Author Topic: Microsoft sidewinder joystick (Read 486 times)

Packy · « **on:** May 31, 2002, 03:05:24 PM »

I was given an old MS Sidewinder joystick for all of two flight sims (F4 and AH) that I fly.

Is the sidewinder a decent stick?
I can't hit squat when i'm in a fighter b/c the plane 'porpoises' dramatically and ruins my aim...this happens in any plane i fly. Is this 'porpoising' common in all piston-engine fighters and one must learn to fly better?? I tried adjusting the sensitivity and it has helped but not very much.

Also, i noticed that folks in same plane and same loadout can actually fly faster than me (i'm guessing about 5-10mph faster).

I am really enjoying AH! Should I look into purchasing a better stick?

funkedup · « **Reply #1 on:** May 31, 2002, 04:24:17 PM »

Packy, you should play with the pitch sliders under joystick setup.
Set them up so they go like this: 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90. You want them to start at 10% and ramp up as they go to the right. That should tone down the pitch sensitivity. Email me at funkedup@raf303.org if you need more help.

SKurj · « **Reply #2 on:** May 31, 2002, 06:17:55 PM »

Good luck Packy....

I used to use an MS Precision Pro for AH and never was able to fine tune the nose bounce(porpoise) out.
I eventually bought a Saitek Cyborg, and was FINALLY able to tune out the bounce quite easily.

I know alot of guys use PPro's for AH but personally there are better sticks for less money out there. Granted the Saitek won't last as long as a PPro but I think the increased enjoyment of the game will make up for that, along with the fact that a CYBORG USB is less money than a PPro ($25 cheaper here in canada eh)

SKurj

Packy · « **Reply #3 on:** May 31, 2002, 06:48:46 PM »

Thanks for the replies, Funkedup and Skurj!

Skurj, it sounds like I am experiencing the same problem as you with the MS stick! I will try Funkedup's recommendation first and if i dont' see an improvement I will look to purchase another joystick.

I am having a blast with AH but never try fighters b/c of the problems indicated in my first post! I'm a lousy fighter pilot but I hope to at least enjoy the game by furballing on occasion! ha ha

funkedup · « **Reply #4 on:** May 31, 2002, 07:14:51 PM »

Packy you can also try increasing the damper. It will slow down the elevator response but it will make your inputs smoother.

Also don't forget to set the deadband. If your Sidewinder has slop near the center, i.e. it wiggles around in a small region where the springs don't have any effect, then increase deadband until the elevator response starts at the same point where the springs take effect.

715 · « **Reply #5 on:** June 01, 2002, 08:50:53 PM »

This tip might not be relevant for your particular Sidewinder, or you may have already done it, but...

The SideWinder control panel has a "Dead Zone" control window. With a name like "Dead Zone" you would mostly likely want to set it to the minimum. However, it is miss-named and isn't really a true dead zone. Setting it to minimum actually greatly increases sensitivity near the center of the joystick beyond a linear response causing overcontrol and porpoising. It is best to leave it at the default.