MilesD Posted July 12, 2020 Author Share Posted July 12, 2020 Hi, Miles, I’ve got a problem - my PointCTRL charging cable has melted!! Not sure how it’s happened, I keep it plugged in to a StarTech.com hub and never had any problems with it. It’s the only cable to have melted, so strange one. Now, the light doesn’t come on and the hub doesn’t recognise it. Have you heard of this happening before? Hope you can see in the attached photo Hey Mojo, That's a first. That looks like the original blue charger, a few of the cases came apart so I switched to a different manufacturer. We now include two single black chargers with each kit. If you could email Carol at orders@pointctrl.com, she will send you two of the new ones at no charge. FYI PointCTRL 2.0 has the charger built into the FCU, so you can plug in any micro usb cable. I could not source a quality charger with the optimal output for the onboard lipos, so I went with a on board Lipo charging IC that I could customize. Sorry for the inconvenience. Miles Now shipping up to website Pre-Order Form date 2022/06/01 Pre-Order Form Submission https://pointctrl.com/preorder-form/ PointCTRL Support Discord https://discord.gg/jH5FktJ PintCTRL Website https://pointctrl.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mr_mojo97 Posted July 12, 2020 Share Posted July 12, 2020 Thanks Miles, will do. Out of curiosity, when the new v2 version comes out, is it just the FCUs or is it a new improved HMS as well? MSI M5 z270 | Intel i5 7600k (OC) 4.8GHz | MSI GTX1080ti Gaming X 11Gb | 500gb Samsung 970 Evo NVME M.2 (DCS World) | 500gb Samsung 850 Evo SSD (OS and Apps) | 32Gb 2400MHz DDR4 - Crucial Ballistix | Be Quiet Silent Loop 240mm | NZXT H440 case | Thrustmaster Warthog - 47608 with Virpil Mongoose joystick base | MFG Crosswinds - 1241 | Westland Lynx collective with Bodnar X board | Pilot's seat from ZH832 Merlin | JetSeat | Oculus Rift S | Windows 10 | VA | Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Voyager Posted July 12, 2020 Share Posted July 12, 2020 Hey Mojo, That's a first. That looks like the original blue charger, a few of the cases came apart so I switched to a different manufacturer. We now include two single black chargers with each kit. If you could email Carol at orders@pointctrl.com, she will send you two of the new ones at no charge. FYI PointCTRL 2.0 has the charger built into the FCU, so you can plug in any micro usb cable. I could not source a quality charger with the optimal output for the onboard lipos, so I went with a on board Lipo charging IC that I could customize. Sorry for the inconvenience. Miles Given that USB-C seems to be more robust than the micro USB form factor, is it possible to use the USB-C connector, or is it to late in the prototyping process for that to be economical? (I've dealt with supply chains before, so I know how long it can take to get one to change direction...) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MilesD Posted July 12, 2020 Author Share Posted July 12, 2020 (edited) Given that USB-C seems to be more robust than the micro USB form factor, is it possible to use the USB-C connector, or is it to late in the prototyping process for that to be economical? (I've dealt with supply chains before, so I know how long it can take to get one to change direction...) Thanks for the good suggestion Voyager, My intent was to go with the USC port just for the reversibility alone, but unfortunately it has 24 pins that make it very difficult to mount to the PCB, compared to the the Micro USBs 5 Pins. As an alternative you can use a magnetic charger insert, as show in the pics. I will have them available for an option. Thanks for the input, Miles Edit: Of course I just revisited this issue and now I found some USC charging only receptacle with 6 pins. I will have to give it some thought now, because the magnetic chargers for the USC require a bit more to line up. Thanks again for the input. Edited July 12, 2020 by MilesD Now shipping up to website Pre-Order Form date 2022/06/01 Pre-Order Form Submission https://pointctrl.com/preorder-form/ PointCTRL Support Discord https://discord.gg/jH5FktJ PintCTRL Website https://pointctrl.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DD_Crash Posted July 13, 2020 Share Posted July 13, 2020 My HMS and the cable managment doesnt want to stay stuck on my Rift. Anyone else had this issue? The original HMS stayed stuck but now it keeps falling off. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Voyager Posted July 13, 2020 Share Posted July 13, 2020 Very cool :) Having been on the vendor side of the equation I know how it's always a nest of design trades :) And with Star Wars: Squadrons coming out in October (and it reportedly supporting VR with mouse) I'll have to make some trades of my own :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MilesD Posted July 13, 2020 Author Share Posted July 13, 2020 My HMS and the cable managment doesnt want to stay stuck on my Rift. Anyone else had this issue? The original HMS stayed stuck but now it keeps falling off. Hey Crash, If you have the CV1 the double face tape has to go on the front of the unit. The CV1s top is a material that the tape won't stick to. This pic shows the generic mount on the CV1, The CV1 HMS mount will match the contour of the front of the headset and only require one piece of double face tape. Hope that helps, Miles Now shipping up to website Pre-Order Form date 2022/06/01 Pre-Order Form Submission https://pointctrl.com/preorder-form/ PointCTRL Support Discord https://discord.gg/jH5FktJ PintCTRL Website https://pointctrl.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DD_Crash Posted July 14, 2020 Share Posted July 14, 2020 Thanks for that Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harlikwin Posted July 17, 2020 Share Posted July 17, 2020 Can I get on the list for the "side" controllers that attach to the VR unit (extra buttons) New hotness: I7 9700k 4.8ghz, 32gb ddr4, 2080ti, :joystick: TM Warthog. TrackIR, HP Reverb (formermly CV1) Old-N-busted: i7 4720HQ ~3.5GHZ, +32GB DDR3 + Nvidia GTX980m (4GB VRAM) :joystick: TM Warthog. TrackIR, Rift CV1 (yes really). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snake122 Posted July 17, 2020 Share Posted July 17, 2020 Can I get on the list for the "side" controllers that attach to the VR unit (extra buttons) I believe you just email orders@pointctrl.com and tell them you want a APB or 2 and Carol/Miles will take care of you with that. I don't know if he builds them on demand or has some in stock but there is no formal list like regular PointCtrl. I7-9700KF@5ghz, 32GB DDR4 3200, RTX 3090, Pimax 5k+, Virpil T-50CM2 base with Warthog, F/A-18, T-50cm, and VFX grips, Saitek X65F, Saitek Switch Panel, TM Cougar MFDs, TM TPR pedals, JetSeat and bass pucks, H640P for VRK, PointCtrl 3rd Space Vest project for basic G Seat/G Suit simulation Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MilesD Posted July 17, 2020 Author Share Posted July 17, 2020 (edited) UPDATE: Now shipping up to 375 of Version 1 Still sorting some unexpected issues with proofing PointCTRL v2, and the new code. It's a completely new design with a different processor, and an onboard charger, so there is a bit more going on. Other than the onboard charger, the only real difference between v1 and v2 is size. The v2 FCU has a slightly smaller battery and form factor. Its can be an issue if you have small hands and skinny fingers, or use any of the grips with a large head. I will let others comment on the comfort and use with those heads. The HMS is smaller and will fit inside the Frunk of the index better, a closer fit on the top of the Pimax, and the Camera wont be covered on the Rift S if you use controllers above your head. The Reverb is a nice fit and form factor as is. I want to thank everyone for your continued patience. We have hired a few people to help with PointCTRL and other projects, so shipping speed should pick up soon. Here are a few pics as a reminder of the differences in size between v1 and v2. Note: The HMS is a bit larger that this mock-up Edited July 17, 2020 by MilesD Now shipping up to website Pre-Order Form date 2022/06/01 Pre-Order Form Submission https://pointctrl.com/preorder-form/ PointCTRL Support Discord https://discord.gg/jH5FktJ PintCTRL Website https://pointctrl.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MilesD Posted July 17, 2020 Author Share Posted July 17, 2020 Can I get on the list for the "side" controllers that attach to the VR unit (extra buttons) Hey Harlikwin, Just like Snake said, We have the Aux Buttons in stock, so just email orders@pointctrl.com, and in the subject line put Order-APBs Include the county being shipped to in the body. I know where your at but Carol may not. I will add that info about APB status and order procedure to the first post. Thanks and take care, Miles Now shipping up to website Pre-Order Form date 2022/06/01 Pre-Order Form Submission https://pointctrl.com/preorder-form/ PointCTRL Support Discord https://discord.gg/jH5FktJ PintCTRL Website https://pointctrl.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harlikwin Posted July 17, 2020 Share Posted July 17, 2020 Hey Harlikwin, Just like Snake said, We have the Aux Buttons in stock, so just email orders@pointctrl.com, and in the subject line put Order-APBs Include the county being shipped to in the body. I know where your at but Carol may not. I will add that info about APB status and order procedure to the first post. Thanks and take care, Miles Thanks Miles will do. Also, can I order more of the usb charge cables? Mine are delaminating down to bare wire at the connection point, or if there is a generic amazon version you could point me to? New hotness: I7 9700k 4.8ghz, 32gb ddr4, 2080ti, :joystick: TM Warthog. TrackIR, HP Reverb (formermly CV1) Old-N-busted: i7 4720HQ ~3.5GHZ, +32GB DDR3 + Nvidia GTX980m (4GB VRAM) :joystick: TM Warthog. TrackIR, Rift CV1 (yes really). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MilesD Posted July 17, 2020 Author Share Posted July 17, 2020 Thanks Miles will do. Also, can I order more of the usb charge cables? Mine are delaminating down to bare wire at the connection point, or if there is a generic amazon version you could point me to? I will just throw 2 more chargers in the box with the Aux buttons at no charge. They should not do that. If you can just PM a pic so I can see what's going on. In the email for the APBs, just write warranty replacement - 2 FCU chargers, so we don't forget. Thanks, Miles Now shipping up to website Pre-Order Form date 2022/06/01 Pre-Order Form Submission https://pointctrl.com/preorder-form/ PointCTRL Support Discord https://discord.gg/jH5FktJ PintCTRL Website https://pointctrl.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ratcatcher Posted July 18, 2020 Share Posted July 18, 2020 Hey Miles, the V2's are looking great! Keep up the good work! Will keep an eye out for you on Discord but been a tad busy lately,as I'm sure youve been too! Take care. Techlabs Chameleon Watercooled Gaming PC - Intel Core i7 6700K @ 4.7GHz : Samsung 950 Pro 256GB SSD, Samsung 500 gig SSD, Seagate 1TB 7200RPM Drive : MSI GeForce GTX 1080 "Founders Edition" 8192MB : 800W '80 Plus Gold' Modular Power Supply : 32GB (2x16GB) DDR4 PC4-25600C16 3200MHz : Occulus Rift S : TM Warthog : MFG Crosswind V2 : Win 10 64. PointCTRL. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hip3rion Posted July 18, 2020 Share Posted July 18, 2020 Hi Miles, That looks like a great product for immersion ! Do you think about getting it to work with other sims *cough*MSFS 2020 *cough* ? That would be even more useful in an airliner where the HOTAS concept is quite non existent. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DutchCoolHand Posted July 19, 2020 Share Posted July 19, 2020 (edited) Hi Miles, it is so hot today that I decided to stay and fire up DCS. But my PointCTRL is not recognized as a device. If I remember correctly I did upgrade to the AUX button of the firmware. I can't downgrade it either as the device is not recognized. How to resolve this? Thanks Peter Edited July 19, 2020 by DutchCoolHand AMD RYZEN 7 2700 / 32GB / RTX2070 / 500GB M.2 with Windows and DCS / 2 - 500GB SSD / Rift S/ TM Warthog with F18 stick and Virpil WarBRD / Foxx Mounts/ MFG Crosswind rudders + 3 MFD's | Now enjoying VR with PointCTRL controllers + Gamematrix JetSeat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MilesD Posted July 20, 2020 Author Share Posted July 20, 2020 Hi Miles, it is so hot today that I decided to stay and fire up DCS. But my PointCTRL is not recognized as a device. If I remember correctly I did upgrade to the AUX button of the firmware. I can't downgrade it either as the device is not recognized. How to resolve this? Thanks Peter Hey Peter, I would check all of your USB connections first. PointCTRL does not like some hubs or extensions. At a 10ft cord, it's getting to its reliable data transfer limit. Sometimes it just takes pressing the white restart/reset button on the HMS. Pressing the white button only, restarts the firmware and does not make any changes. I hope that helps, Let us know how you make out. Miles Now shipping up to website Pre-Order Form date 2022/06/01 Pre-Order Form Submission https://pointctrl.com/preorder-form/ PointCTRL Support Discord https://discord.gg/jH5FktJ PintCTRL Website https://pointctrl.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CptTangerine Posted July 20, 2020 Share Posted July 20, 2020 Hi Are there any plans to move away from Li-Po batteries? I'm not keen on a battery that needs a fireproof container but I would really like one of these units. Cheers! CptT CPU: Intel Core i5 4590 3.3GHz, RAM: 32GB HyperX Fury 1600MHz DDR3, GFX: EVGA GTX 1080, OS: Windows 7 Home Premium SP1, Joy: TM Warthog, Peds: CH Pro Pedals, TrackIR3, VR: Vive Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snake122 Posted July 20, 2020 Share Posted July 20, 2020 Hi Are there any plans to move away from Li-Po batteries? I'm not keen on a battery that needs a fireproof container but I would really like one of these units. Cheers! CptTA lithium chemistry battery is in practically all consumer portable electronics today. I can't think of a smartphone that doesn't use a lithium battery. Debatably the LiPos that Miles uses are safer of the two options: https://www.androidauthority.com/lithium-ion-vs-lithium-polymer-whats-the-difference-27608/amp/ Miles comes from an background where they are extra