New Virpil CM3 Throttle

[dburne]

I have one small issue with the CM3 Throttle - well to me it is small anyway.

The mini stick. When pressing fully forward (down) it is slow to return to center. Initially it would get stuck in full forward position if I just let go of it there. I had opened a support ticket on this, and one thing they suggest was putting some grease on the sphere. So I ordered some Nylogel 767a grease, and smeared a little on that sphere. It now does not get stuck in full forward if I just let it go, but return to center is rather slow as compared to other directions.

 

So support came back with offer to arrange pickup of my throttle to return to Lithuania for repair and return to me. They said it would be app 2 weeks total turn around time. Now I have a decision to make - do I want to be without my throttle for a length of time? Not really, but I do still have my Warthog throttle I could use I guess whilst it is being repaired. And will it come back perfect once repaired? I know of one other guy over on DCS forums that had the same issue and sent his back for repair, and his he said came back in perfect condition on the mini stick.

 

Mine is certainly not unusable. I only use the mini stick for TDC slew in DCS. And am able to use it ok. It also does not center perfectly when letting go, I had to put a dead zone of 10 for the vertical axis to compensate for it not centering exactly. But it is certainly usable as is, just not perfect.

I have not seen a lot of reports of this issue so it must not be too prevalent an issue.

 

Decisions decisions...  I use this thing around 3-5 hours on most days, so going without is not real appealing either. 

Edited March 19, 2021 by dburne

[Varibraun]

5 hours ago, dburne said:

They said it would be app 2 weeks total turn around time. Now I have a decision to make - do I want to be without my throttle for a length of time? Not really, but I do still have my Warthog throttle I could use I guess whilst it is being repaired. And will it come back perfect once repaired? I know of one other guy over on DCS forums that had the same issue and sent his back for repair, and his he said came back in perfect condition on the mini stick.

 

With the amount of use you are getting out of it, and since you still have a good Warthog, I would probably return it for a couple of weeks to get closer to perfect.  What are you using the mini-stick for in IL2?  (I am still trying to figure out where I want to map everything).

[dburne]

2 hours ago, Varibraun said:

 

With the amount of use you are getting out of it, and since you still have a good Warthog, I would probably return it for a couple of weeks to get closer to perfect.  What are you using the mini-stick for in IL2?  (I am still trying to figure out where I want to map everything).

 

I don't use it in IL-2 currently.

I use it for TDC slew in the DCS Hornet.

It really does not affect my slewing ability, and I put a small deadzone in the axis to compensate for it not exactly centering.

So it is workable just fine as is, but would be nice to have it work perfectly I guess.

Still mulling it over.

 

[Varibraun]

 

39 minutes ago, dburne said:

I use it for TDC slew

 

I actually had to Google that...maybe someday I will find the time and patience to try to learn modern A/C in DCS.  Right now my timeline goes from WWI (FC), WWII (IL2GB), and then skips a few millennia to space (Elite Dangerous).  Despite my thoughts above, they do say that "perfect is the enemy of good" so good luck mulling! 

[dburne]

1 minute ago, Varibraun said:

 

 

I actually had to Google that...maybe someday I will find the time and patience to try to learn modern A/C in DCS.  Right now my timeline goes from WWI (FC), WWII (IL2GB), and then skips a few millennia to space (Elite Dangerous).  Despite my thoughts above, they do say that "perfect is the enemy of good" so good luck mulling! 

 

LOL - I have about talked myself into not sending it in.

I use this thing around 3-5 hours a day on most days.

As long as it does not get worse it is quite useable as is for what I use it for.

It would be my luck I would send it in for repair and get it back with something else wrong then lol.

Still considering but am leaning toward not.

[dburne]

Ok so finally I have decided to go ahead and return my CM3 Throttle for repair of the mini stick. It was a tough decision as I use this thing heavily most every day.

I am sure I can live with it as is, however it would be nice to have it perfect. Another guy on another forum sent his back for the same issue and he said it came back perfect. I am hoping for the same result with mine. At least I still have the Warthog throttle I can use whilst it is off being repaired.

 

Maybe if enough folks that have issues will do the same Virpil will maybe up their QC some. This unit's issue with the micro stick really should have been caught before it left the factory imho. Don't get me wrong I still absolutely am in love with this throttle and still would recommend it for a nice high end quality throttle. And I am sure going to miss it whilst it is gone. Hopefully in couple of weeks it will be back in good order and this will all be behind me. Besides the detents that mini stick was one of the main reasons I wanted this throttle. 

 

I have replied on my support ticket my desire to take them up on doing this, will see how long this takes overall.

Edited March 26, 2021 by dburne

[Kevko]

Just received my CM3 throttle and played a night of IL-2 with it. Loving the throttle, but there are some things that I need to figure out and I am not sure if it is because of the throttle or IL-2.

 

First, is it possible to bind the flaps axis to flaps in IL-2? IL-2 seems to only let you bind a "flaps up" and "flaps down" button. Do I need to use the virpil software to change the flaps axis into 2 buttons somehow?

