Real simulator F-16 Grip

[markturner1960]

Not sure how many people here have brought one of these and are using.......

 

I have and it's a fantastic bit of kit, albeit with some complex setting up and configuring to get through. I imagine some more technically minded people will find it a lot easier than me!

 

It can be used freestyle, without even mounting it or with their force sensing base.

 

I am asking how any users here have set it up, as you know, you can tune the axis curves etc within DCS but there are also extensive tuning options available within the Real simulator software.

 

Real Sim guys have not yet had a chance to experiment much with DCS ( They seem to be flying Falcon BMS) so they were unable to help and are currently pretty busy with grip production, including the new F-18 version.

 

Hopefully someone can comment and share any set up tips and settings?

 

Thanks, Mark

[Supmua]

Real simulator F-16 Grip

 

I had it for 5 days. Shipped it back due to broken hinge that covers the paddle switch, but I did play with it extensively.

 

The default settings when used with FSSB R3L with the newest firmware is pretty solid and didn’t need any adjustment, imo.

 

Tips: If you have other bases such as WarBRD, loosen the connection a bit (and take out 2 top screws on the connection plate) so the stick can be twisted around but not completely loosened. Then you can use the extra Yaw axis via the built-in sensors in DCS settings.

 

They’re supposed to ship my replacement stick tomorrow, fingers crossed. The stick, imo, is over the top in terms of features...and oh so good.

Edited August 1, 2019 by Supmua

[markturner1960]

Cool, as you seem to be somewhat of a gearhead from your sig list, i imagine you will know your way around getting this best set up in DCS.

 

Would be great if you can share some tips....thanks!

 

I am using mine with their R3 lightning force sensing base.

[Bedouin]

Hey guys, i considering buying the RealSimulation F-16 Grip and Lightning Base for the upcoming Viper module..

 

A question if you use it in this setup do you need the Grip to connect via Bluetooth or is enough to plug it into the base...?

[heloguy]

Unfortunately you need to connect via Bluetooth. It seems that the connection on the base of the grip is for power only.

 

This has limited its usefulness for me.

[markturner1960]

This is not true - I have the R3 lightning and the new F-16 grip. When used together, the bluetooth is not used to transmit the axis information, basically, the R3 base produces all the precision input information and the grip functions like the warthog grip, IE as simple DX button input. You have to set it up like this however, with the firmware and the supplied software.

 

The setup is a little complicated but the guys at realsimulator have been extremely helpful and while my current knowledge is quite limited, I am slowly getting it all properly working with their help.

 

The other thing is if you buy the grip, it does need to be set up using bluetooth, but that simply requires a $10 dongle, so it is no big deal.

 

As equipment it is a really good bit of kit with a huge of amount of flexibility I am only just starting to understand.

 

You can also use the grip without connecting to any base or gimbals, which sounds like it would be really strange to use, but I have tried and its really cool and surprisingly easy to get the hang of.

 

I really recommend their stuff, if you don't mind to pay for top quality equipment, I don't think there is much better on the market.

[Supmua]

Real simulator F-16 Grip

 

I haven’t tested connection without Bluetooth with the FFSB R3 (don’t remember if I did that with WarBRD base either). But with the TMWH base bluetooth isn’t required (I purposely did not pair the device—meaning it was not recognized in joy.cpl window), however in this case you are limited to the base’s supported DX input which is 19 buttons + 8 POV switches.

 

Bluetooth is needed to take advantage of all the DX inputs (64 plus 8 layers) and 3 axes. Otherwise it would be like buying a Ferrari and just use it for grocery shopping (one of my friends actually did that).

 

I’ll have the stick again later this week and will do more testings on this.

 

EDIT: Now I remember testing with the WarBRD without bluetooth. It didn’t work well as buttons weren’t registered correctly—some button press would activate 2 switches.

Edited August 5, 2019 by Supmua

[Bedouin]

Sounds good guys, please continue to write feedback in this thread, i will look forward to the reads. Because in a few weeks i gotta make the decision to buy or not..

 

What your experience coming from a not FFSB to a ForceFeedback base..?

[*Rage*]

So just to clarify....if using with the FSSB R3 base, does it have to use bluetooth to get the full functionality?

[heloguy]

When used together, the bluetooth is not used to transmit the axis information, basically, the R3 base produces all the precision input information and the grip functions like the warthog grip, IE as simple DX button input.

 

I was speaking about the buttons only, as I assumed the OP was only talking about the buttons, not the axes. So far, I have tried it on my FSSB R3 Warthog, and a Brunner CLS-E. I haven't gotten it to register DX buttons on either, but maybe it's a firmware/setup thing.

