USB Converter for MS Sidewinder 3DPro, PP, and FFP
@Zapp - There is nothing on the back side, all the action is on the front, including the traces, the back is just thru holes, and is where you solder the pins.
See this for the traces a schmartboard uses...
http://www.schmartboard.com/schmartboar ... 001-01.pdf
The back side has no traces, the wiring is done on the front much like a breadboard.
See this for the traces a schmartboard uses...
http://www.schmartboard.com/schmartboar ... 001-01.pdf
The back side has no traces, the wiring is done on the front much like a breadboard.
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Hi Everybody
I found this site by google searching for solutions to get my FFP working with 64 bit windows.
Thank you so much for developing this! I have never found another stick I like and I just can't bear to get rid of it.
I've ordered the 'tiny' board, will head to radio shack this weekend for the other stuff. I'm not skilled in electronic stuff, but this doesn't look too hard.
If I get this working, i may just have to dig out my old copies of Descent! Who all can I pester when I start putting this together?
Thanks again
I found this site by google searching for solutions to get my FFP working with 64 bit windows.
Thank you so much for developing this! I have never found another stick I like and I just can't bear to get rid of it.
I've ordered the 'tiny' board, will head to radio shack this weekend for the other stuff. I'm not skilled in electronic stuff, but this doesn't look too hard.
If I get this working, i may just have to dig out my old copies of Descent! Who all can I pester when I start putting this together?
Thanks again
Re: PCB and Schematic
Wolfman,wolfmanjm wrote:FWIW I did a schematic and PCB using ExpressPCB <snip>
Thanks for creating the schematic. Did you create it using the original V3 design or Grendels one dated October 23? The difference appears to be:
original V3
Teensy B4 -> Sidewinder Pin 3
Teensy B5 -> Sidewinder Pin 13
Oct 23 design
Teensy B4 -> Sidewinder Pin 13
Teensy B5 -> Sidewinder Pin 3
I'd be happy to update the schematic once someone confirms I haven't misread things
Grendel - Any reason why the pins were swapped round?
Thanks everyone! It's so great to see that this fine piece of hardware is still being used and updated.
I was looking @ this breadboard and thinking I could cut it in half to make 2??? Will that work?
http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSea ... 38-1046-ND
http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSea ... 38-1046-ND
If you need to cut that one in half, I would suggest this instead.
http://www.allelectronics.com/make-a-st ... S/-/1.html
http://www.allelectronics.com/make-a-st ... S/-/1.html
So what I did- I got the Breadboard + wires kit I linked in my post above. $13.48, which is only a bit cheaper than if I got 2 of the ones linked in the post directly above + a wire kit. If I were to do it again, I would go that route. I cut my long board in half w/ a hack saw and used both pieces to make 2 converters. I made some improvements in the building- I cut off the overhanging PCB from the gameport plug, and on the other side, I used a hot wire to melt a small hole and screwed down the plug so it doesn't wiggle around. I then covered the whole thing in duct tape for a nice ghetto finish!
UK Teensy supplier?
I've been lurking this thread for a while. Many thanks to Grendel for designing this.
I can't find the Teensy anywhere except from PJRC. Is there a UK supplier? Would anyone like to share on the shipping? There's be VAT, a handling fee and duty on top, which is why I haven't jumped in and ordered already.
I can't find the Teensy anywhere except from PJRC. Is there a UK supplier? Would anyone like to share on the shipping? There's be VAT, a handling fee and duty on top, which is why I haven't jumped in and ordered already.
In the end, it was a success. I had a few problems of my own while making it. Once everything was soldered properly (missed 4 pins the first go around!) it ran like a champ. Plugged it in and windows 7 popped up with new hardware found and that was it. Descent 1 and 2 work just fine. Still working on Freespace 2 though. Must be an option thing there.
Overall, very happy with the way it all worked out.
Thanks to Grendel for giving us the opportunity to use our joysticks again the way they were meant to be.
Overall, very happy with the way it all worked out.
