Bourrinopathe

The Gladiator has been designed as an all-in-one solution for an attractive price. Mostly used on a desk. It could also be used as a "mobile" solution, just like Andrew did. The Gunfighter is the high-end solution, as you'll need more space (stick + throttle + pedals) (and $$$ ;) ) and it's been designed to be used with an extender but should also be a great side-stick solution (like the Black Mamba). Thanks to the modular design, the Gladiator can be upgraded to a Pro version and it will allow different grips. But that's just an option. I'll try to use the Gladiator with Elite Dangerous, as I prefer having the rudder axis on the stick for that space sim (I'm using the T-Rudder for the forward/backward thrust). No idea if it will be comfortable enough but I'll also use it to test the WWII aircraft in DCS and IL2 BoS/CoD.

Very interesting! Thanks Sokol! [ here's the original thread for that Q&A (russian) - some additional info might appear in the discussion ] Some design choices are really interesting (floating/high precision center zone, reduced yaw center sensitivity to avoid involuntary rudder input, viscous grease, modularity, world-first contactless twist rudder, …). I'm tempted to say: "typical VKB" :music_whistling: I'd better start getting familiar with some WWII birds. Fast. :) And if I understood correctly, there's a good chance I can fit my spare Black Mamba Mk2 gimbal in a Gladiator base (loosing the twist rudder, but allowing a different grip).

I'd like to use the picture and the 3D model: ;)

Yes the .png is for the old encyclopedia version with pictures only. They're only used for the missing models. Afaik they're only used for that, but it might be possible to use that reference to insert them in a sub-window… The fonts have to be in a specific folder (\dxgui). You don't have to declare them in a specific file, you just use the names in the reference file (.dlg) (I used the InputMono font family in my screenshots).

Thanks for the feedback guys! It's fueling the thoughts. You're right Bearfoot, there are different motor skills we can use to achieve the same key movement. And we don't have to struggle with a shaky cockpit or high-Gs! (but some movements might imply more strain than others - to keep the analogy, moving the palm closer to knees is more stressful for the wrist) From a pure sim piloting skills point of view, I think it's not much of an issue how you install your devices - some people play with their HOTAS on the desk, in front of the screen and close together, so they have to adapt… and probably grunt a little ;) I'm pretty sure there must be some kind of biotechnology study and I'd be curious to know (in details) why the Russians stuck to the central column. From a design and ergonomics standpoint, I was wondering what kind of controls could be the most efficient for a FBW system (and less tiring for the hand-wrist-arm). (less design limitations = less required adaptation… and hopefully: improved performance) Beyond that, it's interesting to think about the technical and commercial limitations for our home HOTAS as it will shape the controls we'll have. That's one of the reasons why I like VKB so much. Their modular approach allow to modify their devices to YOUR usage. That's a rare thing. I know VKB though about the Gladiator (Plus) ergonomics a lot before finally settling for the current design. And how brainstormed will be their modern throttle? ;) >>> interesting throttle heh? <<< (@rrohde: I still kept my "hard center" cam for the roll axis (same x and y curves in DCS) and I really enjoy having a zero-roll input haptic reference (mostly flying modern jets Su-27/L-39C/Mirage 2000C) - I'll probably test the soft center cam with the helos and propellers, later).

Thanks for dropping by. That readme was one of the first thing I checked, but it only contains the encyclopedia entries format. At least, I managed to change the font typeface and size used to display the entries but if it's limited to UTF-8, I guess the text won't support any formatting. I was hoping for a trick with the .luas or something (a CSS-like hidden function)… Adding a secondary field or window might be possible by altering the DCS World OpenBeta\MissionEditor\modules\me_encyclopedia.lua and me_encyclopedia.dlg, but that would require some lua coding and I'm not familiar with the lua script. ;)

