VKB: 2024 Creeping Changes Update (STECS)

[AeroGator]

The cooking staff inadvertently left the kitchen door slightly opened, and this is what we smelled from it.

STECS (all submodels) are going to have the thumb ministick replaced by a 5-way hat (4-way plus center push). This comes because many users complained about unwanted sideways movements when trying to go in one single direction. These voices were too many to ignore, so here it goes.

that's how it is now ^

that's how it becomes ^

Also, a 2-axis ministick is introduced to sit under the index finger across all submodels.

now ^

after modification ^

For those who have thumb ministicks, and would prefer to have a hat instead, we will produce a limited number of replacement half-grips which will be offered for reduced cost.

Happy Flying!

[Aapje]

@AeroGator

That's great news, as I was holding off on the purchase for a while hoping for exactly this change. But just to be sure, the Black Friday/Week purchases will be the new variant, right?

Edited November 19, 2024 by Aapje

[Aapje]

According to the hotas reddit, it should be released in time for Black Friday.

I would also suggest to VKB to make the 5-way hat available for people to buy, as it would probably be quite popular and relatively cheap to ship.

[Aviators]

VKB you are the best! 

Too bad you do not develop a rudder pedal with brakes.

[MAXsenna]

@AeroGator WTF! Are you nuts? The thumb is way more precise than the flip or index fingers. Wouldn't it be possible to make it swappable like you did with one of your grips?

Sent from my SM-A536B using Tapatalk

[Aapje]

They already said that it is not possible to make the buttons swappable.

[MAXsenna]

They already said that it is not possible to make the buttons swappable.

Where? Another thread? Missed that, doesn't really matter if it can't be done. Too bad.

Sent from my SM-A536B using Tapatalk

[Aapje]

On Reddit.

[AlpineGTA]

I would be happy if existing owners could just buy a concave hat to replace the original pointed one.

[Aapje]

Someone with a 3D-printer could probably make a decent amount of money making those for people. Shipping should be relatively cheap, since it can be sent in a padded envelope.

[AeroGator]

On 11/19/2024 at 4:44 PM, Aapje said:

make the 5-way hat available for people to buy, as it would probably be quite popular and relatively cheap to ship.

We were thinking about it and tried to make it happen. However, the internals of the grip had to be changed, too, to accommodate the new PCB. So alas in this particular case it wasn't possible. Sorry.

[Gianky]

On 11/19/2024 at 1:33 PM, MAXsenna said:

@AeroGator WTF! Are you nuts? The thumb is way more precise than the flip or index fingers. Wouldn't it be possible to make it swappable like you did with one of your grips?

Sent from my SM-A536B using Tapatalk
 

Hey Max!

According to this video from VKB

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9uDSJdhQQs

you can still have the ministick under the thumb, so having up to two ministick (thumb and index finger at the same time)

@AeroGator Any idea what the price tag for the right grip replacement will be, for those of us who already own the STECS? Even a ballpark would do. And...

 

On 11/21/2024 at 12:47 AM, AeroGator said:

We were thinking about it and tried to make it happen. However, the internals of the grip had to be changed, too, to accommodate the new PCB. So alas in this particular case it wasn't possible. Sorry.

Wasn't it possible to just create a ministick for the index finger on the original right grip, since it's already a modular spot (the MB1 slot)? I would have bought just that, the thumbstick can be turned into a hat switch via VKBdevconfig, I wouldn't have minded leaving it in there.

In any case, thanks for listening to your customers!

Now, if you would do this, too....

On 11/19/2024 at 10:47 AM, Aviators said:

... rudder pedal with brakes.

[Aapje]

20 hours ago, Gianky said:

Wasn't it possible to just create a ministick for the index finger on the original right grip, since it's already a modular spot (the MB1 slot)?

Apparently the ministick requires two connectors, while the MB1 spot on the old grip has only one connector.

[Bigity]

Just sell me the upgraded grip already

[Tensorial_Architect]

I can understand why you are doing this AeroGator (.... carrying all the old-timers over from the Warthog and the hardcore who exactly want to model the F-18, etc...). That said, the thumb maps about 1.3 million more neurons (and roughly 11 more connectomes) in the cortex than the index finger does:

 

[VampireNZ]

My Gen 2 STECS arrived this week and having the ministick on the front and a 5-way under your thumb is as awesome as you think it would be lol.

Overall a really great throttle, especially if you fly different aircraft - simple swap of detent strip and you go from flying the F-16 with a detent with associated button pushes for shutoff/idle and an AB Detent to the Apache with none at all. Very nice.

It is VERY fresh to have a developer that recognises their product could be better, listens to their customers, and release an EVEN BETTER product. Well done VKB! 

Edited January 14 by VampireNZ

[Koziolek]

Any news about the new half-grips with a hat under the thumb? When will they be available? I don't see anything on VKB website

And how is it going to work?  Will we be able to swap them themselves or will we have to send the whole throttle to VKB for refitting?

Edited February 14 by Koziolek

[Aapje]

VKB tends to offer both options, to change it yourself or have them do it.

And this is what VKB said two days ago on the EU forum:

Quote

Mk.II half-grip upgrade set is not yet available as a product.
We do not have a concrete date yet but as soon as it is available we will arrange it and offer for EU customers.
I believe it will be available rather soon but it depends on HQ and their production plans.

 

[VR Flight Guy in PJ Pants]

I am still waiting for this, I really like what the Mk.II offer as upgrade.

[Str][ker]

Any idea when the half-grip will be available? When I contacted VKB support they said they didn’t know yet. I don’t want to miss out on this upgrade.