I am trying to get MS Sidewinder Force Feedback 2 to provide any kind of a feedback in FS9. The FF2 worked fine in FS 2002...but in spite of all efforts I cannot get it to work in FS9. My operating system is W2000, I am running a Pentium 1.4 with 512Mb RAM and a 60 MB hard disk.Everything checks out OK. Before starting FS9, the Control Panel > Gaming Options > Controllers > Properties > Forces let me test the different buttons and they all work (shake) just fine. The Controller ID shows that the FF2 has ID=1.After starting FS9, and again checking Options > Controls > Calibrate joystick > Controllers...the joystick again tests OK and shakes... but there is absolutely no feedback or center tension when taxiing or flying any aircraft.I also re-checked that the Options > Controls > Forces and the "Enable feedback" box and all the "Force feedback" option boxes are checked. Force feedback levels are set at default (Max)...The CONTROLS section of FS9.cfg seem to show that all settings are correct:[CONTROLS]pan_in_cockpit_mode=0 KBDAIL=64KBDELEV=64KBDRUD=64force_master_gain=10000force_stick_force_enabled=1force_stick_shaker_enabled=1force_gear_bump_enabled=1force_crash_enabled=1force_ground_bumps_enabled=1PAN_RATE=400force_master_enabled=1(I tried to change the above "force_master_gain=10000" to 20000....but that did not make any difference.As I said the FF2 works perfectly in the FS2002 /Windows 2000 combination...so what is the problem in FS9????At this point I am out of ideas...any suggestions will be most appreciated.Thank you in advance

Hey Claus.Sorry can't help you, but I have the same problem. No resistance whatsoever when in Flightsim, but tons when in Windows. I get all the shakes and everything in the sim though. I never had the resistance you speak of even in FS2002. I always just assumed that this was normal. Now you got me thinking.

It's been said, (and I agree to some extent), that force feedback adds little if any realism to MSFS. I think the devs had this in mind when they were making FS9, as it has only the most meagre coding for force feedback. I've gotten used to not using it, and it really doesn't take away much immersion.

I had trouble even getting an MS joystick to work with FS2002. I ended up replacing with a Logitech Force Feedback stick and have had no problems...it even works with FS9. This is a very timely post actually, as over the weekend I was reading an article in a magazine devoted to things computer (can't give out the name), and according to it, MS is getting out of joystick, if not all controllers, manufacturing completely. The reason(s) given is inability to compete economically and trouble integrating functionality with their own Operating System(s) (Windows).

LOL, and you believed it? Not bagging on you bro, but I doubt seriously MS would abandon a line of products because of compatability problems with windows. They do have the source code ya know...Searched for half an hour and found nothing relating to your claim.

I said it was an article in a computer magazine. I didn't say it was available on the web.This magazine is a reputable, monthly publication, available on most book racks, and usually on top of the latest and greatest in the way of hardware/software and in communication with the top manufacturers/retailers.You can believe what you wish; but I will say again what I originally stated: my MS joystick refused to function with FS2002 in Windows XP Pro. And from further investigation, it became apparent that it would never work within that OS. As an aside, it did function in Windows 98.The fact that they(MS) have the source code doesn't make them infallible. They still can't create anything approaching decent internet security within their own OS; that's just one example of their ineptitude.

I got a Logitech too and it works fine.I much prefer the FF in IL-2 though. The control surface resistance is much more variable and kicks in smoothly. By default FS's FF tends to jerk the plane around. I've toned my overall effects down in the Control Panel but maxed out all the effects (landing gear bumps, crash, etc.) in the aircraft.cfg.

ClausSee if this post on simFlight sheds any light.[http://forums.simflight.com/viewtopic.php?t=13079]

Clicked on the link, and was encouraged when I saw this item on the page:"Install the latest version of the Microsoft SideWinder Game Controller software.Microsoft has released an updated version of the Microsoft SideWinder Game Controller software. This version contains improvements to the force feedback technology that may allow it to work better on your computer. Download and install this software to see if it fixes your problem. You can obtain this software free of charge from the following Microsoft Web site: http://support.microsoft.com/support/downloads/LNP266.asp. For more information about the availability of SideWinder software updates, please see article Q162548 in the Microsoft Knowledge Base." GREAT - a software patch to fix the problem...Of course, it took me to a page where there was NO reference to any updated software.....I HATE MS!!!:-hang