Thanks to Grendel for giving us the opportunity to use our joysticks again the way they were meant to be.
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- DBB Cadet
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A little help please --
I stumbled upon this site while looking for a method to make my Sidewinder FF Pro work again.
I am impressed by the clever design, but for the life of me I can't seem to find the link to a schematic.
I think I will build the unit as shown in the pictures above and hope to have the piece parts soon.
Thanks to all of you for the nifty piece of work.
I am impressed by the clever design, but for the life of me I can't seem to find the link to a schematic.
I think I will build the unit as shown in the pictures above and hope to have the piece parts soon.
Thanks to all of you for the nifty piece of work.
Here is the schematic I worked off of...
Or a pdf of the schematic is here:
http://blog.wolfman.com/files/3dvert_schem.pdf
and the associated blog article is here:
http://blog.wolfman.com/articles/2009/1 ... ick-to-usb
Or a pdf of the schematic is here:
http://blog.wolfman.com/files/3dvert_schem.pdf
and the associated blog article is here:
http://blog.wolfman.com/articles/2009/1 ... ick-to-usb
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Schematic
Thanks for the quick reply. The circuit diagram and the photos should make this a quick build. I might even try to get a copy of \"Descent\"
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I am living here in Germany, and just own a Microsoft Sidewinder FF Pro Gameport Edition, which wasnt cheap here.Now with my newer Computer i've got no Gameport and my Soundcard with Gameport won't work at Windows 7.
I tried several Gameport2USB Converter,but none of them worked.I just cant play Wings of Prey or MSFSX anymore.
Now i found this How2DIY but just cant find the Teensy Board here in Germany.I just need the Contraption for a normal Converter and a Circuit diagram for it.And of course the material list and the software to use it.
I tried several Gameport2USB Converter,but none of them worked.I just cant play Wings of Prey or MSFSX anymore.
Now i found this How2DIY but just cant find the Teensy Board here in Germany.I just need the Contraption for a normal Converter and a Circuit diagram for it.And of course the material list and the software to use it.
The Teensy board is only sold by PJRC. They do ship worldwide.
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Question for Wolfmanjm
I notice from your photos that the ground pin on the teensy is connected to a floating connector strip on the schmartboard. It also appears that one of the caps is also connected to a floating strip. Is these two grounds deliberately floated, or is there something on the other side of the board that is jumping these connections to the ground pads on the schmartboard?
On my schmartboard (which bears the same part number as the photos) only the three holes in brackets in each of the four corners are connected to the ground plane.
Obviously, the circuit works, but it is a little mysterious to me.
Finally, was there a particular reason to use two jumpers to connect VCC to the d-sub, or was it simply easier to solder that way?
On my schmartboard (which bears the same part number as the photos) only the three holes in brackets in each of the four corners are connected to the ground plane.
Obviously, the circuit works, but it is a little mysterious to me.
Finally, was there a particular reason to use two jumpers to connect VCC to the d-sub, or was it simply easier to solder that way?
What you can't see as it is covered by a wire is both floating pads are jumpered to the ground rail in both cases, as per the schematic. I'd follow the schematic rather than the photos that can misleading.
As far as I can see there is one jumper from teensy Vcc to a free strip then a jumper from that free strip to the DSUB.
As far as I can see there is one jumper from teensy Vcc to a free strip then a jumper from that free strip to the DSUB.
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Thanks
I thought there was something hidden in the photo and was prepared to go strictly from the diagram.
I bought the little board that is really for a 25 pin connector, but the 15 pin fits nicely and it gives just a little more room for the wiring.
Unfortunately, I neglected to order the little clips to hold the board together, so I can't complete the circuit until UPS arrives sometime tomorrow.
Thanks again ---
I bought the little board that is really for a 25 pin connector, but the 15 pin fits nicely and it gives just a little more room for the wiring.
Unfortunately, I neglected to order the little clips to hold the board together, so I can't complete the circuit until UPS arrives sometime tomorrow.
Thanks again ---
i just noticed this video on Makezine
Circuit Skills: Circuit Board Etching
They basically show you howto etch your own circuit boards. It seems quite easy.
