Author Topic: ooooh I can't wait... (Read 968 times)

WMLute · « **on:** July 13, 2007, 10:16:48 AM »

The hat on my M.S. Sidewinder Precision 2 is going out, so I started cruising Ebay for a new one.

Was talkin' to a squaddie about it the other day. What I REALLY miss was my original Precision Pro, which had a "shift" button so you could program the buttons to have two functions. 8 buttons become 16.

Was something special about that joystick. Everytime it broke I was able to take it apart, and fix it. Was able to keep it going for 6 years (or more). The Precision 2 just never seemed as "durable" and i've gone through three Precistion Pro's vs. the one Precision 2.

Anyhoo... I had just lost a bid on a Precision 2 and I see down the list someone had a listing for two M.S. Precision Joysticks in mint condition with a "Buy Now" option of $29.00 (which is very reasonable) so I immediatly clicked it.

I glanced at the picture, scanned through the listing (it said "mint condition") and proceded w/ the transaction. It wasn't untill after I had bought it I saw it was a Precision Pro (w/ the shift 16 button option) and not a Precision 2.

The seller just emailed me about it's condition. It was used less than 1/2 dozen times for one week then boxed up and has been sitting in his closet for the past 5-6 years.

IF all is as described, i'm stoked. The thought of 16 buttons again totally rocks. (yeah, I know many of y'as have those setups with a bazillin buttons and hat's on 'em, but i've ONLY used M.S. twisties from day one and it's what I know)

IIRC i can even use the shift for the Hat switch, and i'm thinkin' of putting the trim there.

The 2nd joystick is just a simple Sidewinder and is pretty much spare parts to me.

(I know, it's stilly, but I am really excited about this)

Krusty · « **Reply #1 on:** July 13, 2007, 10:24:13 AM »

The "shift" button is just another button. I've got a Prec Pro gameport, and there's no software or anything special to map as a "shift" button. At least not in WinXP.

I still got around it by mapping 2 stick sets and using 1 button on each stickset to toggle the other (a button on stickset one activates stickset two, and vice versa in stickset 2).

The "shift" button is in a bad spot, though, so I use it for zoom toggle. Using the hat for trim works surprisingly well. I have it mapped to elevator and aileron trim, although I guess ailerons aren't so important and you could map rudder instead. I have pedals so I didn't think it was necessary.

Engine · « **Reply #2 on:** July 13, 2007, 10:32:29 AM »

I still believe the MS Force Feedback2 is one of the best sticks money can buy. Precise, durable, and it feels great.

Damn you for closing Sidewinder, Microsoft!

Krusty · « **Reply #3 on:** July 13, 2007, 10:53:11 AM »

These sticks aren't great, but they're damn good. They're also old. Imagine if MS were using up-to-date technology!

EDIT: P.S. Force Feedback was never to my liking. I avoid it always when getting a stick.

BaldEagl · « **Reply #4 on:** July 13, 2007, 11:05:24 AM »

I'm still using the same MS Sidewinder Pro my ex bought me in '96. I've never done anything to it but recently it's started to spike occasionally although not enough to be a problem (maybe once in a 3 hour session). Anyone know an easy way to remedy this?

AKDogg · « **Reply #5 on:** July 13, 2007, 11:31:31 AM »

Hey lute, I believe I have the switches for that HAT on that joystick. PM me if u want some.

Husky01 · « **Reply #6 on:** July 13, 2007, 11:33:08 AM »

Rumor has it tatetot has a sidewinder that still works and he doesn't use in the garage.

SkyRock · « **Reply #7 on:** July 13, 2007, 11:41:31 AM »

Pacerr is a PPS mini distibutor, no kidding. If you need one, he buys them in lots, and has them tested. Look him up ingame!

Mark

texasmom · « **Reply #8 on:** July 13, 2007, 11:44:31 AM »

Been looking for a kid-size joystick. Do they make those too?

Krusty · « **Reply #9 on:** July 13, 2007, 12:03:50 PM »

Some are smaller than others, but "kid size"? I don't think so.

Just get a cheap stick for a kid. They'll bang it around, drop it, slam it, whatever. Don't worry about size, you can rig thicker rest pads to make up for the height of the stick, if needed.

texasmom · « **Reply #10 on:** July 13, 2007, 12:35:48 PM »

Thanks Krusty:)
(it's for me. I won't bang it around or drop it too much. I might throw it ocassionally though)

kilz · « **Reply #11 on:** July 13, 2007, 12:40:12 PM »

hey texasmom what part of texas are you from

Krusty · « **Reply #12 on:** July 13, 2007, 12:41:40 PM »

(*glances at weather map*)

I'm guessing the part that's under 3 feet of water.

That is to say, everywhere!

texasmom · « **Reply #13 on:** July 13, 2007, 01:22:09 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by LTARkilz
hey texasmom what part of texas are you from

Killeen. (N of Austin, S of Dallas, W of both)

Ghosth · « **Reply #14 on:** July 13, 2007, 01:31:36 PM »

Actually I'm sitting on 4 prec pro's and a pair of Prec 2 Usb's.

The Prec pro's my wife finds for me at the second hand store for 2 -3 $ each.

Just bought 2 Prec 2's on ebay last month, averaged 28 - 30$ with shipping.