Central MS FFB2 topic - repair, settings and mods
 

If it doesn't exist yet, I think it's a good idea to have as much info, links to other topics, settings, repairs and possible mods in one topic for our favorite stick.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztQvK287y04&NR=1

Post moved from original thread:


Ok, just went for some evaluation flights:

I think it's broken.

Ffb comes and goes whenever it likes, sometimes the stick stays ffb free for several seconds.
The ffb itself does feel like you were moving the stick over some tiny knobs or something.
Actually unflyable.

Win7 Problem? I'll give it a try on the xp machine later this afternoon.

**********

Update:

* FF=1 in config
* FF disabled in GUI(seems to disable the "rumble" effect, resistance is still there)
* calibrated stick
* Power light is on, didn't see any flickering or dimming


I guess(and/or hope) it works now the way it should, of course I can't compare.

Should the resistance feel like your were moving soft plastic over the coil of an e-motor?

Hi

For adjusting the tension on a MSFFB2 for Vista/Win7

You can edit an existing ffe file or create a new one and name it accordingly for IL2.

Force feedback files are located in the main IL21946 directory.

EG: Spring adjustment using the "Spring" ffe file.

Open fedit>effect>insert>spring>right click spring2d1>properties

from here you can create the axes timing saturation profiles

I'm not saying its the easiest thing to get your head around at first but you need to experiment with it
You need to get stuck into the program and try various things in there to see how it works :)

It simple and effective once you have spent a few mins with it.

EDIT>>

This file as an example of lowered tension by 50% .

Don't forget to put your default "spring.ffe" somewhere safe whilst testing.

Fedit and test file with backup >> http://www.mediafire.com/?0v99r1lbhhmeblh

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1.../Capturefe.png

If you are getting intermittent FFB - as in, dropping out and going slack - I would check the IR sensor first. It detects if your hand is actually on the stick and stops all FFB if not.

I'm going to open it.
(exploratory operation, lol)

So far I see only 3 screws in the base, but there must be more - are they covered with the rubber thingies? edit: yes

IR sensor? Cool, where is it supposed to be located? edit: in front of the handle

Guys, i have MSFFB2 but it requires midi port. How can i use it via usb? Midi to usb changer did not work.

Swiss, if you loosen your grip on the handle and allow the ir beam to go between the two small holes ( one at the front of the stick on the base of the grip and one directly above it under the trigger), the FF cuts out. I'd be surprised if the stick has a fault with the IR sensor tbh. If it isn't you, then I'd check the mains power lead, if the light stays on all the time then it's ok. Hope this helps...

Then you're out of luck :( Buy a USB version and keep the other for spare parts. It was already a problem with XP, it's impossible with Vista or 7.

Summary:

No mains lead - Blinking LED - XYZ+Slider pots and buttons still work.

No IR obstruction - Power Save Mode - Dim LED - XYZ+Slider pots & buttons still work.

IR obstruction - Force Enabled - Bright LED

I've had to fix one of mine a couple times because of failing momentary switches by soldering in new ones. This was a few years ago now so my memory is bad but I found the switch type online and by some wierd chance the manufacturer had an outlet that just opened in my city. I just walked in and bought a bunch of them for dirt cheap.

It's a bit tricky putting together the handle once it's apart and the spring can get put in the wrong position which takes the proper resistance out for the "twisty" axis but I didn't bother fixing it because I have rudder pedals and don't need it anyway.