The kit (2 solutions and 2 pre-coated circuit boards) is $46.95 USD from Jameco.com
And extra pre-coated circuit boards are $4.95 USD each.
Assuming the solution in the kit lasts,
- To be below the cost of the breadboard ($13.44) you'd need to make 5 of them ($12.36 each).
- You could print out 13 boards for $101 ($7.80 each)
- Or 33 boards for $200 ($6.07 each)
Though you would still need to drill the holes, and buy & insert the electronics which would be $28.52 per board (not including price of etched board).
If you made 5 boards, the cost would be comparible to the original breadboard version. The etched board would look more professional, would probably be more robust, but would be harder to construct/assemble.
I guess it would be something someone would do if they knew what they were doing, and were making a few of them.
Circuit Skills: Circuit Board Etching
They basically show you howto etch your own circuit boards. It seems quite easy.
The kit (2 solutions and 2 pre-coated circuit boards) is $46.95 USD from Jameco.com
And extra pre-coated circuit boards are $4.95 USD each.
Assuming the solution in the kit lasts,
- To be below the cost of the breadboard ($13.44) you'd need to make 5 of them ($12.36 each).
- You could print out 13 boards for $101 ($7.80 each)
- Or 33 boards for $200 ($6.07 each)
Though you would still need to drill the holes, and buy & insert the electronics which would be $28.52 per board (not including price of etched board).
If you made 5 boards, the cost would be comparible to the original breadboard version. The etched board would look more professional, would probably be more robust, but would be harder to construct/assemble.
I guess it would be something someone would do if they knew what they were doing, and were making a few of them.
For me I stopped etching PCB's years ago and just send everything to a cheap proto house like Sunstone.com. I don't mean to discourage people etching their own PCB's. I just mean don't be afraid to use the cheap quick turn houses. Most the cost in etching and drilling your own PCB is time, and if you have little of it, it is actually cheaper to get a PCB made by Sunstone.com.
BTW, another alternative to etching is a simple CNC roto-tool type machine to etch the copper off the board with a computer. Search for \"CNC PCB\" on Youtube for many examples. The advantage of such a machine is it's relatively cheap to make, and once it's done, it can both make a PCB with better tolerances than chemical etching, and drill the PCB for you more accurately than you can drill the holes manually. Entry cost is higher, but when done, you have a machine that can do a lot more than make PCB's.
BTW, another alternative to etching is a simple CNC roto-tool type machine to etch the copper off the board with a computer. Search for \"CNC PCB\" on Youtube for many examples. The advantage of such a machine is it's relatively cheap to make, and once it's done, it can both make a PCB with better tolerances than chemical etching, and drill the PCB for you more accurately than you can drill the holes manually. Entry cost is higher, but when done, you have a machine that can do a lot more than make PCB's.
Hi All,
I have been using this joystick for 12 years now and really need one of the units. Just went to a new computer and Windows 7 64 with no gameport. I do some soldering but dont think I could pull this one off. If anyone out there has a working unit they want to sell please PM me with a price. Thanks!!!!
I have been using this joystick for 12 years now and really need one of the units. Just went to a new computer and Windows 7 64 with no gameport. I do some soldering but dont think I could pull this one off. If anyone out there has a working unit they want to sell please PM me with a price. Thanks!!!!
HI Guys,
I just went to the Windows 7 compatiblity center. Believe it or not they say the 3d pro is compatible in windows 7. I just asked them to send me a USB adapter or even some game port drivers that will work. ( I am sure they are already in the mail). I guess all the time and effort all u guys put into this project was for nothing!!! Just call or write microsoft and I am sure they will get an adapter or drivers out to anyone who needs them. (NOT)
Cya
I just went to the Windows 7 compatiblity center. Believe it or not they say the 3d pro is compatible in windows 7. I just asked them to send me a USB adapter or even some game port drivers that will work. ( I am sure they are already in the mail). I guess all the time and effort all u guys put into this project was for nothing!!! Just call or write microsoft and I am sure they will get an adapter or drivers out to anyone who needs them. (NOT)
Cya
Re:
if you mean the aid this converter provided 3dpro users all these years until now they released win7 were for nothing, then yes.krod1 wrote:I guess all the time and effort all u guys put into this project was for nothing!!!
oh and, please post a picture of your 3dpro plugged into a state of the art notebook (without a docking station, that is).
