Introducing the VKB-Sim Gunfighter

[rrohde]

@rrohde I've noticed something pretty interesting with the calibration of the Gunfighter. During the day, the calibration of the x axis is perfect, but during the early morning, it's always off by 20 to the right. I'm not sure why it happens, but it's only the x-axis. My best guess would be the cold air contracting the clutch but the center position hasn't changed so who knows. Who be nice if the VKB HQ has some info on this.

 

That might be a question more suited for the engineers; I will pass your message along. :)

[AeroGator]

@rrohde I've noticed something pretty interesting with the calibration of the Gunfighter. During the day, the calibration of the x axis is perfect, but during the early morning, it's always off by 20 to the right. I'm not sure why it happens, but it's only the x-axis. My best guess would be the cold air contracting the clutch but the center position hasn't changed so who knows. Who be nice if the VKB HQ has some info on this.

 

We should begin with all around assessment of the device.

Please for convenience browse up to the VKB forum, and create a topic in Tech Support section.

 

There, please describe the problem (copying this post there will do), and attach a few vkbdev-cfg screenshots.

These screenshots should be:

Physical axes settings

Logical axes settings

Global-Common

 

Also, test the device in vkbjoytester, and attach screenshots of the tests. Try both axes: first, the one in question, then another one. Simply deflect the stick all the way to the left, and let go. Take a screenshot of the curve. Then do the same deflecting the stick back and letting it go.

 

Also, let us know your setup: cams and springs used, which grip you use, and whether or not you use an extension.

 

We will chew through that, and be back to you.

[ChinNoobonic]

@AeroGator Done. http://forum.vkb-sim.pro/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=2737

[Barefoot Bandit]

Gunfighter and Gladiator available in VKBsim store on Aliexpress - option interesting for people outside USA/Canada and Europe markets.

 

https://www.aliexpress.com/wholesale?ltype=wholesale&d=y&origin=y&blanktest=0&SearchText=vkbsim&tc=af&initiative_id=SB_20170712081623&isViewCP=y&catId=0

 

Dat shipping... Cheezus cries-t... Rather buy from the UsS I think! I buy a lot of stuff from Aliexpress, that's the first time I've seen DHL as the sole option...

 

Z...

[Thadiun Okona]

Quick question for a VKB techie: What will happen if you mount a grip 180deg backwards on the new Gunfighter base?

 

The way the connector looks it appears as if the grip needs to be within +/-30deg of a designated 'north', but the DIY projects I'm working on req me to mount the stem with the pinchbolt at the rear instead of towards the front, which puts the contacts 180deg from their intended position.

[rrohde]

Quick question for a VKB techie: What will happen if you mount a grip 180deg backwards on the new Gunfighter base?

 

The way the connector looks it appears as if the grip needs to be within +/-30deg of a designated 'north', but the DIY projects I'm working on req me to mount the stem with the pinchbolt at the rear instead of towards the front, which puts the contacts 180deg from their intended position.

 

This question might be more suited for the official VKB forum (http://forum.vkb-sim.pro/viewforum.php?f=25), as that's were all their engineers and developers are hanging out.

[Thadiun Okona]

This question might be more suited for the official VKB forum (http://forum.vkb-sim.pro/viewforum.php?f=25), as that's were all their engineers and developers are hanging out.

 

Thanks for the reply. I was hoping not to register for another forum, particularly since I only have one question and I know people from VKB are on this forum too as well as knowledgeable customers that have hardware in their hands already.

 

No need anyhow, I see the new stem also has a register milled into the bottom it it which engages with a pin on the base which will clearly limit the grip to the narrow range of allowable twist adjustment, which would have to be less than +/-30deg or else the contact pad would no longer line up with the contact pins on the base.

 

Looking at a picture of the base I was enough to confirm this limitation, there is a prominent register pin that will engage in the slot milled under the stem to limit the mechanical ability of mounting the grip facing forward within whatever the range of that slot allows but not exceeding +/-30deg (contact pads are 60deg triangles) of designated 'north'.

 

 

Followup question: I'm doubtful from looking at it, but does anyone know if the gimbals can be flipped 180deg inside the base?

 

Edited August 2, 2017 by Thadiun Okona

[AeroGator]

I was hoping not to register for another forum

Not the best decision. Registering takes no time and asks for no cash but makes things a lot easier and faster.

Now, to the point:

1 - NO - it is not possible to turn a regular joystick around.

2 - YES - you can order a customized joystick for no additional cost.

If you're interested in (2), pls PM me at VKB forums, not here, and I will put you in touch with the guys in charge of this sort of special orders.

