GNS 530 not all buttons work

[martyandpeg]

OK, I have a GNS 530 which sat disconnected for the last few months. I replaced it with a friends GTN 750 from RealSimGear so I could practice using that one for my instrument training. I've since removed to GTN 750 and have gone back to my 530, but I'm noticing not all buttons are working. For example, pressing the Com/Nav selector will not change to Nav side; stays on the Com side. I can change frequencies for the Com, and even switch back and forth. If I use the mouse and press the button in the sim, it does reflect the change on the physical 530. Also, the lower buttons (OBS, CDI, etc.) aren't working. The right side (Rng, Clear, Direct, etc.) seem to work fine. I can also use the right knob to switch around screens and modify screen content (keying in an airport for example). Any ideas why some of the buttons have no effect? I do have the files in the joystick folder, and I have gone into the joystick settings and hit 'reset to default'. Any ideas?

 

[Support - Andrew]

Thanks for reaching out. I understand how frustrating it can be to get back to your GNS 530 setup and find partial functionality.

From what you’ve described, it sounds like the USB interface and some button mappings are working, but a few specific inputs (like the Com/Nav toggle and lower-row buttons) aren’t being recognized. Here are a few things to check:

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Troubleshooting Steps:​

1. Confirm Device Recognition

• Open Windows Game Controllers panel (Win + R > type joy.cpl > Enter).
• Select the GNS 530 and test the buttons inside the Properties window.
  → If the affected buttons don’t respond here, they may not be reaching Windows at all.

2. Reinstall Firmware
It’s possible that a firmware or driver glitch occurred while the device was stored. Please reload the firmware using the tool here:
Firmware Update Tool
Make sure to select the GNS 530 option during the update.

3. Double-Check Joystick Files
You mentioned the joystick profile is in place — just ensure:

• You’re using the correct profile for the GNS 530 (not GTN 750).
• No conflicting bindings exist in MSFS (set the GNS 530 device to “Do Nothing” under MSFS Controls Options to let the Launcher handle all mappings).

4. Try a Different USB Port
Sometimes ports can partially fail or deliver inconsistent power. Plug the GNS 530 into a different USB port (ideally a USB 3.0 port on the rear of the PC).

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What to Expect​

• If the buttons work in joy.cpl but not in MSFS, the issue is likely with input mapping.
• If they don’t work in joy.cpl, we’re likely dealing with a hardware/firmware issue.

Please give those steps a try and let me know the results — especially what shows up in the Game Controller test panel — and we’ll take the next step from there.

Best regards,
FlightSimBuilder
Andrew

 

[Administrator]

OK, I have a GNS 530 which sat disconnected for the last few months. I replaced it with a friends GTN 750 from RealSimGear so I could practice using that one for my instrument training. I've since removed to GTN 750 and have gone back to my 530, but I'm noticing not all buttons are working. For example, pressing the Com/Nav selector will not change to Nav side; stays on the Com side. I can change frequencies for the Com, and even switch back and forth. If I use the mouse and press the button in the sim, it does reflect the change on the physical 530. Also, the lower buttons (OBS, CDI, etc.) aren't working. The right side (Rng, Clear, Direct, etc.) seem to work fine. I can also use the right knob to switch around screens and modify screen content (keying in an airport for example). Any ideas why some of the buttons have no effect? I do have the files in the joystick folder, and I have gone into the joystick settings and hit 'reset to default'. Any ideas?i

What simulator and airplane are you using?