That's not a precision pro, that's the sidewinder force feedback pro. And the reason the stick hangs crooked to the side is because the force feedback motors are used to center the stick. Hook up the correct powersupply to the base of the joystick, install the drivers, and it should automatically center once you grab the handle. There's a little optical sensor in the handle that detects when the stick is being held.

Having said that, I recommend taking it apart, thoroughly cleaning everything, and re-greasing the gears, motor, etc. anyways.

Thanks for the advice! Are these motors powered by the gameport or do they use an external power supply? If it uses an external power supply, can you recommend one for me please. Thanks again.

Yeah, the Force Feedback Pro has an external 12V power brick.

The Precision Pro is my absolute favorite stick for Win9x, and I was hardcore into competitive multiplayer X-Wing games for many years.

The predecessor Sidewinder 3D Pro may have an advantage for DOS support, and if anything the Force Feedback Pro probably suffers under DOS most of all.

If you can't find an original power brick, get a replacement with the same specs. 12V 2.5A, which equates to 30watts. You can get a universal power supply that suits these needs. Just make sure it includes the right plug, and don't skimp on the amperage.

Also pay attention to the polarity

I bought a 12v power supply for this, but the plug turned out to be too large despite its voltage and shape. It's the one that has a conductive rod on the male connector surrounded by a cylinder that conducts externally.

silikone wrote:

I bought a 12v power supply for this, but the plug turned out to be too large despite its voltage and shape. It's the one that has a conductive rod on the male connector surrounded by a cylinder that conducts externally.

I occasionally see these sticks at Goodwill and noticed the funky plug for the power. I would love to own one, but they never have their power adapters included with them. It's a real shame. I've never owned a FFB joystick and the MS model always looked like one of the best.

If I ever see one with the power adapter included, I intend to buy it.

Just measure the dimensions of the plug on the joystick, buy the correct plug for the PSU and replace the existing one. It's really easy.

RacoonRider wrote:

Just measure the dimensions of the plug on the joystick, buy the correct plug for the PSU and replace the existing one. It's really easy.

I searched on the internet and I found this information about the power block and the plug on Anandtech's forum:

Microsoft Part No. 96746
12VDC 1.3A 28W
Tip positive polarity
outer diam 5.5mm
inner diam 3.3mm
center pin diam 0.95mm

You could probably buy something like this and just modify the tip by replacing it with this. Very cheap fix indeed!

Okay, so, has anyone ever disassembled one of these? Do you have any pointers or is there a guide I can read?

Evert wrote:

Okay, so, has anyone ever disassembled one of these? Do you have any pointers or is there a guide I can read?

Why are you going to disassemble it? Is something broken?

What did you do to replace the power supply? The thrift store near me still has one for sale, but I was waiting to hear your experiences before I buy it.

Well, I ordered a generic 12V 2.5A AC-DC power supply (still waiting for it to arrive) and a replacement DC jack that matches the specifications given. I want to disassemble it so that I can clean and sterilize it. It's got a horrible smell and algae-like substance coming out of its crevices.

Evert wrote:

Well, I ordered a generic 12V 2.5A AC-DC power supply (still waiting for it to arrive) and a replacement DC jack that matches the specifications given. I want to disassemble it so that I can clean and sterilize it. It's got a horrible smell and algae-like substance coming out of its crevices.

Well, it can't hurt to clean it out.

Now you're making me worry about what might be lurking inside the various used sticks I've bought. I always just use some general-purpose cleaner with bleach to wipe 'em down. I figured that was good enough.

Haha, look, your body's immune system is supposed to protect you from most nasties. But this was in a box at some random chairty shop that's not very clean or well organised, so I strongly suspect it might have cat urine or rat urine in it. Unfortunately, you have to put a lot of elbow grease into cleaning stuff like that.

I always disassemble and clean everything I buy. Better safe then sorry.

Evert wrote:

I strongly suspect it might have cat urine or rat urine in it. Unfortunately, you have to put a lot of elbow grease into cleaning stuff like that.

I really like cats alot and I'm pretty much immune to the way they stink. But ya know, you might just want to let this stick go. Personally, I kinda draw the line at used items that were drenched in piss.

I went back to the Goodwill shop that had the other MS joystick last night and it was gone. Oh well. I see 'em for sale all the time anyway. I usually find some really strange things at Goodwill, but last night I think I entered the Twilight Zone: I found a rat harness/leash, like for when you take your dog for a walk, but for rats. Do people really take their pet rats out for a walk? Maybe in New York or London?

KT7AGuy wrote:

Evert wrote:

I strongly suspect it might have cat urine or rat urine in it. Unfortunately, you have to put a lot of elbow grease into cleaning stuff like that.

I really like cats alot and I'm pretty much immune to the way they stink. But ya know, you might just want to let this stick go. Personally, I kinda draw the line at used items that were drenched in piss.

I went back to the Goodwill shop that had the other MS joystick last night and it was gone. Oh well. I see 'em for sale all the time anyway. I usually find some really strange things at Goodwill, but last night I think I entered the Twilight Zone: I found a rat harness/leash, like for when you take your dog for a walk, but for rats. Do people really take their pet rats out for a walk? Maybe in New York or London?

Haha, well, that must certainly be an interesting experience. I've seen indoor cats being taken outside with a body leash, so yeah, a rat isn't too far fetched. As for the cat piss, well, I've bought and cleaned several boards and computer parts in that condition, so guess I'm willing to get my hands dirty.

Good grief! What are folks doing out there?!?

"Wow! That's a great new joystick! I can't wait to plug it in and pee all over it!"

"Oh cool! My new motherboard finally arrived! I've been wanting to piss on this model for awhile now!"

"Hey! This motherboard fits the bottom of my cat's litter pan perfectly!"