using MT50CM2 with Realsimulator F18 grip

[markturner1960]

Here is a link to a support post I made at their forum: https://www.realsimulator.com/FSSB_R3_Forum/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=375

Basically, the grip buttons are not working as you might expect, which is weird as by using the same TM style mount and wire connection, you would expect it to work the same? The grip works as it should when connected to my warthog base......

Can anyone comment? 

[VpR81]

I'm using the same combo. You should have 19 respective 23 buttons working on the virpil base, just like using it with the Warthog base. But the buttons are mixed up, right? If that's the issue, i've had the same problem with both of my Virpil base the T50 and the WarBRD. I solved the issue by getting a ASUS BT400 Bluetooth Dongle and connecting the RS F-18 grip via BT and only use the base for axis and power. Works like a charm since then and never had any BT disconnects. Maybe you should give that a try.

 

Cheers

Edited October 30, 2021 by VpR81

[Supmua]

I’m using the exact same combination, you need to use Bluetooth mode for the RS grip in order for it to function properly.  The way Virpil assigns their DX numbers on their bases is different from TM and RS, that is why DX inputs don’t match in terms of button presses (a lot of button presses will either not register or correspond to the wrong inputs); and the only base that can unleash all the functions of RS grips is the FSSB R3L.  TM Warthog base works with corresponding button mappings but only supports 19 DX inputs (RS grips have 8 memory slots, each supports up to 64 DX inputs).

 

So, you would be significantly gimping the true capability of your RS grip unless you use it in BT mode or with FSSB R3L base.

 

Now I think that compatibility can happen via firmware update by either company to support correct button mappings, but why would they make an extra effort to support products from other companies when they don’t really have to.  If these products sell in millions I can see that happening but in reality these are niche products catering to enthusiast segment only.

Edited October 30, 2021 by Supmua

[markturner1960]

cool, thanks....bluetooth it is then....shame, as I had issues geeting the bluetooth working before, but let me have another go, it is a new different PC, so who knows, might go easy!!

[Supmua]

2 hours ago, markturner1960 said:

cool, thanks....bluetooth it is then....shame, as I had issues geeting the bluetooth working before, but let me have another go, it is a new different PC, so who knows, might go easy!!

I think it is more compatible with BT 4 than 5, especially in the setting of multiple wifi devices or interferences in the household.  Using a BT 4 dongle is the way to go.  The key is to disable your motherboard's bluetooth via device manager first, which is typically listed as Intel(R) Wireless Bluetooth(R), otherwise it will override your external BT.

[markturner1960]

Thanks buddy! will let you know how I get on.....

[markturner1960]

Hi, OK, well I have some issues getting this working, as I thought I might....

I have turned off the onboard bluetooth as suggested and sucessfully followed the installation steps for the bluetooth. I have the Microsoft LE enumerator showing in devices and also the RS GGR Home.  Intially in device manager, when I right clicked on the  F18 CGRH icon, I did see the 2 RS F10 GG RH Home devices as I was supposed to, as shown in the manual. when I clicked on them, I got the axis and buttons window , again as shiown in the manual, then after a few seconds I got an error message saying ""game controller not corrected correctly", when I pressed retry, both these devices no longer showed when I right click on the RS F18 GGRH icon. The left LED is flashing on the grip. In HID tools, it says the firmware is unrecognized....so I tried to update the firmware , but following the instrcutions, when I try and initiate teh sequence by pressing trigger, recce and SCS, I cant get the center LED to flash.......So not sure how to proceed now....bluetooth  seems to be installed fine, yet the devices dont show. And I am stuck on updating the firmware. Any ideas please Supmua? 

[Supmua]

10 hours ago, markturner1960 said:

Hi, OK, well I have some issues getting this working, as I thought I might....

I have turned off the onboard bluetooth as suggested and sucessfully followed the installation steps for the bluetooth. I have the Microsoft LE enumerator showing in devices and also the RS GGR Home.  Intially in device manager, when I right clicked on the  F18 CGRH icon, I did see the 2 RS F10 GG RH Home devices as I was supposed to, as shown in the manual. when I clicked on them, I got the axis and buttons window , again as shiown in the manual, then after a few seconds I got an error message saying ""game controller not corrected correctly", when I pressed retry, both these devices no longer showed when I right click on the RS F18 GGRH icon. The left LED is flashing on the grip. In HID tools, it says the firmware is unrecognized....so I tried to update the firmware , but following the instrcutions, when I try and initiate teh sequence by pressing trigger, recce and SCS, I cant get the center LED to flash.......So not sure how to proceed now....bluetooth  seems to be installed fine, yet the devices dont show. And I am stuck on updating the firmware. Any ideas please Supmua? 

