Thrustmaster Warthog Stick not being found

[JHzlwd]

I am so smart (just kidding) I rarely have a problem with hardware but am struggling with this unit. I am used to the Saitek X52 Pro but thought it would be fun to try TM so ordered one. BTW my OS is now Win 8.1 under which DCS world and the Saitek work perfectly.

 

Driver and software installation went smoothly. In Control panel I can see both the throttle and the stick but ... BOTH the TARGET utility and the DCS options panel see ONLY the throttle unit. I have tried the re-boot sequence recommend by TM but makes no difference. The throttle unit is unresponsive in the Windows gaming panel as well. I have done the usual uninstall.re-install of drivers, rebooting, etc. but the stick will not connect to anything. Any suggestions appreciated.

[Cyb0rg]

Try the stick in othet usb port.

[bn880]

Check to make sure that the devices don't have some warnings on them under their properties. There may be error messages even if you see the icons in Control panel. :/

[JHzlwd]

Thanks to all so far ...

 

Yes, I have tried other USB ports including USB 2.0. Device properties is clean except cannot get the Throttle side to show the "Bulk" driver". I strongly suspect a Win 8 incompatibility. It would be interesting to know if anyone else has TM Warthog working properly under Win 8.

 

I have submitted a request to TM with my information and will report what they send me.

 

It's the Holidays so can't expect anything soon. In the meantime I have Saitek which works perfectly ;-)

[whartsell]

make sure that the stick is properly attached to the base. If its not seated properly windows will "sort of" detect it but it will not be picked up as a controller. Unplug the stick from the computer then unscrew the stick from the base and re-attach it making sure that it is seated snugly. It can take some pressure to get the connector to seat before you tighten the locking ring. Snug the ring down then push on the stick again (moderate force like 5lbs or so) then tighten the ring further if it is loose. It will only need hand tightening but will be snug the first few times you attach it (if you ever take it apart once assembled). Then plug it back into the computer and it should be ok

 

One more thing in the windows control panel just showing up isnt good enough. Make sure you can click on it and the axis and buttons are being reported. If the stick isnt properly attached to the base it will show up but the axis and such wont be there

Edited December 26, 2013 by whartsell

[JHzlwd]

Thanks Whartsell,

 

I have tried that too. This morning I hauled out my old Win XP machine to experiment and get the exact same problem. Both the Joystick and the Throttle appear in the hardware list of Control Panel but there is only one bulk driver named which is for Joystick. The Joystick is not, however, recognized by TARGET but the Throttle is. In Control Panel the Throttle is not named - only present as an unnamed USB device.

 

I then re-booted XP and neither device is present but XP now wants to search the Internet for drivers which it does not find (having tried this too). The HOTAS Bootloader is identified in XP's Device Manager but has an exclamation mark and the message says it is incorrectly configured.

 

I discovered upon searching the Forum a couple of others having the exact same problem some time ago but no solutions ever reported by anyone. It is possible I now possess a rather expensive paperweight or conversation piece to set out on the coffee table ;-) It is temptng to think there is a hardware problem but as others have had the identical issue I'm not so sure.

[Cyb0rg]

Did you try without install target?

[july865]

Try this:

Disconnect the throttle USB plug. Hold down the autopilot push button and the gear silence button. While pushing both buttons, plug the throttle in. Keep holding them until you see windows tell you it's loading the bulk drivers.

[JHzlwd]

Yes, I did try this ... with both Throttle and Joystick in Win 8.1. Upon completion I see "bulk" driver for BOTH stick and throttle which is encouraging but neither unit is enumerated or accessible by TARGET or by DCS/Blackshark "Options". Device Manager informs me both units "working properly" and shows expected diver information. If I reboot, bulk driver for throttle disappears but DCS "Options" will now access the throttle *only* but neither of the actual throttle controls - just a couple of the switches.

