ISSUES ADDRESSED IN THIS SECTION	[last update: 22 January, 2001]
Force Feedback Joystick Support Common Joystick Problems

Force Feedback 2 Joystick Support
Some CFS2 players have been unable to use the Microsoft Sidewinder Force Feedback 2 joystick. We have determined that this problem occurs on machines equipped with the VIA USB controller. In these cases the FF2 joystick is incompatible with the controller's USB chip and does not work. To correct this problem, go to the Force Feedback 2 Support site and download our VIA host controller software update.

We've received several e-mails from people having problems getting their Force Feedback joysticks to function properly, and in some cases, to work at all.

Despite intensive testing, we've been unable to duplicate this problem consistently. But if you unplug and then reconnect your joystick during a mission, CFS 2 isn't able to recognize the "new" device and hence, the joystick is not enabled. We recommend you go to the Microsoft Sidewinder update page http://www.microsoft.com/products/hardware/sidewinder/swupdate/ff2/FF2Download.htm and get the latest patch, which may cure your Force Feedback problems.

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Here are some solutions to common problems.

My joystick does not work properly when daisy-chained through my game pad
When you switch from one device to another (usually through a switch on the gamepad), it may appear that you have lost functionality. The real issue is that the current controller is using the button mappings from the previous controller. See Switching controllers causes some loss of functionality (below) for the remedy.

Switching controllers causes some loss of functionality
This is most likely because Combat Flight Simulator 2 is still reading the button assignments for your old controller. After switching controllers, you must click Reset defaults on the Controller Assignments screen in Settings . This symptom is more apparent when switching from a game pad to a joystick because their default mappings are so different.

To debug a joystick issue

1. On the Main screen, click Settings.
2. Click Controller assignments.
3. Click the arrow on the Joystick Type drop-down menu. Select the controller you wish to use.
4. Click Reset defaults.
5. If the controller you wish to use is not listed, click Cancel to return to the Settings screen. Click Calibrate Joystick to open the Windows® Game Controllers dialog. Use this dialog to add your current controller, then perform steps 2 through 4.
6. If this does not cure your symptoms, exit and then launch the game, making sure that the controller you wish to use is active and properly selected through the Windows Game Controllers dialog first.

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