Introducing the VKB-Sim ‘Modern Combat Grip’ (MCG)

[AeroGator]

So it turns out it is not plug and play

A very detailed answer was given to you in the thread you started. I have nothing to add to it.

[Rocky49]

I have now read that response, Thank-you. That being said, I search VKB forums and could find no reference to any of the information that you provided on the other thread I started, so I asked that question on a new thread, rather than on page 96 of this thread. There appears to be a shortage of written explanations with respect to the Hardware and Software VKB is producing. When you pay premium dollars for Hardware, users expect superior Documentation. Just an observation, not meant as a criticism.

[aaron886]

The assignment of buttons and axes in DCS is the same for any hardware.

[Sokol1_br]

Plug and Play is up to the manufacturer is it not? Other than the profile for the A-10C my Thrustmaster joystick and throttle, is set directly by selection within the DCS setup page Same with all other controllers I have run. Please confirm that this Joystick will be recognized ASAP

 

Usually a "joystick PnP" means one that don't require install 3rd part drivers to be recognized by Windows since use Windows native HID drivers - Warthog HOTAS is not "PnP" because require install Thrustmaster drivers for Windows recognize.

 

Previous VKB joysticks fit in that "PnP" category, just need plug in a USB port to became configurable in games - assign functions for axes and buttons.

 

In DCS controls one can select a profile for A-10 that match Warthog HOTAS controls and so don't need make assignments, but this profile was made by ED and not by Thrustmaster.

 

So "Plug and Play is up to the (joystick) manufacturer", but premade profiles in games is up to game developer. :joystick:

 

If the game developer provide profile for given joystick he became selectable in game options - no matter if are "PnP" for Windows or not.

 

Looks like you are confusing concepts.

Edited December 19, 2017 by Sokol1_br

[Sideslip]

So it turns out it is not plug and play...

 

Plug and play generally means you do not need to install additional software, nor hardware, for it to work properly. When you buy a new mouse, it is plug and play (most of the time). That does not mean if it has 15 buttons that every game in existence will have a button mapping for all of them.

 

I'm sure all of VKB products will be plug and play, with the exception of calibration. I didn't even try my Gladiator Pro before calibrating it because why would you, but I did see that it was reading min/max where ever I moved it until I had run through the full motions. While there is software available to customize things, it is not strictly necessary to use their sticks.

 

Now the fact that there is a nice big sticker on the box would make me think it would be appropriate for there to be a default mapping for most buttons in DCS, but technically it probably means that all features of the stick (analog hats and break leaver) are 100% supported by ED. That said, my Gladiator had the axes mapped when I ran DCS first time with it. But really, nobody knows your setup, so how could they know what controls you want on what buttons. I'd always recommend deleting everything and putting only what you want where you want it.

 

Now for documentation, yes that is severely lacking. There was a quick-start guide in my Gladiator Pro box, but nothing about how to change the springs/cams (I know there is a video). Further, the box and guide both said (in English) to visit vkb-sim.pro which is completely Russian. There should be an easily visible link on that webpage to the North-American website unless they are planning to translate that site. The build date of my stick is December 2016 though so obviously it wouldn't be up to date if the website has changed.

 

Seriously VKB, you guys need to hire a manuals guy to do nothing but put together all relevant information for all your products into PDFs and 2 or 3 page guides in the box. VKBDevCfg in particular is pretty overwhelming to work with and while there are SOME tool-tips, they rarely give a good explanation of what things really do. For example: TimeFA0 "time of transition in mS". Transition of what? What does it do? What is the min/max value etc.

 

I understand there is a language barrier which complicates things considerably, but it's still important. Lord knows VKB is not the only company with terrible documentation.

 

EDIT:

 

Usually a "joystick PnP" means one that don't require install 3rd part drivers to be recognized by Windows since use Windows native HID drivers - Warthog HOTAS is not "PnP" because require install Thrustmaster drivers for Windows recognize.

 

Damn, beat me to it. Man I can take long to write sometimes.

Edited December 19, 2017 by Sideslip

[StandingCow]

Usually a "joystick PnP" means one that don't require install 3rd part drivers to be recognized by Windows since use Windows native HID drivers - Warthog HOTAS is not "PnP" because require install Thrustmaster drivers for Windows recognize.

 

I know that, that's why I specifically said in regards to key bindings. The last time I asked they said it is in the plans, but now with the MCG coming out I haven't seen any more mention of it until I asked.

