Connecting Flightstick Question

[gnr_rules]

I have a SlickStik panel on my MAME machine. I want to add a flightstick but I'm not sure which route to go. I really like the heavy duty analog sticks that are on HAPP controls site. Can any one tell me if I can connect one of these type flightsticks to my MAME machine? HAPP offers two types in each style.One type is the Analog Joystick w/ 5k potentiometers and the other is a PC Version, Analog Joystick w/ 100k S Taper potentiometers w 15-Pin Gameport Cable. My guess is I would need the PC version, but what does the 15-pin cable plug into? Would either version work?


Thanks for your replies!!

[Gatt]

Sounds to me like that "PC version" actually hooks up to one of the old gameport ports on old sound cards.  I suspect the one you want is the non-pc version and then wire it into your Ipac.  But I'm not 100% on that

[BadMouth]

For the standard one, you will need a U-HID or some other board that has analogue input to read the pots.

For the gameport one, you'll need a soundcard with a gameport or a gameport to USB adapter.
I just ordered a "SuperJoyBox7" from fleabay (that sounds so dirty    ).
(still waiting for it to arrive from china)  Gameports are limited to 4 axis and 4 buttons, effectively two, two button flightsticks.
From what I gathered searching the net, this usb adapter works fine as long as you only have a 2 button joystick and they will definitely not
work with any force feedback sticks.

Don't worry too much about the pot values as long as they are under 100k, the calibration in windows should adjust for them.

This wikipedia article about gameports was very helpful to me:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gameport

I also ordered a splitter that would allow two sticks to connect to one gameport (waiting for that from the uk).
I have no idea whether it will work with the usb adapter or not, but I am going to find out.

I should have some actual experience to report next week, instead of just regurgitating what I've found in researching.

After reading the wikipedia entry and learning what the pinout is, I also thought this might be the easiest way to add a pair of "joystick" guns.
Basically all you need is something to read the pots & allow for two buttons per player and this is exactly what the gameport is designed to do.
For around $12 total for the usb adapter and splitter, it would be a cheap interface.
If I get that working, I'll post a write up on exactly how to wire everything.

[JohnEDollar]

gnr_rules:

You could also try building/making your own Flightsick controller, by following the tutorial "Build Your Own Arcade Controls FAQ - Build Your Own Trigger Grip Joystick", found at http://mamecheats.fateback.com/tutorial.htm

(Works for me!  )

- John

[DeLuSioNal29]

I have a 2 button flight slick from happ, but it is NOT analogue.  I simply connect it to the inputs on the IPAC.

I have this model here:  http://www.happcontrols.com/joysticks/50997000.htm

Click on my signature to see my panel with the stick installed in it.

DeLuSioNaL29

[Gatt]

I have a 2 button flight slick from happ, but it is NOT analogue.  I simply connect it to the inputs on the IPAC.

I have this model here:  http://www.happcontrols.com/joysticks/50997000.htm

Click on my signature to see my panel with the stick installed in it.

DeLuSioNaL29

That's the same one I have I think,  but mine's 2 buttons.  Microswitches,  hooks right up to the IPAC,  that's why I made the comment I did earlier.