How to connect Gladiator NXT modules?

[Aplato]

I originally posted this in the announcement thread, but this is a more appropriate place since it could potentially help other people who have the same confusion (unless I'm the only dumb one! ).

I already have a Gladiator NXT and would like to add the following:

• 1 Front switchboard module (FSM)
• 1 Side extension module (SEM) - not vertical
• 1 Throttle quadrant (THQ) - not vertical

To support this, I believe I need to buy the following in addition:

• 1 Multi-functional holder (MFH)
• 1 USB controller (HID-Main)
• 2 BUS (Type-C)-(Type-C) interface cables - (side note, is there any reason I'd want the (Type-C)-(JST2.0-4) cables instead? Are they interchangeable and serve the same purpose?)
• 1 Module to Gladiator NXT base (R) reinforcing plate
• 1 Intermodular reinforcing plate

You would need the 3 modules, the MFH and 1 GNX HID controller. You'll install the FSM on top of MFH and connect it to the THQ by the Type-C to Type-C BUS cable (included in FMS package). The THQ will get connected to SEM by JST to JST BUS cable (included in both modules' package). The SEM will get upgrade with the GNX HID Controller so it could get connected to USB port. Good to go

I just got my order delivered today and am in the process of assembling everything. I have the FSM connected to the THQ via USB-to-USB and mounted on the MFH as described, and I have installed the HID controller in the SEM, but I can't figure out how to connect the THQ to the SEM. Both the SEM and THQ came with two very small (roughly 3") JSTto-JST cables, but it's not clear how I should be connecting the two devices with them as they seem too short and as far as I can see there's no adapter to link them together. I'm hoping I'm missing something obvious since you previously confirmed I didn't need to order any additional cables, but right now I'm stumped.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Unless I missed a video, none of them demonstrate how to do link modules together or to the Gladiator NXT.

[mattcaron]

Aren't you supposed to take the side panels off and hook 2 units together?

[mattcaron]

See also http://forum.vkb-sim.pro/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=5882

[Aplato]

Thanks for pointing me in that direction! I was confident I was missing something obvious, and that seems like it's it. I wish there was something showing how to remove the side panels though -- I removed the two black screws towards the bottom that I thought were holding it together but it's still solidly connected and I don't want to apply a lot of force since there's a good chance I don't have it right.

[fallout9]

Bit of patience, a video guide is just uploading.

[fallout9]

Alright, video's up. I recommend you to watch it all, but here is what you're asking: removing the side plates, installing a coupler, connecting 2 linked modules.

[Aplato]

Thanks a lot! That was extremely helpful. It took an unreasonable amount of effort to get the side panel off of the SEM, but everything else went pretty smoothly. The little phillips head screws are kind of a pain though -- I hope everything works as I dread the thought of removing them.

After plugging everything I have lights at least so that's a great sign. Hopefully configuration goes smoothly!

[Aplato]

I was able to calibrate and test my buttons -- everything looks good with one exception.

I have the four-detent piece installed in the SEM module and it moves/feels great, but it doesn't appear to be mapping perfectly. If I have it in the top position, button 21 is activated. If I move it down one spot, it lights up button 19. If I move it down again, it remains on button 19, and if I move it to the bottom position it lights up button 18. It's not an imprecise detent either as if I slowly move it from top to bottom, holding between detents, button 20 (which I think should be for the second position) is never illuminated.

I tried slowly moving between detents as a test because I have the two-detent gear piece in, which works perfectly with button 24 activated in the top position and 22 in the bottom. If I hold between them, button 23 lights up. With the flap lever, it is impossible to activate button 20.

Is there any chance this is a software issue? I saw this other thread posted recently and although it's not the SEM, it's the same button 20 that's not showing as working on the Buttons/POVs tab.

[fallout9]

If you changed the detents block you have to set up the module to recognize the current blocks. See this guide for programming the SEM; after setting up the correct detent number you'll get satisfying actuation on tester.

[Aplato]

Brilliant, that was easy and worked flawlessly; I apologize that I didn't notice that video earlier while I was looking at the YouTube channel for hardware steps. It looks like everything is working now without too much effort so I'm happy. Next I have to learn how to map everything using SPAD.neXt which hopefully isn't too difficult. Thanks for the super quick, helpful responses -- the support is greatly appreciated.

The one thing I'm quite unsure about is how to control the lights for each button depending on whether a setting is activated or not in my sim (Microsoft Flight Simulator and X-Plane). Can you provide any guidance on how to approach something like this? For example, on the FSM I only want the HDG light activated if I have heading mode enabled on the autopilot.

[fallout9]

Pleasure to help. About the LEDs - we'll have a tutorial coming on that too.

[Aplato]

Glad to hear it! Any idea when we can expect that one?

[fallout9]

Depends on how many modules interconnecting videos will be required and that depends on how many questions will get raised in the next few days, after first orders will arrive. So... hard to tell