Gman109

You guys should pick up Spectre Rising by C.W. Lemoine. He's got a great podcast/YT channel, and has flown both the Hornet and F16. He's done some videos on DCS and had Wags on his podcast as well, definitely worth our community's support, plus IMO until his Spectre Rising book there hasn't been a great fiction book with F16s in it since Red Phoenix.

It's just the nature of online sales, some you win, a few you lose. I've purchased 3 VKB Gunfighters (3 different orders), 2 Virpil T50, 2 Warbrd, 2 T50 Throttles, and a bunch of accessories from both, and had no problems, and excellent customer service from both. Yet you'll find a few people with similar experiences to my MonsterTech experience with Virpil/VKB who have posted as much. It happens.

Going to throw my oar in this water too. I had decided not to say anything a few weeks ago, but after reading this post, I'm going to sound off as well. I recently had the same exact experience as the OP, so don't write him off as a "one off", or "it just happens". Also, so far as the whole "it matters how they fix problems, not that they occur" idea.... I ordered about $850 worth of mounts from Monster as well, some extra plates for various HOTAS I have, 3 desk mounts, a keyboard desk mount, and the mouse mount. I too was missing hardware to mount the items when the box arrived - this after DHL (not Monsters fault) sent my package to China and then around the world before it came. I was missing 2 of the little 3-unit mounting pieces, the sliding part with the spring ball bearing, the bolt, and the circular part that receives the bolt. I emailed/support ticketed for 8 days before getting a response (claim to have been sick/away for a week). They then assured me my parts would be sent out - I was missing one set for a desk mount, and one set for my mouse pad mounting plate, making the whole thing useless for me to set up as I already have VKB mounts, I bought these so I could have a keyboard and mouse plate mount, and all match from the same company. A month almost later, still no parts in the mail. After more email/etc tries and finally resorting to a phone call, I was told the German mail could be slow, but I was assured parts were on the way, and that they would resend more anyway. Only one set arrived, so obviously they forgot the first time, as it took another 2 weeks for the parts to show up after the phone call. I'm still missing one set, and I've had to use a jury rigged thing to get the mouse pad plate to not flop about as it is missing 1 of the 2 securing points needed. I won't be buying from them again, I had planned on setting up another of our gaming PC stations with another 3 or 4 mounts as I have with mine so I can do HOSAS for space sims on it as well, but I'll be going elsewhere this time. For over $850s, I was pretty unimpressed with missing not 1 but 2 sets of parts, one of which I haven't and will never get I'm sure, and it taking almost 7 weeks to get just one of these sets of parts. From the time I ordered until I finally got enough parts to assemble the 3 desk mounts (remember one part of one is still jury rigged to this day), it was 11 weeks. Not the best customer service by a long shot. The products themselves are fantastic though, at least they would be if I had all the parts.

I've got a Pimax5k as well, it doesn't alleviate the issue much. We're talking about a 60 to 90 degree problem here on both sides of your head, something the Pimax POV can't fix, at least not enough to make it even close to the TrackIR capability IMO.

I can confirm Rudel is correct, I tried endlessly to try and get snapviews to give me the option while in VR to look behind/check 6, or at least get me close to behind the 3 to 9 line. It's a no go in DCS (hopefully for the moment). Aces High has a great implementation (game I came from) for VR which lets you use a hat view or any bindable key/button/hat that lets you set views to any angle/direction, including your 6 oclock. Sort of like having the best of both worlds vis a vis TrackIR and VR regarding your head/views position. I realize there are VR "purists" who dislike this notion, but in reality we have this thing called peripheral vision, which lets us use our eyes in order to see behind our aircraft without having to get your head pointed directly aft, which you pretty much have to do in VR as VR doesn't model periph vision. In reality if you get your head to about 4 or 4:30 or 8/7:30 oclock your eyes can do the rest. TrackIR pilots have a huge advantage in terms of keeping track of threats/planes in the rear quarters over VR, but that could be greatly mitigated if DCS sometime could figure out a way to have the snapviews work as stated above in another game or two. It's so close to perfect IMO now, and that'd really push it over the top so far as being competitive in PvP in DCS while using VR vs TrackIR/2d pilots. But, for now, again, no go, you just have to live with not being able to see behind yourself easily or quickly like TiR right now. If you fly the F15 you can use the "F4" key IIRC to get a rear view, and in single player this works really well actually I've found while in VR, but as it's an external view (I think), I'd imagine it's disabled in PvP servers (someone who flies PvP online would have to confirm this).

