Serial to USB adapters for sidewinder joystick

mikeyparkster · 2 Oct 2011 at 16:17

I have one of these..... it has a serial output though.

Is it possible to get a serial adapter (from the joystick) to a USB input...?

Tute · 2 Oct 2011 at 16:21

Step 1: Google "usb serial port adapter"
Step 2: Slap yourself for not thinking of that.

K.C. Leblanc · 2 Oct 2011 at 16:28

Most old school joy sticks use a 15 pin connector, it's not a standard serial interface (they're normal 9pin or sometimes 25).

There are adaptors about, if you're running XP you might be able to find a compatible sound card with the right connector. If you've got 7 driver support will be trickier.

mikeyparkster · 2 Oct 2011 at 16:36

well the thing is I was going to buy a new pc next month for bf3....so..... it was for flying planes... looks like I might have to buy a new one though?

Meatball · 2 Oct 2011 at 19:58

It may work out cheaper and a lot less hassle if you buy a new one with USB support

. Worth a thought.

Mr Plow · 3 Oct 2011 at 00:04

Those old MS joysticks had a Game Port connection (I've got exactly the same one in the loft somewhere). You use to have these connectors on sound cards and I think some motherboards had them.

If you google 'USB to Gameport' you'll find a few options but they seem to be very hit and miss whether they work at all so it's probaby worth just picking up a cheap USB replacement.