Microsoft Sidewinder Force Feedback 2 - would it work?

[friendlybeard]

Hello all,

 

I'm wondering about getting a Microsoft Sidewinder Force Feedback 2 off ebay. Trouble is I'm not sure it'll work. I have Windows 11 and have read of people having difficulties. Does anyone have this joystick working on Windows 11 - if so how?

 

Many thanks!

 

Rob

[=LD=Bulldog*]

Good morning Rob,

 

I have two MSFF2 sticks and could not get them to work with Windows 11; however, some people can fly with FF and Windows 11.

 

I simply reverted to Windows 10 and all is well. The MSFF is truly a game changer!

 

I hope it works for you.

 

With very best wishes,

 

BD

 

 

[NiiranenVR]

If - I have 2 MSFF2 I can Sell ( maybe best you live in EU ( or Brexit)) 

[=LD=Bulldog*]

Out of interest, how much?

 

I live in Brexit Land where the sun never shines.

 

BD

[friendlybeard]

Thanks BD!

 

I wonder how people get it to work. Ah, I cannie be bothered to buy one and then spend months trying to make it work! I'll get my son to shake my arm, whilst I play, instead. 

 

Thanks for your help. 

 

Cheers,

 

Rob

[=LD=Bulldog*]

Rob,

 

Hah! I do recommend in getting one and also asking your son to shake your arm!

 

You are most welcome and happy flying.

 

BD

 

 

[friendlybeard]

OK BD, maybe I'll give it go. If I get too frustrated and end up chucking it out the window, I'll let you know!

 

Do I need a power cable with it? Some on eBay have them some don't?

[friendlybeard]

On 11/24/2023 at 1:20 PM, NiiranenVR said:

If - I have 2 MSFF2 I can Sell ( maybe best you live in EU ( or Brexit)) 

I'm afraid I too live in Bexit land!

[NiiranenVR]

1 hour ago, friendlybeard said:

afraid I too live in Bexit land!

I dont know the marked price for it today on eBay or other places , 

But in this game community I'll sell it around 1/2 price + Porto 

[=LD=Bulldog*]

Good morning FriendlyBeard,

 

Yes, you will need a power cord/plug and USB.

 

Do let me know how you get on. I have paid around £100-150 for prime examples on EBay but also got one boxed and unopened for £35.

 

BD 

[friendlybeard]

Thanks NiiranenVR, however I think I'll try one in England first. If it's a dud, I ask you!

Great, thanks BD, that's really helpful. I've seen a couple but don't say if they've been tested. I've messaged them to ask. I'll let you know how I got on!

 

All the best,

 

Rob

[=LD=Bulldog*]

Rob,

 

Please do and happy to help out.

 

Should be plug in and play. As I mentioned earlier, some folk experience issues with Windows 11 and I simply reverted to Windows 10. The Microsoft Sidewinder Force Feedback 2 is a great stick and really assists your gameplay, especially in stalls, landing, etc.

 

BD

[DragonDaddy]

Hello

I have been using a MSFF2 in IL2 for about five years without any problems. To me, the feedback feels “natural” with no effects being excessive or unusual. I have two sticks; both are plug and play and need no special software or calibration for Win 10 and 11. I hope you can get yours to work properly. It’s really worth it. 
 

I have a VKB Gladiator MkI, which may be a better stick(?), but I really enjoy the live feeling of the FF stick, the rumble of guns and other effects modeled by the MSFF2 joystick. 
 

I did make one modification to a cfg file to increase feedback. This mod was suggested by a forum user several years ago and made a big improvement to feedback intensity. 
 

Good luck. 

[friendlybeard]

Thanks BD! I have purchased one for £80. It should arrive soon but I want it as a Christmas present, so, like a child, I can play with something on Christmas day!? 

So I won't know if it works, but...

 

Thanks DragonDaddy, that's really encouraging to hear that you have ffb working on windows 11! 

 

I will return with my finding on Christmas day!

 

Thanks,

 

Rob

 

[=LD=Bulldog*]

Ho, ho, ho! ?

 

I know of fellow aviators who use the MSFF2 with Windows 11 and 10, so with fingers crossed, it will work for you with a little Santa razzmatazz.

 

I did e-mail Microsoft who told me that the stick does not work with Win 10 and 11, so go figure!

 

Bulldog

[DragonDaddy]

7 hours ago, =IRFC=Bulldog* said:

I did e-mail Microsoft who told me that the stick does not work with Win 10 and 11, so go figure!

I use this stick on both Windows 10 and 11 and have never had an issue. MS is mistaken!

[=LD=Bulldog*]

Dragon,

 

They had no idea. We do. ?

 

BD

[slikslik]

On 12/3/2023 at 2:59 AM, friendlybeard said:

Thanks BD! I have purchased one for £80. It should arrive soon but I want it as a Christmas present, so, like a child, I can play with something on Christmas day!? 

So I won't know if it works, but...

 

Thanks DragonDaddy, that's really encouraging to hear that you have ffb working on windows 11! 

 

I will return with my finding on Christmas day!

 

Thanks,

 

Rob

 

You have the "Sidewinder" FF joystick?  That, my friend, is the best force feedback stick ever built.  My opinion, of couse.  I have one, and never had any issues with it  when I was using it.  I have the Gunfightern MK IV right now, but when I was using the Sidewinder, it truly was plug and play.  One USB cord.  No power adapter required and no software download required either.  I have Win 10, and that's all I used for configuration etc.  I couldn't hold out til Xmas.  Would be nice to hear your thoughts once you plug it in and start flying.  Good luck my friend...take care..

