Hardware Review: Saitek Cyborg Evo Wireless Joystick
Fully Adjustable & Programmable PC Flight Stick By Bruce Pechman, The Muscleman of Technology

www.mrbicep.com

November, 2004
A Stick with Tricks Wireless technology is all the rage these days. Theres one nice advantage wireless peripherals have as it relates to gaming: with each passing generation, the expertise of these device makers matures. Such is the case with Saiteks brand new Cyborg Evo Wireless Joystick. How so you may ask? What if I told you can get 50 hours of game play on one single AA alkaline battery? After ten minutes of no activity, the stick will power down and the red battery indicator LED will switch off. If the LED is flashing red it means less than 10% of juice remainsget ready to pop a new battery in. In fact the Cyborg Evo Wireless includes idle and standby modes which may give you up to 75 hoursand up to 12 months standby time on one single battery! Saitek includes two AA alkaline batteries in the box to get you jump-started right away (even though it only requires one). Using the recently approved 2.4GHz spectrum, youll get a whopping 30 foot range! Keep in mind this is also a fully customizable stick because you simply loosen the knurled industrial machine screws to adjust the hand/thumb rest height, angle of pitch for the programmable fire buttons, and tilt preference of the head assembly (left, center, or right). Saitek should have called the Evo Wireless the Burger King Stick because you can trick it out and have it anyway you like! The Cyborg Evo Wireless is a four-axis, 11-button stick with lever throttle, eight-way Hat Switch, and a 3D Twist Rudder control lever on the handle. I will not bore you with the gory details, but this stick has it all. Here is a quick expanded rundown: Rapid fire trigger, 5 programmable fire buttons, 8-way POV (point of view) hat switch, 3D twist handle control, lever throttle, 2 shift buttons, as well as 4 programmable buttons on base (2 left, 2 right). The included advanced programming software called Saitek Smart Technology (SST) allows for quick and easy customization and programming of buttons
and sequencesthe shift keys allow you to accomplish double programmable commands for maximum flexibility (see screen shot below).
Saitek SST Software Profile Editor
Another aspect I really appreciate about this stick is the easy set-up and intelligently designed USB wireless receiver. Just plug the receiver into any available USB port install the software, and youre ready for take off. Speaking of taking off, I really need to take more flying lessons. The private instructor in MS Flight Simulator 2004 told me the only thing Id be fit to fly is a hot-air balloon; and my plane had more body roll than Noahs Ark! By the way, the base of the stick slickly stores the USB wireless receiver and the battery compartment is tooless for quick and easy battery replacement. This is the best wireless joystick I have had the pleasure to use and the design is simply spot on! This fully adjustable and programmable wireless Joystick retails for $59.99 and comes backed by a Saitek 2 year warranty. To learn more about the Saitek Cyborg Evo Wireless Joystick or any of Saiteks other quality products, visit www.saitekusa.com. Reviewed on Alienware Area 51 Desktop.

Cyborg Evo Force Manual EFGIS.qxd

15/07/2004

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Cyborg evo Force

USER MANUAL MANUEL DUTILISATION BEDIENUNGSANLEITUNG MANUALE DUSO MANUAL DEL USUARIO

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QUICK START GUIDE
Congratulations on purchasing the Cyborg evo Force. Please follow the simple steps below to connect your new stick to your PC. 1. The AC adapter Plug the plug at the end of the power cable into the power socket of your joystick then the power transformer into a mains power socket. It is important that you power up your Cyborg evo Force before connecting to your PC, otherwise your computer will not automatically recognise the stick. The USB cable Plug the evo Forces USB plug into one of your PCs free USB sockets.
DEMONSTAR 2 GAME SUPPORT Please note, for all support issues relating to the Demonstar 2 game, please visit the Mountain King Studios web site: www.mking.com
Installation of drivers, programming software, online manual and free games Insert the CD supplied with your Cyborg evo Force into the CD drawer of your PC and close the drawer. Once the PC has recognised the CD, follow the on-screen instructions to install driver software, access the manuals and install free games.
Disc Contents Your installation disc contains the following: Drivers for the Cyborg evo Force stick
Installation manual for the Cyborg evo Force stick Saitek Smart Technology (SST) programming software SST programming manual Interactive Bouncing Ball force feedback demonstration Full, free version of Demonstar 2 force feedback-enabled game

