VKB T-rudder pedals

[Lovebrrt]

Hi!

 

Anyone have experience with VKBs rudder pedal? The overall build quality looks great, and ive been looking for pedals that fit helicopters and my office more than my saiteks.

 

Would love to hear morw about these little babies.

 

Regards,

 

Lou

[WildBillKelsoe]

I haven't but the build looks great. I think this would complement the UH-1H on those long haul flights, but still I need to get a flightseat.

[Bourrinopathe]

Hi there,

 

I now own the T-Rudder pedals MkII.

 

 

They're my first rudder control device, so I won't be able to compare it to the different popular pedals around like the hi-grade MFG Crosswind rudder pedals or the more common Saitek Combat rudder pedals.

 

I used them for about 15 hours of flight mostly with the Su-27 for DCS World, and a bunch of hours with the helos and other aircrafts.

 

They don't have differential brakes axis. They only provide a rudder control axis.

I know it's possible to configure the axis with the VKB Device Config software to simulate two brakes axis (with compromises) but I didn't test it yet as I don't use them.

 

I've chosen the T-Rudder pedals for two main reasons:

I didn't want a bulky device under the desk with oblique/frontal feet movements, and the T-rudder pedals and my Black Mamba control stick will use the same USB port (when the integrated controller will become available) (and share the same configuration/profile).

 

I really like the simple design and build. For me, less mobile parts means better durability and reliability. Plus, it's easy to move, put aside or away as you desire.

 

The build quality is excellent. Everything is steel w/ aluminium pads, ball bearings everywhere (the two cylindrical pedals roll freely), and 11bit magnetoresistive sensor.

The axis plate mecanism (two-way cam ?) is reversible if you need a smoother center position (helos). The mecanism is really easy to disassemble.

 

 

After a few hours, the pedals start to make a very light creaking noise. Nothing distracting but it was that distinctive sound a spring friction makes.

I greased the spring contact points and the rolling part touching the "plate" with a Teflon grease I use for my bike and it's now perfectly silent again.

Imo, the default tension feels really comfortable. Firm enough with a clear center position and smooth enough for the precise adjustments (runway alignment and such).

 

Assembling and adjusting the pedals was super-easy (no tech skills required) and it's fully plug-and-play. All I had to do is to connect the RJ-45 cable to the pedals and the Tiny BOX, and the USB cable to the Tiny BOX and the PC.

Next, I launched DCS and configured the new axis in the controls option menu. I set the curve to 30 for a smooth control around the center position (very comfortable for the tight turns a few meters above the ground, for example).

 

So far, I'm absolutely satisfied.

The pedals are easy to use with or without shoes and you can easily rest your feet by moving them under the cylindrical pedals (keeping them on the pedals is also comfortable).

From the neutral position to the bottom, the pedals motion is about 5 centimeters (2 inches).

It's a perfect match with the helos and it's a delight to fly the Flanker with it.

 

In the past, I only experienced the rudder controls with a twist stick and a rotary. I'm amused how wrong I was about that essential part of the flight controls :D

 

If you have any question about the T-rudder pedals MkII, just ask. I'll do my best to answer.

 

And thanks to ВКБ for such a great device ;)

Edited April 23, 2015 by Bourrinopathe

[Sokol1_br]

I use one T-Rudder at about one month in Black Shark and find perfect.

 

Using the default cam are a noticeable center position in fast rudder movements and almost non noticeable in slow movements, eg. align to target.

 

Since is good in this way, I dont try reversing the cam - the other curve is more suitable for helicopter, or have less noticeable center - as I use the pedal in IL-2 CloD and BoS too.

 

They don't have differential brakes axis. They only provide a rudder control axis.

I know it's possible to configure the axis with the VKB Device Config software to simulate two brakes axis (with compromises) but I didn't test it yet as I don't use them.

 

What is possible do is use the function A2B (axis to button) in VKB software and set the pedal to press virtual buttons, e.g 1, 2, 3.

In game set 1 for left rudder, 3 for right. 2 is the center position and has no use in game.

 

http://forum.il2sturmovik.ru/uploads/monthly_04_2015/post-979-0-84076200-1429449494.jpg

http://forum.il2sturmovik.ru/uploads/monthly_04_2015/post-979-0-32839400-1429449498.jpg

http://forum.il2sturmovik.ru/uploads/monthly_04_2015/post-979-0-55523100-1429449490.png

 

In the game IL-2 BoS this buttons is not needed because to make the game more compatible with "3in1" joysticks (these with "twist rudder") the "differential brakes" used in Russian and British planes - press the key/button for brake both wheels and move rudder pedal right or left to brake only one wheel - is modeled for Luftwaffe planes too, besides the original "toe brakes" system used in these planes. A good dev's compromise. :)

 

 

In this video the Bf 109 brake pedals proportional movement back and forth is controlled by T-Rudder left/right movement, not by "toe brakes".

 

The previously pedal that I use is a Tm RCS modified to USB with Mjoy controller, and briefly CH PRO Pedal. T-Rudder was a big improvement in easy to use and precision.

 

I notice the "squeak" of the center spring too in big pedal movements, but very discreet, not disturb.

 

The ergonomics of this pedal is ideal for "office chair virpilov" - these that use conventional chairs and sit with column at ~90 degrees of legs, because the foot movement is vertical , with heels firm on floor and not horizontal.

 

(IMO) Sitting with column at ~90 degrees and move these horizontal movement pedals disturb the body balance, what make the pedal use tiresome in prolonged use.