If Houthi rebs can launch a Russian AAM from the back of a pickup truck and hit an advanced F15 Strike Eagle variant, I'm sure that the Iranian AF can figure out how to launch Russian/Soviet AAMs from an F14, haha.

Wow, rare find to have some in such great condition. I have a couple myself, one set close to this, one not so much. If I lived in Europe I'd be all over this, great deal and find for anyone there IMO, especially with the F16 module coming soon.

Rel4y is the guy you want to contact here about TM Cougar throttle parts/upgrades. Very simple and inexpensive to turn your Cougar throttle into something fantastic (including USB mod). https://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=220916 This is the way to go IMO - even IF TM comes out with a new F16 like throttle, this type of upgrade(s) will probably still be pretty competitive with that IMO. Regarding the Virpil WarBrd with the TM Cougar/WH stick - it's very accurate around the center, I'll usually put a 1 or 2 deadzone in my DCS stick settings axis mod for both roll and pitch, just to minimize and accidental bumps which will affect autopilot/whatever. With that setting and the Virpil stick software set to stock everything, I can draw incredibly accurate pictures with the stick, only the T50 and VKB Gunfighter can do the same. Getting beads on targets when fighting guns is how I judge a stick (I've played Warbirds and Aces High for 22 years now), in DCS as well, and the best option I've used (I have every Hotas out there, and then some), I prefer this setup for DCS (Virpil WB base with a TM WH/Cougar stick). Very, very accurate in terms of getting that xhair on the target for guns attacks.

I own several of all the above. My opinion is that the TM Warthog gimbal is sort of like a 1989 Hyundai. It'll work for a year, and then start crapping out. That's been my experience with 4 WH sticks so far. Every single one has needed to be pulled apart, have the ring replaced, and be thoroughly cleaned and re greased properly. Even after that it's still a crappy gimbal IMO, but at least it works. Now simply Google VKB/Virpil sticks and have a look at how their internals/gimbals are constructed. Much better design, massively improved materials, etc etc etc. The one thing that TM does have is a nice metal WH/Cougar stick. The metal stick/buttons are well built and sturdy - it's just the heart of that stick/system, the gimbal, is crapola. And good luck getting support after your 1 year warranty is up, and even before, it's been my experience that it is a major PITA to deal with them. Exact opposite experience with Virpil, VKB as well, although I've not needed them for much other than software explanation. Virpil my only issue was minor and just a connector that had been installed the wrong way or been twisted backwards by customs. Still, I've had Virpil within 3 hours inside my PC fixing software issues after filling out a ticket. IMO if you want a great setup for the upcoming F16, get yourself a WH or Cougar stick, and a Virpil Warbrd base. The feeling with stock springs/cams and a metal TM stick is absolutely perfect, and your entire stick portion of the hotas is 90% metal. Good times. Then get a Cougar throttle and mod it with the sensors/parts available here. That's what I've done at least.

It could be a result of the memory leak fix, which could have a huge impact on overall performance in both 2d and VR, with or without any specific VR optimization.

I saw some pretty noticeable improvement in VR early this AM with the new update as well. I was wondering if the "Memory Leak" line in the notes referred to the VR update, or if it was something separate. Either way, I'm certain it isn't a placebo effect or whatever, something ED did in this update has helped VR performance, at least IMO. If it isn't the VR improvement Wags/etc have been talking about, then I'm REALLY looking forward to that, as so far things have already much improved with whatever else was fixed in the update.

I sold both of my Odyssey+ over the last few days, I'm keeping the Rift S. The Rift S is just superior to the Odyssey+ in my experience and opinion for DCS. I wouldn't have guessed that'd end up being the case based on specs, but it is. We'll see what the Reverb is like shortly, but even if it's great, the Rift S is still an excellent Vr HMD for DCS or any cockpit sim/game.

No sense repeating what Augustus has said, I agree. I've only had the Pimax for 6 weeks (5k), and the Rift S since May 25. I've not really used my Pimax since getting the Rift S, and I sold my Odyssey+ (2 of them) in the last couple days, as there is no going back to them for me. The Rift S is the best option until the Reverb is checked out iMO. The Pimax is also a giant PITA to get set up, the software is finicky, tinkering is a very kind way to put it, hah. Rift S is a snap, and Oculus really know what they're doing in terms of games/drivers/etc. I'll likely keep the one Rift S I have right now, and get a couple Reverbs and sell the Pimax, so long as the Reverbs check out as advertised.

