Gunfighter mk.3 MCG ultimate grip don't work

[flamingfox]

-Model: Gunfighter Mk.III ‘Modern Combat Edition’ Ultimate (without twist) : Gunfighter Mk.III Base, MGC Ultimate grip and Blackbox "black version".
Firmware version: BlackBox_MK2_GF_MCG_Ultimate_v2_09_0
VKB software : VKBDevCfg-C (v0.92.17), ZBootloader2 (v2.0)

Hello VKB support,

I recently buy the Gunfighter Mk.III ‘Modern Combat Edition’ Ultimate from the VKB Europe shop, and I setup the stick today.
I have an issue with my grip, none of the inputs (buttons, hats, ministicks) respond.
On the black box, the blue led is lit and the right middle led is lit in solid green. On the grip, above the "gate cont" ministick, only the dot led is lit in green.

I check in the VKBDevCfg program the states of the inputs. The base axes (X and Y) give values but the other don't.
So, I done the following manipulations :
- disconnect and reconnect the black box to the PC
- disconnect and reconnect the Gunfighter base to the backbox
- disconnect and reconnect the grip to the base.
- reboot the PC
- apply default setting with the "Default" button in the VKBDevCfg program in the tool tab
- in the doubt, I flash the firmware with the latest version available on the VKB site (BlackBox_MK2_GF_MCG_Ultimate_v2_09_0)

Despite all of this, the grip inputs don't give responses.

Then, I check in the forum some clues but nothing like my situation.

Finally, I check the communication with the base and the grip on the Device config program. I attach a screenshot of the communication.

I out of ideas of what could be the problem.
Could you help me, please ?

[fallout9]

Release the fastener and press gently on the grip for good contact with the base while tightening the fastener. Do not press hard on the grip and give the fastener a good tightening.
Press Default button and try again.

[flamingfox]

I reinstall the grip like you said then I apply the default setting but the situation don't change.
The grip input don't respond and the communication is like the screenshot.
The leds status don't change either.

[fallout9]

This is very strange, the fact that it's not working, because the Communication chart you've posted clearly shows that the grip and the base are communicating with each other.

[Ron61]

In the screenshot, the second VC is selected, which is strange. Attach your profile (archived) here. To do this, click the Save button in the configurator and then archive the file.

[flamingfox]

Hello,
I'am sorry to confused you.
I don't know exactly how the soft works and how the bundle blackbox - base - grip talks to the PC.
In the doubt, I navigate in the menus and change some configuration (like the VC, the number of HATs, ...) to check if this could change the situation.
In the screen in my original message, it normally the default configuration with the VC2 selected.
Since my last message, I search even more in the internet and I try my chance with older firmware without success.
I also check in the base the cables and if plastic connectors are well connected, they look good to me. I also clean the contacts on the base and the grip without new results.

I reset the updated firmware (the BlackBox_MK2_GF_MCG_Ultimate_v2_09_0 firmware), re-assembled the stick (with gentle press during the tightening on the base).

I put an other screen of the communication with the full default setting with the BlackBox_MK2_GF_MCG_Ultimate_v2_09_0 firmware.
I put the archive of the current profile (the profile of the screenshot in this message).

I will put also photos of the contacts (on the base and the pins on the grip). I seen you ask this photos in other similar cases.

If you need photos, new screenshots or report files, I would please to give them.
I will waiting your next instructions.

[Ron61]

Go to Profile-Buttons Physical and activate the Poll checkbox. Now, pressing any button on the joystick, the red square in the cells should light up. It works?

[flamingfox]

Hello,
Sadly, no square light up in the cells.
I also check after a reapply default setting but without changes.
I put photo of the tries.

Should I open a ticket or some manipulations remain to be try before ?

[Ron61]

Try flashing an older firmware like v. 2_08_9(2). After the firmware, reset to default and calibrate all axes.

[flamingfox]

I change the firmware, reset and calibrate with the following version :
- _BlackBox_MK2_GF_MCG_Ultimate_v2_09_0 (just reset and calibrate)
- _BlackBox_MK2_GF_MCG_Ultimate_v2_08_9
- _BlackBox_MK2_GF_MCG_Ultimate_v2_08_0
- _BlackBox_MK2_GF_MCG_Ultimate_v2_07_2
- _BlackBox_MK2_GF_MCG_Ultimate_v2_06_0

No new results.

In the doubt I also try with the latest version _BlackBox_MK2_GF_MCG_Ultimate_v2_09_9. It don't work either on it.

[Ron61]

It remains to disassemble the grip and make sure that all connectors are connected. It is advisable to take a photo.

[flamingfox]

When you say "It is advisable to take a photo", you need photos of the inside of the grip ? of each connector ?

[Ron61]

After disassembly, immediately take a photo, just.
Just in case, try to flash any other firmware, not for the MCGU grip. For example, pedal, reset to default. If there are pedals and they are connected, try to calibrate them. And only then change it with the correct firmware for MCGU.

[flamingfox]

Hello,
I found the problem.

I don't know how to call this part so I will say the jumper.

When a open the grip, the jumper seems not to be completely push on the PCBs pins.

I remove it and I see a pin to be lithely bend on the central PCB.
It seems that a socket on the jumper is not right.

When a reconnect the jumper, I pushed as much I could the jumper on the pins. The upper PCB pins are completely enter in the jumper sockets but the central PCB pins didn't. The central PBC aren't firmly fix and moved during the connection.

So I pushed back the PCB on the jumper and the pins are almost completely entered.

Now the communication are perfect and I have the grip inputs.

I think during the transport, the central PCB and the jumper disconnect each other.

I have a 3D printer, I will print a part to fix the position of the central PCB.
Maybe a thing to take in count for a next version of the grip.

The jumper's socket concerned me. I don't know if it will cause problems in the future.
What are your opinion about it ?

In any case, thank you for your support. I can now play with my stick, it's the principal.

[fallout9]

Good find. Please fill up a service ticket and attach a link to this thread, they'll send you necessary parts.