G940 SOFTWARE UPDATE DISCUSSION THREAD

[Tigger29]

Hey guys.. I just noticed that Logitech just released V5.09 of drivers and software for the G940.  This is supposed to correct a lot of issues.  The following came directly from their support forums.

The drivers for XP, Vista, and 7 (32 bit) are located HERE
The drivers for XP, Vista, and 7 (64 bit) are located HERE

I don't have the G940 just yet, but want one... but I've been waiting to see what the updated drivers do to fix some issues I might have problems with.  Those of your who do have this, let me know how it works out.  It appears that 5.09 is a 'stopgap' to fix many of the problems while they are working on 6.0 software which is supposed to enable a lot of new features.

ENJOY


Hi All,

I was just notified that the latest software version has been uploaded to the Logitech site. Here is the URL to the location. Windows XP, Vista and 7, 32 and 64 bit versions.

Logitech G940 - Software update

What's new? quite a bit. Here's the summary. Please read everything. There is a firmware update as well. It is added as a file in the Logitech folders after installation.

New features of Logitech Gaming Software 5.09

I. Adjusting force feedback settings for your game.

Games with force feedback control the forces transmitted to the G940 stick. However, you can adjust the overall level of the forces, and add a centering spring to any game.

You can adjust the levels of forces for a game by changing the settings for each game profile. This lets you customize how the controls feel for each game. When the game loads, the profile adjusts the forces automatically.
To adjust the forces, follow these steps.

1. Open Logitech Profiler
2. Select a Game profile
3. Click Menu item "Edit"
4. Click "Specific Game Settings". A window will open.

This window allows you to adjust Overall force, Spring effect and damper effect force levels. Hover the mouse over each force adjustment for a description.

Checking the "Enable Centering Spring Strength" box will turn on a centering spring, whether the game has one or not. The force of the spring can be adjusted. Note that turning the spring all the way up will mask most other forces in a game.


II. Adjusting axis response

With Logitech Gaming Software 5.09, you can now adjust the responsiveness of the 12 non-force feedback axes. This adjustment changes how sensitive the axis is to movement. To change settings:

1. Open Logitech Profiler
2. Click Menu item “Device”
3. Click “Game Controllers”. A list of installed controllers will appear
4. Click the controller you want to adjust – example: Logitech G940 Joystick
5. Click “Properties”. The Test window will appear.
6. Click “Settings”. The settings window will appear.
7. Click the button marked “Hysteresis”. (If the button is grayed-out, the G940 needs a firmware update. Click the button to go to instructions and the new firmware updater.)
8. A new window will appear. It contains sliding adjustments for each axis. They are set at default settings, but can be adjusted. A lower number indicated more responsiveness. In some games setting the number too low will cause the axis to become jittery and unstable. If this happens, adjust the number higher until the axis is stable. You can reset all the axes by clicking “Default”
9. Click OK to close the window, and close the other windows.


III. Updating the Logitech G940 Firmware

We’ve updated the firmware of the G940 to improve force feedback response, and allow for adjustability of axis response. To update your firmware to the new version, follow these instructions:

1. Close all running applications
2. Connect Flight System G940, with throttle and rudder pedals attached, to PC USB connection. Do not connect through an external USB hub.
3. Go to C:\Program Files\Logitech\Gaming Software\FW\
4. Double click G940_Updater.exe to start the updater. Windows 7 users should right click and choose Run as administrator.
5. The updater will erase the firmware, then wait while Windows redetects the stick, then write the new firmware. Once it it is finished, you will be prompted to press enter to close the application.
6. In some PCs the updater may freeze. If the updater freezes for more than 30 seconds. DO NOT WORRY. Close the program (click X in the upper right corner) and then restart the updater. It will complete the process.

The firmware update improves the centering response, and reduces the looseness in the center. it was also adjusted to hold the stick straighter when you take off your hand and the dead-man switch engages.


IV. Printing profiles: we improved the profile printer. The colors were changed to improve black and white printing, and command name lengths have been lengthened.


Thank you for your patience in waiting for this update.
Mark Starrett
Global Product Marketing Manager
Logitech

[Reschke]

Enabling features is one thing...making the devices function as necessary for longer than 1-4 months is something else entirely!

[Tigger29]

Reschke, this discussion is not about the longevity of the product, it is about how well the product performs after the new driver upgrades.  Now if you ACTUALLY OWN one of these and can personally attest to its short lifespan then maybe your post can fit in here... but somehow I'm doubting that.

Yes, we all know that Logitech has a reputation for making products that last a very short time, but I did not create this thread to start an argument about how long it is going to last.. I just wanted to get the information out there that an update is available, and I'm curious to see how this update improves things (if it doesn't make them worse).

