Introducing the VKB-Sim Gunfighter

[TAnker737]

Do you folks find that the horizontal displacement (forward-aft) of the mounts is sufficient so that the shaft/grip + 20 cm extension does not knock against the table at full forward displacement at all heights?

 

I had to lower it even more then it's meant to go, which means inverting the plate and the support.

as you can see I had to drill the plastic cover on the mount for the cable to go through.

Barely misses my fingers if I move the stick full forward position.

Edited May 11, 2017 by TAnker737

[Dino Might]

So, I got my problems figured - I simply didn't realize that it's recognized as a completely new device.

 

Remapped the A10C controls and TMS long vs short works as normal.

 

Only weird thing now is that I went back and calibrated the stick with the config tool and now the stick light doesn't show on the box. Used to be a green light, now nothing. But the stick works just fine, so I'm not messing with it anymore.

 

I put on the type 50 springs, with no extension. I'm so used to the stock WH gimbal that I needed some more centering, but I like the soft-detent. It's now just about perfect, but I'm wondering if it will center well enough once I put an extension on it.

[Bearfoot]

I had to lower it even more then it's meant to go, which means to invert the plate and the support.

as you can see I had to drill the plastic cover on the mount for the cable to go through.

Barely misses my fingers if I move the stick full forward position.

 

Interesting! Hopefully the upcoming special Gunfighter mounts will allow for more vertical and horizontal displacement ... especially as many folks would be interested in using the larger MCG Pro grip eventually.

 

Also: what's the molecule? :)

Edited May 11, 2017 by Bearfoot

[norbot]

I have installed the updated KG12 grip profile that enables the pinky switch to be a shift button - just as described by rrhode in post #538. It works fine so far, but the "Stick"-LED on the blackbox isn't illuminated any more. Before installing the updated profile the "Stick"-LED was lighted in solid green.

 

As already said, it works fine, but shouldn't the "Stick"-LED be shining in green color? :huh: Also VKBDevCfg-C shows on "Commom -> Global" that my stick has 0 hats and 128 buttons. But that's already been shown before the profile update.

 

Edit: Roll-back to default KG12 profile with 7 buttons didn't change the problem with the unlit "Stick"-LED. I think the guys at VKB should update their black-box firmware, because I don't think it works as it should.

 

Edit #2: Resetting the device to factory default solved the problem with the unlit "Stick"-LED (HowTo: http://forum.vkb-sim.pro/viewtopic.php?f=27&t=2654). Now everything is fine. "Stick"-LED is green, "SYS"-LED is blue. All buttons and axes are OK. :smilewink:

Edited May 11, 2017 by norbot

[dburne]

OK to summarize what I need to do prior to using my new Gunfighter stick:

 

- Remove the Dust Cover. Remove the bottom plate. Remove the top plate. Disconnect the molex connector. Remove the gimbal assembly itself.

- Loosen the dry clutch by loosening the copper nuts used in assembly, Then I guess install the grip, and test the feel of the x and y axis prior to re-assembly and making any adjustments needed on the dry clutch mechanism.

- When satisfied, reinstall gimbal in the housing with the bottom and top plates, and dust cover. Leave the two front screws on the dust cover a turn or two loose.

- Once everything reconnected, plug into PC and then with VKBDevCFG tool calibrate joystick prior to use.

- Once done, assign axis and buttons as normal in the game gui.

- Regarding the lights, if everything proper from what I am reading here should have a red and green light?

 

So does that about cover what I need to do to be able to use this new stick?

Sorry if sound a little stupid, I can be a little thick at times and want to make sure I have what all I need to do layed out proper.

 

Thanks for any tips, always appreciated!

[TAnker737]

Also: what's the molecule? :)

 

A reminder of my younger self :doh:

r/Psychedelics

[Outlaw24]

So, I got my problems figured - I simply didn't realize that it's recognized as a completely new device.

 

Remapped the A10C controls and TMS long vs short works as normal.

 

Only weird thing now is that I went back and calibrated the stick with the config tool and now the stick light doesn't show on the box. Used to be a green light, now nothing. But the stick works just fine, so I'm not messing with it anymore.