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IMPORTANT NOTICE This product uses a dynamic auto-calibration system, which is designed to give you more accurate control of your favourite flight simulation games through your Saitek Joystick. To maximize the effectiveness of this feature, ensure that the stick is moved fully forwards, backwards and to both sides after booting up your PC and before loading up your game. REMARQUE IMPORTANTE Ce produit utilise un systme dynamique dauto-calibrage, qui est destin vous offrir un contrle plus prcis de vos jeux de simulation de vol prfrs grce votre joystick Saitek. Afin doptimiser lefficacit de cette caractristique, assurez-vous que vous pouvez manier votre joystick vers lavant, vers larrire, et sur les cts aprs avoir lanc votre PC et avant dinstaller votre jeu. WICHTIGE INFORMATION Fr eine przise Kontrolle im Spiel verwendet dieser Saitek Joystick ein dynamisches Kalibrierungs-System. Bewegen Sie den Joystick jeweils bis zum Anschlag nach oben, nach unten und zu beiden Seiten nachdem Sie Ihren PC hochgefahren haben. Starten Sie anschlieend das gewnschte Spiel. IMPORTANTE Questo prodotto utilizza un sistema dinamico di calibrazione automatica, progettato per consentirvi un controllo pi accurato dei vostri simulatori di volo favoriti con il vostro Joystick Saitek. Per massimizzare l'efficacia di questa funzione, necessario muovere il joystick completamente in avanti, indietro, a destra e a sinistra dopo avere avviato il PC e prima di caricare il vostro gioco. AVISO IMPORTANTE Este producto usa un sistema dinamico de auto calibracin para un mejor control del joystick en los juegos de simulacin. Para maximizar la efectividad del sistema es necesario mover el joystick TOTALMENTE adelante, atras a izquierda y a derecha al encender el ordenador y antes de cargar el juego.

GETTING STARTED

In order for this product to function correctly please install the drivers on the CD supplied with this product. The force effects of this joystick will not work unless the correct drivers have been installed. INSTALLATION FOR USERS OF WINDOWS XP
A) Drivers Only For Typical Users
With your computer switched on, close down any programs that are currently running and insert the Saitek Smart Technology CD into your CD-ROM drive. 2 When the Introduction Screen appears, click Install Software to continue. If the CD does not run automatically, select Start from the Windows Taskbar, then Run and type D:\Setup.exe and click OK - where D:\ is the letter of your CD-ROM drive. 3 When the Welcome screen appears, click Next to continue. 4 After reading the Disclaimer, select the I accept the terms of the Disclaimer option and click Next to continue. 5 At the Driver Setup screen, if you havent already done so, plug in your controller and click on Next. 6 At the Driver Setup screen, click Next to test your controller. 7 When the Saitek Controller screen appears, try out all your controllers buttons, controls and forces to show that it is working properly. When you have finished, click OK. 8 At the Software Setup screen, select Do not install the SST Programming Software and click Next. The Programming Software can be installed at a later date by following instruction (B). below 9 At the Registration screen, select Check this box to register now and follow the on-screen instructions, or you can choose to select this option later. 10 Click on Finish to complete the installation. 1

B) Drivers and Programming Software For Advanced Users
Follow points of the install procedure in A), then at the Software Setup screen, select Install the SST Programming Software and click Next. In the following Software Setup screen, click Next and follow the on-screen instructions. At this point you will be asked to install such features as the Saitek Magic Mouse, HID-compliant mouse, Saitek Magic Keyboard and HID Keyboard Device (these are what XP calls the various elements of your Saitek controller). Continue to click on Next and Finish to accept the installation until the Registration screen appears. At the Registration screen, select Check this box to register now and follow the on-screen instructions, or do not select this option and register later. Upon completion of the installation, you have the option to Run Profile Editor, which will give you a view of the 3D programming environment. If you do not wish to see the Profile Editor at this point, just uncheck the box and click on Finish to complete the installation.
INSTALLATION FOR USERS OF WINDOWS 2000 A) Drivers Only For Typical Users
With your computer switched on, close down any programs that are currently running and insert the Saitek Smart Technology CD into your CD-ROM drive. When the Introduction Screen appears, click Install Software to continue. If the CD does not run automatically, select Start from the Windows Taskbar, then Run and type D:\Setup.exe and click OK - where D:\ is letter of your CD-ROM drive. When the Welcome screen appears, click Next to continue. After reading the Disclaimer, select the I accept the terms of the Disclaimer option and click Next to continue. At the Device Driver Installation screen, click on Next and follow the on-screen instructions. When prompted, plug your controllers USB connector into your computer, then click on Configure. When the Controller Properties screen appears, click Next to view the Test screen. Now try out all your controllers buttons, controls and forces to show that it is working properly. When you have finished, click OK.

