Maintenance

When to clean

Clean the Rifle VR Controller (VRM4R) regularly to maintain reliability and help extend its service life. How often you should clean your VR Controller depends on usage and environmental conditions.

• After each session: Perform light cleaning and inspection as described in After training maintenance below.
• Periodic deep cleaning: Perform a more detailed inspection and lubrication as described in Maintenance below after approximately every 1,000 rounds.
• Environmental exposure: Clean your VR Controller more frequently (as often as once a week) when operating in harsh conditions such as high humidity, coastal environments, or dusty and sandy locations.
• Storage preparation: Clean and dry all surfaces before storing the VR Controller.

Cleaning materials

Use only the approved materials, tools, and protective equipment listed below when cleaning or maintaining the Rifle VR Controller (V4M4R). Using unapproved products or harsh tools can damage the finish, corrode metal components, or reduce performance.

Personal protective equipment:

• Chemical-resistant gloves
• Mask
• Eye protection (safety glasses or goggles)

Materials and tools:

• Flannel patch or soft, lint-free cloth
• Nylon bristle all-purpose cleaning brush or toothbrush
• Compressed air
• High-quality firearm cleaning solution
• High-quality lubricant (like molybdenum grease)

Do not use:

• Wire brushes or abrasive tools
• Excessive amounts of solution or lubricant

Cleaning and maintenance

Follow these steps before beginning any maintenance or cleaning procedure:

1. Read and understand all safety instructions before cleaning and handling the VR Controller.
2. Turn the power switch for the VR Controller (on the buttstock) to the Off position.
3. Open the VR Controller:
   1. Unplug the micro-USB cable between the VR Controller and the Axon Bridge.
   2. Press in the rear takedown pin from the left side of the lower receiver, then pull it out from the right side of the receiver until it stops.
      
   3. Pivot the lower receiver by pressing down and away from the upper receiver.
      
   4. If needed, completely separate the upper receiver from the lower receiver by pressing the front takedown pin from the left side and pulling it out on the right side of the receiver until it comes to a stop.
4. Pull the charging handle to the rear, which will remove the bolt carrier group from the upper receiver.
   
5. Remove the charging handle by pulling it backwards to the keyway and then down and out of the upper receiver.
6. Remove the buttstock (if equipped):
   1. Remove the pad and battery cover from the rear of the buttstock.
      
   2. Disconnect the battery connector and circuit connector.
7. Lay out all removed components in order to prevent loss of small parts.
8. Check components for excessive wear, corrosion, or damage. Do not operate the VR Controller until any issues have been repaired or replaced.
9. Proceed with the procedures in the maintenance sections below using the approved materials listed in Cleaning materials.

After training maintenance

Follow these steps after each training session to maintain the Rifle VR Controller (VRM4R).

1. Prepare the VR Controller for cleaning by following the steps in Maintenance.
2. Point the controller in a safe direction and fire one shot to release the piston inside the bolt.
3. Open and inspect the gearbox and bolt carrier group. Check for:
   1. Foreign material inside the gearbox.
   2. Proper bolt grease condition.
   3. Abnormal wear of each gear.
4. Periodically (about every 1,000 rounds), apply high-quality gun grease to the bolt as shown in the image below.
   
5. Reassemble the VR Controller.
6. Inspect the VR Controller to make sure all surfaces are clean and dry.
7. Store the VR Controller.

Firmware updates

The Handgun VR Controller (VRMPH) internal firmware provides functionality for all aspects of the VR Controller.

Available firmware updates are applied wirelessly to the VR Controller through the VR headset after a prompt and approval from the user. The controller will be unavailable until the Pairing LED is no longer flashing blue and red , indicating the update is complete.

Check firmware manually

After you've paired a Handgun VR Controller (VRMPH) to the headset, you can use the headset to check its firmware manually:

1. From the library, select Settings.
   
2. Select Inputs, then Controllers.
   
3. Firmware version is visible under the title of your controller.
4. If a firmware update is available, select Firmware update and keep the headset and VR Controller powered on.
   

Care

The VR Controller is a sensitive piece of electronic equipment and should be handled with care. Avoid dropping the VR Controller and cease use if it becomes cracked.

Each agency should establish a maintenance and handling program that includes:

1. Store the VR Controller in its box or safely on a rack when not in use.
2. Update the VR Controller's firmware when it is available.

Controller and water

The VR Controller is not a weatherproof device. Do not immerse the VR Controller in water or any other liquid. If a VR Controller has been submerged in liquid or exposed to a significant amount of moisture, immediately remove the battery pack, remove the controller from service, and contact Axon.