 

Second, when I change the 5-stage mode dial, I can bind the buttons to different actions in IL-2 successfully. But even though they seem to bind fine, the button does not work in game. For example, when I put it on mode 3 and bind one of the buttons to start recording a flight, the bound button shows up like a hat direction ("...POVUP"), but does not work in game.

 

@dburne Did you run into these things? If so, how did you solve them? Thanks!

[dburne]

5 hours ago, Kevko said:

Just received my CM3 throttle and played a night of IL-2 with it. Loving the throttle, but there are some things that I need to figure out and I am not sure if it is because of the throttle or IL-2.

 

First, is it possible to bind the flaps axis to flaps in IL-2? IL-2 seems to only let you bind a "flaps up" and "flaps down" button. Do I need to use the virpil software to change the flaps axis into 2 buttons somehow?

 

Second, when I change the 5-stage mode dial, I can bind the buttons to different actions in IL-2 successfully. But even though they seem to bind fine, the button does not work in game. For example, when I put it on mode 3 and bind one of the buttons to start recording a flight, the bound button shows up like a hat direction ("...POVUP"), but does not work in game.

 

@dburne Did you run into these things? If so, how did you solve them? Thanks!

 

Regarding adding buttons to an axis:

 

 

 

As far as your mode button question, that I do not know as I really don't use different modes at this time.

I

[Kevko]

After some research, it seems that IL-2 has a limit of 64 buttons per device, which is why I cannot use certain buttons. It's a bit silly that it shows up as binding successfully in the game. Looks like I will need to play with the virpil software or joystick gremlin in order to make use of all of the buttons. I am up to the task, but a bit surprised that this is required.

[dburne]

Ok so I heard back from Virpil Returns this morning on my ticket, they are ready to process my return for repair and arrange to have it picked up by DHL and returned to their service center in Lithuania, and asked I respond with best day to have it picked up. All at their expense of course.

 

Still reluctant, mainly cause I don't want to go without this awesome throttle for 2-3 weeks, but it will be worth it in the long run to have that mini stick replaced with one that works perfectly.  I just hope that is how it works out, another flyer from another forum sent his back for the same reason and he got it back a few weeks ago and says the mini stick is still in perfect working order.

 

I will probably schedule the pick up for Tuesday the 6th as I will be home all that day. I will advise what day it is picked up.

 

Edited March 30, 2021 by dburne

[kissTheSky]

I understand the reluctance, but I think in the end you’ll be happier once it’s fixed. 

[dburne]

Virpil has scheduled DHL to pickup my CM3 on Tuesday the 6th per my request and sent me the needed paperwork. That is the first day I will be available all day for the pickup.

And so it begins. Whilst I am without I am going to be a really sad puppy.

But when it comes back in perfect order hopefully it will be pure joy for a long, long time.

 

Thought of having to go back to Warthog throttle for 2-3 weeks is not real appealing. I am glad though I at least have a throttle I can use in the meantime. Whilst response times early on were kind of slow, I have been pleased with how Virpil has dealt with me on this micro stick issue. Once I accepted the offer to return the unit for repair, response times have been way faster.

[No_85_Gramps]

A few months back I returned a grip for repair. Same p/u by DHL, and then returned by FedEx. About two weeks tops till it was back in my hands. The switch to DHL/FedEx has been a game changer as far as shipping goes.

[Kevko]

On 3/30/2021 at 7:36 AM, dburne said:

 

Regarding adding buttons to an axis:

 

 

 

As far as your mode button question, that I do not know as I really don't use different modes at this time.

I

Thanks. Added a couple of buttons to the flaps axis. One at 0-20% and another at 80-100%. Bound them to flaps up and flaps down. Also checked the option to convert buttons 33-128 to keyboard keys. Works beautifully now. ?

 

Now I am wondering if it is possible to use the slew stick and other buttons to interact with the map. My mouse is a bit of a stretch to reach currently and would be nice.

[dburne]

Ok so CM3 Throttle is officially on the way back to Virpil in Lithuania.

I had scheduled for pick up by DHL on Tuesday as that would be first day I would be home all day.

Wife deals with Safe Ship just down the street and said they would handle the return via DHL just fine, so I carried it down there.

It will be picked up by DHL this evening which is great as the sooner they get it the sooner I can get it back.

 

Ugh, going back now to the Warthog throttle until then.

[dburne]

Dang pinky switch on Warthog throttle just crapped out physically.

Can't get my CM3 back soon enough lol.

 

[II/JG17_HerrMurf]

[II/JG17_HerrMurf]

All of my Virpil products are currently stuck in France awaiting customs clearance. Sucks because my first order was completely flawless outside of waiting for the backorder, which I anticipated both times. At least FedEx is actively working on it and called me to answer the customs enquiry.

[Varibraun]

6 hours ago, II/JG17_HerrMurf said:

All of my Virpil products are currently stuck in France awaiting customs clearance. Sucks because my first order was completely flawless outside of waiting for the backorder, which I anticipated both times. At least FedEx is actively working on it and called me to answer the customs enquiry.

 

Misery loves company...my Virpil base and extension must be sitting right beside your order.  I called FedEx this morning and they confirmed it was a customs issue that is being worked.  As you noted, my throttle came through a few weeks ago without any delay.

