VKB MCG3 POV1 and POV2 random inputs

[dangerzone]

Hi,

I've been experiencing some random inputs on my VKB MCG3 with POV1 and POV2 while in game.

After some experimenting within the VKB Device Configurator in the Test tab I managed to observe POV1 and POV2 both simultaneously indicated they were held down (180°) until a few seconds later (where I started pressing numerous buttons) at which time they both released simultaneously again.

Both are set as per the following screenshot. This appears to be random, and rare, however when it does occur it seems to hold on for quite some time. I found it interesting that both occurred at the same time, and both released at the same time.

Just wondering where I can start with trying to combat this?

I have the twist grip installed. I also have the extended cable as well.

I'm running Firmware version: v2.007

I have just gone in and:

1) Unplugged and reinserted (and tightened) the lead to both the USB Box and the Joystick.

2) Removed and refitted the grip from the base to reset the connectors

3) Performed a full recalibration of the VKB device via the software (incase something has 'drifted' out). 

I've tried running the communications check on the external devices (grip) and I got a 'blip' on one of the passes. I'm not real sure what I'm looking at here though:

Is there anything else I should be considering?

Thanks in Advance

DZ

[dangerzone]

Just realised there was firmware update, so I've updated my Modern Combat Grip 3 (With twist) to the latest firmware of 2.025 Mk2.

Still getting some 'blips' in the communication error screen. Not sure if that's relevant or not to the POV hat issues. Are little 'blips' to be expected, or should the line be perfectly flat at all times? I also saw the error go up to 1% for a moment.

Edit: Swapped cable to the shorter one. Made no difference. When I do an error check on the base as well as the grip - both have blips in the same spot, so ifthe blips are part of the issue it doesn't look like it's the connection between the grip and the base. I'm not sure whether or not the firmware is designed to handle small errors in signal like this and whether the firmware update may help or whether that was for something else.

[OBrandenburg]

From your description, that so VERY MUCH sounds like the trouble, I have been experiencing and reporting in my thread here: http://forum.vkb-sim.pro/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=5374

I will try to repeat your tests/findings for my set-up (VKB F-14 on Gunfighter III and 20mm extension) and add it in here, if I may (IF am getting similar results)...

Hope someone has an answer/solution to this.

[fallout9]

Please post a screenshot with Profile/Axes.
Comm error is fine, don't worry about it.

[OBrandenburg]

Just out of curiosity, what does that "Comm Error" show/report?

[dangerzone]

Please post a screenshot with Profile/Axes.
Comm error is fine, don't worry about it.

Thanks for confirming that com errors are OK.

Here's my axis test screen. Thanks!

[fallout9]

Reset to Default (under Tools tab) and recalibrate. Post screenshot of Profile/Axes/Logical and Physical with the whole window.

[fallout9]

Just out of curiosity, what does that "Comm Error" show/report?

It shows if there errors in communication between grip to base and base to bb. Green is fine, high red blocks is not.

[dangerzone]

Reset to Default (under Tools tab) and recalibrate. Post screenshot of Profile/Axes/Logical and Physical with the whole window.

Thanks. Done, as per the below...

[dangerzone]

[fallout9]

Looks good, problem still there?

[OBrandenburg]

Just out of curiosity, what does that "Comm Error" show/report?

It shows if there errors in communication between grip to base and base to bb. Green is fine, high red blocks is not.

Thanks, fallout9.

That report shows a few peaks (up to yellow) when moving my grip to its extremes:

I will make sure to re-tighten the grip to the 200mm-extension and follow the advice you gave dangerzone...

Might that (at least my prob) have anything to do with the fact that I attached my grip slightly offset to the extension (see thread about how that can be done on the F-14 grip)? There should be LOTS of contact surface between the three pins and the "nuclear"-base...!?

[fallout9]

What do you mean by offset to extension? Have you enlarged the hole? Usually the pins in the grip's connector leaves marks into the contact pads on the stem of the base - are those marks well inside the golden pads in your case? Try to release the grip from extension, then while tightening the fastener press gently on the grip for better contact. Do same with the extension to reduce those spikes.

[OBrandenburg]

Sorry, dangerzone for hijacking and this deviation...

fallout9, yes, I enlargened the hole - actually I drilled a second hole a little offset to the original one into the grip's plastic base.
Seeing the size of the contact-pads (due to their looks I called them "nuclear") the grip's pins should well be in contact with the extension's pads - I will check the pads for those marks. (Do they also exist if I locked the twist from the very beginning and never twisted the grip?)
I can also try out the original (non-offset) position of the grip and see if that gives different results...

As a start I will release and re-tighten the grip and extension as per your description, once again.

Many thanks for your support!

[OBrandenburg]

Update:
I didn't have too much time over the weekend to check and try out things, but I took the grip off the extension to check the contact pads for marks. This is what they look like:

From your experience, do they look "normal"? (In my view, the pad in the top right of the picture - it's the 10 o'clock one - does look a bit "marred"...)
This is the first time that I took the grip off the extension since I received the set (in mid March) and assembled everything right away. I don't recall then having checked the extension if it was already showing any marks.

Next, I reassembled everything, made sure to push the grip down on the extension and tightened the screw firmly.

Back in the sim, I got the same wandering of the trim in one out of four short flights: with RCtrl+Enter running, after flying for some 10 minutes or so, I saw the trim-diamond drifting to the right at about the same speed as when pushing the coolie to the right.... I could not find this was related to any other input (like "only when pushing the stick to the 2 o'clock-postion", or something like that... It's also evident that the trim always drifts to the right or bottom right, but no other direction.

@ dangerzone: again, SO SORRY for highjacking your thread. Thanks for your understanding.