I may do the same, or keep both, as I really like the Rift S, regardless of how much better the Reverb may be. We'll see when Amazon Canada or the HP Canada store gets stock. HP Canada has the Pro listed for $844 but out of stock. I have until June 24 to return my Rift S to the Microsoft Canada store, so we'll see.

Fantastic. Interested in hearing your impression of it with DCS, and perhaps how it compared to the Rift S/other HMDs that you've used.

It's been a while since I've used the Occulus system, but now that I'm using the Rift S I'm looking for the best settings, both in the Occulus software settings and in game in DCS. Can some of you with the Rift S and the 2080ti/9900k/etc type systems sound off and post your settings in terms of DCS options and PD settings, as well as the Rift S settings page in the Occulus software. Thanks in advance.

The OP isn't the authority on 4k gaming either, not with that monitor IMO. I've had several 4k gaming monitors, and the only ones that really do gaming justice right now are the 144hz Pred x27 or the Asus PG27UQs. I've had the Vive, Vive Pro, Odyssey, Odyssey+, and Rift S now. You get something different out of VR, although I do agree that the visuals aren't nearly what you get with a good 1440p or 4k GAMING monitor. If I was playing competitive PvP online, I might prefer an lcd over VR due to the spotting range capability as well as the trackIR advantage so far as being able to rapidly and easily look around behind your aircraft. Single player, I might prefer the immersion that VR gives me. It's very subjective IMO.

I'm going to take a guess that this is due to them updating it with an English/etc Ecommerce site that features the new Hotas. Just a guess, but a logical one IMO.

I've you're going to mount your future/new stick in the center and use extensions, IMO get the T50 or the new T50 coming out shortly. While you CAN use extensions with the Warbrd, it wasn't designed for it, and the throw length of the stick can be compromised a bit when you add extensions, while the T50 was designed specifically FOR extension use. I have both, and will tell you from my experience the T50 works much better/easier with extensions than the Warbrd does. IF you were going to use this new stick as a side stick controller, I'd say Warbrd all the way, a Warbrd with a TM Warthog or Cougar stick is fantastic, and probably my favorite hotas setup for jets right now. However since you want it center mounted, go with the current or future T50 and buy the extensions that you want. I have some VKB Gunfighters right now, but I haven't used extensions with them, so I can't comment on how they work, but there are some YT videos I'll find and edit in the links later about this. I will say that availability wise it's difficult to get any of these sticks, but I've found that getting a Virpil unit is typically faster and simpler than a VKB one in terms of being in stock.

Thanks WinWing, I'm so in as well. I'll take 2, ASAP. Sorry if this has been answered, but are the desk mounts adjustable in height? I assume they are, it's just difficult to tell from the pictures. I love what this Hotas looks like it has to offer. Modularity, and metal construction. As I've posted, I've been waiting for someone in China to create such a monster, as the current "new" hotas makers all have their manufacturing done in China as well. An "in house" hotas like this can have a lot of advantages in terms of time to get parts, create and innovate, etc. Great work WinWing, I can't wait to get my hands on this and wring it out. Very impressed with what I'm seeing.

Anyone have a link for ShopBit? When I google it I'm not getting anywhere, just page after page of "ShopBOT".

