Sidewinder Freestyle Pro

[Guest]

I am using Windows XP (Home) and have the Sidewinder Freestyle Pro, but it is
not the USB version, and I do not know how to connect it to my USB port. I
do not have a separate video (gaming) card that I can connect it to.
Apparently, there is supposed to be an adapter that came with the Freestyle
Pro, but I either never received one or have long since lost it.

Can someone please tell me if all I need is a standard serial-to-USB
adapter, or some Microsoft-proprietary device? Actually, I guess I'm not
even certain if the connector on the Freestyle Pro I have is a SERIAL
connector or not...

I have a game that would be tons better if only I could figure out how to
use my Freestyle, so your prompt feedback would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Chris H.]

You would really be better off to just purchase a USB controller for the
game. Adapters sometimes work, and sometimes don't. You don't have a
regular, non-USB connection on your system? If you do, just plug the
controller in and then go into Control Panel/Game Controllers and select to
Add the device. XP will install the basic drivers for you.
--
Chris H.
Microsoft Windows MVP/Tablet PC
Tablet Creations - http://nicecreations.us/
Associate Expert
Expert Zone -


"(e-mail address removed)"

 

[Guest]

No, I don't have any non-USB connections on my computer. Brand new computer,
video card integrated into the motherboard, no separate Gameport or serial.
I have found new USB Freestyle Pros for less than $20 in online auctions,
Gameport-to-USB adapters for about the same. Looks like, with your
suggestion, a new device would be a better investment than an adapter.
Thanks for your help!

 

[Chris H.]

You're welcome. And, yes, I believe you'll be better off with the pure USB
device. Trying to "adapt" the older controller is sort of an iffy procedure
sometimes. You know a USB device will work for the foreseeable future, so
you don't need to use a gimmick. Happy gaming!
--
Chris H.
Microsoft Windows MVP/Tablet PC
Tablet Creations - http://nicecreations.us/
Associate Expert
Expert Zone -

 

[Guest]

Your advice might me nice for a 20 Euro/Dollar gimmick. But my Sidewinder FF
Pro has cost me 125 bucks and a better one has never ever been build since.
So I am supposed to throw it away?

Greetings

Dietmar

 

[Chris H.]

I agree you'll in a difficult situation, because the technology has advanced
on computers - just like most systems these days don't have a floppy drive
built in any more. Perhaps, if the system has a free slot, you could get an
inexpensive sound card with a gameport on it and disable the sound portion
(if possible).
--
Chris H.
Microsoft Windows MVP/Tablet PC
Tablet Creations - http://nicecreations.us/
Associate Expert
Expert Zone -