Another Mk3 Ultimate Died

[xavchow]

Try another firmware from here, for example 2.09F.

Have tried 2.09F as you mentioned, and also 2.05.
1) Flashed the firmware
2) Clicked on the Default button as per the guide
3) Attempted calibration

Still no response on the axis and buttons.

[fallout9]

Try killing background running software, everything that resembles LEDs management, Razer, Corsair, Logitech, Aorus etc.

[xavchow]

On startup my computer, the BB flashed green momentarily (1 sec) before going back to flashing red again.

Then I tried this but still got the same result:

Try killing background running software, everything that resembles LEDs management, Razer, Corsair, Logitech, Aorus etc.

At this point I'm not convinced its a software conflict anymore.

Is VKB able to sell just the base unit PCB to me if not willing to replace the faulty hardware?

[fallout9]

It's not about selling, as this would certainly be covered by warranty, it's about finding where the issue is. I suggest to fill up a service ticket and link this thread to it, so it would speed up the process.

[xavchow]

Hi all, just giving on update on this issue. I have contacted VKB Aliexpress (where I bought from) and informed them of this issue. They went through a few troubleshooting steps with me and quickly concluded that the PCB is faulty (which they suspected its the X-axis) and sent me both X and Y axis PCB for replacement but have asked me to try out swapping out the X-axis first. Indeed, the whole unit worked right away upon swapping out the X-axis PCB but i went ahead to change out the Y-axis PCB as well and kept the old one as a backup.

Below are some of the steps they used to diagnose the problem:

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in these windows you can see the communication error level
move the grip randomly and see if any changes in these windows
then show me screenshot
and do another test with the grip fastener removed, BUT DON'T TWIST THE GRIP WHEN THE FASTENER IS REMOVED
just move X, Y axis

disconnect the grip and see if the base turn green
in your video the base is not working
if the base comes back after the grip disconnected. that means there's a contact problem between grip and base. maybe it's a shortcut. you will need to check if there are something stick on the PCB or connectors.
also check the LED of base. both X and Y axis PCB has a LED.
31/03 19:32

The base still not working without grip?
open the base, disconnect cable from base contact pad. Then check if the base works

This is the socket where base contact pad is connected.
if the windows still show red, disconnect the cable between X and Y axis PCB. Connect X axis PCB to blackbox only. And check again

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Hope this helps for some facing similar problem

[Drano]

Not trying to hijack this thread but possibly another piece of the puzzle. I had a similar problem after upgrading my MKI base to a MKIII which involved swapping out a PCB that came in the kit. As soon as I put the grip on, I the stick went dead. Took off the grip, it came back. Turned out the problem was in that connector from the grip contacts. Not the contact itself but the order of the wires in it. I had to swap, think it was the red and black wires in the connector and that fixed it.

After buying a 200mm extension I ran into the exact problem. Grip on, stick dead. This time it was the connector within the extension. Same thing, they were out of phase wth the top and bottom connectors. Had to figure out which color went to which pad with a meter and corrected them. Pretty sure I had to swap a red and black on one end. Been fine ever since.