Cannot Use Joystick Connected to Chain of SideWinder Game Pads

ID: Q179658

The information in this article applies to:

SYMPTOMS

When you connect a Microsoft SideWinder joystick to the end of a series of two or more Microsoft SideWinder game pads connected in a chain, the game pads function properly, but the computer does not recognize the joystick.


CAUSE

When you connect a series of SideWinder game pads in a chain, every game pad in the chain is automatically switched to Digital Overdrive mode, and Pass-Through mode is disabled. As a result, the computer cannot communicate with a gaming device connected to the end of a chain of SideWinder game pads.


RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, use the following steps:

  1. Disconnect the SideWinder joystick from the last SideWinder game pad in the chain.


  2. Disconnect the second SideWinder game pad from the first SideWinder game pad in the chain.


  3. Connect the SideWinder joystick to the first SideWinder game pad.


  4. Press the Mode button on the first SideWinder game pad to switch the game pad to Pass-Through mode.



STATUS

This behavior is by design.


MORE INFORMATION

The green light on the SideWinder game pad indicates if the device is in Pass-Through mode or Digital Overdrive mode. If the green light is off, the device is in Pass-Through mode, which enables you to use other devices attached to the SideWinder game pad. If the green light is on, the device is in Digital Overdrive mode, which enables you to use the SideWinder game pad.

You can connect and use up to four Microsoft SideWinder game pads in a series. However, when two or more SideWinder game pads are connected in a series, you cannot enable Pass-Through mode on any of them.

Additional query words: side winder daisychain hooked

Keywords : kbhw sidewinder gamepad joystick
Version : WINDOWS:1.0
Platform : WINDOWS
Issue type : kbprb
Technology :


Last Reviewed: August 10, 1999
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