Re:
I really hope no one thinks I was serious about this quote. It was a jab at MS support. With that said, I still need one of this adapters.krod1 wrote:I guess all the time and effort all u guys put into this project was for nothing!!!
Re:
My computer's gameport has nothing to do with. Windows 7 does NOT support any game port, neither did Vista for that fact. Thanks to Daniel Kawakami Vista 32 bit would support a creative game port but not in Vista 64. So the point being, how can Microsoft say the Sidewinder 3D Pro is compatabile with Windows 7 when Windows 7 does not support any type of 15 pin game port. I hope this helps you understand my point.roid wrote:Your computer's lack of gameport is Microsoft's fault?
is this guy for real?
Thanks Grendel for all the work you and everyone else put in to this project. I got one put together like the one you have in post #26. It only took about an hour and works like a champ. Gonna try one like wolfman's in the near future. Sure is nice to have my 3D Pro back in Windows 7 and Battlefield 2. Thanks Again!!!!
Re:
not worth the effort. the solution fades quickly. depending on the type of solution, you may have to rise the temperature of the solution to work (properly). you already mentioned the drilling. you need extra space to place that stuff to not run it over accidently etc. you have to take the solutions to professional toxic waste disposal. you have extra equipment lying around (some of it contaminated after use), all that goes into the equation.roid wrote:i just noticed this video on Makezine
Circuit Skills: Circuit Board Etching
They basically show you howto etch your own circuit boards. It seems quite easy.
The kit (2 solutions and 2 pre-coated circuit boards) is $46.95 USD from Jameco.com
And extra pre-coated circuit boards are $4.95 USD each.
Assuming the solution in the kit lasts,
- To be below the cost of the breadboard ($13.44) you'd need to make 5 of them ($12.36 each).
- You could print out 13 boards for $101 ($7.80 each)
- Or 33 boards for $200 ($6.07 each)
Though you would still need to drill the holes, and buy & insert the electronics which would be $28.52 per board (not including price of etched board).
If you made 5 boards, the cost would be comparible to the original breadboard version. The etched board would look more professional, would probably be more robust, but would be harder to construct/assemble.
I guess it would be something someone would do if they knew what they were doing, and were making a few of them.
if double sided, the most disgusting and time consuming part is the connecting of the pads from the upper and lower layer.
find a local PCB maker and pay these 5-10% more, but have it done when it arrives in the mail, with solder resist and tinned pads, edges milled - double sided, if necessary (upper and lower pads are already connected). and it saves your time. you can ask for a quantity rebate too.
afterall, everything you get additionally adds up to about the same price as if you buy it, but you buy without worries
Link is broken
The link posted by Grendel at post # 26 is broken, file \"3DPvertR3_2.zip\". Please, can this be corrected? Thank you.
- BUBBALOU
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just think of all the closets and attics and basements people are going through to find their 3dpros and dust them off after using this tjread as a guide.... Imagine if one of our resident mechwarrior nuggets was to crosspost this thread in the various forums in their communities
I seem to have a better workout dodging your stupidity than attempting to grasp the weight of your intelligence.
I started a Google Code project for the converter. The hex image is hosted there now. I'll add content as time permits. I'll also change the post on the 1st page as soon RC fixes the boards database..
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I don't know if this helps at all, but my Precision Pro actually came with a USB adapter in the box. It has what I'm guessing is a Microsoft part number stamped into it, 98427.
It's awfully small, so it might be simpler to make then what you're building. It doesn't even show up as a device if plugged in by itself.
It's awfully small, so it might be simpler to make then what you're building. It doesn't even show up as a device if plugged in by itself.