Can I install a second USB joystick unit and then map it's buttons to a set of different functions in the sim from the ones handled by the primary joystick?

Would this have to be the same brand of joystick to make it work?  Or would it be best if it were a DIFFERENT brand?

Am I right in assuming (bad idea  ) that a joystick with a throttle, pitch, bank, and twist (yaw) will have four analog position inputs?

I am hoping this is possible..... so that I can use those four analog inputs for ANOTHER use than is typical  .

best,

................john