VKB Stratojet Gladiator Update and Fat Black Mamba Mk.III

[Jason_Williams]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

VKB Stratojet Gladiator Update and Fat Black Mamba Mk.III

 

(Shenzhen, China / Riverside, CA USA) - November 9, 2015 - VKB Industries and Stratojet Flight Controllers are proud to give a brief update on the Gladiator line and announce plans for the Fat Black Mamba Mk.III.

 

Gladiator Progress

 

VKB engineers have been hard at work finishing the design and pre-production phase of the Gladiator and Gladiator Pro joysticks which were officially announced in October. Work is on schedule and early production prototypes are being tested and tweaked to meet the high quality standards set by VKB for the first production run. Below are some pictures of a late stage prototype.   

 

 

Fat Black Mamba Mk.III Pre-Orders

 

By popular demand VKB has agreed to produce a limited number of the popular Fat Black Mamba joystick. Although externally identical to the Fat Black Mamba Mk.II, the new Mk.III will include our next generation gimbal as part of the package. This product will be extremely limited in its availability. Our European (VKB FSC Europe) and North American (Stratojet) partners will handle sales for the Mk.III in their respective territories. Both Stratojet and VKB FSC will be taking pre-orders for the Mk.III. MSRP of the Mk. III is $369.99 in North America. The MSRP for Europe has not been finalized at this time. Please check with VKB FSC for more information on pricing and ordering.

 

 

Shipment of the Black Mamba Mk.III should be Q1 2016. Please visit Stratojet and VKB FSC Europe to place a pre-order. Hurry, quantities are extremely limited!

 

ALL PRE-ORDERS PLACED BEFORE DECEMBER 10, 2015 WILL INCLUDE A CUSTOM ENGRAVING OF YOUR CALLSIGN OR SPECIAL LOGO ON THE BASEPLATE FREE OF CHARGE COURTESY OF VKB AND STRATOJET. THIS IS A LIMITED TIME OFFER. YOU WILL BE CONTACTED ON HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR CALLSIGN OR ARTWORK AT A LATER DATE.

 

Next Generation Gimbal

 

VKB’s all new metal gimbal that will be used in the Gladiator Pro, Fat Black Mamba Mk.III and future Gunfighter joystick is currently undergoing testing and final design improvements. This gimbal will set a new standard in precision and feel for high-end PC flight controllers. Below is a picture of the prototype. Final units will be polished and coated to ensure ultimate quality.

 

 

Virtual Toe-Brakes for T-Rudder Pedals

 

VKB is also excited to announce that development of “virtual toe-brakes” for all marks of the T-Rudder has now reached the beta testing phase. This will allow users to press a button on their joystick, throttle or keyboard to activate the toe-brake feature on the T-Rudder. You can assign keystrokes to either pedal and when you press the pedals a braking signal will be sent to your game for either the left or right wheel. The amount of braking force applied will be determined by the deflection of the pedals. This will allow the VKB T-Rudder to have all the functionality of its bigger, bulkier cousins with physical toe-brakes. Virtual toe-brakes are just another example of VKB’s ingenuity and quality engineering. 

 

 

Please visit the official VKB forum at http://forum.vkb-sim.pro  to keep up to date on production and availability news for our upcoming products. Make sure to notice our new English language section managed by Stratojet. A new English language version of the official VKB website (http://vkb-sim.pro) is also in development.

 

The VKB and Stratojet Teams

 

PR Contact for VKB and Stratojet

Jason Williams

jason@gostratojet.com

 

 

[SYN_Vorlander]

thank you

[kestrel79]

Wow everything looks great!

[Ypsan]

I've been trying to preorder Fat Black Mamba on VKB FSC Europe website whole day but choosing paypal method gets me 502 gateway error... Anyone had better luck?

[Zettman]

I preordered without a problem. But I'm curious if it is still possible to get the Warthog adapter to connect Warthog grip to the Black Mamba gimbal. Since I already got used to the Warthog grip I would really like to keep it and replace the (cheap) plastic gimbal of the Warthog with the superior Black Mamba gimbal. Is it still available?

 

Zettman

[Zorik79]

I preordered without a problem. But I'm curious if it is still possible to get the Warthog adapter to connect Warthog grip to the Black Mamba gimbal. Since I already got used to the Warthog grip I would really like to keep it and replace the (cheap) plastic gimbal of the Warthog with the superior Black Mamba gimbal. Is it still available?

 

Zettman

Should be no issues , I have ordered my warthog adapter few months ago (it wasn't available in the stock so I waited~2 weeks till they produced it) . When you will get adapter just follow the instruction and replace it , took me 10-15 minutes for this.

