--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My brother has a fairly new RF G3. He recently tried to start the simulator and it wouldnt recognize the controller. The program says to install a G3 compatible controller. Tried several things to no avail. He called Real Flight and described the problem. They suggested he send the unit in to them. Problem is they want a $50 bench fee plus parts to repair it if needed and offered no possible fixes or things to check. No mention of fixing it under warranty. This thing is only about 3 months old. Has anyone else experienced a problem like this?

I think I'm getting the same problem. Just got it today, loaded it and every launch gives me the "No Authorized Interlink Found. Make sure you plug it in..." error. I email the company and their automated response sent back something about an MP3 setting in their INI file. I made the change (skeptical as heck) and it made no difference. I've read on other forums of people with the identical problem. The tx was bad and was replaced. If they try to charge me for shipping that controller back for rework, I'll demand a refund and try a competing product.

Please keep me informed on this and how they handle it. Would like to get his up and going again with minimum expense. Thanks.

Something very strange about this post...

KE/G3 ALWAYS replaces the controllers almost w/o question provided you are the legitmate owner of a legitimate copy.

The KE forums are full of people that have been pleasantly surprised that they have fixed their controllers GRATIS after owning it for well over a year.

Yea, I have same thoughts as op. Normally they will always fix controllers for free.

Update: I got hold of someone at GP support and they did advise replacement. They will provide the replacement at no cost and pay for shipping back to me but, unfortunately, I am left paying for shipping the defective controller ($16). I am disappointed that I am paying $16 more than somebody who got the product working out of the box. If I broke it within warranty, then I understand paying to ship back, but DOA is neither my fault nor should it be my expense to resolve.

DOA's are supposed to be handled by the seller so that you don't incur the expense.

The seller assumes the liability, but normally sends back the DOA units all together.

Since you cannot return it to the seller (who did you buy it from?) it is not unreasonable to be expected to send it to them on your nickle.

Why not give it back to the seller for an exchange?

Bought it from Tower on Monday. Tower included a note stating that once the CD seal is broken they cannot accept a return. All support is to be handled through Great Planes. I called GP and the guy said the return cost is my problem. I don't like it but what else can I do?

In your shoes I'd complain to Tower.

They've been excellent with me every time I've ever have had a problem.

However sometimes you can run into someone who is less than willing, or less than helpful.

You should tell them that the only way to find out if the thing works is to break the seal. (duh... I guess they didn't think of this...).

And that it arrived DOA, but now you are forced to pay shipping AGAIN.

They (Tower) should at the least credit you for the shipping expense, against future purchases, or get the "club" membership...

(I've picked up quite a number of "free" items via the club... )

An e-mail to them should do.

Email sent. Wish me luck.

Sent the email and, within an hour, Tower replied offering to reimburse me for the shipping charge. Great company.

Thanks for the advice (again), Opjose.

-kwz

Hey way to go.