Program For Nt, Xp Gameport Access

[BLAZERBRUCE]

We'll guys.,
I was cruising around the net trying to find a way to allow the fighter stick gameport to run in XP. I found a program called PortTalk. This program is supposed to allow users full access to their I/O ports. I was also told this program will allow other programs to acces I/O ports. I am going to give Port Talk a try and see if it will allow the Ch drivers to program the fighter stick. If anyone would like to give it a try here is the link ... http://www.beyondlogic.org/porttalk/porttalk.htm please make sure you have read all documentation before ussing it, I will try it out and run some tests for a few weeks while time permits me to.
:thumbsup: -Bruce

[BLAZERBRUCE]

Update for the curious...

So far I have been reading the source code for this program and I am trying to narrow down all the known Port address's for the PS2/PS/Game ports. I am doing this to prevent any possible crashes from occuring during the joystick tests. On a second note, I have found the program to be more stable in stand alone mode then anticipated. I ran porttalk with all ports unlocked and had no problems. It was mentioned by the coder that some people may experience mouse problems with all ports unlocked, but I think that may only be true for certain Bios Chips and North Bridges. I am hoping to have a limited access batch program running by March 6th, but this may change due to exams for Java programming and Oracle classes and for the next few weeks. I will post more information as it comes available. I am also going to contact the source owner to ask him if it would be ok for me to release a batch file that would only require people to install porttalk, and then run the batch file when they want to play games. Any input on this would be greatly appreciated. In theory this concept would allow any program/driver, rights to access game/ps2/ps ports. This concept/idea involves NO editing/hacking of any CH drivers. Until I write again, take care :salute:

-Bruce

[MichaelCHProd]

Thanks for the update. I am definitely intrigued. :salute:

[Writer]

BLAZERBRUCE,

Let me know if you want some help on this project. I tried the driver out quickly but wasn't able to get the checked build to work with the sysinternal debug tools. Haven't taken a look at the source yet. Might have to reinstall SoftICE to do some snooping through the kernel.

I have some experience working on device drivers (although it was always to do with the parallel port, and from a few years back when Windows 2000 was still just NT5 beta). I'm definitely rusty but would be willing to help. I must admit I've thought of doing something similar to PortTalk on my own a few times...one of my programming tasks back in the day was to write a similar driver allowing direct I/O access to the parallel port on NT. I was a relative newcomer to PCs at the time, though (I was weaned on the Amiga side of the fence), so my knowledge of the game port and and keyboard controller is limited to brief glances caught while I was researching the parallel port.

BTW, if you need anything more sophisticated than batch files, I work for a company that makes installation tools and an autorun designer that has grown into a veritable RAD IDE. I can build us something slick complete with a nice GUI if need be.

Send me a PM if you would like to coordinate our efforts. :)

[BLAZERBRUCE]

Thank you for the feed back Writer, I will let you know how things are going with the project. I am going to be spending the day working on a harness kit Mike sent me, and then search through my books for I/O standard addresses. Any help is appreciated, and maybe we both can tackle this feat together. I will post all information on here as it becomes available. I was also given some information from my buddy in IT at school about a possible solution that may only require some simple code added to windows ini's that will shut down protected mode. I am going to experiment for awhile, then narrow down all possible solutions to produce the simpliest program I hope will be fully automated.

[BLAZERBRUCE]

Mike,

If possible, would you be able to post schematics of how information is sent back and forth for the FighterStick Gameport....

Example:
Ps/Ps2 sends information to joystick, Gameport sends non programible information back to user, etc...

I was able to decifer how the CombatStick sends Analog Information via A1, A2,B1, B2 button combinations, but I was wondering if I need to open write access to the gameport. The reason I was asking this, is because I didnt know if Ch was able to use the MidiTxd Input (pin #12 on joy) for programming on the FighterStick.

I was also wondering what port addresses, if any, Ch Drivers specifically Call.