 

I put on the type 50 springs, with no extension. I'm so used to the stock WH gimbal that I needed some more centering, but I like the soft-detent. It's now just about perfect, but I'm wondering if it will center well enough once I put an extension on it.

 

I was also able to get my A-10 profile reprogramed/remapped and everthing is fine. Just a few more final adjustments on the stick and I should be good:thumbup:

[rrohde]

So, I got my problems figured - I simply didn't realize that it's recognized as a completely new device.

 

Remapped the A10C controls and TMS long vs short works as normal.

 

Only weird thing now is that I went back and calibrated the stick with the config tool and now the stick light doesn't show on the box. Used to be a green light, now nothing. But the stick works just fine, so I'm not messing with it anymore.

 

I put on the type 50 springs, with no extension. I'm so used to the stock WH gimbal that I needed some more centering, but I like the soft-detent. It's now just about perfect, but I'm wondering if it will center well enough once I put an extension on it.

 

I have an extension, and I use 2x #50 springs per axis because I like that feel. With hardly any damper dialed in, it always returns to center using the soft-center cams.

[rrohde]

OK to summarize what I need to do prior to using my new Gunfighter stick:

 

- Remove the Dust Cover. Remove the bottom plate. Remove the top plate. Disconnect the molex connector. Remove the gimbal assembly itself.

- Loosen the dry clutch by loosening the copper nuts used in assembly, Then I guess install the grip, and test the feel of the x and y axis prior to re-assembly and making any adjustments needed on the dry clutch mechanism.

- When satisfied, reinstall gimbal in the housing with the bottom and top plates, and dust cover. Leave the two front screws on the dust cover a turn or two loose.

- Once everything reconnected, plug into PC and then with VKBDevCFG tool calibrate joystick prior to use.

- Once done, assign axis and buttons as normal in the game gui.

- Regarding the lights, if everything proper from what I am reading here should have a red and green light?

 

So does that about cover what I need to do to be able to use this new stick?

Sorry if sound a little stupid, I can be a little thick at times and want to make sure I have what all I need to do layed out proper.

 

Thanks for any tips, always appreciated!

 

Sounds about right.

 

Pointers:

- when taking the top off, be sure to only use the outer four screw; the inner four screws are what holds the gimbal in place an those screws are not meant to be touched by the user.

- LEDs: with everything seated correctly, there should only be one steady blue LED on

 

As always, any issues, let me know. Here to help.

[norbot]

Sounds about right.

 

...

- LEDs: with everything seated correctly, there should only be one steady blue LED on

...

 

Hi Rainer! Sure about the LEDs? After resetting my Gunfighter to default (post #554) I have a steady blue on SYS and steady green on STICK. I think that's how it should be. Why else would the STICK LED be on the BlackBox, if it wasn't lit, when a stick is connected? :huh:

[rrohde]

Hi Rainer! Sure about the LEDs? After resetting my Gunfighter to default (post #554) I have a steady blue on SYS and steady green on STICK. I think that's how it should be. Why else would the STICK LED be on the BlackBox, if it wasn't lit, when a stick is connected? :huh:

 

Mine is setup a-ok as well, and I only have a steady blue LED - nothing else.

 

Going to ask UIV about this, as this might be confusing as to what the outcome should look like.

 

For me, the Stick LED is troubleshooting tool - so red flashing is important to be aware of, but after things are done, it goes dark (or does it stay green?).

 

I'll keep you posted.

 

Consensus at this time - Stick LED should not be flashing red. :)

[norbot]

Consensus at this time - Stick LED should not be flashing red. :)

 

I can agree with that. :D

[Dino Might]

I have an extension, and I use 2x #50 springs per axis because I like that feel. With hardly any damper dialed in, it always returns to center using the soft-center cams.

 

Good to know. I've got only one #50 spring on it for desktop. When I put on extension in the pit I'll go with 2 #50s like you do.

 

I really love this gimbal. I have already started getting used to the new feel, and control is so much finer. AAR testing will be coming soon. After I got through my misreading of instructions, everything is working perfectly. Two thumbs up guys! This gimbal is excellent!

[Barefoot Bandit]

*patiently awaiting the MCG so I can place my order...*

 

Z...

[rrohde]

Good to know. I've got only one #50 spring on it for desktop. When I put on extension in the pit I'll go with 2 #50s like you do.

