Computer Info Needed

[Rolex]

I recently got a new computer, and today I was about to start installing some gaming programs that use controllers. ie: Joystick for MS flight simulator and 6 ch dual stick for RealFlight G2 and the steering wheel with pedals.
Well, then I discover there's no place to plug them in. All this has is USB ports and Firewire inputs.
Does anybody know if there are adaptors for the controllers to USB, or am I now out about $500 in useless hardware?

 

[Coach Z]

I'm assuming that they have serial plugs on them, sort of like a mini old school printer cable. If thats the case there are many serial to usb, both male and female versions and they're cheap and widely available.

 

[Karl M]

Try office depot

 

[HeartBreak]

I know what you need, Rolex...

http://cgi.ebay.com/Foot-Pedal-USB-...ryZ42322QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

That ought to get you up and running.

 

[Rolex]

Wow, what a relief. Thanks for the quick input. I just spoke to a friend of mine in Cali, and I'll be sending one of my steering wheel setups to her young daughter who has an older computer.
I just got 2 USB wheels & pedals with the PS2 I bought from lessen, so I'm good there. My biggest concern was the MS force feedback Joystick, and the duel stick controller. They're 150 each. The joystick is a 9 pin and I'm pretty sure the RC controller is 15. I'll have to check before I go to Office Depot tomorrow. I was just there today, and I would never have thought to look there.
Thanks again for the info. Gotta love this place.

 

[HeartBreak]

If it's Serial, then this is what you need: http://cgi.ebay.com/USB-TO-SERIAL-R...ryZ41993QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

They also make Parallel adapters too.

Oh, and I almost forgot.... Office Depot might not have what you need; check the local Radio Shacks. I know the one here in town has a small computer area that has some obscure cabling.

 

[Timmahh]

some sound cards ( used to but dont think they do much anymore) came with a serial port for a time.

the serial to USB adapter is the way to go.

 

[beason]

make sure you dont need the "game port" (midi port) it was included on some older sound cards and looks like serial (9 pins) but is longer and has 15 pins in 2 rows

you should be able to get usb adaptors for either port

 

[Rolex]

The sound card is Realtek high definition 5.1 and it's ONLY for audio. The game ports on the last computers were on the card and in the front panel. This one has 6 USB ports, 2 Firewire and no serial ports.
As long as I can get adaptors, all is good.

 

[HeartBreak]

Rolex, check the two ebay links I posted above. You can get USB -> Serial and USB -> joystick adapters for around $10 apiece. That's what I had to do with an old Thinkpad I had some years back.