VKB Cobra M5 or VKB Gladiator for modern sims ?

[EngineerFalcon]

Hello everyone,

 

I'm looking for a replacement for my x52's stick (I'll be keeping the throttle), and since I'm on a small budget and live in Europe I've been considering buying VKB's Cobra M5.

But after a bit of research, I've heard about the upcoming Gladiator. To me, it seems that this stick is more oriented towards prop aircraft - no double trigger, most buttons on the base, etc. which could be a problem for DCS.

 

My main question is, is the Cobra a better choice (quality-wise), or should I stick with the more recent product ?

Oh, and regarding the Cobra : What is the difference between the M5 and the M5 rev.B, since both are being sold ?

 

Thanks in advance.

[Sokol1_br]

Notice that Cobra M5* is not VKB product - is Defender (distributo for low cost hardware in CIS market), although the stick project was done by VKB staff, and the revision 2 (short production in second half of 2012) use VKB electronics (Njoy32 and MaRS digital sensors).

 

The M5 grip design is somewhat based in Su-33 grip, has 2 trigger, POV HAT, 4 way HAT and 3 buttons, this 4 way HAT and 3 buttons has 3 mode, or equals to 21 buttons: 7 physical and more 14 virtual buttons.

 

 

The actual M5 on sales is revision 3 (B), no longer use VKB electronics but low cost Chinese replacement (to improve distributor profit), with analog contactless sensor, anyway better than "entry level" Saitek, Logitech. Read Daisy post there: http://forum.vkb-sim.pro/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=1971

 

The VKB Gladiator (entry level joystick) will use VKB Njoy32 and VKB MaRS digital sensor.

 

From "jet" point of view this grip is too buttons limited, have POV HAT, trigger, 1 button plus a pinky button and the mode button on base double this functions. Well fit nice for... Mig-15. :)

 

image hosting no registration

 

* The confusion is caused by Cobra M5 announcement in Flighsimcontrols - a VKB reseller.

 

Thinking: Since is relative easy use Tm F-16 FLCS, F22 PRO (Cougar and Warthog) grip on VKB Mamba base, maybe with some DIY this old models can be used in Gladiador base, relative easy due use "shift register" circuit in this grips, like in VKB ones.

 

Or, when Replika Grips "take-off" buy a Warthog compatible grip (pre-announced 125$ range) and use in Gladiator base.

 

Or with heavy DIY (need do a shift register PCB - easy) use X-52 grip.

Edited December 8, 2015 by Sokol1_br

[Akki]

...the actual M5 on sales is revision 3 (B), no longer use VKB electronics but low cost Chinese replacement (to improve distributor profit), with analog contactless sensor, anyway better than "entry level" Saitek, Logitech....

 

Question: Is this "Rev.B" precise (like for example as a T.16000M?) and durable enough?

I really hate my X52-Pro spring!

[nervousenergy]

Anxiously waiting for the Gunfighter. Thought about jumping in on the Mamba mkIII just to get my hands on that glorious gimbal, but the buttons on the base would be a total waste for me.

 

The new metal, cam-based gimbal is a work of art.

[rrohde]

The new metal, cam-based gimbal is a work of art.

 

:thumbup:

[Sokol1_br]

Question: Is this "Rev.B" precise (like for example as a T.16000M?) and durable enough?

I really hate my X52-Pro spring!

 

Well, this Defender M-5 rev.B is typical low cost Chinese product...

 

At least on the "paper" T.16000M have a better sensor (Melexis MLX90333 12 bits) that work in digital mode.

 

Better await the release of VKB Gladiator line in Q-1 2016, with VKB electronics (Njoy32, MaRS).

Edited December 30, 2015 by Sokol1_br

[Hummingbird]

The Gladiator joystick looks really nice, definitely going to keep an eye on that.

[Harle]

The new metal, cam-based gimbal is a work of art.

 

We won't know for sure till we try it.

[Akki]

Well, this Defender M-5 rev.B is typical low cost Chinese product...

 

At least on the "paper" T.16000M have a better sensor (Melexis MLX90333 12 bits) that work in digital mode.

 

Better await the release of VKB Gladiator line in Q-1 2016, with VKB electronics (Njoy32, MaRS).