The next step, you need load profile in the soft, it will take another 1-2 minutes.

[Sokol1]

In Flightsimcontrols (EU) you can order BM Mk.III and add the Thrustmaster adapter for 15 Euros, look at options.

[CheeseGromit]

I've been trying to preorder Fat Black Mamba on VKB FSC Europe website whole day but choosing paypal method gets me 502 gateway error... Anyone had better luck?

 

I got the 502 gateway error as well when I tried last night. Now I'm having issues with the website recognising username but not password, I've not recieved any emails for confirmation or password reset (checked spam folder).

[Skoop]

When you convert a Black Mamba or even the soon to be released gunfighter to a warthog handle, does windows see I as a warthog or a VKB joystick. Can you use TARGET to do advanced programing of the stick if it's a VKB warthog handle conversion ?

 

Could we get an option to have the gunfighter come with the warthog handle conversion already installed at the factory. That way when I get it, I just have to connect the Warthog handle and off I go.

 

The K12 default looks cool, but not having the hat switches and extra buttons is worthless to me. I want the stick to function in all sims, not just WWII, and a K12 would put me at a severe disadvantage in dcs.

 

I think it would be great to offer a factory converted warthog gunfighter option.

Edited November 11, 2015 by Skoop

[Jade_Monkey]

The black mamba looks amazing!

 

I would have jumped on it if it wasnt for the lack of twist for the rudder. I'm not a pedal person.

 

Also, the language around the twist grip is a bit confusing. It says it's "not included", but does that mean it doesnt have any, or that it can be purchased separatedly?

[Sokol1]

When you convert a Black Mamba or even the soon to be released gunfighter to a warthog handle, does windows see I as a warthog or a VKB joystick. Can you use TARGET to do advanced programing of the stick if it's a VKB warthog handle conversion ?

 

The Windows will see the joystick as VKB Black Mamba. Not possible use TARGET, but the VKB soft, that write config in device EPROM (and dont use soft that can cause Windows BSOD) is equally or more capable, although more "obscure".

 

Could we get an option to have the gunfighter come with the warthog handle conversion already installed at the factory. That way when I get it, I just have to connect the Warthog handle and off I go.

 

You need open the Warthog grip to fit the adapter inside, so no option to came "ready to use". WKB adapter don't use that Warthog "nut"  (and leave the grip more "elegant").

 

The K12 default looks cool, but not having the hat switches and extra buttons is worthless to me.

 

As said in Russian forum you can buy Black Mamba without grip, just with the Warthog adapter.

 

BTW - KG12 has 12 buttons: 10 in 2 "HAT" - the top and side buttons - plus trigger and pinkie button, solving your button count problem.

Edited November 12, 2015 by Sokol1

[Sokol1]

 

 

Also, the language around the twist grip is a bit confusing. It says it's "not included", but does that mean it doesnt have any, or that it can be purchased separatedly?

 

No option for "twist rudder" in Black Mamba, Gunfighter and Gladiator PRO.

 

A high quality "twist rudder" (ball bearing, contactless sensor) will leave the grip more high, unsuitable for use over desktop (and increase the price noticeable).

 

"Twist rudder" is synonyms of "entry level" joystick, not "high end".

[kestrel79]

What will have more buttons? The Fat Black Mamba III or the new Gunfighter? I really like all those dials and metal switches on the base of the Mamba. Will those be on the new Gunfighter as well? The more buttons the better for me

 

Looks great guys congrats thanks for bringing this stuff to USA!

[Skoop]

The Windows will see the joystick as VKB Black Mamba. Not possible use TARGET, but the VKB soft, that write config in device EPROM (and dont use soft that can cause Windows BSOD) is equally or more capable, although more "obscure".

 

 

 

You need open the Warthog grip to fit the adapter inside, so no option to came "ready to use". WKB adapter don't use that Warthog "nut"  (and leave the grip more "elegant").

 

 

 

As said in Russian forum you can buy Black Mamba without grip, just with the Warthog adapter.

 

BTW - KG12 has 12 buttons: 10 in 2 "HAT" - the top and side buttons - plus trigger and pinkie button, solving your button count problem.

Thanks Sokol, I didn't realize the 2 knob looking buttons on the top of the k12 stick were hats.

[6./ZG26_5tuka]

I really hope theyll put up sone more info on the Gladiators. Things like dimensions, deflection angles ect. in particular.

 

Also an estimated price range for the whole series would be great to know as I fear by the time the Gladiator Pro's price is revealed the normal Gladiator will be sold out already.