 

I get almost identical behaviour in Win XP except all the throttle switches and one of the throttle controls is accessible from the Windows gaming device configurator. The stick unit is not accessible but the driver appears in device manager.

 

Very odd. I am hoping TM has a nice response for me tomorrow or next week.

[july865]

uninstall EVERYTHING.. d/l the firmware and install according to the instructions. DO NOT PLUG THEM IN UNLESS YOUR TOLD BY THE FIRMWARE UPDATE.

and you dont need the TARGET software unless you plan on loading up its own script for other games. or controlling the LED's.

your current firmware is borked.

[dburne]

Thanks to all so far ...

 

Yes, I have tried other USB ports including USB 2.0. Device properties is clean except cannot get the Throttle side to show the "Bulk" driver". I strongly suspect a Win 8 incompatibility. It would be interesting to know if anyone else has TM Warthog working properly under Win 8.

 

My Warthog is working great for me in Windows 8.1

 

 

uninstall EVERYTHING.. d/l the firmware and install according to the instructions. DO NOT PLUG THEM IN UNLESS YOUR TOLD BY THE FIRMWARE UPDATE.

and you dont need the TARGET software unless you plan on loading up its own script for other games. or controlling the LED's.

your current firmware is borked.

 

That is what it sounds like to me as well, if re-flashing does not rectify the issue you need to get TM to replace, or better yet if you have just purchased it you might get quicker results getting the place you purchased it from to replace it.

 

Best of luck,

[JHzlwd]

"Firmware is borked" sounds good to me. The firmware is supposed to come with the driver installation but there is no firmware updater in my TM folder like they say there should be. I have tried re-installing everything, several times but no updater found.

[dburne]

"Firmware is borked" sounds good to me. The firmware is supposed to come with the driver installation but there is no firmware updater in my TM folder like they say there should be. I have tried re-installing everything, several times but no updater found.

 

On mine, in Windows 8.1, the firmware updater is located in:

C:/ ProgramData/Microsoft/Windows/StartMenu/Programs/Thrustmaster/Hotas Warthog

 

I believe the installation of Target maybe installs this, I also have a firmware update icon in my apps screen, under Thrustmaster.

Again, this is how mine is listed in Windows 8.1.

[JHzlwd]

Problem solved. Based upon photos I submitted TM determined the DIN socket in the Joystick base was improperly assembled. They sent fixup instructions. It wasn't easy but the thing now works.

 

I am giving TM high marks for prompt and effective tech service - even during holiday season.

[cichlidfan]

TM seems to do a good job with service. They just seem to take their time with email responses.

[dburne]

Great to hear you got it solved albeit with some pain on your part - now have some fun!

[69iAFMike]

Problem solved. Based upon photos I submitted TM determined the DIN socket in the Joystick base was improperly assembled. They sent fixup instructions. It wasn't easy but the thing now works.

 

 

Good for you!

The Mini-DIN issue reminds me of someone who tried to sell his Warthog set "as new" because he "doesn't use it".

His photos of the stick unit had the grip mounted in reverse, as in trigger facing towards the print on the base plate, not towards the USB cable. When asked about the weird configuration, he said he just connected it like that.

After further inquiry and proof of how this would be impossible without him disassembling and reassembling the whole thing, he proceeded to prove why this was indeed possible, and why it didn't work for him in FSX:

Mangled.

Yep, all you need to do to pimp your Warthog, is to just mount the thing on backwards! Break all the mini-din pins. There's some improper assembly for you :). This is at least one proof that the BIG YELLOW ARROWS aren't 100% effective :)

Edited January 6, 2014 by 69iAF~Mike

[Kybosh]

Problem solved. Based upon photos I submitted TM determined the DIN socket in the Joystick base was improperly assembled. They sent fixup instructions. It wasn't easy but the thing now works.

 

I am giving TM high marks for prompt and effective tech service - even during holiday season.

 

Can you share those fix up instructions I have the exact same Issue and I'm pulling my hair out

 

Thank you sir