Buying a used joystick...

[ftlosm]

Hey all, just started out on FS2004 about 3-4 days ago and lovin it!  Thinking about getting a flight stick, asked in another post and someone said go with the sidewinder, i went on ebay and was lookin around (figured i would pick one up cheap and try it) and there are SO many different versions and types i am a bit overwhelmed...

I have read in the descriptions of some that are for win 98 only and others that dont mention 2000, or usb etc, just wondering if I buy a used stick what models are the ones to stay away from or to look for in particular?

I am running windows 2000 pro on a athlon 2100 with 1 gig of 2700 ram, ati 8500dv video card, 120 gig hd, and using FS2004 COF.

Thanks for any input,

(these are not my auctions just ones i was looking at as reference)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... egory=3666

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... tegory=170

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... egory=3677

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... tegory=170


& many others that look similar but go by different models and or slightly different name or looks...

Bill

[ozzy72]

Hi Bill, well welcome to the forums and the mad world of SimV
When I started out in 2k2 my first two sticks were second hand, and I got a good year out of each. I'm now running an M$ one (brand new ), and v.happy with it.
If you can afford it a new one its worth it, failing that there are plenty of places around where you can get a refurbished one, but hey eBay have some great bargins Personal preference will vary according to what people have

Ozzy

[zeberdee]

Hi Bill
     
       Re the sidewinder joystick I think I am right in saying there are four versions two forcefeedback & two not. The early sidewinders were game port connection, and are ok with Windows upto I think 98, the later joysticks are usb and will work with the later windows ie XP. I use the early gameport force feed back with windows 98 (payed

[Scottler]

Admittedly, I haven't clicked your links yet, but FYI, a lot of folks 'round here (myself included) swear by the Saitek X-45 HOTAS.

Not a cheap stick, compared to a few, but not at all an expensive set up either (comparatively speaking).  I think it's going now for about $70 to $80 in the box.  Might be able to find it used for a bit less.

[mailrail]

Bill:

Saw your post and thought I'd let you know that I actually have a stick on Ebay right now. I put it up for bid a few days ago. I just upgraded to XP and bought me a new Logitech 3d pro. There's absolutely nothing wrong with my old Sidewinder, except that I'm not sure it's compatable with Windows XP. It worked great with Windows 2000; which is what I was running before. My new Dell computer doesn't have a gameport in the back and this model of Sidewinder doesn't have a USB connection, although you can get an adapter at Radio Shack. I'd love to see it go to a "Simviation pilot".  The auction ends in 3 days. So far no bids. If you have any questions about it, let me know.  Here's the link:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... =3677&rd=1

Sully