Joystick: Multiple USB Device Problem

Fri Mar 11, 2005 12:27 pm by wolves883

Quote the StarLancer Readme

"Game control device does not function: If several game control devices (joysticks, gamepads, etc.) are attached to USB or gameports, they may not function properly. Disconnect all but the primary game control device and restart StarLancer."

The problem I'm having stems from the fact that both my USB devices are vital to playing the game. I use a Saitek USB gaming keyboard in the first USB slot, and a Logitech Extreme 3D Pro joystick in the second.

The keyboard comes with a number pad that is detected as a gaming device under Direct X. Because of this, Starlancer uses it as the joystick instead of the Logitech device. So I'm basically stuck with a numpad with no steering as the joystick.

I have tried moving the Logitech to the first USB slot, and unplugging the number pad attackment from the main keyboard assembly, but the pad always seems to out-prioritize the joystick.

If I must, I can still pull out my original PS/2 keyboard, but does anyone know of a way to force the joystick to work?

Sat Mar 12, 2005 9:52 am by Boscoe

Here's a suggestion, but not something I've tried. Go to your control panel/ game controllers. Click on Advanced, and put the joystick as preferred gaming device. That's about all I can think of. The USB slot you're using won't make a difference, as you found out.

Also, when you're setting the options in Starlancer, does it give you a choice of each controller. My guess is that you've tried this, but what the heck, I'll ask anyway.

Let me know if switching the preferred device trick works.

Mon Mar 14, 2005 10:20 am by AkulaSharpe

I also tried the preferred thing - it didn't work for me. But I *did* find another work around. =P

Step 1) Plug your joystick into a USB slot (I don't know if any slot will work, on my PC I actually have to have it in the first slot or it doesn't get detected for some reason).

Step 2) Remove all other USB devices from your computer.

Step 3) Load up Starlancer and get into the game. TEST the Joystick.

Step 4) When back at the main menu, plug other USB Devices back into the computer, and you should be good to go.

In my experiance this works - I have a USB Mouse and Keypad (Numeric Keypad) that I use when flying because I am operating from a laptop, and activating my keypad requires pressing and holding one key while tapping things out on the keypad, all the while flying and dumping countermeasures and shooting. Not a good combination. I also prefer my USB wireless mouse to my touchpad - and so I developed this work around of plugging other USB devices into the computer after Starlancer has loaded and detected my joystick as the primary (and only) USB device plugged in.

Mon Mar 14, 2005 3:50 pm by Boscoe

I never argue with what works, so thanks for your input. I'm sorry it took this much toying around with your equipment to get it to function, but I'm glad you found a way to work it.

Mon Mar 14, 2005 9:40 pm by AkulaSharpe

Psht. Are you kidding? If I had to sell my soul to the Devil to play Starlancer on my PC I would do it without hesitation - this game rocks!

Tue Mar 15, 2005 12:16 am by AkulaSharpe

Eh, at any rate - I don't bother with the Keypad anymore. I don't switch views in combat enough to justify it. I do wish my joystick hat was configureable though.

Tue Mar 15, 2005 8:31 am by wolves883

I tried AkulaSharpe's trick and it worked. I can now use the joystick and keyboard. Thanks a ton.

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