Joyswitch... Where to purchase?

I recall some time ago a discussion about the joyswitch being the gadget to get to be able to hook up multiple devices such as sticks, wheels, other controllers... and I forget where it was mentioned to purchase this device? Is it available at any known retailers or mail order only? Is there a better or alternate way to have a joystick and T2 both hooked up and ready to use either one without having to fumble around switching the plugs? Although this isn't directly related to the sim world, I was wondering if anyone can give any recommendations on what IDE harddrives are the best for adding a second one to my system as a slave drive for additional storage. These games such as N2 have maxed me out ;) ! Specifically, I am looking for an IDE hd in the range around $200 or less. Hoping to add atleast a 1.6 gig with a good history of compatability and reliability. Thanks, Ron

>I recall some time ago a discussion about the joyswitch <snip> >Is there a better or alternate way to have a joystick and >T2 both hooked up and ready to use either one without having to fumble >around switching the plugs? I use an 'AB' (actually it's an ABCD) switch as I have 2 different types of joy sticks and a wheel/pedals combo too. I just have to remember to switch it to the correct position prior to starting a game. I don't know what retail store prices would be but I ordered mine from Dalco electronics (800-445-5342 Visa M/C etc..). Heres the info: AB Switch (for 2 controllers, DB15F connectors) Part #38460 $14.60 or ABCD Switch (up to 4 controllers, DB15F) Part # 38619 $18.00 You'll also need a common cable 6ft cable (DB15M-DB15M switch to computer) Part #41460 $8.65 BTW, If you don't trust my part numbers you can get a catalog from them too. When you get it: Run the cable from your game port to the 'common' connector on the switch. Hook your devices to connectors 'A' thru 'D' on the switch. Good Luck, Mike Radler myyke on Hawaii

Egghead sells Joyswitches, I have seen them in several of their stores. -- Manager, Information Technology Services Cable News Network, Washington Bureau "The bubble gun card doesn't lie" - Chris Sabo

Just saw one last night.... $49 for the model that allows 2 different footpedals and 4 different joysticks. -- http://www.pclink.com/mformo/index.htm > Egghead sells Joyswitches, I have seen them in several of their stores. > -- > Manager, Information Technology Services > Cable News Network, Washington Bureau > "The bubble gun card doesn't lie" - Chris Sabo > > I recall some time ago a discussion about the joyswitch being the > > gadget to get to be able to hook up multiple devices such as sticks, > > wheels, other controllers... and I forget where it was mentioned to > > purchase this device? Is it available at any known retailers or mail > > order only? Is there a better or alternate way to have a joystick and

Try Chips and Bits 39 dollars listed in PCgamer -- --Kai Fuller

Thanks for the input. I just placed an order through Chips N Bits for the joyswitch. Came to $44.22 total (priority mail). Ron

I have been buying Western Digital Caviar hard drives for years. They are consistantly reliable and perform very well. I bought a 1.6 mb at Best Buy this month for $229 with a $30 mail in rebate. <<<<<snip>>>>>

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> Although this isn't directly related to the sim world, I was wondering > if anyone can give any recommendations on what IDE harddrives are the > best for adding a second one to my system as a slave drive for > additional storage. These games such as N2 have maxed me out ;) ! > Specifically, I am looking for an IDE hd in the range around $200 or > less. Hoping to add atleast a 1.6 gig with a good history of > compatability and reliability. > Thanks, > Ron

I ordered one from Flight Sim Central in Mt. Juliet, TN, $39.95 & $8.00 shipping (UPS 2nd DAY). Check them out online at www.fscentral.com, or phone orders at 1-800-477-SIMS. Pretty much $49.95 at all retail outlets around here (Seattle). Regards, Kevin

Thanks for the input. I just placed an order through Chips N Bits for the joyswitch. Came to $44.22 total (priority mail). Ron

>>I recall some time ago a discussion about the joyswitch <snip> >>Is there a better or alternate way to have a joystick and >>T2 both hooked up and ready to use either one without having to fumble >>around switching the plugs? I have an Alfa Twin that cost 20 pounds from Special Reserve in the UK - it is an auto switch with manual selection too. up to 4 can be daisy chained. i have a MS Sidewinder Pro and a GP500 on mine and they work just great. Spe Res web site can be found via the computers section of my own... Jeffrey D. Preou Homepage - http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/~jpreou/index.htm

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> I have been buying Western Digital Caviar hard drives for years. They > are consistantly reliable and perform very well. I bought a 1.6 mb at > Best Buy this month for $229 with a $30 mail in rebate. > <<<<<snip>>>>> > > Although this isn't directly related to the sim world, I was wondering > > if anyone can give any recommendations on what IDE harddrives are the > > best for adding a second one to my system as a slave drive for > > additional storage. These games such as N2 have maxed me out ;) ! > > Specifically, I am looking for an IDE hd in the range around $200 or > > less. Hoping to add atleast a 1.6 gig with a good history of > > compatability and reliability. > > Thanks, > > Ron

Umm, after going thru about every brand here's what I can say about them: Seagate: reliable, sturdy, but the access times are a little slow. But, their prices are usually the lowest. Western Digital: I've killed two; one provided with a machine and one bought over the counter, however, they have good prices, and good access times. Quantum: I've had four in about 10 years, found them extremely reliable, still have 3 (sold one), they have LOW access times, and good value. Best Buy is having a run a 2.1 g FULL size(5 1/4) for about $200. If you have a spare full bay this is the choice. Toshiba: have one in my notebook (1.2G/2.5inch), and sofar it has been very sturdy. No idea on pricing/sizes for desktops. Good luck, hope this helps... -Mark