STECS Thumbwheel Axis Issue
Posted: Fri May 17, 2024 20:45
My STECS (Mini Plus) thumbwheel axis has become inconsistent within about 20-30% of its range. I've had the throttle since late January and started noticing very slight "jitter" in this axis input around maybe late March or early April. It was very minor at first, but it's worsening over time even with limited use of the throttle, and I wouldn't expect this to wear out so quickly.
The input is smooth outside of the problem area, but inside that range it becomes inconsistent, stalling and jumping forward & back. Small movements within this range also cause seemingly random input that often continues past the point of removing my finger from the wheel.
Physically, there's a very slight rubbing sensation within the affected range - barely noticeable unless I'm paying attention. The wheel has a very slight "wobble" as it turns, but I wouldn't imagine this to be outside of tolerable motion. The grip of the wheel doesn't appear to be making visible contact with the stem of the throttle at any point within the range of motion.
I've attached a gif showing the input (problem area should be obvious, right of center), first turning smoothly through the area, and then making very small movements into and out of it.
What can be done to fix this issue? I've tried recalibrating just in case, which (as expected) didn't help. This has become an impediment due to this being my zoom axis and my preferred default FOV being in the problem area, which makes it very difficult to get the right view for normal flight. I'm going to have to find an alternative solution until this can be resolved.
The input is smooth outside of the problem area, but inside that range it becomes inconsistent, stalling and jumping forward & back. Small movements within this range also cause seemingly random input that often continues past the point of removing my finger from the wheel.
Physically, there's a very slight rubbing sensation within the affected range - barely noticeable unless I'm paying attention. The wheel has a very slight "wobble" as it turns, but I wouldn't imagine this to be outside of tolerable motion. The grip of the wheel doesn't appear to be making visible contact with the stem of the throttle at any point within the range of motion.
I've attached a gif showing the input (problem area should be obvious, right of center), first turning smoothly through the area, and then making very small movements into and out of it.
What can be done to fix this issue? I've tried recalibrating just in case, which (as expected) didn't help. This has become an impediment due to this being my zoom axis and my preferred default FOV being in the problem area, which makes it very difficult to get the right view for normal flight. I'm going to have to find an alternative solution until this can be resolved.