File: README.TXT
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* ThrustMaster Fusion Game Pad *
* ThrustMaster Inc. *
* October 22, 1998 *
* *
* (c) 1996-1998 ThrustMaster Inc. *
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This file contains information about ThrustMaster's Fusion game
pad, and general information about new gaming device technologies
such as USB ("Universal Serial Bus.")
The Universal Serial Bus
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The Universal Serial Bus controller included with most new
personal computers provides a high-speed, bidirectional
communications link that enables multiple peripherals (joysticks,
modems, scanners, printers, etc.) to connect to the computer and
be managed using the Plug and Play facilities of the operating
system. By using USB "hubs", many USB devices can be connected to
the computer simultaneously and all operating at the same time.
For joysticks and other game controllers, the main advantages of
USB over the traditional analog-style controllers are as follows:
(a) Digital control. Problems like calibration and heat drift,
normally associated with the old-style game port hardware, are
a thing of the past since USB uses an entirely new method of
connection to the host computer.
(b) Faster polling. Games don't have to spend as much time
reading data from a USB game controller as they were required
to spend reading data from an analog controller. This
translates to higher potential frame rates in the game, making
for more realistic game play.
(c) Self-description. USB game controllers contain "smart"
electronics that describe the device to the host computer
using the Plug-and-Play interface. This means that drivers on
the host computer can automatically select and calibrate the
game device, saving you the hassle of going through these
steps manually. These features are beginning to be
implemented in this release of our drivers--more will be added
in the near future.
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Frequently Asked Questions about USB
1. Q: Which types of computer systems support USB?
A: At this time, the computer systems and computer operating
systems that are USB-capable are Intel-based PCs running
either Microsoft Windows 95 OSR 2.1 (Windows 95 with
the "USB Supplement" added), or Windows 98, and Apple
Computer's iMac.
Other computers and non-Windows operating systems will also
support USB in the near future.
2. Q: Can USB game controllers be used with Windows NT?
A: Windows NT version 4 and earlier do not support USB.
However, version 5 (which is not released yet) will support
USB. If you attempt to install a ThrustMaster USB game
controller on a Windows NT system, a message will be
displayed indicating that the operating system is not
supported.
3. Q: Do ThrustMaster USB game controllers work if connected to
a port on an external USB hub?
A: Yes they do. In fact, connecting devices to an external hub
is a great way to attach them to your system because you
can put the connection point within easy reach from where
you use your computer. This means you no longer need to
reach around the back of your PC to plug and unplug
different game controllers or other peripherals.
4. Q: What USB game devices does ThrustMaster have available?
A: ThrustMaster makes the TOP GUN USB joystick, the Force
GT force feedback steering wheel, and the Fusion game
pad, all of which can be used when connected to a
USB game port. There is also an NEC version of the
TOP GUN USB joystick known as the "Playstick" and
a USB variation of the Grand Prix 1 steering wheel
that are sold as accessories to NEC's PC-9800 line
of computers. The NEC devices are currently available
only in Japan.
5. Q: How do I get additional ThrustMaster game devices?
A: They can be ordered direct by calling ThrustMaster World
Headquarters in Hillsboro, Oregon; phone number is
(503)615-3200. When calling, just ask to place an order.
Oftentimes, special offers are available by ordering
direct by phone, or by Internet via the World Wide Web.
Check out our Web page at www.thrustmaster.com.
Download Driver Pack
After your driver has been downloaded, follow these simple steps to install it.
Expand the archive file (if the download file is in zip or rar format).
If the expanded file has an .exe extension, double click it and follow the installation instructions.
Otherwise, open Device Manager by right-clicking the Start menu and selecting Device Manager.
Find the device and model you want to update in the device list.
Double-click on it to open the Properties dialog box.
From the Properties dialog box, select the Driver tab.
Click the Update Driver button, then follow the instructions.
Very important: You must reboot your system to ensure that any driver updates have taken effect.
For more help, visit our Driver Support section for step-by-step videos on how to install drivers for every file type.