 

I really love this gimbal. I have already started getting used to the new feel, and control is so much finer. AAR testing will be coming soon. After I got through my misreading of instructions, everything is working perfectly. Two thumbs up guys! This gimbal is excellent!

 

Thanks for the feedback - greatly appreciated! :thumbup:

[rrohde]

*patiently awaiting the MCG so I can place my order...*

 

Z...

 

Right with you there! Cannot wait!

[acdelta57]

patiently waiting for the gunfighter pro to be in stock lol or anything VKB in stock!.....is there a wait list or anything I can get on? Ive been tracking VKB products for some time now but never the time when they are "in stock"

[rrohde]

patiently waiting for the gunfighter pro to be in stock lol or anything VKB in stock!.....is there a wait list or anything I can get on? Ive been tracking VKB products for some time now but never the time when they are "in stock"

 

Email me - I can put you on a reserved list (northamerica@vkb-sim.pro).

Also, feel free to subscribe to the newsletter where I try to keep everyone informed: https://vkbcontrollers.com/?page_id=818

[smallberries]

Just got my gunfighter base for my WH grip. Took a number of different setups to try to get the right amount of centering (for helo trim) while keeping the action light. All I can say is what a difference already.

 

After not sleeping for 36 hours, and having not played DCS much for a few weeks, and being a relative noob to begin with, my Huey flying is categorically smoother right off. Practicing oil rig landing, my approaches are still wrong, but when I finally got over the pad I had no problems sticking it dead center and gentle. When I'm not half-dead, tomorrow, I expect glory.

 

I ended up using both #30 cams for the stronger center deten. The WH cam, and the stock cam, just didn't convince me that I would get dead-center so that post trim I could return to controlling my choppers unless I added stiffer springs to the point that too much muscles was necessary around the perpiphery. After trying different springs went back to the stock #20 springs and the #30 cams, but added an additional #10 spring to the Y axis. I might take that off tomorrow. The return to center is perfect but the Y axis effort is a touch heavier than I want. I'd rather keep the control and have to put a little more thought into post trim centering.

 

The neatest thing was straight and level flight in the Huey didn't have the wobble at all, I suppose it was natural to make the little corrections to avoid that. How nice is that?

 

Thanks VKB!

 

 

P.S. quality, packaging, all top notch. No problems installing the adapter in the WH grip, which I was a little scared of. Also was mildly skeptical of replacing that solid metal threaded adapter with the molded one, but it feels just fine, actually. No problems with the software, only sadness is DCS recognizes it as a VKB device now, so I have to redo all my controls :P

 

P.P.S Stick LED is solid red, other LED is blue, but works perfectly in terms of registering buttons/axes.

 

P.P.P.S. I'm red colour-blind, so perhaps that's a solid green on the stick, although I'm pretty sure it's red.

Edited May 12, 2017 by smallberries

[acdelta57]

Email me - I can put you on a reserved list (northamerica@vkb-sim.pro).

Also, feel free to subscribe to the newsletter where I try to keep everyone informed: https://vkbcontrollers.com/?page_id=818

 

Done and Done!

Thanks you!

[rrohde]

Just got my gunfighter base for my WH grip. Took a number of different setups to try to get the right amount of centering (for helo trim) while keeping the action light. All I can say is what a difference already.

 

After not sleeping for 36 hours, and having not played DCS much for a few weeks, and being a relative noob to begin with, my Huey flying is categorically smoother right off. Practicing oil rig landing, my approaches are still wrong, but when I finally got over the pad I had no problems sticking it dead center and gentle. When I'm not half-dead, tomorrow, I expect glory.

 

I ended up using both #30 cams for the stronger center deten. The WH cam, and the stock cam, just didn't convince me that I would get dead-center so that post trim I could return to controlling my choppers unless I added stiffer springs to the point that too much muscles was necessary around the perpiphery. After trying different springs went back to the stock #20 springs and the #30 cams, but added an additional #10 spring to the Y axis. I might take that off tomorrow. The return to center is perfect but the Y axis effort is a touch heavier than I want. I'd rather keep the control and have to put a little more thought into post trim centering.