Thanks for your help,
Bruce :)

[MichaelCHProd]

If I had any of the source code for SpeedKeys I would give it to you but I don't. :thumbsdown: The other killer here is the only person who knew how this really worked , the programmer, is long gone from CH. I think you are your own on this one brother. :(

[ZG77_Spectre]

Hi folks, I was fortunate in running across a link to this site and don't know how I missed it so long. I've been running a CH Products HOTAS rig (F-16 Combat Stick, Pro Throttle, Pro Pedals) since about 1997 without a single failure. Naturally, being that vintage makes it gameport and I'm sure an upgrade to USB versions would be nice, but everything is working 4.0 and I see no need to lay out the bucks at this point. I thought I was stuck with Win98 because of the gameport rig, but was pleasantly surprised when I installed Win XP Pro as a dual boot system and viola, my HOTAS still worked! I almost never use the Win98 HDD anymore except for a quick way to get to the PT Setup in DOS. However, I've been flying IL-2/Forgotten Battles almost exclusively since IL-2 first debuted as a demo and have only had to reprogram a couple of switch assignments during that time. Some concessions have been made along the way like installing my SB Live card on my Abit NF7 mobo (with onboard SoundStorm) just so I'd have a gameport. I've got so many questions, I'm sure I'll be posting here and there now that I've hit the motherlode with this forum.

[MichaelCHProd]

Welcome aboard. B)

[BLAZERBRUCE]

We'll guys, I have been working as much as possible on project "XP". So far, I have found the brains of microsoft really dont like me hacking Xp. But... I was able to make a very stable and Reliable Boot disk for ANY Microsoft Based PC. The bootdisk contains all nessary files to run ChSetup and program your FighterStick. Using a standard DOS boot disk, you wont have to worry about any side effects related to "Xp". If it is ok with Ch, I will upload the bootdisk in a self extracting ZIP file. The Original Ch files are un-edited, but do to some restrictions of the good old 3.5" disks, I am not able to fit all the map files for various configurations. Running files directly off most Xp hardrives will be impossible if you formatted in NTFS. I will also post a readme, if you would like to setup your own boot disk. Until I find a more secure way of unlocking Port Programming, this will be the best solution available. Email me at dimmuborgirfan96@hotmail.com for any questions. If I cannot get a stable patch for Xp to work, I will continue on making a Boot disk setup for Chsetup with easy to use multi disk and ram drive support.

[Revvin]

If you need a host for any files you have drop me a pm or mail here

[MichaelCHProd]

No problems here brother, go to it. :thumbsup:

[BLAZERBRUCE]

Thanks Guys for the support, In theory I will have a full boot disk setup program by March 12th, this will be a beta, and hopefully by the end of spring break (week of March 14th), I will have a full running boot disk system. I will work on support for both Fighter Sticks and Pro throttles, and maybe even the force feed back stick if possible. I am also going to mess around with CD boot disks for those who have CD-RW's. My buddy Mike from class, knows how to make full cd boot images that can easily be copied on to any CD with out any special software at all. In the case that I do compile a boot Cd Zip, I will use the good old Dos 6.2 Multi boot menu to allow users to select which Ch product they want to program, with out having to go through the hassel of typing any dos prompts. I will also realease the source for the menu (autoexec.bat, and Config.sys) in text format for those who would like to mess around with it. I think I will post a small free website with F.A.Q.S, for the boot disks and CH is more then welcome to do as they wish with the program. I have also found that Microsoft realesed the none GUI Dos system (1.0-6.22) for those who have windows and are using it for educational and/or personal use. Which means there isnt any reason for Microsoft to have a hissy fit lol. If there are any linux users in need of support, let me know, I have sources available to work on patches if needed. Untill Im back again, Take care, and feel free to email me with any questions, I check email twice, if not more a day lol.


----If anyone us curious or wondering, I will post full documentation on how this works, and how anyone can make there own bootdisk. I was aiming to make a windows patch, but the Win32' kernal doesnt like having ports unlocked on some computers.

[BLAZERBRUCE]

After several cups of coffee, hours of research and some programming, I am proud to announce that I have created an easy to use bootdisk program for the Ch-FighterStick and Pro Throttle. Anyone with Microsoft Windows XP, and any other Windows (95 and newer) can use this program to create a simple automated boot disk that will allow users to run the original DOS Chsetup program. Only real requirement is a spare 3.5" floopy laying around your desk. After running the installation program, reboot your computer with the bootdisk. After you are finished, remove the disk, reboot your computer and play some games. I am currenly sending the file to Revvin and in theory have it posted soon. Please send feedback on your experience, and let me know if there is any adjustments you would like, or need. I will make updates as often as possible. Thank you all for your support, and enjoy.