[AeroGator]

@Sideslip:

Well put :) and I believe this is one of the best explanations possible.

 

By the way...

visit vkb-sim.pro which is completely Russian

Seriously? See attachment. :smartass:

[Sokol1_br]

SideSlip,

 

A English manual for Njoy32 configuration is now available.

 

https://forums.eagle.ru/showpost.php?p=3320751&postcount=855

 

I guess this manual is done by VictorUS, that advise in VKB forum - Technical Support section:

 

http://forum.vkb-sim.pro/viewforum.php?f=25&sid=215b2ac1c3aed81e729fa523ffa73555

 

"TimeFA0 "time of transition in mS" - Man for what I "lurk" in Russian forums I think that only this guy know what mean this things. :D

[Rocky49]

Sideslip: thanks for the info

 

AeroGator: Will additional documentation be released before the role out next week? The information on your forum is quite rudimentary with respect to changing springs, software descriptions and how to use it.

 

EDIT: Appears Sokol1 posted same time I did

Edited December 19, 2017 by Rocky49
overlap

[Sideslip]

Well I'll be damned, haha :doh:. I have perused the Manuals section of the forum, but I haven't really dove into it since the only thing I might do (disable the mode button) is really simple and I have a little too much going on IRL to get much into it. I've also go Fusion 360 that I want to learn how to use well, my 3D printer has a bunch of parts I want to add to sitting in a box, my MFG crosswind still slides all over the floor and I don't feel like going to the hardware store... lots of thing to learn/do.

 

I still think that it would be good to have the official manuals and how-tos organized on the main site, as I'm sure average joe doesn't read forums much.

[Sideslip]

Seriously? See attachment. :smartass:

 

Where the address takes you: Which one says forum?

 

[AeroGator]

Where the address takes you: Which one says forum?

That was not to say you're wrong about the need for clear navigation. (but you were about the site being completely russian)

The first page MUST be bilingual.

Will be done when time permits.

But there is the list of priorities...

Edited December 19, 2017 by AeroGator

[AeroGator]

Will additional documentation be released before the role out next week?

There will be some information specifically about MCG.

Springs, etc.: there are video tutorials easily searchable. Plus a multitude of topics on different forums.

 

Yes we know we should make "Springs and Cams Replacement for Dummies" manual, and a similar manual regarding the software.

It will come. Some day. Not tomorrow though.

[simo1000rr]

Im totally confused now , I have the gladiator pro , the guide in the box said to use WIZZO software to be able to have the full function of the Joystick , is WIZZO the same as NJOY 32 or those are different ? do i need both software or one is enough?

 

another thing what is the use of the Mode button ? can i use the pinkey key as a regular key and not a shift key, the reason is i want to make it act as a modifier in DCS so i can use it as a shift key for other controller ie , the throttle controller.

 

right now the pinkey key is not recognized as a button it acts as a shift key only for the grip buttons and not even the buttons on the base of the gladiator pro ?

[AeroGator]

gladiator pro... WIZZO... NJOY 32

The best would be to ask this at VKB Forum. Here, with all due respect, is the MCG dedicated thread.

At VKB Forum please first use search to see whether these topics have been clarified before.

[Rocky49]

There will be some information specifically about MCG.

Springs, etc.: there are video tutorials easily searchable. Plus a multitude of topics on different forums.

 

Yes we know we should make "Springs and Cams Replacement for Dummies" manual, and a similar manual regarding the software.

It will come. Some day. Not tomorrow though.

 

well seeing as I will need to change springs, cams, because I purchased gunfighter Pro with extension with MCG Pro if I want to use it, it needs to be available pretty soon

[Sideslip]

Im totally confused now , I have the gladiator pro , the guide in the box said to use WIZZO software to be able to have the full function of the Joystick , is WIZZO the same as NJOY 32 or those are different ? do i need both software or one is enough?

 

another thing what is the use of the Mode button ? can i use the pinkey key as a regular key and not a shift key, the reason is i want to make it act as a modifier in DCS so i can use it as a shift key for other controller ie , the throttle controller.

 

right now the pinkey key is not recognized as a button it acts as a shift key only for the grip buttons and not even the buttons on the base of the gladiator pro ?

 

As AeroGator says, it's best to visit the how-to section of the VKB forum but...

 

- I think NJOY 32 is the software/language on the circuit board inside the base. Wizzo is the simple set-up software to calibrate the stick, set dead-zones and flip axes if you want.

