Computer joysticks, while not as popular as in years past, are still fairly common computer accessories used for a multitude of games and applications. They are excellent for software such as flight simulators, where a keyboard and mouse are too confusing or unnatural for smooth gameplay. However, when unused for long periods of time, joysticks tend to lose crispness and may not center correctly when released. This can cause "The Club" syndrome: when the joystick seems to be constantly pulling in one direction, even though no one has touched it. In either of these cases, calibrating your joystick will recenter it and make it useable again.
Step 1
Make sure your joystick is correctly plugged into the computer and turned on (if wireless).
Step 2
Open the Control Panel. (The navigation path to this control may differ depending on how your version of Windows is customized; however, it can generally be found through the Start Menu or under My Computer.)
Step 3
Double click the Game Controllers link.
Step 4
Find and single click your joystick in the list of controllers. If your joystick is not listed, make sure it is correctly attached and working.
Step 5
With your joystick highlighted, click the Properties button under the list of controllers.
Step 6
From the new pop-up window, click the Calibrate button under the Settings tab.
Step 7
Follow all the directions of the wizard that appears and click Finish when done.
Step 8
You can also test all the buttons and axes your joystick offers under the Test tab. Make sure all buttons and sliders work before relying on them in an application.
Tips
- It is generally a good idea to recalibrate your joystick after periods of disuse or if you notice any drifting.
- The joystick manufacturer may also provide a calibration and button test tool in the supplied software package. It is usually recommended, but not required, that you calibrate your joystick using this tool instead of the built-in Windows tool, since the manufacturer's tool will probably contain extra features or settings.
Warnings
- This guide is for the Windows operating system only. Please contact your joystick's manufacturer for information about calibration under other operating systems.
- Please note calibration cannot fix physically broken joysticks; if your joystick is broken or excessively loose, it is probably better to get a new one.
- When not in use, make sure the joystick is straight up and centered. If the joystick is left on its side or pressed in some manner for long periods of time, the springs will weaken and the joystick will be unusable. Calibration will not rectify this.
Things You'll Need
- A PC with Windows
- A PC-compatible joystick and an applicable slot to plug it in
- Manufacturer's drivers and software are recommended, but not always required for USB joysticks
