Joy-less-stick

[ysteinbuch]

Not to beat a dead horse, but my MS Precision 2 stick is apparently very prone to static issues and failures. I just got an MS feedback joystick, which I hope will be better. Frankly, I'm not as concerned about the quality of the feedback as I am the prospect of  a static-free operation. Anyone have any thoughts about the feedback stick? I'm also waiting for the yoke that I ordered. One thing I should mention is that the stick is hooked up to the keyboard USB hub. The two slots in the tower are occupied (by the broadband connection and the keyboard). I'm wondering whether the joystick malfunctions may be due to the USB hub connection in the keyboard.

Thanx.

[FSTipster]

I use the sidewinder II USB (Non-FF) and don't have any noise problems with it.

It might be worth swapping usb slots and seeing if you get the same problems. The hub might be generating "noise".

[Squeek]

ya. the hub generating noise makes sence but becuase it is a force feedback stick i wouldnt be surprised if those noses are the joystick giving you that force feedback. who knows.

[ysteinbuch]

To clarify, the problem I'm having is with the Precision 2 stick (not a feedback). I have a new Force Feedback stick, which I have not used yet. I'm also wondering whether a self-powered hub, as opposed to as bus-powered hub, might be better to use. Apparently, a self-powered unit (plugged to an electrical outlet) is better suited to supply enough juice to multiple USB connections. Is that the case?

[FSTipster]

To clarify, the problem I'm having is with the Precision 2 stick (not a feedback). I have a new Force Feedback stick, which I have not used yet. I'm also wondering whether a self-powered hub, as opposed to as bus-powered hub, might be better to use. Apparently, a self-powered unit (plugged to an electrical outlet) is better suited to supply enough juice to multiple USB connections. Is that the case?

I'll leave someone more qualified on hubs to comment as I don't have one but before you go spending money, I'd try the following:

Disconnect your hub.

Remove the broadband connection and plug the joystick into the usb slot it occupied.

See if the problem is solved.


Then try the the force feedback in the same way and in the hub.

If the Precision works ok without the hub, and you have similar problems when the FF stick is plugged into the hub, you've at least identified that the hub is responisble. If you get different results, dependin on what they are, it could just be that your Precision 2 has past it's lifetime.

Disconnect you hub

[ysteinbuch]

Well, I've hooked up the new FF stick and all is well so far. I think I'll keep the USB unplugged when not in use. That may help dissipate static. The P2 stick was brand new, by the way, when it stopped working. I've read various forums and it seems that that stick is prone to such issues. Hopefully, the FF (a rather heavy unit, by the way) will continue working. I hate being grounded because of a joyless stick.  >:(