I've got 2 Masterpilots set up in addition to my CH CombatStick and Pro Throttle. Everything works fine, EXCEPT...the keyboard goes DEAD! I will launch the game (Falcon 4 or F-15) and all the controls I programmed on my throttle and the 2 Masterpilots seem to respond fine. BUT I still need my keyboard for some of the communication and view commands. FUNNY: that keyboard works fine prior to the game being launched, but as soon as I start the game and start using my Masterpilots, the keyboard stops responding.

I believe I've daisy-chained everything properly. Pro Throttle plugs into gameport AND keyboard port, the Masterpilots are hooked in series to the pro throttle, and the keyboard goes into the last Masterpilot.

Anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

You've probably nailed down the problem. I've been struggling with this for quite some time now, surprised that more people haven't run into the same situation.

What gets me is that Quickshot does not mention anything about this. Their pamphlet (included with the MP's)simply shows 3 MP's hooked up in series without a problem. I wish they'd be more forthcoming about this.

I went to Comp USA today to look around, but they didn't have the Y mouse to convert PS/2 to USB. Where else should I look? Would Radio Shack have it? Where did you get yours?

While it may indeed be your mobo and it's inability to supply enough power, I've connected my setup on a variety of computers and I've never had this happen to me. Yes, I can actually see that my QSMP that is furthest from the mobo is getting less power (my lights are more dim), but it still works.

Before you rule on this as a hardware problem and invest some $$$ in trying to fix it, you may want to try my connection scheme. I've regularly hooked up my units and I've never received any probs. My setup may include more hardware that you have - just remove the stuff you don't have and try the connection.

Connect the keyboard to the QSMP #1's short cord. Connect the QSMP #1's long cord to the QSMP #2's short cord. Connect the QSMP #2's long cord to the PS/2 input of the PC Dash. Connect the output of the PC Dash to the PS/2 side of a PS/2-to-DIN connector (you may have to get one seperately). Connect the DIN side of the connector to the DIN input on the back of the F-22. The serial output from the F-22 goes into the back of the TQS, and the DIN output from the F-22 goes into the back of the PC into the keyboard port (though a DIN-to-PS/2 connector). The serial output from the TQS plugs into the serial input on the RCS, and the joystick output on the RCS plugs into the joystick input on the back of the PC.

Whew. Like I've said, this scheme has worked flawlessly for me for a couple of years. I've got a BX mobo, so programming the QSMPs is a pain (I have another P1 machine for this purpose).

I have a little cockpit that I've put together. I'll post some pics on my website shortly...

Eric Marlow
aka "Snacko"
Contributing Writer - COMBATSIM.COM
www.padlockpictures.com/snacko

Thank you for your detailed response. I'll try your suggestion tonight as well. If it doesn't work, I've already ordered the Y-mouse Groucho spoke about, so hopefully one of these strategies will work.

Not sure who's carrying them at the momement. When I bought mine (early last year), I got them from Chips and Bits.

With equipment like this, it might be difficult to find a place that has them in stock. If you can find a place that can get them, that may be your best (quick) shot.

:-)

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Bob "Groucho" Marks
http//machpit.homepage.com

Thank you to both you guys for your help. Snacko, your setup walk-through worked perfectly! NO MORE DEAD keyboard! Yipppee!

I guess it makes a huge difference whether you plug your keyboard to the long cord or the short cord. The keyboard does NOT like the long cord, but then Quickshot never pointed this out in their little pamphlet. Their setup instructions weren't specific enough, so I figured that the long cord and short cord serve the same purpose. Go figure that something this simple could cause me such a headache!

Anyway, looks like I won't need the Y-mouse.

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Bob "Groucho" Marks
http//machpit.homepage.com