rec.autos.simulators

Setup:
P200, 64Mb, Verite2100, SB PCI128, TM ACM Card, T2.

A few days ago I found that for some reason my controller had started
'spiking'.  No prob I thought, replace pot.  Didn't work.
Short story - I've completely gutted my PC and started from scratch
(reformatted all HDs and reinstalled OS) and -still- can't find the problem.

Symptoms:
In GPL - If I use direct input I get controller spikes throwing me from the
straight and narrow.  Use Generic no problems.
In F1RS - Get controller spikes.
In SCGT Demo - controller spikes.
In DOS ACM calibration screen - no spikes, it's solid as a rock.
In Win95 calibration screen - a little shimmery but no obvious spiking.
I've tried using an old joypad in GPL, set to Direct Input - still get
spikes.
Using MS Joypad or MS Precision Pro joystick, in GPL, Direct Input (no other
option with them) NO SPIKES.

OK, so you'd think that it's just coincidence and that both my old joypad
and T2 are busted as the MS kit works (apart from generic input being
OK?!?!?) but...

I've tried that same old joypad and the T2 in my work laptop, installed GPL,
set to direct input - no spikes.

I've tried using the PCI128 joystick port and removing the ACM card but
that's not solved it.

I'm assuming that, as I've completely rebuilt the OS from the ground up
again, it can't really be some a conflicting driver problem as this
setup -did- work not so long ago.  The PCI128 is fairly new.  It may be that
I just didn't notice the problem (I'm rarely out of GPL) but I doubt it.

Anyone got any ideas?  Jeez I hope so.

I AM GOING SODDING INSANE!  I've spent all weekend tryng various
configurations and I am no further forward.

If you can't help but know where I might find it, please disclose that info.

Thanks for listening, and if you can sort me out I'll buy you a pint next
time you're in the neighbourhood.

Mark
Reading, UK

ps I'm due to be a dad in 5 weeks and I'd like to get some quality time in
before D-Day.  And I turn 30 on Thursday.  It never rains, but it pours.

Sounds to me like DirectX might be freaking out on you.  Have you tried
reinstalling your old sound card? and seeing if that's the problem?

When I changed from an ISA sound card to a PCI card, my controller
wouldn't recognize one of the pedals on my Nascar Pro, no matter what I
did.  I ended up re-installing Win95 (from scratch) and everything was
fine.

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I sold that on - I might be able to borrow it back, though.  I'll give it a
try.

I tried that and didn't get anywhere.

Anyone got any clue as to whether it's a known 'feature' of a PCI 128 card
causing controller distress (even when the game port on it is disabled and
I'm using an ACM) like those GPL sound problems?

Cheers

Mark
Reading, UK

Sounds like you have the "poll with interupts enabled" feature running... Go
into your "Game Controllers" control panel, hit the "Advanced" tab, and look
down near the bottom... if the "Poll with interrupts enabled" checkbox is
checked, you'll get intermittent spiking. Uncheck the checkbox, "Ok" your way
out of the control panel, then go back in and look again... sometimes you have
to uncheck it several times before it "sticks".

If that's not it, sorry to waste your time...

Trips