AV8R questions

[Dodger53]

First just got this game and joystick and have spent countless hours reading on this forum.
Would like to thank everyone for such a great flight community.

Questions
1. I can't seem to give command to my wingman I hit the button as suggested in the training exercise and nothing happens. Is the stick bad, is the game buggy or is it just me?

2. Also read about the zip tie mod but could not find the exact directions....
Is it just putting two zip ties opposite of each other on the center springs and making the spring collapse down?

Thanks
Dodger