I am looking to add another stick to my rig specifically for gliding. 20 years ago I owned a Microsoft SideWinder Force Feedback 2 Joystick, and even today it is the best stick I have ever owned for flying with any sense of feel.
My question is, will it work in FS2024??? (if I can get my hands on a working example)
You’re not wrong, i have one i the loft and yes the best stick ive ever had!
Fond memories of that stick and combat flight sim
Alas last time i tried i just couldnt get anything out of it with games, nothing recongised it. Cant recall what exactly i tried and with what games, but didnt have any luck
Love to know myself if possible!
Mine wasnt usb though, seen there are some that are, converted ones maybe?
FS24 will detect the joystick without any issues, but FFB isn’t natively implemented yet. Although you can simulate some FFB effects (like trim pressure on the yoke and bumps during taxi and on the runway) using third-party apps, which aren’t really well maintained by their developers and are mostly abandoned.
I use it with the sim every day. I even have a second unit as a backup (and maybe for future experiments, like extensions or swapping out the stick).
I have been pointed in the direction of FX Force by a member of SSC. This software has been updated to FS2024. I will give that a try.
I had a negative experience with the (lack of) support from this developer, so I’m not interested in using his software anymore. I’d rather stick with the outdated Airforce Player or SimFFB for helicopters (both free) while I wait for more modern options.
Well at least I will be able to try before I buy. I really miss the Sidewinder, and I have managed to pick up a near enough unused one. So for me, I’m hoping XPForce works out okay for me.
I have to say that I share your experience with XPForce. I have a problem where the software is switching the USB off and on causing the game to eventually crash, or freeze requiring CAD to close the game. I restarted 2024 but this time not via the XPForce shortcut and the stick was stable, albeit with no FFB.
So far I have raised two tickets regarding this issue and as of today I have not even had the courtesy of a reply.
The Sidewinder FF 2 is a great stick even without the FF. You can tune the levels of force per axis through the game controller panel to give you the feel that you are looking for.
My advice keep your £9.99 in your pocket.
Hi,
I need some advise on how to bind the throttle. I too have the Sidewinder 2 FF, but I couln’t find the correct. There are quite numerous controls when searching for throttle .. I couln’t identify the right one yet.
kind regards,
Konrad
The binding to use is in the control options / Power Management / Throttle / Throttle Axis.
Thank you .. I wasn’t going through the menus step by step and the search didn’t lead me there. Fabulous!
Hi
I have been looking at the alternatives in particular SimFFB. I opened the link you provided but all I can see is a very long list of individual files and no .exe
How do you install SimFFB?
The problem with SimFFB is that it is not an FFB emulator! It’s fake! Centering a joystick is not FFB. Flight Simulator itself already does that. I looked at the source code on GitHub and found no method for connecting to the simulator.
The program should analyze the airspeed over the aircraft’s surface to influence the forces exerted on the joystick. In other words, it needs to collect data from the simulator to function properly.
Just like in a real airplane, the yoke or stick is free and stays in the position you leave it. It does not return to the center on its own when the aircraft is stationary, as there is no aerodynamics pushing it. The stick should only center when the aircraft is moving, and this return should be gradual according to the speed.
XPForce does this very well, but it has the issue of shutting off the joystick. Unfortunately, since it is closed-source software, I can’t even help solve the problem. The developer has likely made a lot of money from it and should allow us to fix it, since he treats us with contempt!
I threw my money away with XPForce! The DEV doesn’t respond to tickets, unfortunately!
But since I don’t give up easily, I found AirForce Player 1.02 which solved my problems for free!
Now FF works very well, I’ll leave my configs in case anyone wants to copy and test it.
I left the FF gain slider at 80%.
EnableGroundEffect=1
SelectedGroundMovementProfile=1
EnableRollingEffect=1
EnableSpringEffect=1
EnableGearEffect=1
EnableOverspeedWarning=1
EnableStallWarning=1
EnableLandingEffect=1
LandingStrength=90
EnableBrakeEffect=1
BrakeEfficiency=90
BrakeYokeMovement=90
OverSpeedWarningGain=90
StallWarningGain=90
GearBuffetingStrength=0
InvertXY=0
InvertX=0
InvertY=0
DampingAileron=10
DampingElevator=10
FrictionAileron=10
FrictionElevator=10
AileronSpringParams=1,0,100,100
ElevatorSpringParams=1,0,100,100
it doesnt work anymore with msfs2024 (it worked with 2020) the software connect well, green, but no FFB, (sidewinder FFB is ok (i can test with other software) but not with AFP 1.02 and msfs24 for me)
Any idea?
Hi,
I tried it as well. It works for me in FS2024 if I start first the Sim and then AirForce Player.
Cheers