Tiger19 Posted June 2, 2022 Posted June 2, 2022 Hello, I have a new Orion F-16 grip and Orion2 F/A-18 throttle. Question 1 - anybody see an issue using a different computer for firmware updates? I have a client system next to my main system and it has only one extra USB item that is off most of the time (backup HD). So it would be easy for me to use an extra USB cord and switch the throttle over to update (the base in this case). Of course would hook / unhook from cold and dark. Much easier than disconnecting a multitude of other USB connections on primary system. Question 2 - the joystick and base seem very susceptible to static. I live in the high and dry desert. Out of habit I always ground myself before sitting at my system, but even then just brushing my arm against the metal base I can here the brief static click through my speakers. I am thinking of grounding the base directly to a grounding source. Any thoughts on if that might be worse or interfere with the USB connection? Thx for any insight. Joe
Immune Posted June 9, 2022 Posted June 9, 2022 @Tiger19 TL;DR - You should be good on #1, and #2, use a grounding wrist strap and/or ground your computer/peripherals. I can only speak for my experiences. #1 - I have only had one issue with firmware updates (non-brick) when I tried to update while other controllers were hooked up. The firmware update soft-failed so I was able to re-run it after disconnecting the others (including my Saitek rudders). Since then, I follow the advice of only having one controller connected at a time and only direct-connect to the MB USB ports. As for using a separate computer for updates, it shouldn't be an issue as long as you are using the SimAppPro to process the firmware updates. Side note: I do find it irritating that there are firmware updates so often. Typically firmware is a once or twice in a lifetime update so I wonder what changes they are really making. My gut says it is more for telemetry and data collection as opposed to quality/functionality updates, but that is just my tin-foil hat going off. #2 - I also grew up in the high desert and remember the shocks rather well, and do not miss them one bit!!! Having said that, I definitely recommend grounding wherever and whenever feasible. However, your gear should (keyword: should) be grounded through the USB-MB-Power Supply; however, a little extra is not going to hurt anything. Especially if you have a more permanent setup where you would not be regularly changing out gear. My situation, I have a couple different joysticks I change out and my gaming rig is also my work rig. So I have to tear it down after flying to be ready for work the next day. So grounding the gear is not really conducive to my setup. If you are getting shocked when you touch the body of your throttle or joystick, I would say the next best thing is to use a grounding strap on your wrist. That would be the easiest setup. Side Note: I would recommend getting yourself a UPS as well if you do not already have one. Not only does it condition the power before it enters your computer, it provides additional grounding protection, assuming your house is wired under modern standards (mine is not, it was built in 1952). You can pick a decent 1-Hour UPS from Costco or Office Depot for about $100. Saves your system during power surges, lightning or rolling brown/blackouts as I have in California. 1
Tiger19 Posted June 9, 2022 Author Posted June 9, 2022 Thank you very much for your detailed response - it helps a lot. Joe
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