This dont happen using T-Rudder.

 

Horizontal movement pedals fit better with more "fighter pilot" seat - or one more reclined - but this is matter of opinion. :thumbup:

 

Other than this I agree 100% with Burrinopathe wrote above. :thumbup:

 

BTW - With some kind of support this pedal can be mounted as "helicopter pedal" in simpits.

Edited April 23, 2015 by Sokol1_br

[Sokol1_br]

Playing with A2B (axis to button) function for brakes I end dividing the axis in 5 bands - and 5 buttons. Buttons 1 and 5 are assigned for left and right brakes, the others have no function.

 

 

This allow the brake press happen more near end of axis course, allowing small rudder corrections without brake input. If want brake push more the rudder.

 

I try with 7 and 9 too, but think 5 is good compromise, with only 3 buttons brakes became too critical, dont allow use only small rudder inputs.

 

Manage to take off, landing and taxi the DCS Bf 109 "haunted" K-4 in one piece using T-Ruder and A2B for "toe brakes". :)

Edited April 24, 2015 by Sokol1_br
mistype

[Bourrinopathe]

Thanks for the tip Sokol!

That configuration tricks should be really useful for some aircraft.

 

I think the MiG-15bis also uses the rudder+brake behavior you described. It's easily manageable with the T-Rudder pedals.

[Sokol1_br]

I think the MiG-15bis also uses the rudder+brake behavior you described. It's easily manageable with the T-Rudder pedals.

 

Mig-15 (Mig-21, Ka50, Mi-8...) use Differential Brakes, press the brake lever in control column and move the rudder bar for left of right to brake more only this respective wheel. As in WWII British fighters (Spit, Hurricane...) and some post war jets. For these the A2B is not needed.

 

This A2B is needed for planes that use "toe brakes" like P-51, Bf 109, Fw 190 (or modern jets) since the wheels brake in these planes use individual pedal brake for each wheel.

Edited April 24, 2015 by Sokol1_br

[NeilWillis]

For purely helicopter flight they're good, but I'd recommend toe brakes if you fly anything else at all in DCS World.

 

For that reason alone, I'd suggest MFG Crosswinds are a better choice

[Bourrinopathe]

Well, I have considered buying the Crosswind pedals as I'm not on a budget, and I think there should be several factors to think about.

The Crosswind are way more bulky and as Sokol perfectly described it, the motion is less appropriate for a pure desktop configuration with a classic desk chair body position. At least, that's my opinion too.

 

The separate brake axis are a significant difference too, and the Crosswind pedals are the weapon of choice for a perfect control in that regard.

It depends on what you're going to fly.

I'm mainly flying the Su-27 for DCS World and the other Russian aircraft in some extent. So far, the T-Rudder feels perfect for that.

 

The price is also different: 320€ for the Crosswind and about 220€ for the T-Rudder MkII (including VAT for both).

 

As always we'll need to choose the right tool for the right task.

I think the Crosswind and the T-Rudder are on a different game.

Edited April 24, 2015 by Bourrinopathe

[Sokol1_br]

DCS TF-51D and Bf 109 K-4 taxi with T-Rudder A2B brakes as "toe brakes".

 

 

Not perfect but satisfactory ground control for me, after all aircraft are for fly and not for "road and track". :D

 

EDIT - Of course, if one can afford a MFG Crosswind, Slaw F-16 or VKB RDR XXI, go for it.

 

A minor inconvenience is when fly (brake) in Spit', Hurri', G.50, Yak-1, Lagg-3, La-5, Mig-15... :joystick:

Edited April 25, 2015 by Sokol1_br

[Lovebrrt]

I completely forgot about this thread, but I actually bought these pedals. I am extremely satisfied with the handling, works great with the Mig-21. The fact that they don't have any toebrakes isn't a very big problem, since the braking system in the WWII fighters of DCS work great bound to a button. The only problem I have with them is a minor nuisance, and is because of the speaking of the springs, which I haven't been able to remove. However, I don't hear it through my headphones, so I don't mind.

 

Thanks for the tips Sokol, I will try this solution for braking.

 

Other than that, the design is very robust and solid, and I highly recommend it! Now if I could only get my hands on a black mamba...

[Bourrinopathe]

It's great to ear you finally chose the T-Rudder and you're fully satisfied ;)

 

Since I greased the spring they're perfectly silent. All you have to do is to remove the main mechanism and grease the contact points.

In the following picture, I greased the spring contact/anchor points and the ball bearing (rolling side)(for good measure). [yellow points]

There are four bolts you'll need to remove to extract the mechanism [blue points]. (remove the ball heads on the clamp first)

 

 

I used that Teflon grease but any good grease would do the trick.

[Bourrinopathe]

Here's a detailed review of the new T-Rudder version (MkIII) on Mudspike.

 

 

The recent partnership with Stratojet will also improve VKB's devices availability in the US :thumbup:

[Bourrinopathe]

And here's a fresh interactive presentation:

 

[Sokol1_br]

[rrohde]

 

This was really useful, Sokol1!

[rrohde]

Screenshot of the hopefully soon to be released "virtual toe-brakes" configuration for the T-Rudder Pedals:

 

[Bourrinopathe]

Thanks for the info rrohde! That's a pretty neat UI.

 

For those who aren't visiting the official forum, the virtual toe-brakes software beta test has been delayed due to the important production process for the new devices (Gladiator, FBM Vintage, etc.).

 

I'll be happy to test those toe-brakes with the Mustang as soon as the beta is ready.