@rrohde: (or anyone with a center stick) I have a question about your center stick installation and feedback ;) I'd like to know if you noticed a tendency to involuntary apply some force to the left while pulling the stick towards you? I'm wondering if it's as natural and precise to pull the stick with a central column as we might have a slight propensity to rotate the forearm relative to the elbow's axis while pulling an object closer to our belly/waist (unless you're a Wing Chun enthusiast ;)). Maybe it just goes with some learning curve or natural adaptation? I'm using a side stick and pulling the stick is right in line with the elbow, with the arm on the side, so there's no parasitic movement (also the stick is shorter - so less amplitude). I tested my Black Mamba in the center position but I don't have a perfectly adjusted installation like yours.

You can tweak your default response curve for the pedals with the VKB Device Config software, as suggested, but make sure you tick that box to apply your curve to the axis: (the tooltip will inform you it's "Response curve" ;) "Eq" must stand for Equalizatorsky in russianglish ;) ) And of course, press the "Set" button to apply your modifications to the pedals controller.

-- wrong thread - fixed - please delete -- thanks.

Sorry to hear you didn't find a comfortable position to use your pedals, Bearfoot. Ergonomics… I tried using my pedals with my legs more stretched like in rrohde's Obutto, but I'm more comfortable in a seated position as I can also keep my knees further outside the centerline. Of course, that won't be possible in a home cockpit. The T-Rudder have been designed with a desk/seated position in mind. You probably already tried what suits you the best though. And, yeah, no return policy s**ks :( I don't even know how a customer can't be protected by a specific law. It's not possible in Europe: [source] Anyway. Don't forget to post your pedals in the dedicated thread here. And you can also post in the official forum. And here (IL2 Sturmovik forums).

Yes, you definitely shouldn't have to touch the config software ;) Unless someone can help you here, I'd suggest you head to the official forum to ask for a profile or some detailed help. That might be faster.

I'm trying to tweak the new 1.5.4 "encyclopedia" UI to make it a little more useful for my needs while editing a mission in the ME. I would have a few questions for the users who would be more familiar with the config files structure and syntax. I always found the encyclopedia was lacking content and I barely used it, struggling with my google-fu instead. So I managed to make it easier to read, but the lack of text formatting is still a problem (readability) (1080p). Current UI: Slight UI modification/content: I used a monospaced font to make it a little easier to compare (and find) the numbers, but I'd like to know if there's a way to modify the text formatting? Also, and I think it might be possible: how to insert a picture frame that would read the picture file from the old .png encyclopedia files? Thanks! (I have fond memories of the Jane's sims encyclopedia - that might be a factor in my desire to modify the encyclopedia ;) )

Hi Andrew, The VKB Device Config software v77.2.6 is available >>> HERE <<< You should be able to test the mode switch in the TEST tab (select your joystick in the list first). Can you see two different buttons in DCS when you use the different modes for a single physical button? (e.g. MODE 1: trigger=BTN_1 and MODE 2: trigger=BTN_10)

Hi doveman, 650 mAh user here. I used my UTC for a few months and I'm still perfectly satisfied with it. I used/tested the USB power cable with a dry battery just to know how comfortable it would be (and it worked without any issue) but I still have to run out of juice during a normal session (never happened yet). I used a piece of velcro (25 mm x 40 mm) on my headset (you can see a picture in a previous post) and it's stable enough. The UTC body/case is 55 mm x 40 mm x 15 mm. HAV will be able to drop by to give the exact weight but I'd say it's light enough to forget you're wearing something on the headset (at least with my Logitech G930 which is not exactly super-lightweight). I also never had to worry about how I move my head (e.g. quickly checking my six). It's difficult to tell with your picture but if your velcro piece is around 20 mm diameter, it could be a bit weak for a comfortable stability. But it's difficult to tell without testing the unit. Maybe you could could use a strong rubber band to attach the UTC just above the part where your velcro is already fixed? It might be fine, directly attached to the velcro though. ;)

