Gunfighter 3 - a new generation of a flag carrier base!

[AeroGator]

1 – Remodelled soft silicone dust cover.

- Authentic military aircraft looks.

- Complete dust and particles protection for the base internals.

- Minimized parasitic load in extreme grip positions.

New dust cover called for a new joystick upper plate and cover ring.

2 - Enhanced electronics.

- Dedicated 32-bit MCU (micro controller unit) for each of X and Y axes. (previous models had one MCU for both X and Y).

Such enhancement allows for extra high update rate and data processing speed without having to share the computing resources between different axes.

This demands some explanation. In fact, one MCU was already plenty enough.

Then why bringing the second one in?

The answer is as simple as it is proud: because we can!

No one in real life would use all horsepowers and N/ms of torque. Still, the more muscular the car is, the more potential it has for handling unexpected road situations. Using the second MCU means double-turbo-charging the fiery motor of your air- or spacecraft.

We want you to be armed for literally everything.

See it for yourself: a GF3 + MCGPro + Blackbox makes a lightning-fast network system with 5 - five - agile MCUs in it!

E for Efficiency. R for Reliability. P for Power. S for Speed. M for Modularity. Learn the new alphabet with us!

3 - All internal modules are fully digital now.

- Taking the number of cables and connectors to their historical minimum: one 3-line, and one 4-line. After all, everyone knows that electronics is all about contacts. Fewer contacts - lower fault rate. You win!

4 - Updated casing for new internals.

- An LED on the front side indicates correct functioning of all digital modules.

5 - HOSAS is a new standard brought in by space sims.

- The main PCB of the new GF3 sports a jumper. Plugging it in different ways you may alter the identification of the base.

In simple words, the BlackBox will now see the difference betwen the left and right hand GFs. This is made to enable plugging more than one GF into the same BlackBox. (this function is in development and will be fully implemented in future through FW updates). Jumper is there for compatibility with future versions of the firm- and hardware.

6 - New cams.

- Linear cams for space sims with soft center

- Linear cams for space sims with hard center

- Revised aviation cams with progressive load with soft center

- Revised aviation cams with progressive load with hard center.

Moreover, we went on and developed a new technology for making cams.

Previous generations of cams were made of steel and had to be chromium-plated for rust protection. New cams are made of special hardened aluminum alloy - extra firm, extra light, extra durable. Moreover, rust-free for eternity.

7 - New springs.

- Spring replacement takes seconds!

New cams called for new springs.

We designed and produced a special spring replacing tool (included in all kits).

 

--> How do I upgrade my current VKB setup?

 

There are different upgrades kits for different Gladiator and Gunfighter models.

 

1 – Aviation cams kit (soft center cams + hard center cams)

2 – Space cams kit (soft center cams + hard center cams)

3 – Aviation and space cams combo kit (soft center aviation cams + hard center aviation cams + soft center space cams + hard center space cams)

Every set includes springs and spring replacement tool.

Upgrade kits 1, 2, 3 fit models: GLADIATOR Pro 1, GLADIATOR Pro 2, GUNFIGHTER 1, GUNFIGHTER 2

 

4 – Dust cover kit (dust cover + upper panel + cover ring)

Upgrade kit 4 fits models: GUNFIGHTER 1, GUNFIGHTER 2

 

5 – Electronics upgrade kit (Y sensor PCB + Cable + Casing with X sensor PCB pre-installed)

Upgrade kit 5 fits models: GUNFIGHTER 2

 

6 – GF1 kit (Combo cams kit + Dust cover kit)

7 – GF2 kit (Combo cams kit + Dust cover kit + Electronics kit)

 

As you see, the new GF is more than a facelift. Much, much more.

We put a lot of passion into it. Now it is yours**.

 

____________

** Not only this passion is yours, if you hurry up and get yourself one of the first batch bases. An army-style luggage tag will be sent to you as well as a special holiday greeting from VKB!

Edited December 9, 2019 by UIV

[Outlaw24]

Thanks, for the update and info on the GFIII.

[WindyTX]

Is there an electronics upgrade for those of us with Gunfighter 1's I have 2 GF1 bases and one has a crazy X-axis problem still so I would love to replace the X-axis in it.

 

Sent from my GM1915 using Tapatalk

[Outlaw24]

Is there an electronics upgrade for those of us with Gunfighter 1's I have 2 GF1 bases and one has a crazy X-axis problem still so I would love to replace the X-axis in it.

 

Sent from my GM1915 using Tapatalk

 

+1

Also any idea when a price list will be available for the different upgrade kits?

[absolut79]

I think cams should fit Mamba MK3 as well . Correct me if I am wrong.

