749: CubeSim TPR Damper Kit REVIEW

I’ve been a bit lazy doing anything these days except playing MSFS occasionally.  Yesterday, I got some excitments — the damper kit for my Thrustmaster TPR Rudders finally arrived after nearly a month’s misplaced shipment.
TPR_Mod_01
The $65 damper kit from Cubesim in China includes one (1) damper stabilizer unit and four (4) 3D-printed clamping parts, along with necessary bolts & nuts to attach the unit to the TPR rudders.  The kit is non-destructive to the rudders.  The way how it implements is different from other similar products I’ve seen on the web.
TPR_Mod_02
By following the video from the shop, installation shouldn’t be complicated.

TPR_Mod_03a_resizeHowever, the actual process I carried out was a lot difficult than the video shown because the 3D-printed clamping modules are so tight-fit that I had to mount them by great force.

Especially the clamping parts for the rudder arm on the left, it was simply not possible to adjust their positions after they were mounted.

Fortunately, I managed to have those 3M tapes on the clamping modules removed after a few initial attempts. Otherwise, they would cause further nuisances as they took up spaces in the clamps where there were actually no clearance for them.

Furthermore, in my observation, as the damper stabilizer when mounted to the bolt on the clamping unit as designed was a bit too close to the back of the rudder, I decided to add an extra washer to widen the gap to play safe.TPR_Mod_05a
By the way, although it is not a must, I also adjusted the mounting clamp on the stabilizer to make it properly centered on both sides.
IMG_2532a
One last thing, as the bottom clamping plate extends beyond the edge of the TPR rudders, I am considering to place something on the right as a balance because I rely on the edge to place the rudders against the wall.TPR_Mod_07
With everything in place, the damper kit works properly as what it is intended for.  The pedals, due to the damper addition, move and response smoother.  However, there’s some TPR_Mod_04_resizesqueaking sounds due to frictions within the joints.  Although they are barely heard, they do cause some disturbances to my ears.

Regarding damper strength, there are 25 steps available via the adjustment knob.  At present, I personally like step 7 from the minimum.

The Verdict

If 5 stars rate the best,

Quality of the Cubesim kit : 3.5 Stars
Installation : 3 Stars
Damper performance : 4.5 Stars
Overall : 4 Stars

Recommendation :
Yes, it is still a nice kit.  The mod itself isn’t a must.  But it is non-destructive which won’t void your waranty.

2 thoughts on “749: CubeSim TPR Damper Kit REVIEW

  1. Nice review Tom, did my own TM TPR mod a while back with a Motorcycle steering damper and some careful measuring before i went drilling and in order to get it right first time, knew it would ruin a potential warranty claim, but it was a chance i was prepared to take, so far so good, the damping for me makes these already good pedals nigh on perfect and the best I’ve ever used, and really have tried lots over the years.

    Enjoy Tom, once you get used to the different feel you will probably find there is no going back and wonder how you managed before … that’s how I feel after my mod :)

    Good to see there is a non destructive mod out there for those that want to try a damper on their TPR’s but resisted because of the warranty.

    Colin

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    1. Thank you, Colin.
      Yes, this is a “non-destructive mod” that came to my lips but forgot to mention it in my post.
      And once you are getting used to something, it’s hard to going back. Totally agreed with you.
      Still need to use it more to feel the difference or the improvements that it brings.
      Tom

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