[Jason_Williams]

The black mamba looks amazing!

 

I would have jumped on it if it wasnt for the lack of twist for the rudder. I'm not a pedal person.

 

Also, the language around the twist grip is a bit confusing. It says it's "not included", but does that mean it doesnt have any, or that it can be purchased separatedly?

 

No there is no twist grip at all for the Mamba.

 

Jason

[Sokol1]

What will have more buttons? The Fat Black Mamba III or the new Gunfighter? I really like all those dials and metal switches on the base of the Mamba. Will those be on the new Gunfighter as well? The more buttons the better for me

 

Black Mamba Mk.III of course. The grip (borrowed from Defender Cobra M5) has 4 way HAT and 2 press buttons + 14 virtual buttons with Mode 2 and Mode 3, plus 2 triggers (physical not 2 stage) totaling 23 buttons plus POV HAT (8 way).

 

Gunfighter with KG 12 like Gladiator plastic grip has HAT + 3 buttons.

With metal KG-12A has 12 buttons (the two top buttons are 5 way HAT).

 

Gunfighter base has no place for dial and switches, even the controller is in separated "Black Box" (in red, of course),   a base for (independent) HOTAS system with future throttle release.

 

BTW - Notice that this is my personal interpretation (of Russian forum).

Edited November 12, 2015 by Sokol1

[kestrel79]

Thanks! Just preordered. A little early Christmas present to myself.

[6./ZG26_5tuka]

Just stumbled across this in the russian forum:

............... and the deflection angle of the handle

A little more than twenty degrees from each side

It's about 2cm higher than my X-52 Pro but as I feared has much worse deflection angles. I remeasured my X-52 and got sth around 28-30°. That's a good bit of movement getting lost for a only little longer stick.

 

Still exitet about more updates and very much looking forward to this stick.
 

[PeterZvan]

Jason - I have a Fat Mamba Mk.I and would like to replace the Gimbal.

However I am Europe based and FSC are not offering the Gimbal as far as I can understand.

Is there any chance that I can order over you or any other suggestions ???

 

FSC is rather very random as far as ordering and answering situation is concerned (one can get absolutly no info for months, than one month its all great and than its all quiet again)

I would much preffer if I can order at a stable and communicative supplier.

[Sokol1]

As alternative - if you are outside of Stratojet market coverage area - you can buy direct from VKB China.

 

Contact "ASIA" there: http://vkb-sim.pro/resellers/

Edited December 18, 2015 by Sokol1

[PeterZvan]

tnx Sokol - didnt know about the China variant.

I would be still very grateful for any response from Jason.

[Jason_Williams]

Peter,

 

I have personally nothing to do with what FSC does or how they operate. I can only speak for Stratojet and what I can do with my relationship with VKB. So far that has gone well on my side of things and if it looks like I am more communicative about my operations and what products are available, well I have a lot of experience in that department I guess. My goal is to have a clear, well organized operation for North America. I respect FSC's sales territory etc. and I don't want to get involved with shipping to Europe as that quickly becomes a nightmare. I have a hard enough time dealing with Canadian addresses. 

 

With regards to what you want to do, write to VKB as Sokol suggested and explain to them your issue. I am sure they will offer a solution and you can get the new gimbal. Tell them about any frustration with FSC so they can look into it.

 

Jason

[PeterZvan]

Thank you for the response Jason - I can completly understand your position.

Will do as suggested.

[Jason_Williams]

Thank you for the response Jason - I can completly understand your position.

Will do as suggested.

 

Thanks for understanding Peter.

 

Jason

[Jokili68]

Are there any new news about the gladiator stick?

[Jason_Williams]

Gladiator is still in the works. I don't have a firm ETA, but it's getting closer. I hope to have a clearer picture very soon.

 

Jason

[Adler_]

Gladiator is still in the works. I don't have a firm ETA, but it's getting closer. I hope to have a clearer picture very soon.

 

Jason

Hey Jason! 

By any chance do you know a price tag for the Gladiator ?

[Jason_Williams]

Hey Jason! 

By any chance do you know a price tag for the Gladiator ?

 

No I don't know the final price yet. Sorry.

 

Jason

[Feathered_IV]

Just looking at the title of this thread, I wasn't sure it was going to be safe for work!    

[Dakpilot]

Try explaining to your missus why you were looking at a site reviewing a Thrustmaster Warthog Hot Ass, and saying not too worry, am thinking of the Fat black Mamba instead 

 

Cheers Dakpilot

[Sokol1]

screenshot on pc

[Sokol1]

Practical "guide" for use T-Link brake function, that is: brake with button, and distribute the force for right or left wheel with pedal.

