MS SideWinder Plug 'n Play Game Pad USB - any good for hacking?

[Zeitgeist]

Anyone here familiar with the Microsoft Sidewinder Plug & Play USB Gamepad?
This is the smaller, clear plastic housing type, USB Sidewinders that have four buttons on top & two in front (see pic).
I've found a pretty good deal on a few but if they are only 4 button pads, they won't do me any good.
The stuff I've seen on the web is pretty vague.
Do any of you know if the two front triggers mimic the #1 & #2 fire buttons or is this a true 6 button gamepad?
Has anyone ever hacked one of these?
If the two front triggers are their own functions (totaling 6 fire buttons) then this looks like it would make a pretty good hack.
I know that the regular sidewinders are great for hacking but haven't really seen anything on these yet.
Any opinions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

[Zeitgeist]

Better Pic.

[tmasman]

I do have one of these...
It is a true 8-way, 6 button gamepad. Works great!

I'd hack it, but my wife likes using it in some of the other games we have.
They sell locally for $14.99, so they aren't bad price wise either... (I'm sure you could find 'em cheaper if you looked though)

[Zeitgeist]

Excellent!
Thanks
I'll pick up a few to use on the next several 6-button stand-alone panels that I make.
 

[paigeoliver]

I tried to hack one of these. It is VERY difficult. There is simply nowhere to solder. The PCB on it is totally different than any other joystick PCB I ever worked with.

[DeafBug]

If you want a Sidewinder to hack, the gameport version is easier since the holes are already there for the wire and quick to solder.

[Zeitgeist]

Thanks for the info guys.

[unclet]

I found the USB Microsoft Dual Strike gamepads are easy to solder as well and also allow for connection of 5K potentiometer arcade controllers like a Star Wars yoke for example.

I hacked 7 of them for my driving cab.

Plus I got all of them via Ebay for an average price of $9 each.