Now I do have to WARN you guys.  I just read some stuff about the new 5.09 drivers claiming that the 'variable force' feel of the feedback is gone with the new firmware (in other words, you'll have consistent centering at 0MPH compared to 300MPH).  Whether this is a software bug or by design is still up for argument.  People are starting to advise installing the 5.09 software, but NOT the firmware update until it is known if it's possible to revert the firmware back or not.

[Puma44]

Good post Tigger, thanks for the update.

By the way Reschke, my G940 is 7 months old, working well, and not showing signs of "age" that you refer to.  In reading the forums, I often wonder if folks who have problems with these "real world look alike" sticks, throttles, and rudder pedals are treating them like the robust flight controls that they are not, i.e. plastic with an occasional piece of light metal thrown in.  In the real world over G-ing the equipment takes some significant effort and dynamics  ; on the desk top, not so much.  So, when reading about how this stick failed or these rudder pedals broke, it brings up the thought; "What's the rest of the story?"    

[Reschke]

I don't disagree with that at all Tigger...I don't and will not own another Logitech stick. I love their keyboards and mice but that is it. I have never had one last more than 3-4 months before failure. Their "profile" software is seriously lacking at best.

I did use one that belongs to a friend of mine here locally in FSX and Lock On: Flaming Cliffs and found it to be a nice feel with the split throttles but that was about it. This was after his second replacement from Logitech since it came out due to faulty buttons. His first one was DOA and his second died after about a month. The current one he has is going good so far but he has only had it for about 2 months since the last replacement took a little longer.

Yes Puma I also believe as you do...which is one reason I think my TM Cougar has lasted as long as it has and without any major issues other than a firmware upgrade hosing the pots in the stick and throttle about 6 months post purchase. I am glad that you haven't had any problems.

[Wagger]

I downloaded the 5.9 update and find that the feel in the neutral centered position is tighter.  I have not paid much attention to the fact that it may be constant pressure or varies with the force on it.  I'll get back to you when I find out. Yes I sent back my first stick with some problem but have had no further problems.  In fact it feels well made and is really fun to fly with. 

[Tigger29]

Wagger, did you do the firmware update as well?  Apparently this is when the problems happen.

[Wagger]

Yes I did and it is true.  The stick feels tighter and well set compared to the older software but the effort to move the flight surfaces is constant no matter how fast you are going or hard you are turning.  Uninstalled it and and then reinstalled.  This time I did not update the firmware.  It still feels tighter and speed and hard turning do effect the effort required.

[hlbly]

Ok my experience is just the opposite . I got my g940 in February . I only used it for about 30 hours or so . It lost FFB effects all the time return to center would go away like there was 0 airspeed  . Now my trim effects work much better still room for improvement . I have been playing with all the new settings including hysteris . The effects are much better now . With only 34 hours or so on the system I can not attest to its durability yet . My feelings since I got it is it is very good hardware and crap software . I tried the new profiler and didn't feel a big improvement . Then installed new firmware and it works much better . I went this route because of complaints at logitech forums . Reversal bug etc . I am able to use the trim wheels now with out having to chase it back and forth .

[Wagger]

After playing last night with the new software and firmware update I am not as happy as I was before.  It Feels tighter with less play when you center it but the forces on the flight surfaces seem to be constant.  Apparently When I uninstalled it did not delete the firmware update.  Now I need to find out how to delete the firmware update.  Except for the the taking up of the excess play near center it has taken the most important part of the FFB.  Now I can not feel the feedback from the Joystick which keyed me in on my planes status, i.e. nearing stall speed, the increased effort as speed builds up on the flight surfaces.

[humble]

Firmware updates are just that, there is no way to flash them back that I know of...unless logitech issues an updated firmware that in effect rolls back the firmware.

I haven't updated (firmware) but like hlbly my issue is FFB getting "lost" and the stick going "floppy" on me. My question in all this is that the firmware appears to have corresponding software settings that allow for adjusting FFB "feel". So to me the already complicated software got more bloated. IMO an FFB that allows the game designer to configure FFB is a lot better then your tweaking it....

To me the extreme floppiness is a bigger issue then anything else....

[Reschke]

You should have a way to force a reset of the firmware back to the original like we do in our Cougars. When I plug in my Cougar I have to hold in the trigger and hit something else to reflash the firmware back. I haven't done it in a while because I don't need to but there should be a way to do it.

[Wagger]

I have continued to work with the settings and now it seems like I have gotten back the feed back I did before the firmware updates.

My settings are as follows:

1)  Overall Effects Strength:  91

2)  Spring Effect Strength:    63

3)  Damper Effect Strength: 106

4)  Centering Spring not enabled

Hysteresis:

1)  Trim 1:  37

2)  Trim 2:  22

3)  Trim 3:  29

Hope this will help.