rec.autos.simulators

Can anyone recommend a device that allows you to easily switch between
different (digital/analog) joysticks/wheels/gamepads, because I'm
getting sick of plugging and unplugging devices whenever I have to
switch between the different controllers that I have?  BTW, I have a
digital joystick, a digital gamepad, and an analog wheel.  Is that
going to create problems, having to switch from a digital device to an
analog device, and vice versa, with the switching device?  Thanks

Ricky

There is a product out called Joyswitch that you can use to switch up to
four different controllers.  I ordered mine through one of the ads in the
back of a computer *** magazine several years ago.

--
T.M.K.
thomas at olywa dot net

The CH Joyswitch is great but I don't think it works with digital devices
because it doesn't cut out the fire button signals from the controllers
which are not currently selected.  This will interfere with the analog
devices when they are selected.

Exactly! I think the best solution with digital stuff is to get USB versions
and plug them into USB ports, even if that means getting a USB hub to fit
them all in. At least then they're permanently plugged in and available.

Of course for analog devices, the PDPI card has four ports and some simple
software for changing from one to the other.

Wayne Hutchison

I have one too.  I can confirm what you said about not working with digital
devices.  One note for MS Sidewinder 3D Pros, it will work with that one
because it has a built in analog mode (but it kept activating itself and
disabling my wheel causing an instant left turn into the wall).  I now have
a Precision Pro and it didn't work at all with the switchbox (just an
experiment, I use it through the USB port now).

You may find a "hardware" type db15 switchbox at your local electronics

I built last year and right now it is on my wife/son's computer and my CH is
sitting in a drawer so I could sell you the hardware one for what it cost me
to make it plus shipping.  One note, it is only capable of switching between
two devices, but you should be able to chain them.  The only part of it that
is home made is the wire from the switchbox to the midi port, which if you
don't like my job or it doesn't hold up, you can order that wire pre-fab for
about $7 or $8, it was just out of stock when I made mind (had to make it
work that day and all (attention span of a puppy)).

Hope I have or can help,
Rick Miller (Arrowhead)