On Computer A (where joystick is physically connected):
sudo net-joy-server --device /dev/input/js0 --port 13131 --broadcast
On Computer B (remote client):
sudo net-joy-client --server 192.168.1.100 --port 13131 --create /dev/uinput
After this, /dev/input/js0 appears on Computer B. usb network joystick -bm- driver
In the world of flight simulation, industrial robotics, and custom arcade builds, the hardware is only half the battle. The true magic lies in communication—how your physical inputs translate into digital commands. For enthusiasts and professionals dealing with specific Chinese-manufactured controller boards, one string of text often triggers both excitement and frustration: usb network joystick -bm- driver.
If you have stumbled upon this device in your Windows Device Manager (showing as an unknown device, a HID-compliant game controller with errors, or a missing network adapter), you are not alone. This article will dissect everything you need to know about the USB Network Joystick (-BM-) driver, from installation and troubleshooting to its fascinating role in low-latency remote control. On Computer A (where joystick is physically connected):
Yes, with mitigations. The driver architecture is technically from the Windows 7 era (WDK). It does not use the modern GameInput API. Consequently:
USB 2.0 cables are limited to 5 meters (16 feet) without active repeaters. With a network joystick, you can place your cockpit in the basement, the server room, or the garage while your PC stays in the office. Using fiber optic Ethernet, you can extend this to 2 kilometers. On Computer B (remote client): sudo net-joy-client --server
If you run a virtual machine (VMware, Proxmox, or Hyper-V), passing through a USB controller is risky. It locks the entire USB root hub to the VM. With the ‘-bm-’ network driver, you can share just the joystick data to the VM without rebooting the host.
Once installed, the device should vanish from "Other devices" and reappear under Human Interface Devices as "BM-Compliant Game Controller." Simultaneously, you might see a new virtual network adapter appear (this is normal for the "Network" aspect of the joystick).
Because the ‘-bm-’ driver is a technical implementation, here is the most reliable method to get it working on Windows 10/11.