My AV8R-01 crapped out on me, looses calibration like crazy, I read online of another guy having the same problem. I would love to be able to fix this, but I'm not sure if it can be.
I need a new flight stick, and I'm not looking for a $150 one, my AV8R-01 was perfect just it didn't last.
When I search for them though all I ever really find is SAITEK, I'm sick of Saitek, I have their X52 or whatever the number, and I don't like it at all, its huge, offers no resistance making control crazy.
I need some new ideas of who to look at, and when I search for it there seems to only be something like 3 to choose from. There has to be more out there.
Thanks
Cleaning the variable resistors (pots) might cure the calibration for a little while.
You could try the Thrustmaster T.16000M. I don't know the build quality, but it is cheap enough. It uses hall-effect sensors and those don't lose calibration like pots. You can use the X-52's throttle as usual, because IL2:1946 allows multiple controllers.
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Joined: Nov 2007
I do repair work on sticks.
I've already repaired several to include repair/upgrade work on 3 Thrustmaster HOTAS Cougars.
PM me if you would like to discuss fixing the one you have or purchasing a refurbished Cougar.
I do these for pleasure not profit. As long as you cover shipping/parts, I'll be more than happy to try and fix it for you.
S!
Well on my AV8R-01 I put on skate board tape to help grip, works pretty good, but it sheds "skin powder" on the stick, and down in what I assume is the "pot". I've thought that this may be part of the problem, and possibly I should open her up and at least clean all this off, and try'er out.
Thanks for the offer to fix it for me, but it is replaceable for $30-$40 so I don't think that is all necessary.
Are there any maintenance tips you could give me that I can do while I'm in there?
I wish companies like Saitek would offer the "Plastic" version, and a "Pro" all metal or rugged version of their sticks.
Thanks
Posts: 1.222
Threads: 42
Joined: Nov 2007
You'll need the following items:
Electrical Contact cleaner.
Electrical lube.
Cotton cloth (Cloth baby diapers work best).
A Pencil Eraser.
Go down to an electronics store. A real one, not Radio Crap.
Get some electrical contact cleaner and some electrical silicon lube. It will look like a very thin red grease. (Vaseline will also work in a pinch, but will require maintenance more often).
Once you open up the pots, spray them with the cleaner and gently clean the ferrite contacts with a soft cotton cloth. Do not use cotton balls or q-tips if you can avoid it.
Using your eraser, gently clean off the metal contacts of the Pot where it rides on the ferrite, then spray it with electrical cleaner.
Once everything is clean, spray the inside of the Pot with lube. It doesn't have to be very much, just enough to relieve any friction.
Now just put it all back together.
While different Sticks have different Pots, they are all basically the same. Techniques for disassembly is what will be different.
Depending on what kind are in your stick, you may be able to find a suitable replacement at Fry's or some other electronics store.
S!