[II/JG17_HerrMurf]

44 minutes ago, Varibraun said:

 

Misery loves company...my Virpil base and extension must be sitting right beside your order.  I called FedEx this morning and they confirmed it was a customs issue that is being worked.  As you noted, my throttle came through a few weeks ago without any delay.

 

They need to know if Virpil is the actual manufacturer and what metal is used for the mounting bracket. So weird but they have their answers. Hopefully it get's it on the way again.

Edited April 6, 2021 by II/JG17_HerrMurf

[dburne]

Ok as of this morning my Virpil CM3 throttle is now in Virpil's hands in Lithuania.

Now I just hope they can get on it relatively quickly and get that puppy back to me.

I truly am miserable without it. Sad I know.

[dburne]

Ok got confirmation email from Virpil support this morning they have received my throttle and will be servicing it asap.

Progress baby,  hope it is not too much longer.

[Varibraun]

On 4/5/2021 at 9:30 PM, II/JG17_HerrMurf said:

Hopefully it get's it on the way again.

 

Happy to report that my Virpil base/extension were delivered today (North Carolina) after spending about a week with Customs at de Gaulle.

Edited April 8, 2021 by Varibraun

[dburne]

5 hours ago, Varibraun said:

 

Happy to report that mine was delivery today (North Carolina).

 

?

 

Congrats! Hope you love it as much as I do mine. I so can't wait to get mine back!

[dburne]

Woohoo got notice my throttle is being shipped back out to me today!!

It is shipping Fed Ex for the return, so I will be keeping fingers crossed. Have seen a couple of horror stories lately of them getting hung up in Customs for a length of time when shipping via Fed Ex.. Hopefully next week I will be back in business, can't wait! 
Nice turnaround Virpil thank you!!

[kissTheSky]

That was quick. 

[dburne]

5 minutes ago, kissTheSky said:

That was quick. 

 

Yeah, 2 days to be serviced and shipped back out - can't ask for much more than that!

[kissTheSky]

23 minutes ago, dburne said:

 

Yeah, 2 days to be serviced and shipped back out - can't ask for much more than that!

That actually makes me wonder how VKB handles warranty claims. 

[dburne]

10 minutes ago, kissTheSky said:

That actually makes me wonder how VKB handles warranty claims. 

 

Yeah good question, on the bright side with VKB I have never had a need for a warranty claim - at least so far.

Had the original Gunfighter Mk I  then moved to the Mk III over a year ago. 

[Varibraun]

16 hours ago, dburne said:

Congrats! Hope you love it as much as I do mine. I so can't wait to get mine back!

 

Thank you - I already do...that off topic post (sorry) was actually regarding the customs holdup in France with the Mongoose Base I ordered because of my love of the throttle.  The base and 200mm goose neck extension lingered in Customs at de Gaulle for about a week.  But it did seem like FedEx was on top of it.  I didn't have any delay a month before with the throttle. 

 

So hopefully yours will "fly" on through on it way back to its loving home!

[dburne]

41 minutes ago, Varibraun said:

 

Thank you - I already do...that off topic post (sorry) was actually regarding the customs holdup in France with the Mongoose Base I ordered because of my love of the throttle.  The base and 200mm goose neck extension lingered in Customs at de Gaulle for about a week.  But it did seem like FedEx was on top of it.  I didn't have any delay a month before with the throttle. 

 

So hopefully yours will "fly" on through on it way back to its loving home!

 

Thanks - yeah I be a counting the days.

Like ok how many sleeps now till I have my CM3 in hand?

[II/JG17_HerrMurf]

Still stuck after ten days. I'm calling FedEx tomorrow. Fortunately I have a person's name and direct line and don't have to phone tree it.

[dburne]

Checking Fed Ex tracking it shows my throttle still at DeGualle since Saturday.

However checking tracking detail it shows anticipated delivery of Wed. 4/14.

I kind of find that hard to believe at this point, but if that happens I will be one most happy camper.

 

I am so ready to retire this Warthog throttle again!

[dburne]

Woohoo throttle is in the states. Still showing standard delivery should arrive tomorrow.

I hope it does I will be so glad to have it back! Maybe this time I can retire the Warthog throttle permanently.

[II/JG17_HerrMurf]

Took a second call but mine got released out of customs today. Should be here in three or less.

[dburne]

Throttle has departed Fed EX in Memphis and still showing on track to be delivered tomorrow by 8:00 pm.

Hopefully it arrives earlier rather than later , but getting it back tomorrow is going to be sweet.

[dburne]

My repaired CM3 throttle is officially on the Fed Ex truck out for delivery today.

So looking forward to having it back hopefully in perfect order.

Exactly two weeks from return to receiving back - not bad at all.

Edited April 14, 2021 by dburne

[dburne]

Throttle just arrived !! Thank you Fed Ex!

Now to open it up and check it out.

[dburne]

?

 

Much better now!

[II/JG17_HerrMurf]

Mine landed too! Now for the joys of configuring the d@mn things. Throttle, stick, and control panel. Not even sure what to do with all those buttons but I got em if I need em.