My VKB Black Mamba MkIII arrived today... Unboxing Pics!

[Sokol1_br]

Yes! (for the 99th time). :lol:

 

BTW - Warthog owners should see VKB gunfight as upgrade option for their gimbal, back in Cougar hay-days people pay ~400$ for Uber gimbal kits and more $$$ for HALL sensors.

VKB "next gen" gimbal is more advanced (CAM) and their sensors GMR (modern than HALL).

Edited June 9, 2016 by Sokol1_br

[dburne]

Yes! (for the 99th time). :lol:

 

BTW - Warthog owners should see VKB gunfight as upgrade option for their gimbal, back in Cougar hay-days people pay ~400$ for Uber gimbal kits and more $$$ for HALL sensors.

VKB "next gen" gimbal is more advanced (CAM) and their sensors GMR (modern than HALL).

 

Oh yes, I at one time actually had two Cougars along with 2 ea of Ian's NXT gimbal mods along with Hall Sensors. Had one set just as a backup, that I never needed. Man his gimbal design for the Cougar was awesome.

 

I will certainly be looking for this next gen gimbal from VKB, I am pretty happy with my current Warthog setup but am intrigued and may just give it a try, especially since I can use the Warthog grip on it - because I really like those hats/buttons on the Warthog stick.

[MPK]

Thank you Sokol1_br! Apologies for missing any previous answer. I just stumbled upon this thread today, and was not aware of VKB before.

[AstroEma]

How many buttons with the Gunfighter base accept?

I am also looking to replace the hand grip of the Gunfight with the Warthog grip but will the din plug be the same of the Warthog one? And will mapping of the buttons be seamless? Or custom cabling will be needed?

[Sokol1_br]

How many buttons with the Gunfighter base accept?

I am also looking to replace the hand grip of the Gunfight with the Warthog grip but will the din plug be the same of the Warthog one? And will mapping of the buttons be seamless? Or custom cabling will be needed?

 

VKB Njoy32 controller can handle up to 128 buttons - but need a kind of expansion card chained. In their original form can handle all Warthog buttons without any additional card.

 

You dont use the "neck" with PS2 connector and nut of Warthog base, is need open the grip and install VKB adapter inside:

 

 

Look in this how to: http://forum.vkb-sim.pro/viewtopic.php?f=27&p=21543&sid=2b2f2baf1b5c9c8c66760e6641afc4ef#p21543

 

After install VKB adapter the grip dont remain Warthog base compatible until you reinstall the Warthog "neck" back.

 

BTW - VKB adapter allow you offset grip 15º like the Warthog nut allow. And looks better. :)

Edited June 9, 2016 by Sokol1_br

[Bourrinopathe]

A VKB WW2 throttle would be a sensible choice, so it could be paired with their WW2 grip offer and attract/please a vast community.

 

On the other hand, (and imo), the modern (dual)throttle raises interest because, even if the Warthog throttle as some interesting features, it's a replica (less versatile) and lack different controls we'd like to see for the modern jets and space sims (rotaries, quality slew/tdc control, …). Features-wise, I still prefer the X55/X56 dual throttle, but the quality and accuracy/precision is subpar (especially compared to what VKB is able to product (+ magnetoresistive sensors)).

 

There will probably be a considerable demand in the next year(s) as there are several sims/games on their way (DCS F/A-18C + Su-33 naval operations, (third parties modern jets?), FSX/P3D/XPlane/Dovetail Flight Sim/…, Star Citizen, Elite Dangerous, Rogue System, etc.).

 

I don't know how the market will evolve but the forums are not the most reliable tool to estimate the potential success and demand for a specific controller, as only a small part of the users express their interest there.

Thrustmaster has already set its plans with a well-placed (imho) throttle (space sim-friendly, not particularly expensive, and still attractive for the modern fighters (but not a dual-throttle)).

 

Whatever happens, I'll probably buy a VKB WW2 throttle, even if I rarely fly WW2 aircraft, at least to support them (and I'm already waiting to put my hands on the Gladiator).

