Yeh, get free FMS here (its great)
http://n.ethz.ch/student/mmoeller/fms/index_e.html
I set up my Zhen Hua controller from the old dragonfly as a windows joystick using a software called ppjoy
http://www.simtel.net/product.downlo...s.php?id=75176
The cable only cost me a few dollars, otherwise there are many sites including the FMS site which will assist you to make your own cable (assuming you have a buddy plug)
Smartpropo is a good driver which uses a cable that plugs into your soundcard (that is easy to make) however I got a lot of lag using the wdm tech2 xp driver
http://www.sekiriki.jp/
Some of my friends even pulled apart their old rc controllers and fitted them with 150ohm potts and then wired directly to a pc joystick game plug.
PS. Forget about balancing on the training gear. You wont get a good feel until you are at least 3 feet of the ground. Usually the training gear vibrates or is too heavy and breaks anyway....