VKB-SIM

hi,

i received the gf mk3 and the space grip premium today and just assembled it. what now? is it plug and play like the thrustmaster joysticks? does it need a firmware update? is another softaware needed? calibration?

thanks

Hi Herman,

Congrats about your new device. Before using it make sure it's flashed with the most recent firmware, running the latest software and got properly calibrated. Here's a guide for flashing and calibrating:
https://youtu.be/8Ht8yMsdlCQ
Follow all the steps exactly, but if you get stuck please ask your questions here.

thanks.

is there anything else i have to do?

You could change the cams, see which set fits you better, like this: https://youtu.be/hf90aHYwfOU?t=208

Also see how to properly attach your grip to the base and adjust the dampers: https://youtu.be/dc8LZyThYs0?t=835

ok, thanks.

i will try it first and then see if i want to change something. what are camps and dampers? what are there for.

The cams are the parts that dictates the way your joystick moves: Space cams for a linear movement and Avia cams for an aggressive end of range. But if you're asking that question my suggestion would be to leave whatever came on your device until you'll get more comfortable with it.
The dampers are the dry clutching system where a pair of silicone pads are gripping around a metal barrel to limit movement/ grip oscillations. This is again something that you should really leave for later; but it's important at the beginning to open them up completely (they came tightened from factory to prevent damage during transport) so you'll have free movement of your stick. Just watch the second video at the time frame I've linked and you'll see where the screws controlling the dampers are and loosen them until the grip moves freely. In order to do that you'll have to mount your base on the base plate, take the 4 screws holding the boot (the rubber cover) attached to the base and pull the rubber out in order to access those dampers screws. Then put the grip on the base and move it side to side, back and forth, adjusting the dampers screws. There are 2 screws, 1 controlling the x axis and the other the y axis. When you feel the grip moves freely take it out, put the boot back, secure it to the base and continue following exactly the steps in the video I linked in the first post in this thread about flashing and calibrating.
Looks like a lot to do and not very easy if you're not experienced with joysticks, but don't worry, you'll get there.
Please ask any questions you might have or signal any difficulties you might face during this process.

so i have to do the damper opening before using the joystick?

edit: just watched the video. its really hard to see which screws to turn in the video. can you please post a picture?

Yes, it's best if you'd do that; as I mentioned, the dry clutches could get tightened in factory to avoid damage during shipping.

thanks.
so i completely loosen them but does the joystick still center then?

Play with it if you're getting there: tighten them up and move the joystick around, then loosen them - you'll notice the difference.

ok thanks.

but i should never tighten them completely, right?

No, you shouldn't. Tightening them all the way up would damage in time the nylon pads gripping the barrel.

so, i just wanted to do it but it seems like the grip is sticking to the base.
i unscrewed the holding mechanism but it wont seperate.
its really weird because it normally should come off without any force. is there a button i have to press to release the grip from the base?

Take out completely the locking mechanism (2 locking cylinders and a screw) and pull the grip out. There's a pin on the base that gets into a hole into the SCG grip and the hole is a bit tight.

thanks already diod it.
i did take out the lockingmechanism completely. taking the grip off took a little more force then putting it on.
the dampers werent even tightened all the way so it was useless to do this step but atleast i know how the inside looks now.
will do the calibrating now.