 

http://forums.eagle.ru/showpost.php?p=2705718&postcount=38

 

IMO - For il-2 BoS this is not needed as this system work like the Russian brakes system (press a button, move the rudder), and in this game this system work too for Luftwaffe planes and P-40.

Edited March 9, 2016 by Sokol1

[KoN_]

 

screenshot on pc

 

Where can i get this software , is this the new one . with toe breaks .

[Sokol1]

Donwload T.Link - beta stable version, for "testers" use - from there:

 

http://forum.vkb-sim.pro/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=2108  - Use Google Translator 

 

Is need be registered in the forum to see the links - use the English section.

 

The public release version and manual will be available soon.

 

For set use Burrinopathe "how to" in the linked posted above.

 

...is this the new one . with toe breaks .

 

There a misconception with this "Toe Brakes" in T.Link.

 

What T.Link allow is "Differential Brakes" for any plane - not "Toe Brakes".

 

Differential Brakes = Press the brake lever in stick grip for brake both wheels (in real plane - in game can be a button/key) and move the rudder to brake right or left wheel.

Is the system in Spitfire, Hurricane, LaGG-3, Yak's, IL-2, Mig-15.... To illustrate, the "differential brakes" scheme in LaGG-3:

 

imagur

 

Toe Brakes - press the toe part of pedal foot rest with your toes/foot tip to brake right or left wheel, press both to brake both wheels. Is the system in P-51, Bf 109... modern planes.

 

So is impossible have the second system in rudder pedal with one axis and without foot rest.

But is possible have "Differential Brakes", T.Link allow create the "brake lever" with joystick button.

 

For IL-2 BoS/BoM T.Link is not needed. Why?

 

Because "Differential Brakes" is already implemented for any plane of the game (BoS/BoM), independent if plane are Luftwaffe or American plane (P-40) with his "toe brakes" (besides the Russian/Italina planes that already use "Differential Brakes").

 

In this planes (Luftwaffe, American...) - in BoS/BoM - you can use toe brakes if have pedal with toe brakes or "differential brakes" if have a "twist rudder" joystick, or T.Rudder or other uniaxial rudder pedal (Tm RCS, Tm Elite, some versions of Simped, some versions of VKB RDR, pedals made for helicopter simulation...).

 

Other reason to don't use: the "differential brakes" in game (BoS/BoM) is better implemented that in T.Link, as in game is allowed distribute the brake force between right and left wheel proportionally to rudder movement, e.g. you can brake right wheel 70% and left 30%. In T. Link is 0 or 100 in one wheel, don't matter if rudder was moved slight of full.

 

T-Link is needed and useful for flight games like DCS, IL-2 CloD... perhaps in WT, FSX, X-Plane... and work very well in DCS P-51, Bf 109 K-4, Fw 190 D-9.

 

BTW - "Differential Brakes" may not be the correct name for the system, but for the purpose of this explanation think defines well.

 

Edited May 4, 2016 by Sokol1

[PeterZvan]

In the mean time I have recieven the gimbal update and installed it.

I ordered it over FSC in the end - it took quite some time, but now its here.

I did not get any instructions inside the box so I had to make due, but it was nothing special so I was able to install it in 30 min.

I have a warthog grip so I recieved also different cams, but went with the ones with 30 in the end - I preffered the force ramp up.

Everything was plug and play and I was acctually expecting that I Will need to do some recalibrations..., but it was good from the starts - all the buttons and axes functioning correctly without a problem.

 

Anyhow - after testing several springs and cams I found a setting which I am happy with and it is really good. The movement is very smooth, the force ramp up and center positon is nice and not too drastic.

I like it a lot now and it seems very effective.

I recomend it as an upgrade.

[1PL-Sahaj-1Esk]

Heya Peter,

 

so you switched from the CH Fighter Stick at last ?

 

S!

[PeterZvan]

Hi Sahaj

Yes - I switched about 3 or 4 months ago.

I wasnt sure because of less max deflection before and was hesitant because the spring setup in the Mk.I stick was not good.

I made some custom springs before and it was quite good so I decided to use it and than also to upgrade the gimbal.

[Sokol1]

Sample of Mamba advanced programming with VKB Config software, using SubShift and Tempo functions.

 

http://forum.vkb-sim.pro/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=2232

Edited June 11, 2016 by Sokol1

[Sokol1]

Black Mamba "Dark Side of the Force".

 

http://imgur.com/a/u1YKw

From Reddit