VKB Gladiator WWII joystick

[LeCuvier]

Correction from Eduard

 

Eduard wrote today: "I have to correct myself. Actually, I was confused about Warthog adaptor plans for Gladiator Pro.

We will offer Warthog adaptors for Gladiator Pro.

We will not offer an extensions for grips due to gimbal design but you didn't ask me about it. However, I mixed things up.

Adaptors already produced but we have a delay related to the firmware. It uses different wiring now, comparing Black Mamba lines. Therefore, the adaptors should be used with the special firmware."

This leaves still an issue open for me: Today I use the TM Warthog joystick with an extension from MFG. I guess I will not be advisable to use the extension with the Gladiator Pro base, due to the gimbal design. On the other hand, if the Gladiator Pro gimbal has a smoother response around the center position, I might not need an extension any more.

[Kailorn]

After UIV clarification (thanks a lot man), I owe you all my apologies for overreacting. I started shooting them before the trial was over.

 

I still believe comunication has a lot of margin to improve with vkb customers, but that doesnt justify my own mistakes. Sorry guys

[kverdon]

THANKS!!!!! That is great news. Wish it had a come a tad earlier but welcome none the less. Sorry to have put VKBs head on the block prematurely. It does show however that good, frequent communication,especially when there has been a delay of a product, helps keep bad information in check.

 

Again, VKB does not get a complete pass here. Had this information been available a month ago, when the adapters were delayed, then none of the frustration would have occurred and we would all be patiently awaiting their release.

Edited October 12, 2016 by kverdon

[dburne]

That certainly is good news, hopefully all of this will be ready when the Gunfighter is released.

[FalcoNg]

Glad I decided to hold off on cancelling my gladiator pro order until hearing official word on the matter. I guess I'll just continue to wait patiently until the restock arrives, although knowing an estimated arrival date would be nice.

 

Curious, does anyone have an estimate of the cost for the warthog adapter coming for the gladiator?

 

How much did the adaptor cost for the mamba?

[SVgamer72]

I also fully apologize to VKB for questioning their intentions.

 

A little information goes a long way. Thank you for the clarification.

[Sokol1_br]

Javelin first impression (from Reddit):

 

 

FYI - Those OEM versions is not VKB product! ... only their creation. :)

Edited October 13, 2016 by Sokol1_br

[cichlidfan]

I realize that the language barriers can cause problems, but did the words 'extension' and 'adapter' translate that poorly.

 

Please, in the future, ensure that you are reporting correct information.

 

Personally, I will reserve judgement until the adapter is available, but I would expect better, more accurate communication, from anyone running a for profit business.

[Bourrinopathe]

^ interesting overview/review of the Javelin. Thanks for sharing.

 

As suggested in the video, the "wobble" of the grip feels/looks slightly different on my Gladiator. Close, but shorter/smoother on the Gladiator.

Maybe they used a different grease in the gimbal.

 

 

The pads underneath the metal base plate are also different. Silicon pads are used on the Gladiator iirc. Great grip on different surfaces (I tried: wood, synthetic desk surface, book hard cover, cloth mouse pad).

 

One thing about the PoV design: it's low profile, so less comfortable to push in different directions (compared to a classic china hat - and that's also why it's more difficult to use as a thrusters control in the space sims (Elite: Dangerous)), but the design is closer to a push button (like the KG-12 button it replaces) and you can rest your thumb on it without involuntarily triggering an input.

Edited October 13, 2016 by Bourrinopathe

[Sokol1_br]

Even the (rubber) pad placement is not in the best possible position in OEM:

 

image hosting no account

[Sokol1_br]

Gunfighter status (UIV-VKB):

 

"Firmware for use Warthog adapters on Gladiator Pro/Gunfighter - completed.

Gunfighter - started making pre-production sample.

Mechanics (gimbal) - completed.

Electronics - completed.

(Base) housing - completed.

Working on the package."

 

Next in "to do" list:

 

Gunfighter release.

KG12 grip (plastic) with twist rudder for Gladiator PRO/Gunfighter.

Throttle.

"Jet" grip for Gladiator PRO/Gunfighter.

 

ETA - "Two weeks, be sure.™" :)

 

About metal grips (KG12 ready for production in metal) - postponed for after release of grip for Jet/KosmoSim:

 

"After the grip for Jet's. We felt that a functional grip for modern aviation/KosmoSim is more important than the Pro version (metal) of the existing KG12 grip. Therefore, the priority changed."

 

Gladiator PRO/Gunfighter plastic KG12 grips come with metal trigger - the plastic version of Gladiator and OEM had cases of break.

Edited November 1, 2016 by Sokol1_br

[Neurowork]

That is good news. Thanks for the update !

Where was that published ?

[rrohde]

Good info, Sokol!

 

Do you happen to know if the new "modern" grip will fit on the Mamba MkIII as well?

[Bourrinopathe]

I bet it will require an adapter, but it will most certainly be compatible with the Mamba base. That's the whole point of the modular design.