:cheers: :stupid: :drunk: :cheers: :w00t: :cheers: :drunk: :salute: :fart: :cheers:

[MichaelCHProd]

Rad B)

[BLAZERBRUCE]

We'll Guys, I promised an update..so here it is

I have sucessfully been able to create a simple to use Boot Disk Utilty. I have used it several times on more then one coomputer for installing and testing without any problems or conflicts. I am going to spice it up a little bit with colors in the menu and then release a copy with PTsetup.

I am still attempting to figure out a way to run speedkeys in windows Xp, but I havent had much luck. I am going to make a trip to the Borders Books, read a copy of directx programming, c+, visual basic and finally make some use of the free coffee coupons I have lol. Maybe next week while im on vacation I will be able to create a patch to load in windows.

Please let me know how the boot disk works for you guys, and let me know if there is any mods anyone would like me to make.

[Flyhii]

:thumbsup:

BlazerBruce, you DA MAN!!

With the advent of your invention, you have just made the value of my old CH HOTAS gameport stuff (CH Jane's Combatstick, Pro Throttle & Pro Pedals w/ a CH F-16 Fighterstick on the side) go WAY UP! I wasn't aware that the DOS ver CHsetup would program these controllers (I thought that CHsetup was for the Flightstick series, CH Throttle-non Pro series & CH Pedals--I used to own this HOTAS setup, too. Was my very 1st set of CH gear!)!

This is COOL!! As long as you have a decent gameport to connect them to, they're still good to go!

I think I'll just hold on to em for a little while longer!

Thx BlazerBruce!! :salute:

[BLAZERBRUCE]

Flyhii,

Thank you for the comment. There is a program called PTsetup made specifically for people running the ProThrottle. Tommorow (Friday), I will put another boot disk together using this program. I am going to rename the bootdisks so people dont get them confused with eachother lol. Any questions, post a message or email me, im on here at least once a day.

-Bruce

[DykeFish]

Yo Blazer,
First off....great job getting winxp support for my CH Trio. I just recnetly pulled out my Ch Pro Throttle and F-16 Combat stick. Ive been looking for my old Pro Pedals but looks like I lost em last time I moved.

I just purchased a new pair of pedals off ebay form the Gateway store, so Im waiting to hook em up and get down with some sims.

Anyways, I noticed the program you put together is for the fighter stick. I read you have plans to issue more releases. Im sure your busy and all but do you have any eta on the relase so I may get my mits on a Combat stick ready chsetup? Im almost tempted to grab a gameport Fighter stick from chproducts.com, the stick is only 19.97 plus I could pick up IL2 which Ive bee putting off for too long now.

Thank you for your time and effort in producing this software. And keep up the great work.

DykeFish

[BLAZERBRUCE]

DykeFish,

If time permits, I will have an all new program ready for Mike at CH to check for me and Revvin release here on march 16th or so. It will be a little different and much more user friendly. The new installation program will search for CH updated windows drivers and install them as needed. This will allow the combat stick to run perfect. The boot disk will take care of where the analog drivers left off. People will be given the choice what chproducts they use, and a boot disk will be created for each program to give users much more space to create game files. In most cases people will only need one, maybe 2 bootdisks. Devices supported with the boot disks are....

1. F-16 Fighter Stick
2. Pro Throttle
3. Thottle

The purpose of the bootdisk is to support DOS programs CH produced that will give you the same functions of speedkeys without using windows to do so. As a reminder, the boot disks will not change your operating system, only temporarily run Dos 6.22 FROM the bootdisk, NOT your hardrive.

I would have made the bootdisk run the files off the hardrive, but because NTFS is used on most Windows Xp harddrives, the bootdisk cant read your harddrive. This is also proves there is no possibility of files on your hardrive being changed from the bootdisk :)

All other joysticks, yokes, except for the Force Fx will be able to function properly to the best of my knowledge with everything I will include. I am keeping my fingers crossed that someday I will be able to get the software for windows to work.

Thanks for the comments,
Bruce

[strider]

Blazer:
I wanna add my compliments also, thanks and wtfg ;) I am impresssed with your knowledge, and willingness to explore possibilities. The benefit for a total PC novice like me is, your unexpected help has come as a welcome surprise. :thumbsup: Yer the man dog!
I posted a question for you in the original thread, my 3.5 in. floppy doesnt have enough room to dl the 1.7MB file to. Anybody have any suggestions?

Thanks for your work on this Blazer <S>

[BLAZERBRUCE]

strider,

Thank you, I have the info on your question in the XP Boot Disk Forum :D

-Bruce

[Pendragon]

I am curius is the program for the Pro Throttle will also program the regular throttle?

