Stinkin-Sidewinder!

[ReverseThrust]

It seems my joystick (USB MS Sidewinder II, non FF) has gone nuts-  It fails to respond to backward inputs- meaning I can use no up elevator when flying.  I shut down FS, then my machine, then unplugged an re-plugged the joystick, and booted up the machine.  I also have calibrated the thing a time or two and reset the controls to default.  The weirdest part:  all the while the properties menu showed the full axis of controls as I tested the movement.  But when I was in flight, no up elevator.

Does anybody have similar experiences, thoughts, or general advice with this stick other than get a new/different one??

Any input (no pun intended) appreciated!!!

If you need more detail let me know.... I am having to fly fighters and airbuses with my YOKE!

[Fozzer]

Do you have the same problem on all the aircraft...?
How does the joystick respond in other games on your hard drive...?
Try that for a start......!

Paul.

[caveman16]

Hey 'Reverse Thrust"  and "Paul" , - - - -  caveman  here :   sorry I'm so late in reading this post [ I'm new here ].   Did you Guys ever find the answer to that problem ?   I had a problem exactly like you described.    It " cost " me  2 joysticks. I could never get the thing to working right,- - - figured the joystick was just worn-out.   Of course it was a couple of years use on each - - - BUT THE VERY SAME PROBLEM EACH TIME.  I also tried everything I knew of at the time,    sure wish I had help like I do now.  I REALLY APPRICIATE YOU GUYS HELPING ME IN SO MANY WAYS WITH THIS  SIM.       Keep up the good work.    caveman  

[Politically Incorrect]

Have you checked to make certain that your control settings in FS9 haven't been changed?

If that fails try re-loading the software from the Sidewinder disc again.

[Apex]

I started out in mid-2003 with a MS Sidewinder, then another, before I realized that there really are better sticks out there.  My advice: Get another brand.  

As far as exactly what, look around here first for more specific advice, then buy it from somewhere that you can return it to if you don't like it.  I use a Logitech Extreme 3D Pro, however do not take this as a recommendation; I'm no joystick expert, this one happens to be comfortable for me and has the button arrangement I like.  But even so, I'm on my 5th one; the first four were fine for quite a while at first, then eventually came up with some kind of problem which caused all aircraft to assume a slight right banking bias.  The current one has been in use a long time with no problems whatsoever, I can let go of the stick and fly straight and level.

[rootbeer]

I also have a Logitech 3D Pro. I like it, but I can't unhand the stick-- my airplanes will go into either a death dive or death stall right away. I have tried trimming to stabilize, but it never works from plane to plane. I like the 3D Pro because it doesn't have any wimpy parts like some others-- you know, like flip-up button protectors that break easily in just using them. I see these alot on Saitek sticks; I'd never buy one.

[Gunny04]

MS Sidewinder is a durable stick, Mines been dropped like 50+ Times and still works, Only stick I have and I dont wanna replace it but.... lol time takes tolls on things, anyways, I've had this prob before I believe, I shut FS off unplugged, re plugged in (With comp on) and boom fixed.... if that doesnt help try using it in ANY other game, and if it works there, then its FS, had this many times happen only not in FS, Hope this helps, Gunny

[caveman16]

I didn't realize I'd get so much help on this.   I'm printing / keeping all this info in case it's needed in the future.   Thanks so much,  really appreciated.          caveman