 

- The mode button switches between 2 modes (red and green light on the base) which gives new IDs to the buttons on the stick. IE if trigger is button 14, it becomes 16 now so you can assign it to something different (like drop bombs instead of shoot gun). Interestingly, they set the hat switch (4/8 way button under your thumb) to not change with the mode so it always does the same thing (POV90/270 etc). The buttons on the base also don't change (something that would have been great to explain in the quick-start guide).

 

- Yes the pinky button can be changed to whatever you want, but you need to use VKBDevCfg which as I said is a little daunting. Best to read about it first.

 

- You can changed how all the buttons act. You can reprogram it so that pressing the mode button ONLY affects the buttons on the base. You can make the pinky button a regular button. Or you can make the trigger into a shift button for only the base if you wanted.

 

Oh and to keep it on track... Where's my MCG! :pilotfly:

[StandingCow]

well seeing as I will need to change springs, cams, because I purchased gunfighter Pro with extension with MCG Pro if I want to use it, it needs to be available pretty soon

 

Changing them out is really easy so you should be able to manage. I have done it a few times.

[Rocky49]

good to know that its easy:music_whistling:

 

had a quick look at NJOY 32 manuel, written for programmers, not old guys like me

Edited December 19, 2017 by Rocky49

[StandingCow]

good to know that its easy:music_whistling:

 

had a quick look at NJOY 32 manuel, written for programmers, not old guys like me

 

The software will probably take a little bit of reading the manual (I have only skimmed over it), it's got a ton of freaking options most of which I have no idea what they do. I assume it's pretty powerful.

[Baz000]

Thanks Sokol, but google translate does a real shitty job of translating all that and I can't understand it.

 

Guess I will wait until VKB explains it coming in the future as Areogator pointed out.

 

I have been waiting and saving money to purchase replacement for my TM WH mainly because I want more grips and better simulation of flying a helicopter.

 

I hope VKB has some kind of reasonably priced helicopter controls in the works. Cyclic and Collective.

 

Also, what about your partnership with Heatblur for F-14 stick... We have not heard anything for a while.

[Sokol1_br]

- The mode button switches between 2 modes (red and green light on the base) which gives new IDs to the buttons on the stick. IE if trigger is button 14, it becomes 16 now so you can assign it to something different (like drop bombs instead of shoot gun). Interestingly, they set the hat switch (4/8 way button under your thumb) to not change with the mode so it always does the same thing (POV90/270 etc). The buttons on the base also don't change (something that would have been great to explain in the quick-start guide).

 

This limitation of (Gladiator) mode switch over grip buttons only is to keep the buttons count under Windows 32 buttons limit, because if mode change base buttons too the buttons increase above 32 - Njoy32 controller can handle up to 128 buttons.

 

This will be not problem in DCS that recognize up to 128 buttons, but will be in other flight games, e.g. War Thunder and buyers will complain about DOA buttons - in fact someone did this relative to pinky button in Amazon since don't understand their operation.

 

Gladiator was released when VKB have partnership with Stratojets and this try use same rule used by 777/1CGS for the latest IL-2 interaction: "less keys (or less user options) is better" (for vendor support service), hence the cut down WIZZO and restrict mode functions. :huh:

Edited December 19, 2017 by Sokol1_br

[elecsys]

The thumb button (simple push) is the default for the MCG non-Pro; that said, the MCG PRO comes by default with the 4-way+push thumb switch.

 

 

The MCG Pro comes with both 4way/push & single push button, right?

So we'll be able to switch the one for the other?

[Johnny Dioxin]

To make guys more anxious. :)

 

https://s7.postimg.org/xv5651xmh/RGslider.jpg

https://forum.il2sturmovik.ru/uploads/monthly_12_2017/post-979-0-67310700-1513336391.jpg

https://forum.il2sturmovik.ru/uploads/monthly_12_2017/post-979-0-79283400-1513336376.jpg

 

Ah, you like to torment us paupers!! :cry:

[rrohde]

The MCG Pro comes with both 4way/push & single push button, right?

So we'll be able to switch the one for the other?

 

UPDATED INFO: According to the info given to me some time ago by VKB HQ, the 4-way+push switch is factory installed for the MCG PRO. It can be swapped out; however, the standard, single push button (from the non-PRO) is *not* included with the MCG PRO (it can be purchased as an accessory).

Edited December 21, 2017 by rrohde