[BLAZERBRUCE]

Pendragon,

I dont belive the Prothrottle software will program the standard throttle becuase the 2 devices have different button layouts. I suggest using the Throttle software included with the BootDisk.


-Bruce

[gvo]

Hello there

I just bought a Pro Throttle (gameport) and I can't make it work in WinXP, and it seems like you guys made it possible??? That would be soooooo sweet :D
But where can I get it from????

Regards
GVO

EDIT: Right, I just found it. I really really hope it'll work!!! Thanks to BLAZERBRUCE :)

EDIT2: Well, it works!!!! Perfect, but the only thing that doens't work, is the actual throttle itself. All the buttons are working, but the throttle is not. I guess it's somewhere in the setup, I did something wrong. Any tips???

[Revvin]

Have you installed the WinXP drivers? you can get them here (http://www.chproducts.com/retail/tech_chanlg.htm)

[gvo]

Yes, they're installed. But perhaps I did something wrong in the setup of the throttle!? How do you guys setup the throttle part of the setup?? I mean not the key setup, but where you define the throttle slider.

EDIT: Does anyone have ProThrottle template for LO-MAC?? I tried looking through the ftp-site without luck

[BLAZERBRUCE]

gvo,

Try unistalling all the software drivers from CH in windows XP then re-install. Also, what all products from CH are you using? Some MotherBoards need the Legacy support to be turned on for the gameport to funstion properly.


- Bruce

[gvo]

Hello Blazerbruce and thanks for the reply

I'm using the Pro Throttle and nothing else from CH. I'm using a Logitech Wingman Attack as my joystick.
But I'm sure I just can't figure out, how to setup the throttle slider in the program you made the boot disc for. I mean all the buttons are working fine!?!
What are your settings in the program for the throttle slider??

Thx
GVO

[MichaelCHProd]

Is that Wingman Attack a digital stick?

[gvo]

No, it is an analog and I was connecting it through the throttle, since I only have one gameport.

[BLAZERBRUCE]

GVO,

The CH throttle is has a hard wire axis, which means it uses the "B"'s y-axis on your gameport. You cannot program the slider motion of the Throttle. The CH throttle was designed to use the BY-Axis pin on the gameport which is normaly used by a throttle wheel on a joystick, or another complete joystick device. I dont believe the use of another joystick brand will cause this problem because the Throttle splices and blocks any output from another device using the B Y-axis. Because the throttle transmits macro 's through the keyboard port, your gameport could have troubles and not affect button performance. Sounds to me your gameport isnt supporting 2 joysticks for some reason. I suggest trying to run the throttle in stand alone..


Here is a test to see if your computer isnt recongnising 2 devices...

Remove any devices installed on the gameport menu in windows.
Setup a standard 2 axis 2 button joystick. Run the calibration program to see if the computer can detect your Throttle. If it doesnt work, consult your computer manufacture, or motherboard manufacture on how to enable "A" and "B" gameport devices on your computer and if "legacy" support is available. You need to purchase a gameport card for your computer, but the computer manufacture should be able to help you your trouble.

-Bruce

[MichaelCHProd]

Is it one of these.....

JOYSTICKS (http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/support/products/categories/US/EN,CRID=1786)

[gvo]

It is this one:
link to joystick (http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/support/products/details/US/EN,CRID=1786,contentid=5301)
Or at least as close as I can get. The one I have is just the "Wingman Attack" and not the Wingman Attack 2 as linked to above.

I just tried to remove the joystick and try to connect only the throttle and it couldn't find it, like it wasn't connected. I tried to search on Creative's site (I'm using the gameport on a SB Live! VE sound card, and I found this:

The Creative gameport will support either a 2-axis 4-button joystick or a 2-axis 2-button joystick. You will require a splitter cable if you wish to hook up a second joystick. If your joystick is not responding try the following :


Again, I really appreciate your help! I really want to use my new throttle.

Regards
GVO

[MichaelCHProd]

Did your stick come with a native 15 pin plug on it? Did it also come with an adapter to plug it into a USB port?

[gvo]

It only came with a native 15 pin plug. It's (the joystick) quite old, 4-5 years, I would say. Would I be able to buy an USB adapter for it??

