TM Cougar/Warthog force sensor mod options

[sirrah]

I just noticed that Realsimulator increased their price on the FSSB-R3 from €450 to €490 , making it even less affordable (acceptable) for the average DCS Joe 

https://realsimulator.com/fssb-r3-lighting/

 

With the DCS Viper slowly getting in good shape, my urge on upgrading to a force sensor mod for my TM Cougar or Warthog is starting to grow. I know rel4y has one in the making, so perhaps I should wait. But just to explore my options:

Did anyone had any luck with Vipergear's VFS-WE? I heard/read good things about it and their price is more than reasonable.

I tried contacting Vipergear by mail, but unfortunately didn't get any response . I'd really like to purchase their force sensor mod, but it's always out of stock. 

https://vipergear.eu/product/vfs-3-white-eagle-edition/

Anyone any idea how to get in touch with them? Or did they stop selling?

 

Unfortunately, I don't have the time (and with that, skills) to build my own mod.

[aelfewulf]

Hi, I’m using the Vipergear VFS-WE, really happy with it. 
Stepping up to the FSSB R3 gives you customisable force levels and many other cool stuff. 
 

[sirrah]

On 1/14/2022 at 5:55 PM, aelfewulf said:

Hi, I’m using the Vipergear VFS-WE, really happy with it. 
Stepping up to the FSSB R3 gives you customisable force levels and many other cool stuff. 
 

Ok that sounds good!

How/when/where did you manage to purchase?

I've been checking their website for over a year (maybe 2?), but I've never seen it available for purchase. Have I just been unlucky with my timing, or are there perhaps other ways to get in contact with Vipergear?

[BuzzU]

Make sure you're going to like it. Not everybody does. It's a lot of money for something you might not like.

 

I love the Viper and always wanted to try it, but the price is hard to swallow.

Edited January 16, 2022 by BuzzU

[sirrah]

On 1/16/2022 at 10:46 PM, BuzzU said:

Make sure you're going to like it. Not everybody does. It's a lot of money for something you might not like.

 

I know your advise is meant well, but it's a tad difficult to find out without actually trying

I find anything >€350 for this piece of hardware a bit hard to swallow though 

[BuzzU]

19 minutes ago, sirrah said:

I know your advise is meant well, but it's a tad difficult to find out without actually trying

I find anything >€350 for this piece of hardware a bit hard to swallow though 

If someone is the type who thinks the spring in the Warthog stick is too stiff. They probably won't like this mod.

[veltro2]

Happy user of the VFS since the first version (the 3D Printed one). The last is very, very precise, very affordable. 

They have in backorder the VFS right now.

regards

[sirrah]

12 hours ago, veltro2 said:

Happy user of the VFS since the first version (the 3D Printed one). The last is very, very precise, very affordable. 

They have in backorder the VFS right now.

regards

Bummer... Reading all these positive posts about the Vipergear force sensor makes me even more frustrated not being able to purchase one...
Still haven't received any response from Vipergear to my inquiry, but I suppose it's probably a small (one man?) business?

Also I really wonder about the quality difference between the Vipergear mod and the FSSB-R3, as the price difference is beyond humongous (€270,- vs €490,-)

[veltro2]

9 hours ago, sirrah said:

Bummer... Reading all these positive posts about the Vipergear force sensor makes me even more frustrated not being able to purchase one...
Still haven't received any response from Vipergear to my inquiry, but I suppose it's probably a small (one man?) business?

Also I really wonder about the quality difference between the Vipergear mod and the FSSB-R3, as the price difference is beyond humongous (€270,- vs €490,-)

Hi,

I can't say nothing about quality. I can say that the VFS-WE is all metal, very good Build, precise and affordable. The most important difference is that the VFS-WE need the original Thrustmaster Cougar internal PCB to be used and recognized, you change the old Gimbal and put the VFS one., the FFB-R3 is a stand alone joystick, plug an play.

 

If you want you can put a Backorder right know, they have parts in stock, and they say that the actual back order will be shipped from 15 march. 

you can also follow Vipergear on FB, check for their page, they answer on FB.

 

Regards

[Speed Handle]

I have been using the VFS-WE from Viper gear for over a year now. It took a while (weeks) getting used to from using my original cougars for the last 17 years. 

The only issue I'm having with them is sensor drift due to tempurature change and needing to manually recenter the X and Y axis sensors inside the Cougar base.

I've since moded my base drilling two fairly precice 1/8 inch holes in the base that line up with the VFS X and Y axis trim pots and secured two 4 inch long 1/8 metal rods with one end ground to match the flat head screwdriver slot on each pot enabling them to be recentered even on the fly. 

Also the Cougars ability to change stick sensitivity on the fly is done with Foxy's programing using CURVE (JOYX, value)  CURVE (JOYY, value) or CURVE (JOYSTICK, value) functions. 

Example
REM  ***********************************  HAT 4  ******************************************
REM                                                Counter Measures Switch
REM ***************************************************************************************

REM *****************************  HAT 4 FWD  ********************************************

BTN H4U /I CURVE (JOYY, 6) CURVE (JOYX, 6)   REM A-A combat
        /O DX15 REM CMS Jamming pod Transmit

REM *****************************  HAT 4 AFT  *****************************************

BTN H4D /I CURVE (JOYY,-1) CURVE (JOYX, -2)   REM A-A refueling
        /O DX17 REM Slap switch Dispence Chaff / Flares 

REM *****************************  HAT 4 LEFT  *******************************************

BTN H4L /I CURVE (JOYY, 3) CURVE (JOYX, 3 )    REM A-G 
        /O DX18 REM Dispenses selected Chaff /Flare program. 

REM *****************************  HAT 4 RIGHT  ****************************************

BTN H4R /I /T Map_View /T Cock_pit_View 
        /O DX16 

Edited September 14, 2023 by Speed Handle