I've got several posts on the saitek 'support' (ha!) forum, but they just ignore anything they can't answer. Certainly won't buy anything else from them.So I'm trying here again...On my Multi-panel (the one with flaps and trim), the rotary selection dial on the far left is almost impossible to use...The knob itself is only about 1cm in diameter and is so stiff to turn, I sometimes need two hands to opperate it! Crazy! If thumb or finger are even slightly moist, it's simply impossible to use.I contacted the retailer I purchased it from. They said, "it's how they are - they're all the same".I assume from this that it's a very poor quality rotary switch.How do other users deal with this?Thanks

hi, Sure he knob is stiff but you can easily fix that. Replace the knob with one of a larger diameter, put a label on it to have an index. You will find all sorts of knobs in electronic components shops. That is what I did and it is OK now.

Hi Phil,I don't know why they made that knob SO hard to turn, but mine is the same way. I'm not saying it has to be as free-wheeling as the adjustment knob on the right-side, but the selector knob on the left really is a pain to turn. Unfortunately, the only way I can seem to get it to turn is to make sure I try and wipe the sweat off my hands before using the knob. Not an ideal solution by any stretch of the imagination, but at least I can usually get it to turn if my hands are dry (I might even hang a hand towel somewhere nearby just because of that one knob!) If you do manage to come across anyone that has made the knob easier to turn, PLEASE post back, and let us know what they did. I just don't understand why they aren't using a rotary switch that's similar to the switch used on the starter knob on the switch panel.Good luck!-GeorgeYankeegolf3, any chance you could share a pic or two of the knob you're using on yours now? :)

hiyou are welcome

Hi again, yankeegolf3. Honestly, the idea of switching the knob had never occurred to me. Did you have any problems getting the old knob off? And was it a round with teeth kind of knob, or was one side flat? I just want an idea of what kind of knobs to look at, and want to make sure you didn't have to do anything special to get the knob off. Thanks again, and fantastic suggestion!!-George

hi,To get the knob off, just pull it. It does not require much effort. It should fit a standard 1/4" flatted shaft (please check the diameter on your knob). Replacement should be easy. Mine has a 0.8 inch external diameter. it cannot be too large otherwise it will hide the markings. A knob with a small raised pointer would be great. You will find knobs at an electronic hardware store. http://www.allelectronics.com/index.php?page=search&search_query=knob&x=26&y=16take care

Thanks very much for the info and link! I'll be looking to replace the knob a.s.a.p! Again, fantastic idea!! Thanks for everything!-George

Yes indeed - some great help there.Thanks guys.(except the Avsim user who posted the sarcastic comment on the saitek forum that is :Black Eye: )

I know this thread is kind of old however this is a major problem with the multi panel. My rotary switch was extremely difficult to turn and then all of a sudden it locked up (only had it a year or so but i do alot of flying). Since i could not wait for an rma (im inpatient like that), i took it apart and replaced the rotary know with one from radio shack ($3.49, 6 position 2 pole). The wires connected to the switch are really cheap so i replaced them as well, after 30 minutes of work, she is working like new again. I also purchased different knobs for it which work so much better. Im happy now!

 

i am just puzzeled at how cheap of a switch saitek used for this function and how expensive this unit is. When you take it apart, you really see how cheap quality the multi panel is. VRInsight is next on my list.

 

hope this helps someone who's switch is getting harder and harder to turn.

Another possibility:  Spray contact cleaner also has some lubricant in it.  This might make the switch easier to turn.  I have not tried this on the rotary switch, as mine is easy enough to turn. I have used contact cleaner on balky throttle potentiometers, with good success.  Good luck:

Jim Elder

Amazing how this has not been addressed by Saitek.  I also have found this switch issue becoming worse and worse, now to the point where it is almost impossible to use - I am concerned about forcing switch and having it go "snap".   Only had product for 4 months - and yes, it been used frequently, but I certainly did not expect this type of issue.   I have a support request into Mad Catz to whom I was directed from Saitek support site.  Will see what their recommendation is (if there is a response after reading previous posts) and if useful, I will repost.  In any case, was concerned about opening box to "play" due to warranty concerns, but if it really is an easy fix, so be it, just another piecemeal addition to my sim setup.   Thanks for the tips caddyboy and jimelder2!

I had the same problem..   After about 18 months of use, the knob got harder and harder to turn until it was unusable without a pipe wrench.  :mad: As Jim Elder mentioned above I think a little lube is the cure.  As the warranty was done and the unit was unusable  I tried the following:

 

Step 1 - Pull the knob off

Step 2 - Set the unit on its back

Step 3 - Apply a few drops of lube directly onto the post ( I used WD 40 )

Step 4 - Wait for 5 minutes 

Step 5 - Reassemble and work the switch for a bit ( with the pipe wrench if needed  )

 

Worked for me, knob turns like new, but no guarantee this won't cause problems in the future.

 

I did this about 6 weeks ago and use the unit almost daily with no problems yet.