It could still be BT issue.  Try connecting the grip to your FSSB and update firmware from there.

[markturner1960]

OK, will try that...I hope not a BT issue, it seemed to go exactly as it should in the manual. Any easy way to check ? 

[markturner1960]

OK, I have tried connecting to my RSSB base, same thing happens, I cant initiate boot sequence, 3 LEDS all brightly lit with the left hand one flashing, same as when I tried when connected to the virpil base. F*ck my luck!!!!!! 

[Supmua]

5 hours ago, markturner1960 said:

OK, I have tried connecting to my RSSB base, same thing happens, I cant initiate boot sequence, 3 LEDS all brightly lit with the left hand one flashing, same as when I tried when connected to the virpil base. F*ck my luck!!!!!! 

Let me review the manual and get back to you via PM. I haven’t had to do this in awhile but the flashing left LED usually means it is searching for a pairing device (i.e. your PC).

[Burt]

Hey Mark, 

Did you end up getting the RS F18 grip work with the CM2 base? I got my CM2 in and getting ready to switch TM base to CM2 and use the TM Warthog stick with it for now. I bought a TM F-18 grip to go with it  but had to send it back for full refund because of the no return to center weapon switch. I have the RS R3L and viper grip setup for the viper but if the RS F18 stick works with the Virpil CM2 base I may go this route. If it’s to much of a headache I don’t want to get into all that hassle tooo old for that.

 

[markturner1960]

Hi Burt, sorry for the late reply......quick answer is yes, via the bluetooth. But in use I actually preferred the TM F18 grip, so am using the RS F18 grip with a new warbird base on my DCS Helo set up. You will need to use bluetooth though to get the correct functionality with Virpil bases. This has been problematic for some people including myself, but it did get it working in the end......

[Burt]

Okay thanks for your reply. I kind of don't want to start a new thread but does this CM2 base suppose to have clunking noise when pull back alittle ? 

Edited January 17, 2022 by Burt

[imacken]

On 1/7/2022 at 1:57 PM, Burt said:

I bought a TM F-18 grip to go with it  but had to send it back for full refund because of the no return to center weapon switch.

 

Can I ask, what is this ‘no return to center weapon switch’ thing? Was this just a fault with the stick you bought?

[Burt]

Yes it was the forward and sometimes the aft on the Weapon Select Switch. I thought maybe it’s just new and the switch needs to be used alittle but I just couldn’t live with it so I returned it. Maybe next time I will get one straight from Thrustmaster Eshop but again that’s no guarantee either… bad switches are bad switches.

[imacken]

That switch is a little awkward, but I’m pretty sure that’s how it was irl. Don’t think there were binds to the left movement, for example. Very difficult to do on the original switch. TM has modelled that nicely. 
 

[markturner1960]

23 hours ago, Burt said:

Okay thanks for your reply. I kind of don't want to start a new thread but does this CM2 base suppose to have clunking noise when pull back alittle ? 

 

Hi Burt, I have the same issue with my TM F18 stick attached - I thought at first it was the Virpil base, but on closer inspection, its actually the Thrustmaster grip moving slightly within the collar when it's done up....I know its this as when I fit the Real simulator stick, it does not do it......I am not sure what can be done about it as its difficult to see what is causing it, I think possibly when done up to maximum tighness, the collar does not maybe pull the grip all the way down.....its only a small movement, but quite noticeable and irritating. I have been thinking how I could maybe pack it out, a round rubber or plastic washer may help? 

[Burt]

Last night I put some JB Weld epoxy were the grip and shaft meet and let it cure over night and it seems that it did the trick. It’s funny how that very little bit of movement at that spot made me think I got a bad CM2 base… but no it’s my 2 year old TM stick. 
I retested it and it’s gtg nice and smooth and clunk-clunk.

Edited January 18, 2022 by Burt

[Burt]