Sidewinder sticks are junk

[ebgb]

Had one for a year, the pitch axis started spiking.  Replaced it with a brand new Precision 2 last week.   After four days, the
system would boot up and not see it.  I would unplug the USB
plug and plug it back in and it would work fine.  Now two days later, dead as a door nail.

That's $80 or so Mr. Gates will never see again!


g

[Skyfoxx]

Have used a MS FF sidewinder 1 for four years, never a problem til recently the hat button started to stick. Just replaced it with a MS FF sidewinder 2. It's very smooth. If it lasts as long as my previous MS stick, I will continue to be a happy camper.

Have you tried a different USB port?
Of course there are always lemons out there. If you have the receipt take it back for an exchange or get a refund. You may also have some other issues going on with the computer or joystick software itself?
Also some Via motherboards require a patch for these sticks I believe. It is available from the microsoft site.
Hope you get it worked out.

Here is the download section for MS sticks. There are also some FAQ's at this site that might help you concerning USB problems.

http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/sidewinder/downloads/default.asp


Regards
Skyfoxx

[Heinkel]

Been using Sidewinder sticks ever since I started playing games. The one time I had a problem, a new one was at my door three days later...good tech support. Don't think i'll ever use anything else

[lord dolf vader]

had 3 or 4 wore the pieces of crap out, got alot better when i got a decent  joy stick (fine control is alot better on them ). they will work but compaired with what you can get now  at the same price they are crap.

[buzkill]

the only time mine isn't recognised is if i unplug it and plug it back in(when the computer is on.) you just got lemons

[ra]

CH Fighterstick USB.  Microsoft can bite me.

[ebgb]

Re: different ports  -  my last Sidewinder worked flawlessly for more than a year.  After I found the spike in the elevator I went and bought another.  With absolutely no change in my setup, that new stick should have worked same as the old one . . . but no.  I'm using a powered USB hub and have no problems with any other devices.  Plugging the new stick into the same port the hub is plugged in to does nothing.  It is simply a piece of crap.

Yesterday I went and bought a Logitech Freedom cordless.
I never really liked Logitech's rudders, they always seem to zero one tick off the center but since AH has it's own calibration it's
not a problem.  The rest of the stick is mighty.  Tough spring like a Thrustmaster and a good button layout on the grip.  

Now I got 2 extra buttons, stiffer springs, a stick that works, and
in combination with my Nostromo Speedpad - a poor man's HOTAS.

[Raubvogel]

Been using a Sidewinder Precision Pro for 4 years and it still works flawlessly...

[ebgb]

Yeah, the original sidewinder I had was a good stick.  Had it for a couple years.  It uses different sensors than the new precision 2.
If only they still sold em.

[Ike 2K#]

does precision 2 uses "potensiometer" than "digital optical" to save money on developing it?

[flakbait]

Sidewinder sticks aren't junk, Logitech sticks are junk! Saitek runs a close second with their crap hats

First one I bought was 5 years ago, the old Sidewinder 3D Pro. Worked perfectly until I upgraded my mobo (AC97 and M$ don't get along). So I picked up a Precision 2; no problems, no spikes, no "missing stick" glitches. My sole gripe is the loose centering, and that can probably be fixed with a screwdriver and a pair of pliers. I'm gonna try doing it tomorrow cause it's driving me nuts.

As for the tracking system, it's optical instead of pots (potensiometers). I don't know for sure, but I think M$ only uses optical tracking for their hardware these days.




-----------------------
Flakbait [Delta6]
Delta Six's Flight School
Put the P-61B in Aces High

[Ike 2K#]

the thread starter subject has now become "LOGITECH STICKS ARE JUNK" instead of sidewinder. I owned logitech wingman attack 2 and lasted for only six months.... can you dig it????? I even thought that if i bought the extreme 3d model, it would last shorter than that wingman attack 2. Wingman sticks also have short throws which is not recomended for flight sims.

now i own sidewinder force feedback 2 (i dont use force feedback feature except on other games). This stick is so good that it doesn't need to be calibrated and i landed more kills than than my logitech wingman attack 2. I got this joystick on sale in BestBuy for only $79.99..... What a steal:D SHAME ON LOGITECH WINGMAN SERIES!!!

For those people who wants to skip sidewinder precision 2, you either have to get sidewinder force feedback 2 or just wait till precision 3 comes.

[Mogi]

I had a MSFF1 that starting spiking, it was 2 years out of warranty, phoned MS support, they offered to refund my money (if I sent them the stick back) or send me a new MSFF2 stick if I didn't want to send the old one back.  Didn't even have to gripe, new stick on my doorstep 3 days later, absolutely no cost.

Still can't figure it out.

[JustJim]

I have a microsoft force feedback pro (the origional with built in fan) I'll tell ya what this thing is awsome.

It gets thrown around my desk in anger cigarette ashes get dropped on it and it snaps back wash after wash (kinda like fruit of the loom's).

Never have any problems with it, just an occasional cleaning of the optical strip down the front of the handle and its good to go.

Never spikes never gives me an ounce of problems.

Course now that i say this it will most likely fry in my hand giving me a laser tattoo in the palm.

I prefer the origional over the MSFF 2 because its analog and they removed the shift button for the second version which means you have 8 less key functions.


JustJim
<< DragonHawks >>

[Ike 2K#]

WHAT!!!!!! Are you saying that my sidewinder ffb 2 is an analog, Aw crap:mad: So is my sidewinder ffb2 uses "potentiometers" than "optical"??? pls tell me so i can still return this stick.