Using Gladiator NXT without springs?

[Avenger2000]

Any issue with using a Gladiator NXT without springs for helicopter simulation? I heard from one person who did it with a Gladiator MK2 and it seems to work well. I know a Gunfighter MkIII would be optimal but anything wrong with removing the springs on the NXT? Thanks!

[fallout9]

If you're asking if it will break it, then no, you should be fine. But it's hard to tell if it will work as you wish. As you could see here, some people are complaining about too much and too viscous grease that's being applied on the moving parts - this could work for you.

[Avenger2000]

Yes that can actually work in my favor. I would like some friction even without the springs. But I understand the Gunfighter III with the dry clutch is the better option without springs.

[fallout9]

Definitely, the dry clutches with no springs would definitely hold the grip in place.

[Avenger2000]

Does it cause “stiction” as it has been coined? Also why can’t I find an assembly guide or video for the Gunfighter III? Ie. what to do step by step after you take it out of the box?

[fallout9]

More you tighten the dry clutch, more stiction you get. In order to avoid this you could use Nyogel grease on the dry clutches. It's not applied from the factory as it might still affect the dry clutches, even completely released.
You don't need to do anything else other than connecting the grip to the base, plugging it in the computer and calibrating it. After that, if you want to adjust the feeling of the base there are many things to do.

[Avenger2000]

If I want to use it for helicopter use, do I just use no springs? Or should I also tighten the dry clutch a bit? If I just want slight resistance. Thanks.

[fallout9]

No spring and tightened dry clutch should allow the grip to stay in place without returning to center. But be advised that no springs means no cam, which means no center and no axis detent.

[Avenger2000]

I don’t believe a helicopter cyclic has those detents anyway. But I could be wrong.

[Avenger2000]

No spring and tightened dry clutch should allow the grip to stay in place without returning to center. But be advised that no springs means no cam, which means no center and no axis detent.

Quick question. If I remove the springs, can I leave the cams alone or do I have to remove them too? Thanks!

[fallout9]

With no springs they would just hang in there; better to remove it.

[Avenger2000]

Would it harm anything to leave them be? Would they get in the way of anything? I’m a bit hesitant to remove them.

[Avenger2000]

More you tighten the dry clutch, more stiction you get. In order to avoid this you could use Nyogel grease on the dry clutches. It's not applied from the factory as it might still affect the dry clutches, even completely released.
You don't need to do anything else other than connecting the grip to the base, plugging it in the computer and calibrating it. After that, if you want to adjust the feeling of the base there are many things to do.

Do I have to take the controller further apart to add the Nyogel to the dry clutches? Is there a diagram somewhere? I’m not sure I will need it or not. I would want the joystick to just about to stay put when I move it and let go.

[fallout9]

I suggest to completely remove the cams. About Nyogel, you'll see for yourself if it's needed; if it is then yes, you'll have to open up the base and strip the electronics to reach the dry clutch mechanism.