For those with outdated gameport sticks...
you can get a USB adapter down at RadioShack for about $15
to put it back into service. Many other electronics parts stores have
them available online as well.
You'll have to set the stick up using Windows game controllers (in control panel)
setting the axis and button controls... also note that any force feedback that you
once had will be gone.
From what I've read, the MS Force Feedback Pro stick did have a short
run where MS included a USB adapter with the Gamport version.... and this
did allow for the FF to be kept. How I don't know - but eBay's your best chance for one.
The downside with these is that 'digital' sticks like the Logitech Wingman Thingy and Sidewinder 3D Pro loose a lot of their functionality. As someone mentioned above, Grendle from the descentbb forums made a custom 'board for the Sidewinder; It even had a little Pyro laser-etched onto it
Alas they sold out ridiculously quickly, so the only option now is DIY using his instructions
A lot of people always why I stick with my ancient game-port 3D Pro, but it's basically down to feel. The ergonomics are just right for me. It presents the same smooth tension in all directions because it uses a single spring, and the optical sensors are as accurate as the day I bought it (Why modern sticks, even the ridiculously expensive Cougar, still use ****ty pots I'll never know!)
I really hate the feel of almost all modern sticks - The spring tensions either tend to force the stick horizontally or vertically which makes accuracy a pain, or the deflection is far too high from edge to edge. The Saiteks are nice, but they're let down by being slightly too bulky for my hands, which gets very uncomfortable in longer games. Also, I kept breaking the rubber thingy and the plastic collar the Saiteks use for the tension...