 

One thing for sure: I'd love to see (and buy) a high quality dual-throttle with clever ergonomics, a quality analog ministick, rotaries, hats/rockers/switches, magnetoresistive sensors (MaRS) everywhere and a powerful controller with programming capabilities (NJoy32) (and with modular design in mind) ;) (it would be very close to perfection in my book)

Edited June 10, 2016 by Bourrinopathe

[Drag0nWIng]

so, sokol,

the TM warthog had already a a-10 throttle and other manufactory could not have another type of modern one? so the pro prop simmer want a wwii style and others would not say they want a modern one? funny, logic?

and I asked Fri where he saw that vkb pic, I didn't talk with you and don't want to see that TM pic via somewhere. is there any business about you? my friend has this mamba and warthog, don't need your meme pic, thanks your kindly heart, pro prop simmer.

[Bourrinopathe]

No need to go all BRRRRT on Sokol, really. He's a very helpful and friendly guy ;)

I'm pretty sure he didn't mean it's not clever or justified to ask for a modern dual-throttle, but just pointed out there would be an active demand on the propeller/WW2 market.

 

That said, VKB already suggested they're working on two different throttle projects and a modern versatile one is definitely on the list.

 

The problem with our niche-market is that they have to aim as precisely as possible to have the opportunity to create more high quality products in the future.

 

Even Thrustmaster is not such a big company and they have to cross their fingers for their new products.

 

There's one powerful way to support VKB and it's with money. (I'd be Trump-rich, I'd know a company I'd support heavily ;) )

Edited June 10, 2016 by Bourrinopathe

[ebabil]

Warthog stick (alone) ~ USD 300

VKB Gunfighter stick (alone) ~ USD 300 [estimated]

 

Warthog 20cm extension ~ USD 90

VKB extension ~ USD 70

 

Now, if want stick AND throttle, then its more complicated:

 

Warthog Stick and Throttle ~ USD 400 [sometimes available on flash sales for $300]

VKB stick and throttle .... ???

 

since i also need a proper throttle, i think best budget solution is that:

 

buying a warthog from 350 usd, then selling it's stick to 200 usd then buying a gladiator from 300

450 usd total for throttle and stick can be considirable.

the annoying part of this, double tax and shipment for two different purchases

[RFC Rudel]

since i also need a proper throttle, i think best budget solution is that:

 

buying a warthog from 350 usd, then selling it's stick to 200 usd then buying a gladiator from 300

450 usd total for throttle and stick can be considirable.

the annoying part of this, double tax and shipment for two different purchases

 

 

Still better than buy a x55 every 6 months........

 

they key here is UPGRADES/PARTS, no more crap products

 

 

VKB provide a unique approach to controllers design based on layer.From Mechanical upgrades to sticks changes, VKB offer a scalable system that allow you to build your simulator according to your need and your wallet

 

we only need to wait to have al the products they have planed

 

[RFC Rudel]

hey bro, where you find that?

I know they are working on the gladiator with throttle, but don't know this cool.

 

(and i sill hope they could develop a modern fighter one with lots of switch and button, just like fat king. LOL)

 

 

I am the Latin American partner.

I have several pictures of the full metal prototype that will blow your mind.(under NDA..sorry)

 

But VKB is quality obsessive and they need money to get this new designs on the market and that's why you have priority on the gladiators line.

 

They are simmers they want the same as you me.

[ebabil]

will there be any differences between gladiator pro and gunfighter pro in terms of quality and precission

[RFC Rudel]

will there be any differences between gladiator pro and gunfighter pro in terms of quality and precission

 

is oriented to the more pro market. The base can be placed on the desktop or easily integrated into a custom home cockpit.

I think that for flor mounted usage the gunfighter is much better than a gladiator pro whit a extension.

In terms of quality is hard to compare 2 products that aim at different market segments.

[Sokol1_br]

so, sokol,

the TM warthog had already a a-10 throttle and other manufactory could not have another type of modern one?

 

Well, VKB say that don't want make what Tm already do. Each with his own "logic".

But they provide option for people that love Cougar/Warthog grips use then in their bases. ;)

 

BTW - Bugeye Tech was "teased" some domestic controllers... :joystick:

 

Modern "more of the same". :thumbup:

Edited June 10, 2016 by Sokol1_br

[Sokol1_br]

will there be any differences between gladiator pro and gunfighter pro in terms of quality and precission

 

The major difference is the concept:

Gunfighter is a joystick projected since the very begin to use (20 cm) extension, but can be used as desktop joystick without.

And other than his plastic (initially, due budget constraint) KG-12 grip is all in metal, supposedly good quality metal (remember Cougar metal).