 

The neatest thing was straight and level flight in the Huey didn't have the wobble at all, I suppose it was natural to make the little corrections to avoid that. How nice is that?

 

Thanks VKB!

 

 

P.S. quality, packaging, all top notch. No problems installing the adapter in the WH grip, which I was a little scared of. Also was mildly skeptical of replacing that solid metal threaded adapter with the molded one, but it feels just fine, actually. No problems with the software, only sadness is DCS recognizes it as a VKB device now, so I have to redo all my controls :P

 

P.P.S Stick LED is solid red, other LED is blue, but works perfectly in terms of registering buttons/axes.

 

P.P.P.S. I'm red colour-blind, so perhaps that's a solid green on the stick, although I'm pretty sure it's red.

 

That's a very nice writeup - thank you for this! Glad things are working for you. :thumbup:

 

About the LED - it should be sold green, with a steady blue sys LED and a steady green Stick LED as well.

So long as the Stick LED is not flashing, you're good. :)

Edited May 12, 2017 by rrohde

[hughlb]

Rohde or someone with an extension - can you test in VKB_JoyTester for this issue? I'm trying to see if anyone else is getting this:

 

http://forum.vkb-sim.pro/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=2655

 

Thanks!

[rrohde]

Rohde or someone with an extension - can you test in VKB_JoyTester for this issue? I'm trying to see if anyone else is getting this:

 

http://forum.vkb-sim.pro/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=2655

 

Thanks!

 

Answered, and pointed UIV to this thread as well. Not sure if that is of concern at all.

 

EDIT: So, according to UIV, the axes have a different center of mass, so the oscillations cannot be the same because of that. Nothing rubs, everything is fine and works as intended.

Edited May 12, 2017 by rrohde

[hughlb]

Yes, thanks for clarifying that Rohde :)

[Bearfoot]

So, I am sure we will soon be flooded by full reviews with images, videos, and all, by some very knowledgeable and experienced folk. Or, at least, so I hope. However, until then, I thought I would share my literal (very) first impressions.

 

Got the box delivered by USPS.

 

And my first thought as the postal worker handed me the box was, "There must be some mistake!" I thought I got just the extension or maybe just the warthog adapter, and the full Gunfighter would arrive later. The box was soooooo small, you see ... and so light.

 

Compare, for e.g., the box for the VKB and just the Warthog stick (no extension and no throttle):

 

 

After unwrapping it, I saw that it was indeed the Gunfighter. But then I thought, "OK, so it is the Gunfighter ... but not the Gunfighter Pro, because there was no way there was an extension in there!" And, in fact, on the first pass through the box I did indeed miss the extension entirely! It was only the second time around after digging through the foam and packaging I found the elegant curved tube that was the extension.

 

So, a little bit of fiddling around and figuring things out, and I had the stick assembled with the default KG-12-ish grip. Set it up next to my TMWH (with 20cm Sahaj extension) for comparison.

 

 

 

 

The first word that comes to mind look at the two together is "gracile" vs "robust" (as used in biological classification). The VKB is a slender, elegant, graceful thing next to the lumbering bulk of the TMWH: a katana as opposed to a broadsword. While more diminutive, though, it is by no means delicate or less capable in its raison d'etre! Quite the opposite: the amount of control I gained over the TMWH when I eventually got into a virtual cockpit behind the stick was significant and noticeable, and extraordinary for all that. After experiencing the VKB Gunfighter's Swiss watch like precision and control, the TMWH now feels to me mushy, like stirring thick oatmeal in a small bowl, especially at extreme deflection. In fact, as I took apart the VKB base to loosen the dry clutch etc., I was struck by how much the inside of the VKB could pass for that of a finely-crafted clockwork automaton from steampunk sci-fi, whereas the TMWH insides (if you have seen them, with the giant bulky spring and thick grease) seemed more like those of a mass-produced 1950' farm or construction machine. The VKB internals would not be out of place in a fine art museum (or a watch/clock museum!): a working piece of art whose beauty comes from its functional design.

 

I also see why they named the Gen 1 of this "Black Mamba". Every time I look at it, it evokes to my mind a coiled snake, and given the color and relative slenderness of the body, the mamba is a perfect reference!

Edited May 12, 2017 by Bearfoot