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Yawman Arrow Troubleshooting
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Troubleshooting

How do I verify if my controller is actually working?

The best way to verify the controller is working is to pull up a joystick testing screen.

In Windows, press the Windows+R key combination. Type joy.cpl and press Enter. You should see Yawman Arrow in the list. Double click on it and then the Test tab. Move every single button and control, verifying each one moves to their full range. Please note the thumbstick may appear to have a slight bias in this screen, but it should not be an issue in the simulator.

 

If the controller is not behaving predictably or normally, go to Settings and then Reset to Default. Only perform the Windows joystick calibration if warranted (see Should I run Windows joystick calibration?). This should solve a number of common issues.

On macOS, we recommend using Joystick Show to pull up a similar test screen tool. macOS to our knowledge does not have OS-level calibration features.

Should I run Windows joystick calibration?

It is not recommended to run Windows joystick calibration unless you have a warranted need to. Small variances can exist in each controller but the controller has been engineered for consistency.

If you do run joystick calibration, do so deliberately and carefully. Not traveling a full range on a control during calibration or not centering appropriately can create unintended behaviors. If you encounter this, go to Settings on the test panel and then Reset to Default.

Many flight sims have their own joystick calibration procedures and options, including Microsoft Flight Simulator and X-Plane 12. This is the ideal environment to perform calibration and response curve manipulation.

What deadzones do you recommend?

Depending on your personal preference for control sensitivity, we recommend a 3% to 5% dead zone for your rudder trigger yaw axis and a 2% to 3% dead zone for pitch and roll axes on the thumb stick. The Arrow is deliberately very sensitive in both pitch and roll axes in an effort to accurately mimic the fingertip precision experienced when flying a real aircraft.

Why is the thumbstick not traveling full range?

If you find the thumbstick is not traveling full range, it is likely not fully “broken in.” Press the thumbstick down hard, and then press it hard until it touches each of the four edges: up, down, left, and right. This should position the hat more snugly on its sensor and broaden the range.

If you have any Windows calibrations, please reset them before verifying the issue is fixed.

The controls are wonky, jittery, or behaving incorrectly. How do I fix it?

If the controller is not behaving predictably or normally, refer to the steps in the question “How do I verify if my controller is actually working” to perform the Reset to Default command.

The rudder system is centering physically, but is not showing up as centered in the flight simulator?

Because the rudder triggers are mechanically linked there is natural variation that is part of every Arrow. Our firmware calibration is unique to your Arrow at full left and right deflection of each trigger and the neutral setting. If for any reason calibration is needed again, you can perform it yourself.

Have a joystick monitor open to get visual feedback on calibration status, as instructed in the question “How do I verify if my controller is actually working properly?”

Step 1:

Fully depress and hold the left trigger, then press six pack buttons 1,2 and 3 (top row) and the left button on the bottom row (4). You will see hat control flash left to confirm it has captured the left-most position.

Step 2:

Fully depress and hold the right trigger, then press six pack buttons 1, 2 and 3 (top row) and the right button on the bottom row (6). You will see hat control flash right to confirm it has captured the right-most position.

Step 3:

Release both triggers and let them return to center. Then press six pack buttons 1, 2 and 3 (top row) and six pack button 5 (center bottom row). You will see all buttons flash indicating calibration has been saved.

Step 4: After that, unplug and replug the controller.

Step 5: If needed, run through the standard Windows joystick calibration.

Step 6: Launch your preferred simulator and go fly!

Depending on your personal preference for control sensitivity, we recommend a 3% to 5% dead zone for your rudder trigger yaw axis and a 2% to 3% dead zone for pitch and roll axes on the thumb stick. The Arrow is deliberately very sensitive in both pitch and roll axes in an effort to accurately mimic the fingertip precision experienced when flying a real aircraft.

The multifunction wheel is moving too fast or too slow in my simulator. Is there any way I can change its speed?

Since the multifunction wheel interfaces as two button presses, different flight simulators will interpret the press in different ways. The controller’s default settings have been particularly optimized for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and X-Plane 12 with a duration value of 140. This duration of the "press" coming from the controller can be changed using a built-in wizard. Refer to this document here for instructions.

 

Known Issues