NXT EVO z-axis (slider), frequently jittering only at extremes (0 & 65535)

[HGB_0378]

Hello,
I've been having an intermittent issue with the z axis (slider/throttle), which frequently jitters just at both extremes. With the slider all the way to the Top or Bottom, the signal does not reach the expected value of 0 and/or 65535, and stays at a different value jittering, until the slider is moved a few times out of position and back (top or bottom), and then it works fine again, for a certain time. I'd like to emphasize, that in any other position, or when the problem is not present, the slider works perfectly fine.
I've noticed that the issue has increased in frequency and duration over time. I'm talking months, not days or weeks. It's a long term issue.
I've never changed the firmware since day one, as everything worked fine before, so I didn't want to risk any changes.
It looks like it could be a loose magnet problem, but I could not find any specific instructions to access the slider magnet/sensor, to check if there is anything loose, or any metallic particle that could be interfering.
I'm attaching images for you to see.
Please advise.
Thanks in advance

[Ron61]

Show the Profile-Axes tab from the configurator.
There is nothing wrong with updating the firmware, and I don't see any point in sitting on an ancient one.

[HGB_0378]

Hi Ron61
Attached is the requested image.
Do you recommend to update firmware right now?
I just thought adding another variable to the issue was not necessary, but if you think is best I'll do it right away.
Thanks again

[HGB_0378]

Hi Ron61
Checking the Physical Axes tab, I've just realized that z-axis (4), "Input" value is set to "Analog", so I guess no sensor, it seems to be a potentiometer, if I'm not mistaken.
Anyhow, I'll wait for your advise/recommendation.
Thanks once more
HUGO

[HGB_0378]

Hi there
Any news on this issue?
At least some guidance on the required steps for accessing the board where the pot is mounted, so I can see if I can try to clean it with some special cleaning solution like DeOxit Faderlube or similar???
Thanks in advance

[Ron61]

Try updating the firmware and configurator, it won't take much time.

[HGB_0378]

Hello there,
One year went by, and this issue has become increasingly worse, and now it is almost impossible to manage anymore.

Updated Information:
Latest versions of VKB device config (v0.93.43) and VKBsim Gladiator EVO R XT2 v2.199 are the current versions installed. Calibration it's been done multiple times. No interference issues whatsoever.
Image is attached: Axes tab in VKB Device Config.

Regretfully, everything is exactly the same, except for the increasingly degraded functionality at the extremes on the z-axis (slider/throttle).

On the other hand, I'm extremely happy with the joystick and rudder. These are impressive examples of excellent quality/performance and affordability.

The setup it is used depending on the season, sometimes a couple of times a week or every 2 weeks, and may be every day for three or four weeks a year.
The slider it's assigned to air brakes in Condor 3 (glider sim), so it is used almost every flight just once when performing the pre take off checklist, and at the end of the flight for landing. May be 2/3 minutes per flight. The problem is not caused by overuse, but on the contrary, by the lack of use. Specially after a couple of days without using it.
I can make it work well enough again, but only temporarily, sliding it all the way to the top and bottom repetitively while checking in VKB_JoyTester for about 10-20 times (some times more) until the slider stays put at both extremes with no jittering. Then, I can take off (sim) while the brakes stay put in the disengaged position. But almost every single time, I have problems when approaching/landing (40 min to 1.5 hours after take off, without any use at all), and just touching the control (slider) makes the issue arise again, and the brakes lever either disengages itself, or once I open them then they don't stay fully opened or fully closed (jittering), or sometimes engaging and/or disengaging by itself, etc.

I've found a case with a very similar problem in reditt >>

From reditt:
* r/VKB•7mo ago
*user: Zergling924
*Tittle: Jittery throttle on Gladiator NXT EVO
*Answer: Zergling924 - OP•7mo ago
*Update: logged a ticket with VKB and they think it could be a wacky potentiometer. They're sending a replacement pot w instructions for how to install. Will *update again afterwards.
Update the second: I finally got around to replacing the potentiometer (VKB sent a very detailed PDF with pictures on how to disassemble the flight stick and replace the part), and everything is perfectly smooth now!
So if you run into this issue and have ruled out RF interference/USB port issues, etc, then maybe a replacement potentiometer will do the trick. VKB as always was excellent with their customer service.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
I firmly believe, that the problem is the potentiometer as I hinted before

Hi there
Any news on this issue?
At least some guidance on the required steps for accessing the board where the pot is mounted, so I can see if I can try to clean it with some special cleaning solution like DeOxit Faderlube or similar???
Thanks in advance

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Would you please sent me this pdf file with instructions on how to get to the potentiometer board, so I can try something/anything. Cleaning it first with DeOxit Faderlube and see if it works, at least temporarily until I eventually replace it. It would be very helpful, and the only way to see what potentiometer it is, and if I can get an exact replacement locally.
Or may be you can advise on how to proceed in any other way to resolve this frustrating issue .
As always, thanks in advance for your help...
Hugo

[fallout9]

Hi Hugo, please get in touch with your local vendor; you'll receive a pot replacement most probably, together with instructions for installing it. Really sorry to see you've been having issues with it for such a long time. Please let me know if you'll encounter any issues with out local rep.

[HGB_0378]

Hi,
Thanks fallout9 for your quick answer.
Already opened a ticket with VKBsim North America, were I purchased the VKB items.
I'll let you know the outcome.
Thanks once more
HUGO