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

[dburne]

Could this be an over-dialled in friction setting?

 

No I loosened both those up first thing, it moves very easily and freely.

[Bearfoot]

No I loosened both those up first thing, it moves very easily and freely.

 

Other things to try:

 

(1) make sure screw fastening the top are not screwed in all the way; in ver I, if you do this on one particular screw, in contacts and engages wit the friction mechanism. You can get alternate (shorter) screws that avoid this and this is what ships with later units

 

(2) there is no reason (I think) for this behavior for any spring/cam combo, but just to pin down the problem maybe try a different set of springs? stronger?

[dburne]

Other things to try:

 

(1) make sure screw fastening the top are not screwed in all the way; in ver I, if you do this on one particular screw, in contacts and engages wit the friction mechanism. You can get alternate (shorter) screws that avoid this and this is what ships with later units

 

(2) there is no reason (I think) for this behavior for any spring/cam combo, but just to pin down the problem maybe try a different set of springs? stronger?

 

Yeah I remembered that about the front screws when I was putting it back together and made sure I did not snug them down. Just backed them out even further and no change.

 

Don't think there are any stronger springs than the 50? I guess I could change them out for another pair of the #50, man they are a pain to get on though.

[Bearfoot]

Yeah I remembered that about the front screws when I was putting it back together and made sure I did not snug them down. Just backed them out even further and no change.

 

Don't think there are any stronger springs than the 50? I guess I could change them out for another pair of the #50, man they are a pain to get on though.

 

You can use multiple springs (2). It really is doubtful this is the issue, though. But worth experimenting with (and try a weaker spring as well). Also, of course. recalibrate each time. PIA, I know ...

 

For changing springs --- use the zip tie trick. Use a zip tie loop slipped over the spring end to pull the spring into place, then either cut or slip out the zip tie. Makes it really easy.

[dburne]

You can use multiple springs (2). It really is doubtful this is the issue, though. But worth experimenting with (and try a weaker spring as well). Also, of course. recalibrate each time. PIA, I know ...

 

For changing springs --- use the zip tie trick. Use a zip tie loop slipped over the spring end to pull the spring into place, then either cut or slip out the zip tie. Makes it really easy.

 

OK thanks much for the tip and all the help, I will have to pick up some zip ties pretty sure I don't have any around. Which is fine as I really need a break from this thing at this point, between finishing up the exentension install and getting the new Monster Tech Mount ready with the Gunfighter plate and setting this all up I think my brain is fried at this point and I need a little break. I have been working with this thing pretty much all day.

 

Maybe I can give it a try tomorrow afternoon , if not early next week. I do know there is no way I can use it as it is now.

Thanks again for the assistance!

[dburne]

I guess it is possible I damaged those #50 springs trying to get them on, was using needle nose pliers. I know the first spring I put on was obviously damaged as I could see where it was stretched, so I took it off and put another one on in it's place. They appeared ok to me but still maybe they were damaged and was not noticeable.

 

Thankfully with the extension kit I got 8 of the #50 springs so still have 5 left. Will find out when I get those zip ties and give it another try.

[dburne]

Well here she is, all set up and ready to go. Hopefully doing another spring swap will get things as they should be. Dreading having to take her apart again.

Hopefully that will pay off and I can get to flying this beauty.

 

Gunfighter Pro Mk I with MCG Pro Grip on Monster Tech Extended Desk Mount.

Edited July 7, 2018 by dburne

[Rocky49]

what about changing the cams? I believe there is a set that has a more pronounced "center" Didn't change mine out but there is a little challenge trimming out to neutral with the factory installed ones especially in pitch, at least with my setup.

[dburne]

what about changing the cams? I believe there is a set that has a more pronounced "center" Didn't change mine out but there is a little challenge trimming out to neutral with the factory installed ones especially in pitch, at least with my setup.

 

Yeah I guess maybe that might be helpful, but really I like the feel of it as it is - just without all the slop in the middle would be great. It truly is unflyable as it is. Without the slop I think it would have a somewhat pronounced center feel to it - like a soft center, will see I guess.

 

I was not sure which cams offer which feel, will keep in mind though thanks. I may end up taking this thing back apart and putting back together a few times before I am done tinkering lol.

 

So anyway a question for you VKB users - do you unplug your stick when shutting down for the evening? I typically leave my sticks plugged into the USB ports all the time , with the VKB and it's black box there are led lights lit up of course, was not sure if it might be a good idea to unplug it at the end of the day considering those lights? Or does it really matter?

 

Edit: I guess maybe it does not matter, just noticed my powered USB Hub has a few of those led lights - ironically the same colors as the VKB Black Box, green and blue. And that hub has been powered on for several years now.

How about that, I ended up with color coordinated lighting lol.

Edited July 7, 2018 by dburne

[Rocky49]

I use a super wheelstand pro setup that I plug in every time I use it (daily). :music_whistling:

[dburne]

:thumbup:

 

Ok so it was the springs!

Picked up some zip ties - thank you so much Bearfoot for this tip, worked a treat! Way easier to do it this way. Got the damaged springs out and replaced with two more new #50 springs. Sure am glad VKB sent extras of those. Also put a little dab of grease on the hooks of the springs to hopefully help wear on them ( tip from rrhode).

