Invictus VFT Software Quick Start Guide

Installing the Software

  1. The first step to installing the VFT Configurator is to download the VftSetup.msi file below.  Since my company is new, you may get warnings about downloading the file.  It is an executable that makes changes to your computer by installing the software.  It is not dangerous, but the major web browsers and Windows do not know that yet, so they will most likely warn you against downloading it.
  2. Once downloaded, double click on the file to open the installation wizard.  Again, windows may attempt to prevent you from installing because it does not yet trust the software.  I'm working on solving that, but it is a two pronged issue that requires a code-signing certificate, which I have applied for, and reputation establishment over time that it is safe, which is something that can only be resolved by use.  
  3. If, Windows blocks the installation, you will need to bypass it.  If the popup that displays has a button that says "Run Anyway", click that and you should be good. 
  4. If it does not, you will need to close the popup, then right click on the executable and select "Properties".
  5. Check the Unblock checkbox and then click "Apply".  You should now be safe to double click and install the software.  

Programming and Customizing your VFT

Your VFT comes preloaded with firmware, but the device itself needs to be configured to best work with your setup.  The fastest and easiest way for you to configure your device is to load one of the preset configuration files.  

To do that, click the load config from file button.  

Then select the config file for your grip:

As new grips are added, we will add config files in the downloadables section below.  You can save them to the same location as your default config files and load them as described above.  If you have a 5 pin grip you'd like to see added, reach out to us and we will try to create one.  You'll have to be our beta tester, though.  Unfortunately, six pin grips like the Winwing F-16 grips are not compatible with the VFT at this time.  

For a more detailed explanation of all the different features of the VFT Configurator, check out the forthcoming VFT Configurator Users Guide.

 

Updating the Firmware

To update the VFT Firmware, first check the firmware version of your VFT by comparing the firmware version number that appears in the VFT Configurator software and the version number at the bottom of this page.  If the firmware here is higher than the firmware in the software, it might be time to update your firmware for the most up to date functionality.  

Once you verify that you need to update the firmware, click the button Enter Flasher Mode.  

NOTE:  If you are having trouble getting the software to enter the flasher mode, disconnect the device and locate the two jumpers on the VFT Control Board. Move the jumper on the left down one pin, and reconnect the device.  This forces the device into flasher mode.  


When you click to Enter Flasher Mode, your device will disconnect briefly to reboot, and will reconnect.  The device will now be labeled Invictus Flasher, and the Enter Flasher Mode button will turn green and display "Ready to Flash." Click Flash Firmware.  

Navigate to the location where you downloaded the firmware .bin file.  Select it, click open, and the firmware update will begin.  

Once the firmware finishes flashing, the device will disconnect and reboot again.  You should see the updated firmware version number in the device section of the software.

If you used the jumper to force the device into Flasher Mode, be sure to disconnect the device from USB, and return the jumper to the original position.  You can now reconnect and use the device.  

Invictus VFT Configurator software is based on open source Freejoy. It contains many modifications and is essentially useless without the VFT Control Board. While the terms of Freejoy's license requires us to make the source code available, and we are happy to do so, it is unlikely to be of any use to you due to specific hardware requirements that are not identified in the software and not generally available to the public. If you intend to build your own firmware and software, we highly recommend obtaining the Freejoy software at the link above instead of our source code as it contains detailed instructions, a robust, supportive community, and is much better suited to developing your own devices and software. If you need the source code, reach out to us at support@invictuscockpits.com.

You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License along with this program. If not, see the terms of a GNU License.