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9 At the Programming Software screen, select Typical User and click Next. 10 At the Registration screen, select Register and follow the on-screen instructions or select Register Later and click Next. 11 Click on Finish to complete the installation.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

PROGRAMMING YOUR SAITEK CONTROLLER WITH SAITEK SMART TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMMING SOFTWARE
Introducing Saitek Smart Technology Programming Software
Saitek Smart Technology Programming Software (SST) is the software Saitek supplies to configure your Saitek controller for enhanced functionality. SST delivers a powerful set of features, allowing you to program your device with the ultimate configuration for total interaction. Despite a level of sophistication previously unseen in the market, and because of the Saitek Smart Technology inside, the software remains simple and intuitive to use. For a complete guide on how to program your Saitek controller, visit the Saitek website at www.saitek.com. Features of Smart Technology Programming Software: Quick and easy setup in any game Personalize the controller settings for your favorite games Configure your controller with an on-screen 3D model and interface Multiple setup option for each controller - ideal if a controller is used by several people Program special moves with sophisticated timing features Special game setups available as Profiles from the Saitek website and on the Smart Technology CD Download the latest version of Saitek Smart Technology software from the Saitek website
5 Follow points of the install procedure in A), then at the Programming Software screen, select Advanced User and click Next. At the Programmable Controller Drivers screen, click Update and follow the on-screen instructions. Then at the Installation of programming software successful screen, click Next. At the Registration screen, select Register and follow the on-screen instructions or select Register Later and click Next. Upon completion of the installation, you have the option to Run Profile Editor, which will give you a view of the 3D programming environment. If you do not wish to see the Profile Editor at this point, just uncheck the box and click on Finish to complete the installation.
INSTALLATION FOR USERS OF WINDOWS 98 AND ME A) Drivers Only For Typical Users
With your computer switched on, close down any programs that are currently running and insert the Saitek Smart Technology CD into your CD-ROM drive. When the Introduction Screen appears, click Install Software to continue. If the CD does not run automatically, select Start from the Windows Taskbar, then Run and type D:\Setup.exe (where D: is your CD drive) and click OK. 3 When the Welcome screen appears, click Next to continue. 4 After reading and accepting the Disclaimer, click Next to continue. Note: For your controller to work, you must have a minimum of Microsoft DirectX 8.1 installed on your computer. The installer will automatically recognize if this software needs to be added, and will allow you to install it directly from the Saitek Product Companion CD, if necessary. If you are asked to install Microsoft DirectX 8.1, click Install and follow the on-screen instructions, and then restart your computer when prompted. Make sure that you leave the Saitek CD in the drive when restarting. After this software has been installed, you will automatically be taken to the installation to continue with the next step. 5 Follow the on-screen instructions and select Yes, I want to restart my computer now when prompted. 6 After the restart, at the Device Driver Installation screen, click on Next and follow the on-screen instructions. 7 When prompted, plug your USB connector into your computer. 8 When the Controller Properties screen appears, click Next to view the Test Screen. 9 Now try out all your controller buttons, controls and forces to show that it is working properly. When you have finished, click OK. 10 At the Programming Software screen, select Typical User and click Next. 11 At the Registration screen, select Register my Saitek controller online, click Next and follow the on-screen instructions or select Register Later and click Next. 12 Click on Finish to complete the installation. 2 1

A WORD ON DRIVER UPDATES

From time to time there may be updates to the driver and programming software for this product. You can check for the latest software updates by visiting the Saitek website and clicking on Downloads. A drop down menu will appear. Select Drivers and Software.
FOR WINDOWS XP USERS; DYNAMIC UPDATES:
You can check for Driver updates using Windows update. Click on Start on the bottom left hand corner of your monitor and then select Windows Update from the menu. Click on Driver Updates then select from any of the update options that appear in the centre of the window. When you have selected the relevant file to download go to the left hand side of the window and select Review and Install Updates. Finally click on Install Now from the centre section.
HOW TO TEST YOUR CONTROLLER
You can do this at any time by Clicking on Start, then Settings and selecting Control Panel in Windows (XP users may only need to click on Start and then Control Panel) Look for an icon called either Game Controllers or Gaming Options (XP users may have to click Printers and Other Hardware first). Open the Game Controllers/Gaming Options window then the name of your controller should show up. Click on Properties and this will bring up the test screen. Moving your controller and pressing the buttons should result in a response in this screen; if it's responding in there then you know that the controller is okay.
Follow points of the install procedure in A), then at the Programming Software screen, select Advanced User and click Next. At the Programmable Controller Drivers screen, click Update and follow the on-screen instructions. At this point you will be asked to insert your Windows CD, however, DO NOT do this, just click on OK. At the next screen, type C:\windows\system into the prompt and click OK and follow the on-screen instructions. At the Installation of programming software successful screen, click Next. At the Registration screen, select Register my Saitek controller online, click Next and follow the on-screen instructions or select Register Later and click Next. Upon completion of the installation, you have the option to Run Profile Editor, which will give you a view of the 3D programming environment. If you do not wish to see the Profile Editor at this point, just uncheck the box and click on Finish to complete the installation.