 

I am getting good at this lol, had it off the Monster Tech mount, gimbal apart - springs replaced, back together and back on mount. Recalibrated and gave it a quick spin, all within about an hour.

Now the stick returns to center properly every time, so much nicer.

 

It is indeed a very smooth stick, took the Spit for a spin over Normandy, take off was nice and smooth and even landing was very smooth and able to come to a stop without cartwheeling it.

 

MCG Pro grip is working nicely without any issues. Just wish that darn pinky button was more centered facing the front, I want to use it as a press and hold modifier button but is somewhat cumbersome with it positioned where it is and still be able to press other buttons whilst holding it in with my pinky. Can't say I have seen any ghost button presses as of yet, but am using the software dated July 7th so don't know if that addressed that or I just have not run across yet. But this MCG Pro grip is certainly very nice indeed.

 

All in all am very pleased now. Need some more stick time with it, running the #50 springs with the installed #10 cams, it almost feels like a no center feel. Very soft around center. Don't know if adjusted the friction plates ( have them fully loosened up), or adding say a #30 spring to each axis with the #50 might help. Or maybe a cam swap for the #30 cams. I really don't want a very hard center feel, but would not mind a little more pronounced center feel over what I currently have.

Edited July 8, 2018 by dburne

[Mars Exulte]

When I was running the Gladiator Pro for a while, I found it was so sensitive having my hand resting on the stick always caused input, si I applied a very tiny deadzone of like 1-2 to cancel out unintentional input.

 

For the centering, the cam creates a soft 'lip' but tightening the friction will require slightly more force to start moving it, this will apply across the full range though, not just the center.

 

In other news, my 8'' VKB extension arrived. That is a chunk of metal boyos :p

[dburne]

When I was running the Gladiator Pro for a while, I found it was so sensitive having my hand resting on the stick always caused input, si I applied a very tiny deadzone of like 1-2 to cancel out unintentional input.

 

For the centering, the cam creates a soft 'lip' but tightening the friction will require slightly more force to start moving it, this will apply across the full range though, not just the center.

 

In other news, my 8'' VKB extension arrived. That is a chunk of metal boyos :p

 

Yeah I put a deadzone of 3 in there.

 

I am getting more used to it now. It is a very nice setup for sure, especially with that extension.

[Callsign.Vega]

I'd like to order a left and right hand version of the MCG for my FSSB R3's with Thrustmaster connection.

 

Is this version still coming out?

[AeroGator]

left hand MCG

Nope, the MCG design and ergonomics are all about modern air warfare, using it for spaceships would not be ideal. For the left hand there is a Kosmosima grip coming reasonably soon, which will be compatible with all currently produced VKB bases.

[Callsign.Vega]

Nope, the MCG design and ergonomics are all about modern air warfare, using it for spaceships would not be ideal. For the left hand there is a Kosmosima grip coming reasonably soon, which will be compatible with all currently produced VKB bases.

 

Doh, no Warthog base compatability for the Kosmosima? I have force sensing FSSB R3 bases (as you know Thrustmaster connection) and looking for left and right sticks for them for space sims.

[AeroGator]

WH bases are (sorry!) severely limited in comparison to Gunfighter bases.

 

Putting a Kosmosima grip onto a WH base is a waste of a grip, simple and plain.

WH bases doesn't support axes, and the number of buttons it supports won't allow you to utilize all Kosmosima functions, too. Forget LED indication: WH has no support for it, either.

Question is then, why bother creating a grip as rich in functions as an MCG or a Kosmosima, if it is going to be mounted on such a base.

WH grip is a great piece of gear, no argument here, but bases?..

[Callsign.Vega]

WH bases are (sorry!) severely limited in comparison to Gunfighter bases.

 

Putting a Kosmosima grip onto a WH base is a waste of a grip, simple and plain.

WH bases doesn't support axes, and the number of buttons it supports won't allow you to utilize all Kosmosima functions, too. Forget LED indication: WH has no support for it, either.

Question is then, why bother creating a grip as rich in functions as an MCG or a Kosmosima, if it is going to be mounted on such a base.

WH grip is a great piece of gear, no argument here, but bases?..

 

Ya I understand. It's just I prefer force sensing versus moving controls, so I guess I'll be limited to the F-16 grip or T-50.

[Beamscanner]

I really want to give you guys money, but you still dont have the gunfighter base available. :(

[AeroGator]

I really want to give you guys money

This is such a nice desire!

Where are you, US or EU?

[sze5003]

This is such a nice desire!

Where are you, US or EU?

Me too but I'm in US so I ended up ordering something else for now. But I do have a feeling once I see the tabletop bundle, base + mcg pro available on the US site, I will order one of them too.

 

I'm going to miss not having a CMS 4 way switch for now which is why I want the mcg pro grip but I'm happy I will no longer have to use this sticky warthog gimbal.

[Beamscanner]

This is such a nice desire!

Where are you, US or EU?

 

U.S.

[AeroGator]

U.S.

Rrohde just sold out the recent shipment.... next in September.

:cry:

[Mars Exulte]

-edit

I just loosened the grip attachment and the light turned green. Apparently it wasn't making good connection.

Edited July 20, 2018 by zhukov032186

[Beamscanner]

Is there any chance you can setup a pre-order? I'd really like to be able to purchase your product.