Author Topic: WinXP Woes (Read 869 times)

Drex · « **on:** September 18, 2003, 03:28:05 PM »

Just got a brand spankin' nuclear powered computer that has all the latest and greatest.

One problem, I guess there is no more support for my antiquated f22pro hooking up to a gameport. I have heard rumors of there being a connector that can be hooked to an analog device and hook into the USB port. This true? Does it work worth a dang? And who makes it. Thanks for the help, im as computer literate as a head of cabbage.

Drex

Westy · « **Reply #1 on:** September 18, 2003, 03:49:06 PM »

http://www.joy-stick.net/reviews/other/usbadapt.htm

If I figure it out and use it, then anyone can

I have a Rockfire version but I'm not sure they can be bought anymore. Same thing, functionally anyway, as the RS unit.

Drex · « **Reply #2 on:** September 18, 2003, 07:49:13 PM »

Alright, Ordered it from Radio Shack. Thanks for putting me back in the arena.

Did I mention I've had a TM Cougar since last December that I havent sent back yet to get fixed. What a lazy ass.

Thanks again, westy.

Drex

Furious · « **Reply #3 on:** September 18, 2003, 08:54:39 PM »

What's wrong with it?

Drex · « **Reply #4 on:** September 18, 2003, 10:13:02 PM »

The buttons on the stick do not work. No output when held down. The axes on the stick work, and everything works great on the throttle. Guess there is a wire loose somewhere.

Drex

Sancho · « **Reply #5 on:** September 19, 2003, 11:04:47 AM »

you sure they weren't just remapped?

Drex · « **Reply #6 on:** September 19, 2003, 02:34:59 PM »

Had to go there didn't you. How about them horns, sancho!

Drex

AKIron · « **Reply #7 on:** September 19, 2003, 04:17:59 PM »

Have you tried resetting the Cougar Drex? Unplug from PC, hold the trigger for, forgot how long, minute should do it.

Drex · « **Reply #8 on:** September 19, 2003, 08:50:49 PM »

Tried it. The problem is the buttons on the stick do not generate any input/output including the trigger. No flash no reset.

Drex

llama · « **Reply #9 on:** September 20, 2003, 02:45:25 AM »

Drex,

Does your F22 have the new, third party digital upgrade chip? If not, then I'm assuming that the stick needs to ALSO be plugged into the keyboard port.

So, the obvious question here is: what's the deal with the keyboard cables? The USB connector/converter ONLY covers the "joystick" axis signal.

-Llama

llama · « **Reply #10 on:** September 20, 2003, 02:56:34 AM »

Oh, and what do you mean that Windows XP doesn't support the F22 hooking up to the gameport? It may just be that your motherboard's joystick port is the problem. From reading Google, there are lots of folks who have gameport hardware working in XP.

The real problem will be programming the stick, since the downloading software needs a level of DOS control that XP cannot provide. Most folks either have a dual-boot setup (with 98 there just for downloading) or boot floppies.

-Llama

Drex · « **Reply #11 on:** September 20, 2003, 10:35:52 AM »

llama, thanks good to see you again.

I have decided to fix the problem by eating a bullet.

Looks like the converter is only part of the solution.

Question: Would my TM profile that I last used still be residing in the memory on the f22? I then wouldn't have to worry about uploading it.
also, I do not have the digital upgrade.
Drex

llama · « **Reply #12 on:** September 20, 2003, 12:22:51 PM »

Drex,

Yeah, the AH world is great again. Too bad I missed this year's con, but at least the west coast mini con is close to me.

Yes, the profile is supposed to remain in memory between reboots. It will also survive within the stick for extended periods between when the stick receives power, such as when the computer is turned off, or your joystick is in your luggage on the way to the con. That said, I don't know HOW LONG it stays there. It is probably safe for weeks or months, between being connected.

Now as I recall on the F22 (I have an FLCS and WCS MKII, and have a large cache of parts and identical replacements, so I am into supporting these for the long haul), the buttons send keyboard commands by emulating an actual AT-PS/2 keyboard, which it does by plugging into the legacy keyboard port on your PC with a cable. So yeah, the converter is only half the solution.

Now, I also have something here -- a PS/2 to USB keyboard adapter, which would theoretically let you ALSO connect the joystick's keyboard connector to a USB port. It is radio shack part number 26-241. I am thinking that this may work for sending keyboard commands from the stick to the computer, but I'd be surprised if I was able to reprogram the stick with it.

This leads to some interesting options for running with this stick, to wit:

1. Run VMWare's virtual machine in XP to run DOS or Win98, and use that to program the stick from time to time. According to google posts, this works.

2. Dual-boot your system, with one of the partitions being a small win98 or DOS partition used exclusively for old hardware like this. When I get a new machine (I'm still running a BX board with a PIII running faster than you'd think possible), this is probably what I will do.

3. Keep your old computer around only for reprogramming duties. Just plug and unplug the stick when needed.

4. Get the ditigal upgrade chips for your stick from http://www.stickworks.com. This makes it a fully digital control, even though it still plugs into the gameport. The digital program uploader will work in XP.

And finally, you might consider getting a sound card with a joystick port that XP supports. Anything from Creative Labs should fit the bill.

See you up there.

(Reading this post is a license. By agreeing to this license, you agree not to shoot me the next time we meet....) heh.

-Llama

Mini D · « **Reply #13 on:** September 21, 2003, 11:57:39 AM »

I have the digital upgrade on the F-22/TQS setup and am stuck with a computer with no gameport. Out of desperation, I decided to try the Gameport to USB adapter that Radio Shack sells. After alot of toying around and reading up over at http://www.frugalsworld.com , I've found that the adapter will not work with the F-22 with or without the digital upgrade.

This all came about because of a throttle problem that has been hitting all cougar owners. I'm forced to use a twisty stick while I wait for the replacement parts to arrive.

BTW... I did use the F-22/TQS/RCS with my XP box (with the digital upgrade) using the beta drivers for XP without any issues.

MiniD

Drex · « **Reply #14 on:** September 21, 2003, 09:23:50 PM »

Got my cougar working.(took 9 months). Now since I have the radio shack converter coming in the next couple of days, can I use it for my non-usb pedals or do I need to order the USB type?

Drex