 

I tried it when it arrived without setting anything up as a standard grip on both bases, and it didn't register any DX buttons on either one. I since have setup the Bluetooth, and have only seen buttons register there.

 

 

So just to clarify....if using with the FSSB R3 base, does it have to use bluetooth to get the full functionality?

 

In my experience so far, I've only been able to get buttons to register under the Bluetooth drivers, but I'll mess with the setup as markturner mentions, and see if I can get it to do otherwise.

[heloguy]

So, I went to the Realsimulator website, and downloaded their guide. It does indeed state that the standard 19 buttons should work on any base.

 

On further investigation, I found a bent pin on the connector. On the Realsimulator forum there is also a post linked below that states "Be very careful when connecting the grip, as it is easy to bend the pins."

 

After fixing the bent pin with a small screwdriver, the buttons now work on the FSSB R3 Warthog.

 

Seems I must have gorilla'd the grip when I first received it.

 

Edit: It doesn't seem to work with the Brunner CLS-E. I'm assuming that's on Brunner's end, as I have had other grips not work with that base, but work fine with others.

Edited August 5, 2019 by heloguy

[Supmua]

Did anyone try the newest pre-release software? It seems they added 3 new modes (conference, game, and overlay). I still don’t have my replacement stick (supposedly tomorrow but really haven’t had good luck with UPS recently), so not quite sure what they do.

 

I assume all people who already have the sticks are beta-testers at this point.

 

EDIT:

Just got my replacement F-16SGRH grip, so far so good. Although I have no idea how to use the 3 new modes on the pre-release software, lol. Going to play with it this weekend.

Edited August 9, 2019 by Supmua

[Supmua]

Real simulator F-16 Grip

 

FYI, the latest prerelease firmware for FSSB R3L base and F-16SGRH grip allows full functionality without relying on bluetooth. This is real nice for people who have unstable bluetooth connection or people who just want to forgo wireless for whatever reason. FSSB R3L base is needed for full functionality (8 memory slots, 64-DX inputs each). The Warthog base still allows use of 19 switches + POV hat (you don't get to use extra center or sideway switches). The Virpil WarBRD base is buggy without bluetooth mode at present, some switches do not register correctly or at all when pressed (namely CMS/TMS up, DMS up, POV hat).

 

The software side has improved quite a bit, and there are plans to implement macro and extra functionality similar to joystick gremlin--this will be saved directly onto the grip (similar to Virpil/VKB's approach—Virpil saves to the base, VKB to its black box)) so there is no need to run app in the background like joystick gremlin or Target.

Edited September 3, 2019 by Supmua

[gholi]

Hi,

I have bought an FSSB R3 in 2016 if I recall well

How about FSSB R3 the base before FSSB R3 L? is it worth to upgrade?

I recently contacted them in order to upgrade my FSSB3 to FSSB3L but frankly is it worth? because they may charge 325 euros, just for the upgrade, they mentioned as well in their forum

When I explained to them I just try it one time they told me to send them first the base and then they will say how much they charge, So I wanted to ask you guys for some advice

[Supmua]

Real simulator F-16 Grip

 

Hi,

I have bought an FSSB R3 in 2016 if I recall well

How about FSSB R3 the base before FSSB R3 L? is it worth to upgrade?

I recently contacted them in order to upgrade my FSSB3 to FSSB3L but frankly is it worth? because they may charge 325 euros, just for the upgrade, they mentioned as well in their forum

When I explained to them I just try it one time they told me to send them first the base and then they will say how much they charge, So I wanted to ask you guys for some advice

 

 

 

Unless you plan to buy any of their new grips (F-16, 18 etc.), it’s probably not worth it. Even if you do buy new grips from them you can still use all of functions via Bluetooth since you might just need force sense axis inputs from that base. The only advantage of the R3L is full functionality of the grip via wired connection.

 

The upgrade price is too expensive if that’s true, it would be more reasonable at half that price.

 

Their grip though is top-tier in my book, it is my current best joystick and I do not say this lightly.

[gholi]

Unless you plan to buy any of their new grips (F-16, 18 etc.), it’s probably not worth it. Even if you do buy new grips from them you can still use all of functions via Bluetooth since you might just need force sense axis inputs from that base. The only advantage of the R3L is full functionality of the grip via wired connection.

 

The upgrade price is too expensive if that’s true, it would be more reasonable at half that price.

 

Their grip though is top-tier in my book, it is my current best joystick and I do not say this lightly.

 

Hi

 

Here you have the costs for the upgrade.

 

http://www.realsimulator.com/FSSB_R3_Forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=119

 

If when we receive the R3 we value that it is almost unused and in optimal conditions, maybe we could make a discount and charge it as one of the less old ones, but until we receive it we cannot know.

