I have tried searching for this on Google but do not seem to get a direct answer. So, wonder if anyone can kindly give me a keyboard shortcut or tell me how to disconnect my MS Sidewinder FF2 joystick from the AP in FSX as the slightest touch seems to send any aircraft all over the place. I have placed the spike checks in FSUPIC but that has not made a difference.Thanks in advance.

That fine work of engineering shouldn't spike at all from the sensor setup on the stick, so there must be something else triggering the disconnect.Does that happen at default planes or just at the more sensible addon ones? Some of them allow an adjustment of the force needed to disconnect the AP, some even allow to disconnect the joystick completely when the AP is running.There is a global command in FSX to disable the joystick, but I'd would look at this solution as a workaround only. Ctrl+K if it helps.

I had trouble getting setup also, now I put the control stick ona desk on the right side of my rocking chair, fly with thumb andon or two fingers towards the base. In fsx control settings I haveforces checked for controls surfaces only and sensitivities almostall the way to the right and null zone almost all the way to the left.good luck,Ken

That fine work of engineering shouldn't spike at all from the sensor setup on the stick, so there must be something else triggering the disconnect.Does that happen at default planes or just at the more sensible addon ones? Some of them allow an adjustment of the force needed to disconnect the AP, some even allow to disconnect the joystick completely when the AP is running.There is a global command in FSX to disable the joystick, but I'd would look at this solution as a workaround only. Ctrl+K if it helps.

Hi CoolP. Once more, you can be relied on. Thanks.Has happened with the PMDG MD-11 and the Level-D 763, last couple of days, the only two I have tried so far.It's been connected to a system running FS2004 under XP SP3 but has lain dormant for a while, so decided to hook it up with my FSX-running rig on Windows 7 64-bit for which I cannot find any drivers but seems okay in DMgr.Does the PMDG and the Level-D a/c allow for a joystick disconnect, and if so where do I find the menu to do so?

Hopefully, you have Russell Dirk's Force Feedback software. I wouldn't fly without it, and I wouldn't fly without my Microsoft FF2 joystick. I've purchased 4 of them from Ebay over the last year just so that I have an ample supply as the years roll on. Since they're not made anymore, you can't have enough.My suggestion is to totally remove it from your computer and re-connect it. I don't use the Sidewinder software at all. No need. Get the Dirk's software though. It makes the experience extremely realistic.Stanps. It's also possible that the stick has reached the point of no return. How old is it, and when did this start happening?

Hi Stan. Really appreciate your post.Q.1, where can I lay my hands on this Russell Dirk's FF software?I don't think that my FF2 has reached the point of no return as it has lain dormant for over 6 months and even in FS2004 usage, was not used all that much. And only started yesterday with the MD-11 and today with the LDS763. The advent of the iFly737NGX and the PMDG737NGX plus the other two FSX PMDG 'heavies' saw to it that my FS2004 activity was reduced to a zero, thus no usage of the FF2.Thanks for your assists.I agree, I have not seen too many of them around

Stan is very right there, FSForce is worth a try. It offers a trial mode, so you can check it before buying. http://www.fs-force.com/The FF2 was a great piece of kit and, if free of manufacturing errors, should last almost forever. But I think Stan can tell where the units start to show their age. I think I've read about the buttons or the twist stick axis.As said, the sensor setup (on the stick itself, so elevator and ailerons) isn't based on stuff being able to spike. So the worst thing to happen is a sudden silence of signals, not strangely faulty ones.But the numerical view of FSUIPC or the one from the older Sidewinder software may help finding hardware based problems.MS has ended the FF2 production years ago, so you only see the last remains of units. But I saw some guys offering repairs on that very good FF joystick.From the actual feel, it's still unmatched I think. My G940 is good, but not that good.However, the Level D should have that option for the AP if I remember correctly and the PMDG offers it in this menu inside the PMDG options.

You can choose to override the flight controls always or never. If selected, it is possible to override steering commands to the autopilot by deflecting the flight controls slightly. When the controls are released the Autopilot will return to following commands from the flight director. If this option is de-selected, manipulation of the controls while the autopilot is engaged will have no effect, unless the controls are deflected beyond a certain point in which case the autopilot will disengage and return control of the airplane to the pilot.

If you are running a high sensitivity on the joystick settings in FSX, very small movements may lead to a AP disturbance, so maybe take that setting into account when setting up the FSX axis dialogue.

I use this stick without the FF cord plugged in. I like the feel of the loose stick, feels more like an airplane.

I've heard that from some others too. But you'll lose the centring force then, so if you let go, the plane goes somewhere.Did you try FSForce with it? You can set up the profiles for certain plane categories there, so you can get anything from a damped FBW stick to a sluggish 'taildragger at too low speed' up to very responsive fighter-like characteristics.As the software already comes with presets, it's easy to develop own stuff. Pretty straightforward.Together with the adjustable stall buffet, FSForce really adds something to every plane, especially GA ones in my eyes. But it's personal preference of course, that's where the trial mode comes in handy.

CoolP, once more. as per your usual high standards, a well-researched most helpful response. Thank you very much.Likewise, Ryan. Will check and report.

You might also want to try registered FSUIPC's "Disable trim & elevator axis for AP" options. Some planes don't like them.I concur with the previous posters about pleasantness of FF2 + FSForce combination.

You might also want to try registered FSUIPC's "Disable trim & elevator axis for AP" options. Some planes don't like them.I concur with the previous posters about pleasantness of FF2 + FSForce combination.

Thank you for that suggestion. Appreciated, as I do have a registered version.

I can't get my FF2 working properly in FSX on Windows 7. It "works" but the feedback is weak and innacurate. I tried the demo of FSForce but it doesn't make much difference and not worth the expense so am back to my trusty Saitek FF for now.

I use this stick without the FF cord plugged in. I like the feel of the loose stick, feels more like an airplane.

I'm another one who uses the FF2 without the FF cord. I love this stick. With a finger and thumb around the base, I can very precisely control the input with minimal effort.

Keep in mind that there is a "set-up" routine with FS Force after it's installed. You have to go through that in the profile. You should also remember to TURN OFF FORCES IN FSX for FS Force to work properly. Finally, you should CALIBRATE the joystick in FSX to make sure it's centering correctly.Stanps. I find that over time some of the buttons on the base get used to the point that you have to press really hard to get any response from them. I use 5 and 6 buttons for Flaps up and down one increment at a time. So obviously those buttons are pushed many times during a sim session.