Regards
GVO

EDIT:
Btw, I was thinking, isn't it strange that my computer won't even recognize the throttle when it's connected to it and nothing else like a joystick??

[MichaelCHProd]

At best with nothing connected to it it would send keystrokes that were programmed on it. What kind of keyboard do you have?

[gvo]

I'm using a Logitech Cordless keyboard and mouse: link to keyboard (http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/products/details/DK/DA,CRID=486,CONTENTID=6012)
It's almost that one. Mine is white and the mouse is a little different.

EDIT:
I'll just include my post from the other thread:

Do you think, that a gameport card would do the trick?? In that case, I will buy one ASAP. Actually I had one at home, and I knew it was old, but it turned out to be really old, since I couldn't install it in my computer :-)

Regards
GVO

EDIT 2:
I was just thinking, I have the throttle connected both at the gameport and then also via the keyboard. Should I only use one and if so, which one is the best??

EDIT 3:
Would it help to buy a USB to gameport adapter?

[BLAZERBRUCE]

EDIT 3:
Would it help to buy a USB to gameport adapter?


This may work, but converters usually only operate 4 buttons, Im not sure they except combination inputs used by products such as the combat stick. You would also have to make sure the converter has 4-axis input compatibility. I believe Radioshack may have some available. I have never used a converter, so I am not sure how we'll they work.

- Bruce

[MichaelCHProd]

The killer is more likely the fact that game port throttles do not play well with others. What I mean is we tell people that you need to have a plain 104 keyboard when you use the throttles as they like to fight with other "programable" devices on the port.

[gvo]

Okay, so I should try to use a plain keyboard? And forget to buy a USB adapter.
But should I plug the throttle in the gameport or through the keyboard or both??

Regards
GVO

[MichaelCHProd]

You should go with a plain 104 keyboard and then connect it to the Throttle cable and the Throttle to the Keyboard port as well as the game port.

[gvo]

Ok, I'll try that when I get back from work. I really hope it'll work. I desperately want to be able to use my new throttle.

Thx
GVO

[gvo]

Hmm, that didn't work. I bought an old soundcard with a gameport that should have 4-axis, connected a 104 keyboard, but nothing happened :(
I can't see that damn throttle anywhere.
But then again, I can't be sure that it supports 4-axis. Perhaps it's only 3-axis, because before when I should install a new game controller, then you get a list of joysticks, including some 2-axis etc. But now I can see some 3-axis among those and I'm sure they wasn't there before I installed the "new" sound card.
And when you ask in stores, they don't know if the card supports 4-axis!

/GVO

[BLAZERBRUCE]

What kind of soundcard are you using?

-Bruce

[gvo]

IT'S WORKING :thumbsup:
Oh, I can't thank you enough!! Thanks for all the help!!!!!!!!!!!!
If you ever come to Denmark, there's a cold nice beer waiting for you B)
/GVO

And off I went to try my brand new AND working throttle...

[BLAZERBRUCE]

GVO,

You said the magic word.. BEEEERRRRRRRR :cheers:

'Till then I gotta go, the proffesor is giving me the evil eye of death for typing all day in class LOL.


-Bruce

[MichaelCHProd]

Rad, have a good time. B)

[gvo]

Thanks, I will for sure :D
I think I'll buy the CH F-16 COMBATSTICK aswell. I guess it wouldn't be any problem connecting that to my throttle. It's the gameport version.

Regards
GVO

[RW-1]

BB,

Good job on your utility.

I hadn't seen the thread and already shelled out the $$$ to go USB, IMO the control manager SW is much better than the gameport setup, as I would have had to use CHSetup over speedkeys.

But for those who don't want to shell out the $$$, or who want to keep the usefullness of their old controllers, this is great!

I've grabbed them as now I can offer it to whomever buys my old stuff
(Any one here interested in a Pro Throttle, FighterStick and Pro Pedals?
Excellent condition, have never given me issues in 8 years, but you all know that, as we are all CH fans :D If so, drop me an email. )


Marc

[BLAZERBRUCE]

RW-1,

Thank you :D . As for the bootdisk, let the buyer know about this site, because I am working on a :evil: Bootable CD Release :evil: . I am working on several other projects to help others with DOS soundcard gameport access, so it will be awhile. I will have to say, the USB HOTAS is the best thing to hit the market.

-Bruce

[RW-1]

No problem there Bruce.

I'll be looking for it myself when you decide to release it, if I havent sold my gear yet.



Marc