 

Regards

Sofía Lago

Realsimulator Sales Department

 

El 29 jul 2019, a las 20:17, <:

I trust this message finds you well,

In 2015 I have bought an FSSB R3 and I have used it only 2 times, now with the future module of DCS F16 maybe there will be an opportunity for me to use it more but, I heard that you could upgrade it to FSSB R3 Lightning.

My question to you is, is it really possible to fully upgrade it to FSSB R3 Lightning? And what would be the cost ? for your information I live in Paris-France.

Your prompt reply would be much appreciated.

Best regards,

Thanks for your prompt replying

From bottom to the above you find first my message and then their message, is it fair their price while I recall I had paid 625 euros with tax, shipping and handling I just put a new Warthog PCB and used one time not more I still have the cardboard box in which there was the yellow container of FSSB R3 and yes I plan may be to buy their grip if I see there are a lot of good feedback

[Supmua]

It might be better if you just sell your old R3 and buy a new R3L.

[gholi]

It might be better if you just sell your old R3 and buy a new R3L.

 

Thanks Supmua

 

You're right, you know I do not have any budget restriction but I hate to do stupid things and behaving like dummies.

is there such a difference between these two bases for me to sell my FSSB R3 that I do not know how much I would sell it and buy an FSSBL?

If you were in my shoes, what you would do

otherwise, I have a question about cam and springs about my gunfighter MGC pro with an extension.

[Supmua]

Thanks Supmua

 

You're right, you know I do not have any budget restriction but I hate to do stupid things and behaving like dummies.

is there such a difference between these two bases for me to sell my FSSB R3 that I do not know how much I would sell it and buy an FSSBL?

If you were in my shoes, what you would do

otherwise, I have a question about cam and springs about my gunfighter MGC pro with an extension.

 

I wouldn't upgrade if I were you, that's it and that's that. You'd only gain 4 memory slots and faster processing unit, plus wired functionality with Realsim grips but bluetooth works just fine if you have the right dongle. Just wait for the next version of the FSSB whenever that will be.

 

I don't have an extension for my gunfighter but I do use the strongest springs and cams on that base with the MCG Pro.

Edited September 4, 2019 by Supmua

[gholi]

I wouldn't upgrade if I were you, that's it and that's that. You'd only gain 4 memory slots and faster processing unit, plus wired functionality with Realsim grips but bluetooth works just fine if you have the right dongle. Just wait for the next version of the FSSB whenever that will be.

 

I don't have an extension for my gunfighter but I do use the strongest springs and cams on that base with the MCG Pro.

 

Supmua

 

Thank you very much for your insightful and valuable advice, but I know my self if I bent for the grip I would buy everything for the moment I resist. with Winwing purchase and RX V2 rudder, I have to calm down a bit

[Supmua]

Supmua

 

Thank you very much for your insightful and valuable advice, but I know my self if I bent for the grip I would buy everything for the moment I resist. with Winwing purchase and RX V2 rudder, I have to calm down a bit

 

If you have the Winwing setup coming then that's more bang for the bucks, especially that throttle!

[gholi]

If you have the Winwing setup coming then that's more bang for the bucks, especially that throttle!

 

Yep, I guess I was among one of the first to order, on July 11th at 2 am, I have a good impression on Winwing if they hold their commitment, I think after 6 months, some other brands that have grown like mushrooms since 2 years are going to have problems

[gholi]

SupMUA

I have just bent and bought the stick and the base but30 minutes ago

[Supmua]

SupMUA

I have just bent and bought the stick and the base but30 minutes ago

 

LOL OK, grats! Let me know if you need any help. I'm helping them test the beta apps but I probably can't say much about it here, but can definitely help you with setup and how to make the most out of this combo.

 

If you have trouble with poor bluetooth connection, get the bluetooth 4.0 dongle called CSR. Of all the 5 dongles I tested this one is the best in terms of connection reliability with the F-16SGRH stick.

[gholi]

LOL OK, grats! Let me know if you need any help. I'm helping them test the beta apps but I probably can't say much about it here, but can definitely help you with setup and how to make the most out of this combo.

 

If you have trouble with poor Bluetooth connection, get the Bluetooth 4.0 dongle called CSR. Of all the 5 dongles I tested this one is the best in terms of connection reliability with the F-16SGRH stick.

 

Thanks, Dude, of course, I will definitely send you pics of them, you were the only one to whom I told it. Do you know how long does it take to receive them, I 've sent a mail to the girl who replied me about the upgrade for FSSB R3, I received from PayPal the payment proof but no confirmation from Realsimulator, I guess nobody was at the office when I bought them I'm in Paris France, and what is the BLE 4.0 Bluetooth? why?