experience soldering before this, but some modeling experience so it wasn't that bad.

If not...I'll buy the rest of the stick

PM if you want to sell it. I want spare parts!

Lazerr · « **Reply #9 on:** September 25, 2006, 12:16:12 PM »

WOOO WOOOOo for the mouse!

Stang · « **Reply #10 on:** September 25, 2006, 12:22:44 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Lazerr
WOOO WOOOOo for the mouse!

What's up Cheese-head. Packers finally won one.

Lazerr · « **Reply #11 on:** September 25, 2006, 12:29:07 PM »

**** the packers...

Clifra Jones · « **Reply #12 on:** September 25, 2006, 01:05:57 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Reynolds
Hey, I lost the throttle on my X45 (Only throttle. Rudder and all the others over there still work) Do you suppose thats an easy fix?

If it is not a mechanical problem it is most likely an dead POT (Potentiometer). Back when I had an X45 Saitek did not sell parts, maybe they do now. If not you can buy a decent POT from CH products.

2 wires, solder and a soldering iron.

Reynolds · « **Reply #13 on:** September 25, 2006, 07:35:42 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by kamilyun
I haven't opened my throttle yet, so I have no idea what kind of switch is in there. But you could probably do it, take the part out, do a Google search on it (part # might be on it or something) and find a supplier. It probably doesn't cost more than $0.73.

I just moved the upper hatswitch to the lower position on mine. I'll try and find parts to replace the upper. I had very little experience soldering before this, but some modeling experience so it wasn't that bad.

If not...I'll buy the rest of the stick PM if you want to sell it. I want spare parts!

Well, I am very attached to this stick, its the best ive ever had, but, I guess you have a point. I will be picking up a new stick this weekend, (I intend to use it JUST for throttle and rudder, and keep the X-45 stick section) but if I find I can use the other one alone just fine, ill sell you the X-45 with the throttle section. All of the buttons on it still work, its only the throttle itself that doesnt.

E25280 · « **Reply #14 on:** September 25, 2006, 09:14:03 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by NCLawman
What the heck? Have you got some emotional attachment to the joystick? Get a new one!

I don't think they make the Sidewinders anymore. The new joysticks I have seen try harder to look cool than to work well. Hat switches in funky spots, buttons unreachable by a normal-sized hand, easliy breakable buttons, switches and buttons in places too easy to hit on accident . . .

For a simple, functional, no-frills action, Sidewinder II is IMO the best there is. I can understand Cav's attachment . . .