Author Topic: New Cougar spikes within a week of buying (Read 300 times)

smash · « **on:** April 19, 2006, 11:42:59 AM »

I purchased the TM Cougar knowing that I was going to go ahead and spend the money on the NXT mod and the Hall sensors from Cubby. I went ahead and ordered both mods the day I bought the stick, but figured I would use it until everything came in. (The NXT from Ian got to me in less then a week -- still waiting on the Halls.) The stick is being used with a set of RCS pedals and a new computer that I've detailed here before.

I got 2-3 years out of my old TM stick before replacing the pots, so its not like I'm hard on sticks. I would not have guessed that a $239 stick/throttle would fail within 7 days of flying... I'm disgusted to say the least.

Here's a graph out of the analyzer showing what the spikes look like. I am moving the stick only in the X,Y. When you lean it to the right, everything is fine. As soon as you go left past center it goes nuts. Last night I couldn't even take my hand off the stick and use the autopilot. Since I ordered the mods I didn't keep the box or receipt... otherwise I would exchange it at CompUSA.

MrRiplEy[H] · « **Reply #1 on:** April 19, 2006, 11:58:31 AM »

And my precision pro 1 runs without a glitch for 5th year in a row already.

WhiteHawk · « **Reply #2 on:** April 21, 2006, 04:43:09 AM »

uh oh. bad potentiometer.

Reschke · « **Reply #3 on:** April 21, 2006, 02:24:31 PM »

It seems that the latest versions of the Cougar (one's at Compusa and other places) have just turned to crap. I have only had one potentiometer issue with my Cougar and that was the throttle after a few months due to the flashing procedure. If you hadn't already ordered the Hall's I would toss a handful that I have here in an envelope for you.

smash · « **Reply #4 on:** April 24, 2006, 11:48:21 AM »

Thanks for the offer to send those parts, I appreciate it. I'm just going to wait on the Halls and get this thing put back together.

I'm feeling pretty sure that I can trace this problem back to when I flashed the latest firmware. I pulled the throttle as they specified, but it seems like it fried the joystick.

GunnerCAF · « **Reply #5 on:** April 24, 2006, 07:50:10 PM »

And how can we help? I have read your post on Cougar World and I see you had offers from people to give you replacements.

http://forums.frugalsworld.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=103321

Your Hall Sensors from Cubby should be a good solution. Gillmont TM should take care of this under warranty. I had them send me a part in less then a week. Red Dog also has replacements he will sell for little to nothing. You have several options to fix this problem.

I have two Cougars, one stock one with Uber2NXT and Halls. I also have a 10 year old TM FLCS/TQS. All are in service on a PC, and all work fine. Sorry to hear you got a bad one.

The Cougar with Uber2NXT and Halls is the ulitmate in joysticks. If you go this route, it will not only cost you money, but time, and effort. They guys who make these mods are doing this for the Cougar Community, that includes you. These mods are had made by order. The quality of these mods, and the guys who make them are exceptional. It would be good for you to support this community.

Thanks,

Gunner