Sidewinder Pro 3D Non-USB

  • Thread starter Thread starter Perk
  • Start date Start date
P

Perk

I recently pulled my old Sidewinder Pro joystick out and
installed it on my Win2k system. Initially it gave good
indications of working with the default drivers.

Upon rebooting, I found that it bounces back and forth
from "Not Connected" to "OK."

I've searched the Microsoft website in vain for updated
drivers or software with no joy.

My system stats are:
Win2k Pro with SP-4
AMD Athlon XP 2000+
Asus A7V333 mainboard, non-RAID, built in C-Media CM8738
audio with latest drivers
512 meg PC-333 RAM
GeForce3 TI-200, 64meg video w/ latest drivers
 
Where did you get the drivers to support the Sidewinder when you
attached it to your Win2K box?

Start -> Settings -> Control Panel -> Gaming Options

Did you use this to enable your joystick device (by selecting a
Sidewinder listed here)? If not, I'd try to remove the device and
re-add it using the devices listed (Microsoft Sidewinder AutoDetect)
when you click Add.
 
I used the default Win2k driver. I've tried removing and
adding it several times. It gives me the same indications
each time.
 
Did you install the latest Cmedia-specific sound card drivers? Or did
you just install whatever came on the CD with your motherboard? Or are
you hoping the ones included in Windows, in any, will work okay?

You didn't mention the chipset (and I'm not going hunting on the Asus
web site to find out what you already know). Have you installed the
vendor-specific drivers for that chipset, like the 4-in-1 VIA drivers?

Yeah, a stupid question, but have you checked the joystick is firmly and
completely seated in the joy port? If you apply pressure in all
directions on the plug and on the cable while testing the joystick under
the mentioned applet, is there any jerkiness which means a loose pin
(male or female) or intermittent wire connection? Have you ran the test
and calibration in the mentioned applet for the joystick?

Although drastic, maybe you need to remove the enumeration for the
device and recreate it. Remove the device in the mentioned applet.
Disconnect the device. Check that it is no longer listed in Device
Manager, like under Human Interface Devices or elsewhere. Then open the
registry editor and export the following key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\Gameport

Delete the subkeys under that one. Reboot. Reattach the joystick and
use the applet to add the device again.
 
I've Googled this one to death, but it would appear that
the answer is: the Sidewinder (Non-USB models) do not work
correctly with computers with over 100Mhz system bus
speed. They corrected the problem on Win9x machines with
a software patch, but must not have felt any obligation to
do so under Win2k or above.

In answer to your questions, in order, in hopes that you
may still know of a fix:

1. The latest drivers for all hardware in my system have
been upgraded from either the manufacturers website, or
the Windows Update website.

2. The chipset is a VIA KT-333, with the latest VIA
drivers.

3. Yes, I've plugged, unplugged, inspected and replugged
the joystick into the gameport numerous times.

4. Due to the conditions experienced when testing the
joystick under the Control Panel/Gaming Options settings,
if I time it correctly the properties will open, but I
immediately receive the following error: Your game
controller is not connected correctly. Please verify that
it is plugged into your computer.

I will try the other fixes you recommended, but I'm just
about to the point where it is more cost/time effective to
go buy a new stick. I do however, appreciate all of the
help and ideas.
 
About the only thing left that I can think of is getting a controller
card for the joystick where you can adjust its speed. I remember back
when you could buy controllers that were faster than those provided on
the sound cards. Looks like you need to see if they are adjustable to
*slow* the speed so the hardware (Sidewinder) doesn't get confused.
 
Back
Top