ENABLING YOUR CONTROLLER IN GAME
Most games support game controllers, which you can enable by using a [control] options menu within the Main Menu of the game itself. If you are having trouble working out how to do this or if you're unsure whether the game being used supports game controllers, please refer to the user manual for that game for more help. NOTE: Even if the game you are using does not support game controllers, it is possible to make the controller work in that game using the Saitek Smart Technology programming software (only installed if you chose to be an Advanced User when installing). Using the programming software allows you to program your controller with keyboard and mouse commands, enabling it to work in those games that only have support for keyboards and mice. For help using this powerful programming software, consult the Programming Your Saitek Controller with Saitek Smart Technology Programming Software section in this manual.

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TROUBLESHOOTING
Q A My computer is not recognizing the Saitek Controller whats wrong? 1. Have you installed the drivers on the CD supplied with this product? 2. Check the cable connections. Unplug your controller and plug it back in, making certain that it is securely attached. 3. Have you tested your controller? Please refer to the "How to Test Your Controller" section in this manual for further information Q2 The game I am playing does not recognize my controller - what's wrong? A 1. Ensure that you have conducted the checks in Q1 [above] 2. Does the game you are playing offer support for game controllers? Please refer to the "Enabling Your Controller in Game" section in this manual for further information.

Conditions of Warranty

3 Warranty period is 2 years from date of purchase with proof of purchase submitted. Operating instructions must be followed. Specifically excludes any damages associated with leakage of batteries. Note: Batteries can leak when left unused in a product for a period of time, so it is advisable to inspect batteries regularly. 4 Product must not have been damaged as a result of defacement, misuse, abuse, neglect, accident, destruction or alteration of the serial number, improper electrical voltages or currents, repair, alteration or maintenance by any person or party other than our own service facility or an authorized service center, use or installation of nonSaitek replacement parts in the product or the modification of this product in any way, or the incorporation of this product into any other products, or damage to the product caused by accident, fire, floods, lightning, or acts of God, or any use violative of instructions furnished by Saitek plc. Obligations of Saitek shall be limited to repair or replacement with the same or similar unit, at our option. To obtain repairs under this warranty, present the product and proof of purchase (eg, bill or invoice) to the authorized Saitek Technical Support Center (listed on the separate sheet packaged with this product) transportation charges prepaid. Any requirements that conflict with any state or Federal laws, rules and/or obligations shall not be enforceable in that particular territory and Saitek will adhere to those laws, rules, and/or obligations. When returning the product for repair, please pack it very carefully, preferably using the original packaging materials. Please also include an explanatory note. IMPORTANT: To save yourself unnecessary cost and inconvenience, please check carefully that you have read and followed the instructions in this manual. This warranty is in Lieu of all other expressed warranties, obligations or liabilities. ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES, OBLIGATIONS, OR LIABILITIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, SHALL BE LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE DURATION OF THIS WRITTEN LIMITED WARRANTY. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitations may not apply to you. IN NO EVENT SHALL WE BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES FOR BREACH OF THIS OR ANY OTHER WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WHATSOEVER Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of special, incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

What is a Profile

A Profile is a custom setup for improved gameplay consisting of a set of commands that are pre-assigned to the buttons or axes of your controller. There are over two hundred pre-written Profiles available on the Product Companion Disk that accompanies this device or on the Saitek Website www.saitek.com. (Please check the website for new or improved Profiles, which are being added regularly). 6 7
How Do I Program My Controller?
After getting to know your controller, you can start creating your own personal Profiles with the Saitek Smart Technology programming software (SST). This software has virtually unlimited programming capabilities and allows you to customize the controller to your exact gaming needs. The Profile Editor allows you to program the buttons on your controller to perform different actions within your games this is especially useful if the game you are using does not have its own screen that allows reconfiguring of your buttons.

Getting Started

Double-click on the Saitek Smart Technology icon the install left on your desktop. In the Profile Editor, choose the control to which you wish to assign a keyboard command. You do this by leftclicking on the controls cell in the control list on the right of the screen. With the cursor flashing, type in the key commands and then click on the green tick mark when complete. Repeat this procedure for all the buttons you would like to program and then click File, Save at the top of the Profile Editor window. Give the profile a name (it is recommended you name it after the game for which the profile is intended) and then click Save. To enable the profile either click the Profile Now icon at the top of the Profile Editor (it looks like a black and yellow crosshair) or right-click on the controller icon in your taskbar and select the name of the profile from the pop-up list of options. You will notice that when a profile is loaded that the controller icon in your taskbar has a green square behind it, indicating that a profile is currently loaded. If you wish to unload a profile simply right-click on the controller icon and click Clear Profile from the pop-up list of options.
FCC Compliance and Advisory Statement
Warning: Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the users authority to operate the equipment. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1 This device may not cause harmful interference, and 2 This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help Saitek Industries, 2295 Jefferson Street, Torrance, CA 90501, USA