[Bearfoot]

Is an upgrade available for those of us early adopters with Rev A?

[UIV]

I think cams should fit Mamba MK3 as well . Correct me if I am wrong.

Right. Can install on Mamba

[UIV]

Is an upgrade available for those of us early adopters with Rev A?

[Canadus]

When? When will it be available in Europe?

I really want to upgrade my setup... ;)

[heloguy]

Is there an electronics upgrade for those of us with Gunfighter 1's I have 2 GF1 bases and one has a crazy X-axis problem still so I would love to replace the X-axis in it.

 

Sent from my GM1915 using Tapatalk

 

I have a GF1, and a GF2. Oddly enough, I have X-axis issues with mine as well.

[Ant0ine]

Sorry Aero, but one of the great strengths of the Mark II base was the steel cams. No heat treatment or hardening process I know of will get aluminum cams up to the strength of good steel ones. The gimbal and cams absolutely should be made from steel (as should the base plate).

 

My GF MKII cam aren't in great shape after 1 years of partial usage. However I think it is important to note that I play with dual 50 spring per axes + an extension.

 

No idea if the new manufacturing way will improve cam longevity but I guess that is what they wanted to improve.

My cam looks scratched and rusty.

 

 

Edited December 9, 2019 by Ant0ine

[dburne]

Well dang it, could not resist this one.

Gunfighter Mk III Pro L with MCG Pro Grip has been ordered. Modern Combat Edition.

:joystick:

Edited December 9, 2019 by dburne

[Waxer]

My GF MKII cam aren't in great shape after 1 years of partial usage. However I think it is important to note that I play with dual 50 spring per axes + an extension.

 

No idea if the new manufacturing way will improve cam longevity but I guess that is what they wanted to improve.

My cam looks scratched and rusty.

 

 

Hmm, I imagine that over time the Chromium plating get rubbed off by the bearings. And then the mild steel begins to rust. As Aurelius mentions in his review of the GF2, users should set up their GF initially with some oil or grease on the bearings / cams (something like WD40 or a motorcycle cam lube spray is what I use). And thereafter you should service them occasionally. But given enough time the Chromium plating would still wear off.

 

As you can buy cam sets separately for someone wearing out cams, at least they are user replaceable if they start to wear out.

 

Anyways... I am waiting and looking forward to the F-14 grip w/ GF3 combo whenever that lands.

[Canadus]

Well dang it, could not resist this one.

Gunfighter Mk III Pro L with MCG Pro Grip has been ordered. Modern Combat Edition.

:joystick:

 

Where? Is this possible already? :joystick:

[rrohde]

Where? Is this possible already? :joystick:

 

At VKBcontrollers.com it is; however, Europeans will have to wait for their VKB EU store to be updated accordingly to order from there.

[Sn8ke_iis]

Any word on when the Thrustmaster adaptor kits will be in stock on the NA website? I would like to be able to use the Warthog grip and the Hornet grip on the new MKIII base. I would also like to be able to order the KG12 grip along with the MCG Pro MkIII. Looking forward to finally trying out your products. Thank you.

 

:joystick:

[Canadus]

At VKBcontrollers.com it is; however, Europeans will have to wait for their VKB EU store to be updated accordingly to order from there.

 

Hach. Those Americans again... :D

[rrohde]

Hach. Those Americans again... :D

 

Kannste machen nix... ;)

[Waxer]

There are some photos of the F-14 + GF3 with the 200mm extension. Have you got any photos of the 100mm extension fitted that you can share, please?

[dburne]

Hach. Those Americans again... :D

 

:smilewink:

[Fri13]

Is there any difference between mk2 and mk3 if all those upgrade kits are bought?

[AeroGator]

Is there any difference between mk2 and mk3 if all those upgrade kits are bought?

Functionally - no. To the touch - no. Different cable tracing - yes, but who cares, they are hidden from sight.

[Canadus]

Kannste machen nix... ;)

 

:D

 

Du hast doch einen guten Draht zu VKB. Muss sich schon Wasser und Brot konsumieren oder hab ich noch Zeit? :music_whistling:

[dburne]

Perhaps a dumb question but here goes.

 

When I receive my new Mk III Gunfighter /MCG Pro setup, will DCS still recognize it and keep my assignments or will I need to plug in all my assignments again?

Coming from Gunfighter MK 1 Pro with MCG Pro grip.

[AeroGator]

Perhaps a dumb question but here goes.

Now I am feeling dumb. Anyway it's nearly midnight here, and I won't get any smarter before morning. I'll check it out for you in the morning, OK?