 

BR,

AeroGator

[iVVChewy9141VVi]

When can we expect the throttle really wish you had one out

[StandingCow]

Yea rrohde, you should make a "mistake" and show us some throttle pics! :D

[Sokol1_br]

Good idea.

 

https://forum.il2sturmovik.ru/topic/5326-obsuzhdenie-proekta-vpc-mangust-50/page-32#entry555525

 

https://forum.il2sturmovik.ru/index.php?app=core&module=attach&section=attach&attach_id=61897

[rrohde]

Courtesy of David Penney over at Mudspike.com - here's an article on the VKB Gunfighter Pro:

 

http://www.mudspike.com/vkb-sim-gunfighter-pro-bundle-review/

[sc_neo]

Hey guys, i am not completely sure about the dry clutches. These are not to be confused with a force trim system, were i have to press a button so the stick stays in a specific position, right?

 

The friction of the dry clutch is adjustable through a srew, if i read correctly, but can i do this on the fly in mere seconds without opening the base or unscrewing it from a floor position?

[Sokol1_br]

"Dry clutch" is not a electronic active device that you can turn ON/OFF, is just mechanical clutch for damping effect in joystick movement.

 

You need open the base to adjust the "dry clutch" tension screw:

 

 

IMO - Will be more practical if that bolt are accessible from upper part of base, similar to VirPil T50 spring adjust.

Edited September 30, 2017 by Sokol1_br

[sc_neo]

Thx for the clearing that up Sokol1. Force trim really seems to require a diy home solution. By the way, does a helicopter like force trim system usually completely lock the helicopter cyclic in one place, or does it just move and lock the centre and you still retain full motion around that new centre? I am just trying to gauge how useful the dry clutches in the Gunfighter really are when it comes to helo flying.

 

Just an idea that popped into mind; looking at the picure below got me thiniking. Those dry clutches seem to have a screw going through one side that losens or tightens the clutch. Disregarding for one moment the place constraints inside the housing, if one isntalled a pin-based electronic locking mechanism that opens and locks the dry clutch on a button press, that could be a helicopter like force trim system, i reckon. Can one operate the gimbal base unit without he bottom plate installed to gain some space and access from below?

Edited October 2, 2017 by sc_neo

[heloguy]

Force trim doesn't move the center, it just moves the point that the force gradient holds the controls. You can still push against the force gradient to the control stops, but total throw remains the same in all axes.

[Buckeye]

Would these dry clutches require greasing from time to time? Would they benefit from the use/greasing of Nyogel 767a?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[UIV]

No need.

[Buckeye]

No need.

 

Great, thank you for the answer :thumbup:

[Buckeye]

Curious to hear about how noticeable the “damping” actually is on the cams? From reading through this thread and others it sounds like most everyone is using the stronger springs with referencing having the “damping tuned to be very low” in order to support the weight of the extension and heavy metal Warthog grip – so is the damping really noticeable at all? On paper it sounds like a fantastic feature, one unique only to the VKB Gunfighter, but in practice I am wondering how noticeable it actually is.

 

When installing a damper on pedals, like the Baur F2’s or Slaw RX Vipers, you can 100% tell the difference. Curious if that is the case here as well…

[aaron886]

It's subtle but effective. It helps reduce natural spring oscillations.

[Buckeye]

It's subtle but effective. It helps reduce natural spring oscillations.

 

Roger, thanks for the feedback. I have identified the damping as the biggest distinguishable "add" for a VKB Gunfighter base over a VPC MT-50 base, so I'm trying to determine how much weight I should give to VKB based on the damping alone...

 

I wish VKB would show their throttle soon so I could make a fully informed decision, but it's probable that my impatience will get the best of me and lead to a full VPC MT-50 purchase instead...especially with how subtle the cam damping is on the VKB, in use.

[Hoffster]

To bad we euro buyers will have to wait a long time for gunfighters. I have been looking at alternate ways to buy one.

 

At the alibaba store i get a price of about 320 ish Eur for Gunfighter + wh adapter inc shipping.

This doesn't sound too bad except for the shipping time of 2-3 weeks.

I wonder how much more expensive this is compared to the vkb euro shop.

Would you wait?

[Sokol1_br]

Instead Aliexpress (more expensive shipping options) try VKB China (sales@vkb-sim.pro).

 

http://shop.vkb-sim.pro/shop/controllers/gunfighter-series/

 

But bear in mind that MCG grips still not available for buy.

[Hoffster]

Instead Aliexpress (more expensive shipping options) try VKB China (sales@vkb-sim.pro).

 

http://shop.vkb-sim.pro/shop/controllers/gunfighter-series/

 

But bear in mind that MCG grips still not available for buy.

 

Ok. I will look into that. Maby i can get the base only and the wh adapter from them, as the base only strangely was not available on aliexpress.