 

But you'll want to get a Gunfighter anyway :)

 

And they should call that future space sim grip the Kosmosimo. It sounds wonderfully. I'll get the Champagne.

Edited November 1, 2016 by Bourrinopathe

[rrohde]

But you'll want to get a Gunfighter anyway :)

 

That's definitely on my list... :)

[Sokol1_br]

That is good news. Thanks for the update !

Where was that published ?

 

In IL-2 forum (Russian), VKB section, answering Russian guys.

 

Lurking through Google translator you get things like this:

 

"- Whistles and kosmosima: plastic budget pen (also consider a mirrored copy of the plastic handle of the budget under the left arm); " :D

 

 

Do you happen to know if the new "modern" grip will fit on the Mamba MkIII as well?

 

Not know specifically, but think that will be just matter to buy that extra 3 to 5 wires adapter for Mamba controller board and update firmware.

 

http://forum.vkb-sim.pro/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=2222

http://forum.il2sturmovik.ru/topic/3472-oficialnyj-anons-ot-vkb-i-stratojet-na-modelnyj-ryad-2015-20/page-10#entry466120

 

uiv, on Oct 31 2016 - 22:45, said:

We have plans two modern pens with different design.

Those planned lineup:

- Period of WWII and the early jet aircraft: budget plastic KG12; expensive metal KG12.

- Whistles and kosmosima: budget plastic pen (also consider a mirrored copy of the plastic handle of the budget under the left arm); expensive metal handle.

These are the plans. *

 

Soothsayer! :D

 

In the best show as long as I can not, sorry.

Plastic handle, the number of buttons - 21.

We will try to stick to twist, but there is not enough space.

Brake lever - a separate module that is mounted on the extension tube.

While such a concept, but it can change.

If all goes as planned, we are planning a mirror version of the handle under the left arm.

Mocap final not be even.

 

* Is just matter of time... and money. :)

Edited November 20, 2016 by Sokol1_br

[Sokol1_br]

Gunfighter "footprint":

 

http://forum.il2sturmovik.ru/uploads/monthly_11_2016/post-979-0-98983000-1479011934.jpg

Edited October 23, 2019 by Sokol1_br

[Rangi]

Thanks for posting Sokol1_br, looks like it will just fit my stand. Has there been any updates on an expected release date for the gunfighter?

Edited November 15, 2016 by Rangi
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[Neurowork]

Nice !!

 

Thanks a lot for the info. Keep 'em coming :)

 

Cheers !

[kverdon]

Any update on when the Warthog Adapter will be available??

[LeCuvier]

Any update on when the Warthog Adapter will be available??

On 16-NOV-2016, Eduard from VKB FSC Europe wrote to me:

"I am expecting to receive the adaptors in 1-2 weeks from now. "

Edited November 24, 2016 by LeCuvier

[Sokol1_br]

Gunfighter news (GT):

 

In anticipation of the sample Gunfighter production lay out some information before the announcement.

Default Gunfighter will be equipped with KG12 (plastic) grip, which is also used in the Gladiator/Gladiator Pro joystick.

 

 

 

We continue to work on our new grip "Kosmosimov" (& whistles).

The work is still a lot, I hope we are on the right track.

 

 

 

If all goes according to plan, Gunfighter and Gladiator Pro will be platforms for the installation of the following grips:

 

- KG12 (this handle is already being used in the Gladiator/Gladiator Pro)

- KG12Pro ( KG12 metal version, the development of this grip is finished, but the mold has not yet launched)

- Handle Kosmosimov/(whistles) (under development)

- Copy (replica of some) number of grip for modern aviation (development will continue after the end of the work on the handle Kosmosimov).

 

You can use the grip of sticks from other manufacturers (via adapters):

 

-Thrustmaster Warthog (Cougar) (already made).

-Defender Cobra M5 (under development)

 

Adapters for grip from joysticks Saytek not planed.

Saitek product is bad for improvements.

Do not consider this post to be a VKB commitment. I just shared plans.

Great changes have taken place in the WKB, very much hope that the better. While more can not tell.

Edited November 26, 2016 by Sokol1_br

[kverdon]

So for us folk in the US, is their someone that we can purchase the Adpapter from? VKB US is now Kaput as the #$%@# Jason appears to have folded and pulled the plug. Can we still order from VKB Europe? Is their a link to their web sight now that "GoStratojet" is gone?

[hughlb]

Any word on whether we can purchase an extension with the Gunfighter purchase? Isn't the Gunfighter designed around using an extension (weights etc.)?

[rrohde]

So for us folk in the US, is their someone that we can purchase the Adpapter from? VKB US is now Kaput as the #$%@# Jason appears to have folded and pulled the plug. Can we still order from VKB Europe? Is their a link to their web sight now that "GoStratojet" is gone?

 

Wow... that's explains a lot. I wonder what went down for that to happen? Bummer, really. But sadly, Jason was a rather abrasive guy to deal with, and customer relations should be left with someone more suitable. So maybe it's a good thing?

 

There are a few dedicated VKB fans in the community, so maybe someone can pick up the slack?