The standalone modules also use the proper menu items for the training missions and such (whereas FC3 training missions are in the common missions folder). I also prefer using the standalone menu items in the different sections (missions, campaigns, etc.) for a specific aircraft. You can make both FC3 and your standalone modules visible by modifying a config file. Every aircraft will be available. The only problem is you'll have to modify something else if you want to use the specific cockpit textures (as there's a conflict (FC3 vs standalone) and you usually only have the default one). (I fixed that too, but it's a bit trickier) >>> please check that thread and related posts <<< Keep in mind the config file will be overwritten by the updates. You can make a backup of your modified file or use a JSGME mod for that file. (if you're not familiar with it, JSGME is an easy-to-use mod manager - there's a dedicated thread in the forums) Of course, you'll have to check if a recent update did not change something important (in the config file) before using your mod. Anyway, it's easy to use, and I usually remove all my mods, update to the latest stable version, and then put my mods back, and run the sim.

Don't hesitate to ring the bell on Reddit (/r/hoggit) too. I'm pretty sure more people will be pleased to join.

The side stick config looks great! I'm thinking about adding an arm-rest by modifying a dedicated sim-chair… I've always been more comfortable with a side stick and I'd be curious to know what are/were the conclusions of the russians about the comparison between both positions (afaik they tested the lateral stick on modified Flanker). It's also probably highly dependent on the control system, FBW design and several considerations such as the pilots habits and interoperability… Anyway, congratz on that Obutto modular cockpit ;) It fits VKB's philosophy perfectly.

Thanks everyone for the group buy! Especially Vyrtuoz, for developing such a great tool! :thumbsup:

Yes, it's been available for a while now. Fortunately, it wasn't that infamous "Soon™". You can grab any russian manuals by changing your DCS installation language, run a "repair", get the manuals and then revert back to your prefered language. It's described somewhere in the forums. A bit cumbersome, I agree, so if you only want the russian manual, you can download it from my DropBox. (I'll leave it here for a few days) ;)

Did you notice the HUD and HDD displays have been improved/modified? It's probably undocumented but I really appreciate the thicker lines and larger HUD display size as I don't use the zoom view a lot (bound to a rotary instead of the headtracking). It might be a result from the efforts of the VR development… It's also probably similar in the other aircraft. Thanks ED! :thumbsup:

Same here in the Su-27 but I think it's a known issue. I didn't have the time to fix it on my version but that thread should tell you how to do it.

One more ;) Professional edition aim between 5-9 buyers but prefered 10 Price 5-9 €11,98 Price 10+ €9,98 1 : Mainstay 2 : Golani79 3 : Bourrinopathe If you are interested add yourself to the list.

Thanks for the idea, golani. I've PM'ed him as I'm also interested. And there's that thread on Reddit.

Thanks for the info! I don't know how many full time devs ED have, but with all the ongoing projects they must have some serious to-do-lists (2.5 merge, F/A-18C, Caucasus map upgrade, MiG-29 and Su-33 PFMs/models, the announced naval operations, NTTR, other modules/models/…, unannounced projects (?), etc.). The Su-27 is still very slowly evolving (wings structural resistance, etc.) but I'd rather see them working relatively slowly but accurately than getting a hasty unpolished content. Even if it's awfully frustrating (cockpit pilot still not wearing a G suit, canopy texture, ACS adjustments, overwing vapor, no multiplayer datalink, etc.). If that can help, the AP is very stable in straight flight with an IAS above 500 km/h (520), and from what I've tested the speed can now be reduced around 400 km/h or lower once the AP is engaged (iirc, it wasn't possible in a previous version)… Also, we still don't have the landing AP.

Nice screenshots :thumbup: That's a great addition indeed! And I'm pretty sure the skilled video editors will put that to good use for smooth and cool camera movements and angles. It's probably still a WiP feature and we'll hopefully get a configuration option to disable it without pausing the headtracking…