rec.autos.simulators

by **David G Fishe** » Wed, 03 Aug 2005 04:58:01

Sorry again. The two links in the thread on that forum no longer work. Don't
know where to find it.

--
David G Fisher

> Sorry. :)

> http://www.racesimcentral.net/

> --
> David G Fisher

>> Here's the link for the version he needs.

>> Should sort out his problems.

>> --
>> David G Fisher

>>> And do a search for sidewinder software version 4, but you won't find it
>>> at
>>> Microsoft's site...

>>> Dave

>>>> Although XP recognizes it, make sure you install the sidewinder
>>>> software

>>>> >>>> I think I have a pedal problem though, the brake is on one side of
>>>> >>>> the axis and accel on the other side, (so I wanted to I couldn't
>>>> >>>> push both pedals at the same time) - I assume this is what you
>>>> >>>> mean
>>>> >>>> by split-axis(?). How do I solve this problem?

>>>> >>> I'd guess it would be under the game control options somewhere,
>>>> >>> can't
>>>> >>> help you anymore as I have a Logitech wingman FF, but thats where
>>>> >>> it
>>>> >>> is for that.
>>>> >>> Have fun!

>>>> >>> Robin

>>>> >> What I'm looking at in XP is wheel essentially handled as though it
>>>> >> were a joystick. There is a box with a crosshair in the centre -
>>>> >> steering moves the crosshair left and right, accel moves up and
>>>> >> brake
>>>> >> moves down. There has to be a better way/

>>>> >> ++
>>>> >> Fillyourboots

>>>> > I should also add that I'm using XP, which recognised the wheel
>>>> > straight
>>>> > away. The driver disc keeps crashing, so I've been unable to use it.

by **Fillyourboot** » Wed, 03 Aug 2005 06:15:28

Thanks to everyone for all their advice thus far, I'll try to sum up the
progress to date.

First it's worth acknowledging the lovely couple who made this possible. The
seller told me that he bought the wheel a couple of years ago for 120, but
was unable to make it function without crashing his pc, so the wheel was put
aside then ultimately ignored as they were gifted a lovely little girl and
he a Playstation (I don't believe these events were related...). The net
result was that they were selling a hardly used, great condition and boxed
(in practically mint original packaging) Sidewinder for 'get shot of it'
money at 20. It's nice to get a bargain, but nicer still to meet genuinely
warm and honest people.

The wheel itself is the USB version, and the included disc is the 4.0
software (with Monster Truck Madness 2 also on there). The disc crashes
every time, though results have varied. Where last night the process crashed
at the 50% mark, tonight the directory structure is on my Start menu, but no
programs within it (thought they may be available somewhere on the system as
my list of programs shows Sidewinder software with a 3.95MB footprint.)

I'm using the XP driver which recognised the wheel straight away but without
the additional features (Profiler, i suppose) which make the difference,
Another poster emailed me with a link to a bit of software which should
work, so I'll try that when I have time.

But issues with pedal usage notwithstanding, wheels rock!

++
Fillyourboots

by **Kran** » Fri, 05 Aug 2005 04:03:04

> - Are there really two versions (gameport and USB) of this wheel?
> (- And assuming it is the Gameport version, any problems I need to be aware
> of?)

Actually there's 3 versions of the wheel (or 2.5 if you like)
-Gameport
-USB (Same as above except connection)
-USB Red - came about 2002/2003. Wheel ***s are red, the others are
grey, afaik there's no other difference

It's ok wheel... broke gas spring on the 1st -> RMA, 2nd lasted about 2
years, nothing actually broke, it just has so much play and the ***s
are worn through and peeled. Now I have DFP and wouldn't change it for
anything - until BRD Speed 7 comes, but that thing costs like 10 times
the DFP, so it really isn't an option for me.

by **Plowbo** » Fri, 05 Aug 2005 06:31:19

ONE thing I do recall is remove the wheel's usb from machine reboot, run the
CD, at a point it will ask to plug in. Might help.

IMHO, you have a problem with your PC, either bugware from the net or
something, never have I heard or had a problem using the 4.0 disk nor XP or
win98 for that matter. (never did on winME though). FWI, I have installed
to locally 14 or more other machines (plus 4 different hardware and XP (home
and Pro) at different update versions since it came out, of my current
machine, plus the son's old pc of mine. if the program is crashing upon
install I suggest you have a program (legitimate like Antivirus SW, or rogue
application, like a bug) maybe disable the AV software while instaling? as
maybe that is not liking where sidewinder install it is being poked. It
should skip the directx. you could google for an app called processview or
'end it all' apps, try to get past this.

Last thing could be a unreadable sector on the CD. scratch or anything?

keep me informed, I will watch this thread now...

Fillyourboots enlightened us with:

by **DJRJ** » Fri, 05 Aug 2005 11:33:17

Are you sure the software is crashing and not just giving you a warning that
it doesn't work with xp or win2000? IIRC there was an error message when
installing and you just disregard it and install anyway. If that's not the
case then you should try and locate the file somewhere else. It's a great
wheel and should last except for the *** grips (that's my only complaint
with it).

by **flightlessvac..** » Sun, 07 Aug 2005 12:34:13

> If it's the gameport version don't try installing the drivers on XP -
> they don't work. Just got into the XP game controllers control panel and
> add a "Microsoft SideWinder (Auto Detect)". From memory (it's been a
> while since I had the Sidewinder wheel) it should give you split axis.

The XP game controller software doesn't even give you and option for
split axis and is next to useless for wheels.

Install the sidewinder software.

by **Plowbo** » Wed, 10 Aug 2005 01:06:43

whipe the 'sweaty palms goo' off the wheels' *** grips once in a while,
and you should be fine.
DJRJR enlightened us with:

rec.autos.simulators

Buying a 2nd hand MSFFW

Buying a 2nd hand MSFFW

Buying a 2nd hand MSFFW

Buying a 2nd hand MSFFW

Buying a 2nd hand MSFFW

Buying a 2nd hand MSFFW

Buying a 2nd hand MSFFW

Buying a 2nd hand MSFFW