Posted by Rob Caskey on September 26, 1999 at 00:16:09:
In Reply to: Here's some reasons... posted by Prophet of Retrogames on September 25, 1999 at 23:48:17:
: I dislike using Sidewinders for projects because:
: 1) They don't work with all software.
Yes but it works well in Mame32 & Other Emus. This is a software problem that can be fixed & should be fixed. Direct Input is your friend :)
: 2) They often having problems in some emus etc. (I'm always hearing ppl bitch because their Sidewinders don't work in the latest MAME etc.)
See #1
: 3) They don't allow you to control the PC via arrow keys, Enter etc. like you can do via a keyboard type interface.
True but some emulators (like mame) let you redefine your input keys so its all good.
: 4) They're Micro$oft. ;)
Its still good.
: I like using Powerramps because:
: 1) They work with all software.
Welp. Your not gonna be playing 4 player Atomic Bomberman with the power ramp without a TSR or something funky because it only supports 2 keyboard players at a time as opposed to 4 sidewinders.
: 2) They have no problems in any emus.*
OK, Ill buy that.
: 3) They also function as keyboard buttons.
Yep.
: 4) They ain't M$. =)
But again you cant really buy them at Walmart can you :) If you got Power Ramps you should use them but I think the board should really stop reccomending power ramps if you cant buy them anywhere. Sidewinders support the most inputs of any method I know that has been thoroughly tested.
: Seriously though, I've considered them often, and *might* consider them for my upcoming project. But since I already have 2 Powerramps wired and gutted, as well as a 6button joypad PCB, I probably won't.
:
: -P-
: www.retrogames.com
: : They are apparently real good joysticks for hacking but why not hack sidewinders? They give you many inputs (15, but 1 you dont really want to use (mode) if you are using daisy chained sidewinders), are easy to find, and relatively cheap. You can get the classic sidewinder at Walmart for $22 with a $10 mail in rebate. The solder points are even labeled on the sidewinder. Im gonna try to better document my other 3 sidewinder hacks im gonna do & contribute a nice tutorial to the site.