 

Gladiator PRO - like all other joysticks - is a desktop joystick, not properly suitable to use extension.

Edited June 10, 2016 by Sokol1_br

[SinusoidDelta]

Installing dampers on the axes would be a treat. I'm pretty sure VKB has already thought about that but as always it's probably all about production cost and mechanical effectiveness, reliability and refinement.

VO101_MMaister used viscous dampers on a custom gimbal and flight stick. The result is very interesting, to say the least.

 

 

 

 

It would be fantastic to see something similar offered as an option for the future VKB gimbals (Gunfighter or any future gimbal evolution) (and if it could be adapted to the current gimbal design).

 

I somehow missed reading this before. Those are perfect. The question is how to get your hands on them.....

 

I looked up the supplier. Looks like they're an aerospace manufacturer / contractor specializing in control loading. That's wonderful!

 

Did you contact them personally? They have no catalog.

[Bourrinopathe]

That would be the next step for a kickass gimbal, right? ;)

 

No, I didn't contact them, but I checked the price back then (available in a .pdf), and it was painful (I can't recall how painful exactly but definitely something as high as several hundreds of dollars per unit).

VO101_MMaister found them on eBay (it was far more affordable).

[rrohde]

There has to be some alternative to add to the Mamba in terms of dampers... Going to look into that as well, since even with the stronger springs for the extension, and the rather lightweight Mamba default grip, a stiffer resistance would be desirable.

 

Found this old (from 2010) thread ... I like what he did there: http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=50522

Edited June 21, 2016 by rrohde

[Bourrinopathe]

Those shock absorbers are far more affordable and probably rather easy to install as well.

And they exist in different sizes (depending on the remote car scale). It sounds really interesting.

(and if it's not strong enough there's the bikes steering dampers)

 

I'd love to see a VKB modular damping kit available as an option (especially for the use of an extender).

 

As a side note, and if I translated correctly, I've read that VKB added something new to the Gunfighter - something not available on the other flight sticks. I was hoping for some clever dampening solution but I'm probably wrong.

 

(for those interested, here's the original thread about that wonderful work by VO101_MMaister @ SimHQ)

(and btw, those viscous dampers cost $580 each ;) )

Edited June 21, 2016 by Bourrinopathe

[rrohde]

Those shock absorbers are far more affordable and probably rather easy to install as well.

And they exist in different sizes (depending on the remote car scale). It sounds really interesting.

(and if it's not strong enough there's the bikes steering dampers)

 

Exactly. Allows for some experimentation that way without hurting the wallet too much :thumbup:

 

I'd love to see a VKB modular damping kit available as an option (especially for the use of an extender).

 

They should really consider that!

 

As a side note, and if I translated correctly, I've read that VKB added something new to the Gunfighter - something not available on the other flight sticks. I was hoping for some clever dampening solution but I'm probably wrong.

 

One can only hope. Wish they would give us some more sneak-peaks into their "secrets" :)

[Bourrinopathe]

Exactly. Allows for some experimentation that way without hurting the wallet too much :thumbup:

 

Thank you for volunteering for the experiment :lol: and don't forget to link a video.

[rrohde]

Thank you for volunteering for the experiment :lol: and don't forget to link a video.

 

I will try that out - but no timeline as to when. :)

[SinusoidDelta]

You can count me in as a Guinea pig:thumbup:

 

Are there any details on the feature being added to the gunfighter?

 

Perhaps we should start a different thread to discuss some methods of control loading. I think there are many ways it could be accomplished through rotary or linear dampers.

[Sokol1_br]

Those shock absorbers are far more affordable and probably rather easy to install as well.

And they exist in different sizes (depending on the remote car scale). It sounds really interesting.

(and if it's not strong enough there's the bikes steering dampers)

 

 

The smaller R/C Damper I find is this Tamiya, 57mm length:

 

http://www.thercracer.com/2014/11/42273-tamiya-trf-short-type-dampers.html

 

I case use without springs.

[rrohde]

The smaller R/C Damper I find is this Tamiya, 57mm length:

 

http://www.thercracer.com/2014/11/42273-tamiya-trf-short-type-dampers.html

 

I case use without springs.

 

Very cool, Sokol. That just might be a starting point to try this idea out! :thumbup: