:-zhelp :-zhelpHello all, I am planning on building helicopter-style controls. Already have an idea on the mechanics, but it's the electronics part that is the big question mark here. Really would like your opinion/input on this .... thanks!!I have an old Sidewinder joystick which I can use as basis for my controls, but it connects to the gameport. Gameport is a very simple but by design rather inaccurate interface.(which is why it needs all this (re-)calibration).What chopper controls need most is accuracy. I am considering buying a cheap USB joystick to strip and use for my controls, just because I suspect the USB interface is more accurate and stable than the ole'gameport ADC..Is my assuption correct? Is it worth the (small) cost, just to have it work on USB?Or do you think there is no noticeable difference in accuracy of controls between the USB and gameport interface types?Feedback wanted! Many thanks!

Gameport performance probably varies somewhat from computer to computer, but my experience is that it's generally pretty poor by today's standards. I'd recommend going straight to USB.You have several options. There have been a couple of DIY approaches to USB discussed here you could pursue, you can buy a used USB stick through EBAY and hack it, you can buy a assembled, tested USB interface such as the Beta Innovations Plasma-Lite. www.betainnovations.comMikewww.mikesflightdeck.com

You can use USBAxes IOCard for this purpose.You can buy a mounted or kit. It is a cheap solution. (21 Eurs kit).If you want a specific control, you can use for example a USBServos (4 ADs)or another cheap card with ADC, and program your specific curves and mixtures in SIOC script language.

I will agree with previous posts.Keep your old Joystick (i have also one) to remember happy old days :-) and go for another easier solution. Another option also is to buy a new cheap joystick, other the Opencockpits, Fsbus, Beta Innovations etc.Eddie ArmaosAthens-Greece

>I will agree with previous posts.>>Keep your old Joystick (i have also one) to remember happy old>days :-) and go for another easier solution. Another option>also is to buy a new cheap joystick, other the Opencockpits,>Fsbus, Beta Innovations etc.>Though I think usb joysticks tend to be more expensive than the iocards thing. Or build the MJoy (use forum search) if you have electronics experience.//Tuomas

Hi,You can always do what I did. Buy a cheap USB joystick and use its electronics for the Sidewinder. Game ports begin to fade out from the motherboards arena. The new motheboards only have USB etc. but NO gameports. The ones that still have, offer them as an option and that usually requires an *optional* cable that connects to the mobo. My advice - leave the gameport technology and concentrate your efforts on USB for now.As yet another good alternative, if you want very accurate joystick input, you may connect the mechanics of your Sidewinder to Beta Innovations' Plasma or Plasma Lite (http://www.betainnovations.com/) and replace the pots with higher-grade units - available there as well. You may want to use the remaining analog inputs for accurate throttles/flaps controls.

Many thanks for the tips, you have helped me a lot!Cheers, Pirre