Quest Link always freezes on first MP join; then works normally after restart

[Nealius]

I recently keep having Quest Link freeze on first MP join every single time, then works normally after unplugging/restarting the Quest and Link. I never have this issue in SP. It happens on my own dedicated server with various missions and maps. No dynamic spawn, no fancy scripts. This is what happens:

1. Join server
2. Choose coalition
3. Click join > Link freezes. DCS does not crash, nor is it "not responding" in task manager, but it is effectively frozen with no headset movement reflected in the desktop mirror. The headtracking still works normally inside my headset, but the DCS image is frozen and the periphery has geometric lines extending to a point at infinity on the left and right. 

4. Unplug Link cable and I'm loaded in to Meta Home
5. Plug in Link cable, but sometimes it does not recognize that it is connected. Other times it does connect and I can launch Link, but audio does not work.
6. Restart the headset.
7. Launch Link, join same MP server, fly as normal with buttery smooth locked 72fps and zero performance hiccups.

I don't get why it always freezes/crashes on first attempt, but works fine from the second attempt, considering I have absolutely amazing VR performance otherwise.

PC specs are:
- 7800x3d
- 4070Ti Super
- 64GB DDR5
- all SSD
- Quest 2 on Anker cable plugged into a powered USB 3.0 hub (motherboard power alone often isn't enough)

 

[Nealius]

Image of the geometric shenanigans when it crashes:

[The_Nephilim]

umm which Link Cable do you use I seen that screen before when I had a Q3..

[Nealius]

Anker USB 3.0 cable, 5Gbps data transfer. I have two of them and this happens with both, but it only happens when clicking "join coalition."

I need to see if I can monitor my PC resources and see if DCS is causing some kind of spike when clicking "join coalition" because that action is the only trigger for this issue.

[The_Nephilim]

2 minutes ago, Nealius said:

Anker USB 3.0 cable, 5Gbps data transfer. I have two of them and this happens with both, but it only happens when clicking "join coalition."

I need to see if I can monitor my PC resources and see if DCS is causing some kind of spike when clicking "join coalition" because that action is the only trigger for this issue.

oh ok the Anker was your cable I thought that was something else.. I had this happen to me as well with an aftermarket cable. I did have the Meta Link cable and never had that happen.

I would try another 3rp party Optical cable or just get a meta link cable..

[Nealius]

Aren't the Meta cables extortionately overpriced?

[The_Nephilim]

11 hours ago, Nealius said:

Aren't the Meta cables extortionately overpriced?

well that is why I said to get the 3rd part optical USB Cable but they are still about 50bucks usd.. and I tried two aftermarket cables that did not work..

[Nealius]

I see no "optical" USB cables existing in my region's Amazon market. 

This issue also appears to be linked to any time DCS causes some kind of performance spike. I've now had it crash while loading into multiplayer before I get to the coalition screen, and I had it crash when opening a mission file in the Mission Editor. 

[The_Nephilim]

well the only time I seen this screen in DCS with the Q3 was when I used the aftermarket  non optical cable. When I used the Meta q3 cable I never had that issue.. so for whatever reason Q3 does not like most other 3rd party cables..

 

But I only had the Q3 for a month so who knows maybe someone with that cable you have or other 3rd part cables can chime in maybe there is a setting or similar to change?

 

here is one but not the one I was going to buy:

 

https://www.amazon.com/Stouchi-Fiber-Optic-Braided-Adapter-Compatible/dp/B091HTKXN1/ref=sr_1_35?crid=1M03GHWVK6UMN&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.O2exzKWWzgiPuy9xW7LCaUcCl_p62Tc-mJiOr0SPb0rjY9F17Br7CKkmNzF51UdvF6mRMiM9YAozAjGTdrurn9WqrvzATHwX1XEpnuTUxvI-OEWVBhU6wK9i-i0uBAZ1Imb9921Lmm4AG1kLZleUGPS72XF7shbv6Fs8URi2qSazLRN8o19AKQoPCe1CPgqnvsrr9fVmc7MNsx1rNnUbF71ON1A6HsNxDz4yAr1gC8s.IXNFkKi537i-caQqMgOHqAPXKKglt7sXlZebTVUmd8M&dib_tag=se&keywords=quest+3+usb+cable&qid=1737866640&sprefix=quest+3+usb+cable%2Caps%2C78&sr=8-35&xpid=oXAZhqba_H2dh

 

 

it is a fiber optic cable.. they sell them elsewhere not only amazon. not sure where you live but check around.. there have to be some in your area or zone or whatnot..

Edited January 26 by The_Nephilim

[Nealius]

I'm using the Q2, not the Q3, so I'm unsure if a Q3-specific cable would even work.

I couldn't find Stouchi brand on Amazon Japan, but I did find a few cables using "fiber-optic." The Amazon here seems very picky with search terms. But they still have the same 5Gbps transfer rate.

Edited January 26 by Nealius

[The_Nephilim]

2 hours ago, Nealius said:

I'm using the Q2, not the Q3, so I'm unsure if a Q3-specific cable would even work.

I couldn't find Stouchi brand on Amazon Japan, but I did find a few cables using "fiber-optic." The Amazon here seems very picky with search terms. But they still have the same 5Gbps transfer rate.

I see but I am just saying when I used anything but the Official cable on the Q3 I got that screen you see. I was told by my friend that the other optical cables should be as good as the official cable but IDK for sure..

Maybe someone else with a 3rd part cable can chime in here. I ONLY had luck with the Q3 and a Official Meta link cable.. I tried 3 other cables..

[Nealius]

I tried a new cable and still had issues. Later determined part of the problem to be a dying powered USB hub. I got a new powered USB hub and have had no issues yet, however it seems there are also issues with DCS maxing all CPU cores when clicking slots in MP.