safe with these batteries since they tend to remove them for recharging and that handling of the batteries adds an extra layer of risk. So RC users, airsofters, and other hobbyists tend to treat LiPos with respect since they can be dangerous if mistreated while charging or handling. But again, they are a staple in modern electronics and really Miles is being extra safe including the bag compared to practically all electronics manufacturers that deem these batteries safe when mounted in a device you carry around in your pocket or bag next to you all day. LiPo chemistry at this size level is the only way to get the energy density needed to have a reasonable battery life. Otherwise, you would need to change the battery practically every flight. Miles will tell you to use the bag because of his years of experience with the batteries. While Miles would probably disagree with me because of his perspective, I would tell you the batteries mounted in the PointCtrl are just as safe as your phone/tablet/laptop. Miles, rightfully so as an inventor and small business owner, is being extra cautious since his devices may in his eyes have a minutely higher chance than a big factory electronic device (however, I would point out Miles has far better QC and inspection than those factories that probably make it less of a chance). I appreciate Miles wanting to keep us safe and use the bag pretty much every time:D I7-9700KF@5ghz, 32GB DDR4 3200, RTX 3090, Pimax 5k+, Virpil T-50CM2 base with Warthog, F/A-18, T-50cm, and VFX grips, Saitek X65F, Saitek Switch Panel, TM Cougar MFDs, TM TPR pedals, JetSeat and bass pucks, H640P for VRK, PointCtrl 3rd Space Vest project for basic G Seat/G Suit simulation Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CptTangerine Posted July 20, 2020 Share Posted July 20, 2020 Fair comment. Thanks. CPU: Intel Core i5 4590 3.3GHz, RAM: 32GB HyperX Fury 1600MHz DDR3, GFX: EVGA GTX 1080, OS: Windows 7 Home Premium SP1, Joy: TM Warthog, Peds: CH Pro Pedals, TrackIR3, VR: Vive Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Voyager Posted July 23, 2020 Share Posted July 23, 2020 Dumb question time, should one expect a verification email that their order was placed, or just that the invoice is ready? I think I sent it all out correctly, but just wanted to know if it actually got through intact, or if I should be looking for a responce that vanished into the aether... Thank you, Harry Voyager Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MilesD Posted July 24, 2020 Author Share Posted July 24, 2020 Dumb question time, should one expect a verification email that their order was placed, or just that the invoice is ready? I think I sent it all out correctly, but just wanted to know if it actually got through intact, or if I should be looking for a responce that vanished into the aether... Thank you, Harry Voyager Hey Harry, We got you. It's hit or miss with getting a response, so its a good question. I will try and do better. Usually Carol or I just slide the order email to the correct folder for invoicing. Your 7th in line for this group for version 1. Version 2 timeline has slid a bit because I had to do a rework to the proof PCBs and other project commitments. Version 1 invoices for up to #400 will be going out tomorrow. Thanks, Miles Now shipping up to website Pre-Order Form date 2022/06/01 Pre-Order Form Submission https://pointctrl.com/preorder-form/ PointCTRL Support Discord https://discord.gg/jH5FktJ PintCTRL Website https://pointctrl.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Voyager Posted July 24, 2020 Share Posted July 24, 2020 Ah, thank you very much. Now I just need to actually do some cable routing for my nest :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DutchCoolHand Posted July 24, 2020 Share Posted July 24, 2020 Hey Peter, I would check all of your USB connections first. PointCTRL does not like some hubs or extensions. At a 10ft cord, it's getting to its reliable data transfer limit. Sometimes it just takes pressing the white restart/reset button on the HMS. Pressing the white button only, restarts the firmware and does not make any changes. I hope that helps, Let us know how you make out. Miles I am sorry Miles I missed your reply. It is plugged directly into my computer with the additional part I got from you, was it a debugger??? It worked fine for months, it started when I added the AUX buttons and upgraded the firmware. I have disconnected the AUX buttons but that does not seems to help. I will look at it again this weekend. AMD RYZEN 7 2700 / 32GB / RTX2070 / 500GB M.2 with Windows and DCS / 2 - 500GB SSD / Rift S/ TM Warthog with F18 stick and Virpil WarBRD / Foxx Mounts/ MFG Crosswind rudders + 3 MFD's | Now enjoying VR with PointCTRL controllers + Gamematrix JetSeat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts