Z-axis (not rotation) calibration issue

[golfaddict808]

Finally got around to hooking up my NXT again and started up a couple flight sims. Noticed that I wasn't getting full range of throttle in any program. Opened the VKB calibration program and found that only 1/2 of the Z-Axis (the mini-throttle at the base of the joystick, not the twisting Z-axis) was registering. I pressed the "Default" button. The profile settings are as follows:

The VKB_JoyTester shows the Z-axis range of movement - all other axes have full range of movement

Axis Z range = 0 to 28063. Shouldn't this go all the way to 65535?

Ran the Calibration program...no change.

Could the this be related to the infamous y-axis magnet coming loose?

Thanks in advance for any info/suggestions.

[Ron61]

Show the Profile-Axes tab after calibration, not after Default.

[golfaddict808]

Ron61 - here's the profile axes tab after calibrating.

[Ron61]

In Settings, check the Partial Calibration checkbox - then you can select the desired axes for calibration without touching the rest.
Try to move the lever to the other side as far as possible before calibrating and recalibrate.
If the number 255 remains in the KdHi column, then you can change the value MPL = 9 to 10, write this into the controller by pressing Set and re-calibrate.

[golfaddict808]

No joy. I turned on Partial Calibration, set to AxisZ calibration only.
Followed following steps:
1. Default, move lever to other side (tried both sides - ran multiple scenarios), recalibrated
- KdHi remains 255 and no change to Axis Z range (0 - 25887+/-)
2. Default, set MPL = 10 (was already at 9), move lever to other side, recalibrated
- no appreciable change to Axis Z range (0 - 26111)

Profile is as follows:

Interesting...when using Partial Calibration the first 20+ times, calibration would affect my X & Y Axes. I know it's not supposed to, but it did anyways. No movement of either X or Y axis during calibration, but after Ending Calibration, X Axis would be off center and Y-Axis only had two points..0 and 63535. Weird.

Then it stopped. Now it happens intermittently. And still Axis Z doesn't have full range of movement.

[Ron61]

Return the value MPL=9 back and try again - put the ACn checkbox (press Set) and, before calibration, move the resistor lever as much as possible to the area where the stroke is incomplete and we calibrate. We show the screenshot.
If all else fails, then further actions will depend on your desire and capabilities.

[golfaddict808]

Hey Ron61 - thanks for all the suggestions. The last suggestion took me from 0-25887 to 0-32116 (almost half way). In IL-2 my throttle now goes from 0 to 47% (before i could only get up to 37%).

I still can't seem to get the joystick to register the full throw. The resistor lever is calibrated throughout it's travel movement - no deadzones anywhere along the length of travel; the calibration from 0-25887 moves smoothly as the lever is moved.

It's just that the system doesn't seem to realize that the lever is moving the full range of travel. The same happens when I invert the physical data - settings indicate movement from 32000-65535, even though the slider travels the full distance and the Test registers smooth movement throughout the lever range. I can't seem to get the system to register 0-65535 for the slider. Heck, maybe it's not supposed to...I can't recall - its been a while since I last used the joystick.

[Ron61]

It looks like the problem is either with the resistor itself or with the connector on the board. To clarify this, you need to get to the resistor by disassembling the joystick. Perhaps the problem can be solved in a few minutes if you have the skills, equipment (soldering iron) and desire. Or much longer if the resistor itself is faulty (replacing it). That's why I asked about this in the previous post. Do you have such an opportunity?

[golfaddict808]

How's 2 out of 3? I've got the desire & equipment, but likely not the skill. What the heck...what's the worst that can happen? Might have to buy a stand-alone throttle assembly after I mess up.

I'm game to try if you don't mind walking me through the steps.

[Ron61]

Okay, I'll show you what to check.
Perhaps there is no contact with the board on one of the two extreme pins of this resistor connector - you need to check this. Well, the resistor itself when you get to it.

[golfaddict808]

Ron61 - Thanks for the instruction. However, this project is now on indefinite back-burner. Santa's elf told me that a stand-alone throttle will be under the Christmas tree this year. This, then changes the upgrade timeline from the NXT to Gunfigher extended. Woohoo!

Thanks again for your assistance.

[fallout9]

Please fill up a service ticket and include a link to this thread. You'll get replacement parts.

[golfaddict808]

fallout9 - thanks...but at the moment, I don't think it's a parts issue (and after opening up the joystick, it's unlikely that I'd figure out what to replace).

Instead of removing the resistor, I ran the Windows calibration program instead of the VKB calibration program. I now have full Z-axis functionality - the mini lever registers full movement in all games.

The VKB calibration software still suggests not using the OS calibration, but I'll ignore VKB's calibration overwrite request for now.

[fallout9]

Sorry, Windows' calibration won't work on VKB devices. Maybe that's why the axis wasn't working properly, because you used Windows calibration before? Anyway, strongly advised to follow the steps to remove the calibration (create reg file and run it), and calibrate again with VKB tools.

[golfaddict808]

I have run the VKB calibration program - multiple times -including removing the Windows calibration (by letting VKB create the reg file and running it). Every time I use VKB, it truncates the Z axis range of movement.

The only way I get the full use of the mini lever, without replacing parts, is to use the Windows calibration.