 

But the precision on the Cobra M5 makes it undesirable for DCS? I would like to replace my actual stick for a springless one. The Gladiator looks like a 6 month or year ahead and probably with limited stock at launch.

[Sokol1_br]

The precision is probable 10 bits - on par with Saitek X-52 PRO, but the USB controller is based on old and slow frequency ATMEGA16 mc.

 

Anyway Bauer (Russia) sold upgrade for Cobra M-5, a metal ball bearing gimbal, Komaroff sensors (used in Slaw pedal) and modern USB controller (PIC based).

[The LT]

The precision is probable 10 bits - on par with Saitek X-52 PRO, but the USB controller is based on old and slow frequency ATMEGA16 mc.

 

Anyway Bauer (Russia) sold upgrade for Cobra M-5, a metal ball bearing gimbal, Komaroff sensors (used in Slaw pedal) and modern USB controller (PIC based).

 

Correction: It's Baur, not Bauer and his trademark is BRD. :)

[RFC Rudel]

The precision is probable 10 bits - on par with Saitek X-52 PRO, but the USB controller is based on old and slow frequency ATMEGA16 mc.

 

Anyway Bauer (Russia) sold upgrade for Cobra M-5, a metal ball bearing gimbal, Komaroff sensors (used in Slaw pedal) and modern USB controller (PIC based).

 

 

 

I was thinking on real nice discount for you......but you make it difficult.

[Akki]

The precision is probable 10 bits - on par with Saitek X-52 PRO, but the USB controller is based on old and slow frequency ATMEGA16 mc.

 

Anyway Bauer (Russia) sold upgrade for Cobra M-5, a metal ball bearing gimbal, Komaroff sensors (used in Slaw pedal) and modern USB controller (PIC based).

 

Many thanks for the info Sokol. Those upgrades look very interesting, can them be bought? Baur sells them or he sells a complete modded Cobra M5?

[Sokol1_br]

BAUR sell the Cobra M5 upgrade kit assembled and painted, look in this thread (Use Google Translator):

 

http://avia-sim.ru/forum/viewtopic.php?t=882

 

Don't seems much expensive.

 

BTW - The guy in charge of sales is his co-work Alex [FM] zakaz@brd-tech.ru

 

For BRD electronics reference, see this new Rudder Master controller sensor for rudder pedals:

 

http://avia-sim.ru/forum/viewtopic.php?t=885

 

- Based on ATMEGA32u4 - 500HZ

- Firmware by Mega_MOZG (author of MMJoy2).

- RAMS (Rotary Angle Magnet Sensor) by Komaroff (same used in SLAW pedals)

- PCB by GVL224

Edited January 2, 2016 by Sokol1_br

[Akki]

BAUR sell the Cobra M5 upgrade kit assembled and painted, look in this thread (Use Google Translator):

 

http://avia-sim.ru/forum/viewtopic.php?t=882

 

Don't seems much expensive.

 

BTW - The guy in charge of sales is his co-work Alex [FM] zakaz@brd-tech.ru

 

For BRD electronics reference, see this new Rudder Master controller sensor for rudder pedals:

 

http://avia-sim.ru/forum/viewtopic.php?t=885

 

- Based on ATMEGA32u4 - 500HZ

- Firmware by Mega_MOZG (author of MMJoy2).

- RAMS (Rotary Angle Magnet Sensor) by Komaroff (same used in SLAW pedals)

- PCB by GVL224

 

Many thanks Sokol, very useful info!

Can you help with the translation of this Alex post? (google translator did not help much in this):

http://avia-sim.ru/forum/viewtopic.php?p=28325&sid=f0568511b811815c903c69750ea6dcf2#28325

 

I can understand he talks about two possible upgrades, but can't understand the difference between the two.

 

The BRD electronics are not related to the Cobra right? It's an upgrade for the pedals?

[Sokol1_br]

What he say is the gimbal kit price is 5500.

 

If you want the kit installed and setting in the joystick, this service cost 1500.

 

Yes, the above electronics is for pedal, just for show their work. :thumbup:

[Akki]

What he say is the gimbal kit price is 5500.

 

If you want the kit installed and setting in the joystick, this service cost 1500.

 

Yes, the above electronics is for pedal, just for show their work. :thumbup:

 

Many thanks Sokol! Pm sent.