rec.autos.simulators

Setup:
P200, S220, R3D, 64Mb, PCI128, Win95

Symptoms:
Using Direct Input on GPL or any other driving sim - T2 spikes visciously to
the left (it's -not- the pots).  Use generic input or run DOS sims, no
problem.  Same problem occurs with old Logic3 joypad.
Win95 calibration screen shows mild shimmers, but nothing to the extent that
I get when in a sim.
No problem with Direct Input when using MS controllers - Gamepad or
Precision Pro.
No problem on my laptop with any of my controllers.

Added ACM game card, turned off joystick port on PCI128, same problem.

Kept ACM, replaced PCI128 with sad old CL Compatible 16 bit ISA sound, got
the shimmers with Direct Input but not the big spikes.

I've reformatted the HD and reinstalled the OS, tried DirectX5 and 6.1 and
get this same problem every time.

Why will the PCI 128 work fine with generic input or with MS input devices
but cause my sims to be unplayable when using my controller of choice?  Why
does the Win95 calibration screen not show the problem when the GPL Direct
Input calibration screen does?

If it was a PCI 128 hardware problem, why would it not be bad all of the
time?

I don't really want to lose the PCI128 when I've got a set of
FourPointSurrounds coming for my 30th on Thursday.

I've been at this for four nights now and It's starting to get depressing.

If you can't help, have you got the number of the Samaritans?

Cheers

Mark
Reading, UK

Now don't give up yet<g>...BTW, I've had the 4 point speakers for a few months
now, with both the PCI 64 and an SB Live and I'm very happy with the little
***s.

I don't really have a solution for your spiking problem, it sounds as if you've
done about all there is to do. My only suggestion would be to try the
Thrustmaster Pro Panel utility. It cured all the problems I had with my old TM
GP1 (except for the bad pots, stretched bungees and poor wiring<g>). You can
find it at the Thrustmaster site:

http://www.racesimcentral.net/

From the main page, look in the Files Library. The Pro Panel is the first file
listed. The TM Scope is a handy utility also found in the same library.

Good Luck

-don