Thrustmaster t.Flight HOTAS 4 instability

So, this is my first post. If I am doing something wrong, please correct me. Just got through trying to contact Technical Support for Thrustmaster. Was prompted to log in. Tried to set up account, and they required my birth date. What? As you know this is a red flag with respect to hacking concerns. Apparently, Thrustmaster uses a third-party login provider which is also a red flag to me. Anyway, the problem I'm having with the HOTAS 4 is that, in using it with FSX on my PC, the control inputs result in outputs that are all over the map. It's like having a crazy copilot who grabs the controls suddenly and inputs more aileron or opposite aileron, then the controls vibrate before settling down sometimes off center. This looks like a problem with the electronics. Any ideas? Thustmaster does say that this apparatus is for PlayStation, but they say it can be used for PC.

Hello

Has your joystick got a small switch on the base that allows it to be set for either PC/or Pstation use?

If you have just check it hasn't been set to Pstation by mistake. If it has, that could explain the strange behaviour you are experiencing.

I have the Thrustmaster Tflight X which is very similar in design to your stick and does have this toggle switch.

 

Cheers Andy

Thank you for your quick response. No joy on the PC/PlayStation switch. The throttle has a PS button that changes the function somewhat with my PC. The manual doesn't note a switch on the base and contains no information about use with PC. Notes requirement to logon to PlayStation account to use but don't see how this applies to PC. This appears to be a hardware problem, but I don't see evidence that anyone has this problem but me. (Hooray!) I have a video of the wacky behavior. You did help me greatly in that I'm going to have to replace the joystick and didn't know whether the Tflight X might have the same problem. Are you using it with a PC? Thanks, Mike

Hello There

The switch I was referring to is on the front of Hotas ( not the base as I said) switches aside,

something else you could try is simply unplugging and replugging the stick and see if that helps. I have had problems myself with my Hotas occasionally performing erratically and a simple unplugging and replugging solved theproblem.

One other thing I would try if it was me would be to reset my assignments to there default settings and see if that fixes it. If it does it's a very simple process to then customize them to your preference.

If that doesn't work then I am stumped.

PS I have had my Tflight Hotas X for at least Ten years .

I use it with FS9 (even though from its name it appears to be for FSX use only)

It has proved to be extremely reliable and rugged.

For a joystick in its price range you get an awful lot for your money, a lovely big stick and likewise throttle (not some piddly little throttle control found on others in this price range.

I hope you get it sorted out

 

Cheers Andy

Edited August 19, 2021 by HoratioWondersocks

I may be wrong here but when I purchased mine it said for Xbox/pc. There was a notation somewhere the you needed to download a small program for pc compatibility. I may be wrong, but check it out.

I may be wrong here but when I purchased mine it said for Xbox/pc. There was a notation somewhere the you needed to download a small program for pc compatibility. I may be wrong, but check it out.

 

Your right Bob.

I have just checked at the Thrustmaster site, and for the Tflight hotas 4(The Ops model)you need to download the drivers necessary for correct functioning on a PC from there site.

I hope Mekim doesn't go and buy another stick as it appears that all he needs are those drivers for the Tflight hotas 4.

 

Cheers Andy

Edited August 19, 2021 by HoratioWondersocks

Hmmm. Don't see anything at the Thrustmaster website addressing the use of the controls with a PC.

Driver is up-to-date.

Driver is up-to-date.

 

Hello

As I said in an earlier reply, have you gone into assignments within the SIM and selected the option to reset to default?

In another post in the FS 2004 forum a user seemed to be having similar issues to yourself, and he was also advised to reset his assignments which solved the problem for him.

Are you familiar with the technique of resetting the assignments?

 

Andy

 

Here is a quote from that post I mentioned above..........

 

''i installed the hotas software 1st and that did not solve the issues. however while i was adjusting the hotas assignments in the sim i fat fingered and hit the restore defaults and that did the trick all is good now. not sure what the issue was to begin with."

Edited August 21, 2021 by HoratioWondersocks

Andy, thanks for your reply. In the course of trying to get the joystick/throttle to work, I went through all the options including this one. Sooo, I finally broke down and contacted Thrustmaster tech support, evan though I had to sign up for an account which required my giving their third-party agent my birthday and date. After submitting description, videos, and invoices, here is the bottom line straight from the horses mouth:

"Your T.Flight Hotas 4 has a hardware issue. The only option, as we do not repair these units, is to replace them if they are still under warranty.

 

"The warranty for your unit is 1 Year for US Customers if purchased brand new. Your invoice shows that you purchased this unit in 2020. It is not longer under warranty as you said.

 

"Our Thrustmaster team wishes you a pleasant day and remain at your disposal for any further information about our products."

 

Again, many thanks for taking an interest and for your reply. People like you make flight simming much better. m

I'm very sorry, b52bob. You were quite right, of course. The notation is not in the manual, but it is on the website, as noted by Andy. I had, in fact, downloaded the software and installed it when I initially got the joystick/throttle a year ago. Anyway, I have now gotten the verdict from Thrustmaster tech support today.

1) It's a hardware issue; 2) the hardware is out of warranty; 3) they do not repair this hardware; 4) the only recourse would be to replace if under warranty (see 2) above); and 5) have a nice day. Anyway, thanks for your help. It is much appreciated.

Hello again.

Just wondering if you could get hold of another joystick (any type)from a friend perhaps, just to see if it works correctly or not? If not then it points to some sort of pc hardware issue rather than the sticks being faulty.

 

Cheers Andy

Good question. The reason I chose Thrustmaster was my experience with my Microsoft Thrustmaster joystick back before MS dropped it. I decided to replace it because it seemed to be inserting a slight roll to the right. Still, it works much better than the "new" HOTAS. As indicated, I have had little time for FS and had massive problems with FS2020, even with my new computer. I let the Thustmaster warranty expire, my mistake. Now that I know this is a electronic/mechanical issue with this particular unit, I'm wondering if it can actually be corrected. In the meantime, I'm going to buy a new joystick and throttle. I was hoping the get more information from Thrustmaster in regard to my initial complaint. It should be noted that their response did offer to provide information regarding their equipment. I would like to know if my experience is an isolated incident or if it is a design/manufacturing problem. At any rate, it has been a learning experience. Best to you and yours, m

Hello

As I said in my previous post, rather than spending more money on a new joystick ,if you could borrow one or even better two or more from friends or family perhaps, and see if they perform correctly ,if they do then it points to an issue with yourThrustmaster, if not then it does begin to look like a PC problem of some sort.

 

Cheers Andy

Sorry to be late in replying. Been really busy. Unplugged the "new" Thrustmaster HOTAS 4 and plugged in my old Microsoft Thrustmaster Precision 2. Works fine with no artificial drift and no dither. It was the dither that really was hard to deal with. Just as a side note, I left the Thrustmaster software in place, and it works with the old joystick, allowing me to calibrate the old joystick. Also, the Properties feature shows the old joystick tracking perfectly. I do miss the throttle though, was thoroughly spoiled. Am now deciding on my next joystick/throttle and maybe pedals? Thanks for your help. m