Alrighty then. Stick has been shipped to Kramer (there goes another $18.95 that I'll bill to Thrustmaster). Anxious to hear his report on connectivity...

Here are some accessories to complete the experience (ignore the stupid part ) TM should have a copy of this...




WC

So I received Kramer's stick in the mail today (super-duper speedy service there Kramer - TM should hire you!). We did a "stick swap" where he sent me his entire stick (stick base & stick) and I sent him mine. He will probably receive mine tomorrow I'd imagine.

I plugged his stick into my computer (after uninstalling all my TM software and starting from scratch) and no problems at all. Stick is recognized, tests, and appears to be functioning totally normally.

So much for the "local environment" causing any problems. I won't bother to plug the stick in to the other three computers, I think we've beaten that red herring to death.

So now we just have to wait for Kramer to test my stick on his machine and see what he finds. I'm hoping with this last bit of "evidence" that we will finally get to the point where TM says "cut the cable - a new unit is on the way".

Thanks so much to Kramer for helping me out (and all the other people that have PM'd me offering their assistance too!). It is nice to see that it isn't my system(s), my house, or any other thing that would be odd like my property being the receiving location for instructions for the aliens to come out of the ground. I hesitate to bring that up lest TM want me to have SETI do a scan of my property before they will consider my unit truly non-functional.

Regards,
BeachAV8R

Beach, I would suggest you do a video/screen capture of "testing" that new stick and move it through the axii and press the buttons. That way, your statement PLUS the video sent to TM would be strong proof that this is not a "local issue." Heck, I'd even go so far as to make a proper video of plugging in Kramer's stick, show that it's working, then plugging in your stick and showing that it's NOT working. That should skip you a few steps on the customer service BS ladder.

Kramer received my stick today - tested it, and it does not work.

Really? Who'da thunk it!

I know..I thought the 400 miles of separation would make my TM lonely for home and it would magically function. In my mind I imagine it unplugging itself from Kramer's computer and going to Radio Shack to fix itself and then hitchhiking home along the interstate.

Now send it back to them with a video!

Be sure to pack a stool sample in the box too...

Nice move, Beach.

Too bad for Kramer.

That's what I would do along with all the e-mails back in forth, also mention testing it on numerous computers again.

Wouldn't put it past them to say 'Well, you have a working one now'!

Sorry I didn't see this sooner! Beach, I live in Charlotte and also have a Warthog if you need any additional testing.

Just shoot me a PM if I can help.

Thanks,
Doug

Whoops..! Yeah..that would have been great Doug! Oh well, Kramer has been awesome about helping me out.

I heard from TM support today - they are finally agreeing to send me a new stick (once they receive my old one from Kramer). It will ship from France - so I don't know how long it will take to get here. I'm relieved that there appears to be a light at the end of the tunnel.

Thanks to Kramer and all the helpful members that have offered advice, assistance, and support!

Regards,
BeachAV8R

Now, are they going to repay you the money you spent in shipping?

Why ship from France? Isn't Canada closer?

I think the metric system makes France closer..

Good news. Received my new HOTAS Warthog stick (and base) today from France. Once they actually got the process rolling the replacement was fairly quick. Just getting to that point was severely frustrating though. I plan to send in all of my shipping costs to see what gets reimbursed. I removed Kramer's stick that he was loaning me (thanks, thanks, thanks!!) and the new stick was instantly recognized and works perfectly (fingers crossed).

I'll be shipping Kramer's stick back to him tomorrow. Thanks to the community for all the suggestions, and especially Kramer for loaning me his stick, verifying my stick was dead, and shipping it up to Canada for me. That went above and beyond. Thanks also from the other members who offered me their sticks as well..you guys are great.



Here's to (hopefully) lots of happy Warthogging...

BeachAV8R

Great news Beach! Now stop posting and get to working on those AARs!

Glad to hear that, hopefully you get all your money refunded to you.

Wow what a soap novel !!!