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Gladiator NXT calibration issues

Posted: Sun Jun 13, 2021 2:23
by CitizenAdama
Device Model + Version: Gladiator NXT
Firmware Version: v2.025
Number + Type of Springs: GNX #30
VKB Device config v0.91.96


Hello everyone,

I'm having an issue with my two months old VKB NXT : i have to recalibrate it very frequently. When i start the calibration, everything return to center (value is 32767), then everything works properly. But as soon as i have an intense gaming session, the Y axis doesnt return to center, meaning i have to recalibrate to be able to play correctly. In Star Citizen for instance, i have to recalibrate after every dogfight. I tried flashing another firmware with the same result, but my Z axis had also the same issue. I checked the magnets, they seem solidly attached, same for the Y axis sensor and the cable.

What should i do ?

Thank you for your help !

Re: Gladiator NXT calibration issues

Posted: Sun Jun 13, 2021 18:28
by fallout9
The deviation from 0 is pretty small, but if you can't live with it open it up and spread the grease around on the moving parts. Maybe you opened it before and cleaned up the original grease? If you still have this issue increase the DzLo to 4 on Y axis.

Re: Gladiator NXT calibration issues

Posted: Sun Jun 13, 2021 19:00
by CitizenAdama
I will try to open it (for the first time) and spread the grease. It was just an example, sometime its a little more, meaning in game i drift at 30 to 50 mps (in SC).

Thank you !

Re: Gladiator NXT calibration issues

Posted: Sun Jun 13, 2021 19:36
by fallout9
If you haven't opened it until now then you should still have the default #20 springs; try putting the #30s on.

Re: Gladiator NXT calibration issues

Posted: Sun Jun 13, 2021 19:50
by Beaird.88
I am having the exact same issue when playing DCS. After one dogfight I have to exit the game and recalibrate. I took it apart yesterday to check the magnates and connections. Then set everything back to default and recalibrated. Going to test it out again later. This stick was working great until this week.

Re: Gladiator NXT calibration issues

Posted: Sun Jun 13, 2021 22:27
by LOKIoA
I, too have this problem with my ~2 weeks old Gladiator NXT. It's like OP described but a slightly higher deviation to the other side. I did change the springs to the #10, nothing else. But to be honest this "slight" deviation is a total game killer for me. Deadzones are only a workaround.

Unsure if I should try and grease it, or. It's a new product...

Re: Gladiator NXT calibration issues

Posted: Sun Jun 13, 2021 23:11
by fallout9
Another thing to try - take out the base plate and make sure the cables are not in the way and they have enough slack so the gimbal unit would move unrestricted.

Re: Gladiator NXT calibration issues

Posted: Mon Jun 14, 2021 0:37
by CitizenAdama
So, i opened it up completely as shown in the regreasing video. Magnets and screws were tights, cables where they should be, grease was spread on the moving parts, but there was a little spot of grease on the Y axis sensor. I cleaned it up gently. Now after a few hours, everything seems to be ok. I'll test it more tomorrow but i have a good feeling about this.

Re: Gladiator NXT calibration issues

Posted: Mon Jun 14, 2021 4:54
by Beaird.88
After taking mine apart and checking the magnets and for any loose connections, mine seems to be holding like it did when I first received it. I flew dcs for a couple hours today and when I finished I checked the software and everything was calibrated. I believe it was something with my magnet on the pitch axis. It felt a little wobbly when I first took it apart, but not loose enough to be able to remove it and apply glue. I just pressed it in firmly and re assembled the stick and it’s working nicely now.

Re: Gladiator NXT calibration issues

Posted: Mon Jun 14, 2021 5:50
by fallout9
Thanks guys for updating the thread, this could be helpful for others.

Re: Gladiator NXT calibration issues

Posted: Tue Jun 15, 2021 19:35
by CitizenAdama
It behaved perfectly for a few days, but now the issue is back, having to recalibrate after each fight or so. Gonna check the sensor again...

Re: Gladiator NXT calibration issues

Posted: Tue Jun 15, 2021 21:34
by CitizenAdama
After some testing, i find that setting a higher deadzone (i tried 4, 5 and 6) doesn't solve the issue. And once the Y axis gets decentered, i can't reach the max value anymore when i pull the stick to the max toward me (see the screen captures). However, as soon as i press "Start calibr", all is back to normal.

Re: Gladiator NXT calibration issues

Posted: Tue Jun 15, 2021 22:27
by fallout9
Sounds like the either the magnet or the sensor are moving and not getting back in the original position. Can you check again?

Re: Gladiator NXT calibration issues

Posted: Tue Jun 15, 2021 23:17
by LOKIoA
I did open mine up and found the y-axis magnet beeing lose. Using a magnetic screwdriver I could get it out of it's housing with ease. I now glued it back in place (according to this post viewtopic.php?f=25&t=5292). Will let it dry out and test again, but I am optimistic.

Since the pricetag of the gladiator is quite high for me, I am kind of disappointed of receiving a "faulty" product. Even if both service and "right to repair" orientation are fantastic... Wouldn't I love the stick already, I think I would have returned it :lol:

Re: Gladiator NXT calibration issues

Posted: Wed Jun 16, 2021 11:31
by CitizenAdama
fallout9 wrote:Sounds like the either the magnet or the sensor are moving and not getting back in the original position. Can you check again?


I opened it again, all seemed tigh. However i did manage to remove the Y axis magnet using the X axis one, i also glued it and will report if it solves the issue.