The nephews and niece are only here on 2 weekends plus part of one week a month, and they were left more than ample $ for their care and education, and the rest of their lives if they want, so that's no issue. Gunfighter Mk2Rev vs Virpil T50 or Mongoose. I use both, for different things and for differing reasons. The Virpil units are easily mounted on desk clamps as inexpensive ones have been offered by Virpil for a long time. I do have 1/2 dozen Monster mounts now with corresponding mounting plates for most of the Hotas I want, but that's a recent addition. VKB doesn't offer a mounting solution, you have to purchase one from a company such as Monster, and a single mount is close to $200 CAD delivered here. So, I preferred to use the T50 and Virpil throttle for my DCS desk/pit, as I could have my mouse, keyboard, VR unit, and sticks all backed away from the desk, allowing a bit easier spinning with my swivel chair for VR use checking behind my 3 to 9 line. The Gunfighter can be made much lighter than either of the Virpil sticks, unless you get some aftermarket springs for them. The spring kit included with the VKB stick allows me to make it even lighter than my CH Fighterstick, which I've used for close to 20 years now for competitive online WW2 play. I prefer to have a desktop stick for this, as I have my forearm resting on the desk surface with the stick base fairly far ahead on the desk, right up to the corner of the monitor. This allows me to spend long hours playing without my arm/hands tiring at all, even in constant combat. So for this type of gaming I prefer the Gunfighter, although I CAN make the Warbrd pretty light, with the Cougar stick on the Warbrd base, it's still sits a fair bit higher than I'd like for long hours of play, but it's still pretty good if you haven't developed muscle memory over the years as I have. One thing I do think that VKB has over Virpil is the connectors. VKBs are very, very solid, they just feel strong when you click that stick in. Virpil uses the TM system, which leaves much to be desired by comparison. I know why they did this, to make TM sticks easily compatible, and I understand that decision from a business perspective, but most of me wishes they'd made a similar connector to VKB and just provided adapters. All the stick types between the two companies, the VKB MCG and Kosomina, and the Virpil original T50, the new T50CM2, the WarBrd, and the Delta - it's 5/6 and pick em, they are all made of decent plastic construction, and all offer various things (ie analogue mini stick on some, etc). The gimbal in the VKB GF Mk2Revb IMO was slightly superior to the original T50. The Warbrd's is simpler than the T50, a slight improvement over it IMO. The new T50 coming out looks fantastic, and will put it on top or at worst tied with the GF in terms of quality, efficient design, and ease of changing things out. So, the TilDeer/tl;dr is I prefer the GF for WW2 games due to the nature of wanting to play on desktop, and the Virpil sticks/throttle for everything else, especially DCS. Should note that Virpil has a great throttle with an improved model with an alg/mini stick coming out in a month, while VKB has no throttle at all yet.

A friend of mine from AH3, who is x US Army SF, is jumping in from a DC3 with a whole bunch of other vets, there may even be an original 101st guy jumping in tandem with them (insane at his age, but go him edit- just found out there is TWO original vets jumping in now..wahoo). Incidentally he's the person that introduced me to Virpil when they first started up, he was in the US Army SF unit then operating in their home country, and he met them first hand and got an early T50 from them. I hope to get some vid from that jump, if/when I do I'll post it.

Two reasons - first, as I said when I used to run the largest sim site on the net/community circa 99 to 2004 (combatsim.com, 250k registered forum users, 1 mil unique hosts per month, 40 mil hits/month, 15 mil IPO with Snowball right when the dot.com crash happened and killed us..etc etc), I would get every hotas made for free to test/eval. Pulling them apart and tinkering with them just became a hobby. I just enjoyed collecting them all. Now, I have 3 teens we're the legal guardians of now which all love PC gaming, and 2 are into flight sims and flying as much or more than I (niece is student in a flight school bach program right now, and is planning on joining the RCAF to be a pilot shortly too). Thus I need at least 4 hotas setups to keep the arguing to a minimum just to start with. I also still collect the higher end units still, after spending much of the 2000s in the mid-east working, I retired on medical in 2010, and have had the means to pretty much do as I want so far as collecting/hobbies/etc. I buy at least one of every new thing that catches my eye so far as hotas and PC/Sim gaming. I also collect pocket knives, and AR15 type rifles and carbines (hundreds of pocket knives, 20+ AR type rifles). I used to own and operate a large range and training facility in the firearms/training industry, and the same applies vis a vis collecting rifles/handguns here. I also worked for Sig Sauer as and adjunct instrcutor with the Sig Sauer Academy, and have a large number of Sig handguns, rifles, and sub/pistol caliber subguns. So, PC gaming/tech is probably the least expensive hobby I have, and that the missus tolerates well because she's a PC gamer as well.

As I said, I knew I was forgetting a bunch of stuff. My favorite combo is actually the Cougar stick on the Warbrd base. It's very light with stock gimbal springs/cams, as the stick is heavier than what it's designed primarily for (Virpil plastic sticks). For better or worse, Virpil went with the TM type pin connector for the sticks. You can pull them out a bit on the Virpil sticks to make them easier to connect. The Cougar stick has the pinky switch in a more comfortable place than the Warthog stick for me, which is why I prefer using it. It's nearly as light as a CH stick in this config. When the F16 comes out, I'll be using a modded/upgraded Cougar throttle with the better sensors/etc and USB connector, along with the Cougar Stick on the Warbrd gimbal. Perfect for the Falcon... VKB you need an adapter to use TM sticks on their bases. The connector is superior and stronger IMO, however it's a PITA to get a hold of the adapters, always back-ordered, I have a single one, that's it. TM sticks work well on the GF base too.