[ST_Catchov]

It is indeed a fine stick. Works well in FC (win10) but alas not so good in WOFF since their latest BH&H iterations.

 

I was hoping M$ might consider a newer version to complement M$F$ but it's another alas.

[DragonDaddy]

19 hours ago, slikslik said:

You have the "Sidewinder" FF joystick?  That, my friend, is the best force feedback stick ever built.  My opinion, of couse.  I have one, and never had any issues with it  when I was using it.  I have the Gunfightern MK IV right now, but when I was using the Sidewinder, it truly was plug and play.  One USB cord.  No power adapter required and no software download required either.  I have Win 10, and that's all I used for configuration etc.  I couldn't hold out til Xmas.  Would be nice to hear your thoughts once you plug it in and start flying.  Good luck my friend...take care..

Do you find the Gunfighter better/ more accurate then the MSFF stick?

[=LD=Bulldog*]

I had three until recently and they are built sturdy and tough as a King Tiger tank.

 

Sadly, one eventually died (a crooked cable, which could be repaired I assume). Lesson learned: give the main USB cable plenty of room and not to be pinched.

 

A very sad day indeed. Getting rather emotional thinking about it... ?

 

BD

Edited December 5, 2023 by =IRFC=Bulldog*

[slikslik]

24 minutes ago, DragonDaddy said:

Do you find the Gunfighter better/ more accurate then the MSFF stick?

The Gunfighter MK IV is a totally different beast DragonDaddy,but the accuracy, and aiming are pretty much the same if you dial in the Gunfighter configuration software properly.  The Sidewinder doesn't need a software download, and  justusing windows sidewinder config software is pretty straight forward.  The MK IV on the other hand, has tons of set up options that can get a bit overwhelming for some users. It's even worse for MK 1, MK 2 and MK 3 owners.  There were quite a few hiccups with trying to get the proper firmware and configuration settings with that olser software.  The MK IV now does all the software, firmware etc. automaticly.    As close to plug and playas you can get.   I see that you have the MK 1.  You would LOVE the MK IV.  Meantime my friend, ain't nothing wrong with the Sidewinder.  Flight and aiming control is right on the money.    Anyone who has one, should keep it.  A well looked after used Sidewinder FF is like gold.  The price keeps going up, not down.  I'm keeping mine nice and safe.   

[DragonDaddy]

I have two MSFF2 sticks and plan to continue using them! Thanks for your input. 

[JG7_RudeRaptor]

On 11/29/2023 at 2:48 PM, DragonDaddy said:

Hello

 

I did make one modification to a cfg file to increase feedback. This mod was suggested by a forum user several years ago and made a big improvement to feedback intensity. 
 

Good luck. 

 

Did this MOD work? If so can you MSG me how you did it? 

Thanks !

[DragonDaddy]

The attached is from an older post (2015) from this forum, user name Kissklas. It describes how to increase the force, not resolve any issues. My stick worked well before this mod but now has significantly more force than before. 
 

Making this file modification should not cause problems but use at your own risk. 

[JG7_RudeRaptor]

11 hours ago, DragonDaddy said:

The attached is from an older post (2015) from this forum, user name Kissklas. It describes how to increase the force, not resolve any issues. My stick worked well before this mod but now has significantly more force than before. 
 

Making this file modification should not cause problems but use at your own risk. 

 

Thank you Dragon !

[DragonDaddy]

I hope this works for you. I'm a big fan of immersion and FF joysticks. I wish there were newer options but until then I will stay with MSFF2.

[friendlybeard]

An exciting stick update: I have received the Sidewinder, but the handle was really tacky! I used a combination of Cif and Surgical Spirits (rubbing alcohol) to get it off! I haven't plugged it in yet - I've given it to my wife to hide for me to open and play with on Christmas day! All the best, Rob

Edited December 12, 2023 by friendlybeard
spelling

[friendlybeard]

On 12/9/2023 at 2:43 PM, DragonDaddy said:

The attached is from an older post (2015) from this forum, user name Kissklas. It describes how to increase the force, not resolve any issues. My stick worked well before this mod but now has significantly more force than before. 
 

Making this file modification should not cause problems but use at your own risk. 

 

Wow! Amazing, thanks Dragon for the really useful info!

[friendlybeard]

Hi everyone,

 

Well, I plugged in the Sidewinder and it worked straight away! Great flying experience, I feel like I can push the aircraft to it's limits due to the instant feedback.

 

Thanks so much for everyone's help. 

 

Have a great rest of the festive season!

 

Rob

Edited December 28, 2023 by friendlybeard
spelling

[=LD=Bulldog*]

WOOF! WOOF!

 

Welcome to the Sidewinder klub!

 

Bulldog

[DragonDaddy]

Happy to see you’ve had success with your FF stick. 

[glider42]

Just installed a Sidewinder FF2 with Windows 10 and it works a treat! Thanks for the advice on upping the response, DragonDaddy. The default was a bit weak. 2 is too much, so I'm giving 1.5 a go.

[DragonDaddy]

Good for you! I was just the messenger. Another member posted it several years ago on this forum. 

Edited January 20, 2024 by DragonDaddy
Credit to original poster

[Dirt_Merchant]

hey everyone - i also use the msffb2 stick base and i am having a consistent issue.

 

on windows 10, if i alt tab once or twice i lose ffb effect - the stick just goes slack and does not return. this happens ONLY in il2 GB - anyone have any ideas?

[Panzer_1marcpowell15]

if you have ever had a Logitech force 3d it has been useless since windows 8 64bit they dont support their products which in my opinion is a stupid business practice are they still around or have they gone under

[Aapje]

What has that got to do with the MSFFB2? If you necro old posts, at least be on topic.