I have one of those around here some place, I really should dig it out...

This wiki article suggests that you can only use all eight buttons if you have a 3D Pro specific driver. Otherwise, the 3D Pro reverts to emulating a 'normal' 4-button-with-analog-joystick type, using the standard game port pinout.

Cool thanks for the help... now I just hope the old thing works.

SO using this joystick, what would be a good way to test and read this output when its not interfaced with a computer?

DDM? read in to ARM processor that is interfaced with computer? oscilloscope?

any ideas?

If it really emulates an analog joystick, you should be able to check the joystck output with a DMM on the 100K or 200K scale. Output pins as from previous link - but it doesn't specify which pin the common of the variable resistance is - may need to suck it 'n' see. More information here.

On a Soundblaster compatible soundcard the 15 pin d-sub provides for connections for 4 potentiometers and 4 switches as per the diagram below. The interface also carries MIDI in and out. I don't know how the extra buttons are implemented on the Sidewinder but I would guess they either use MIDI or a resistor chain from one of the spare pot inputs.

4 buttons are digital on/off. All other extra buttons are analog. They'll give you different resistant when button is pressed. Open up the joystick will give you more detail. You'll be able to see and read the resistant on the resistor. You can try measuring also.

Thank you for the responses, most of which seem to help. Just so people know its not going into a soundcard. Its being used to control a turret. But thanks for the help