New Gimbal and Fat Black Mamba Joystick Orders Update

[Jason_Williams]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Fat Black Mamba Joystick Mk.III Orders on Schedule

 

(Shenzhen, China / Riverside, CA USA) - January 6, 2016 - VKB Industries and Stratojet Flight Controllers are proud to give an update on Fat Black Mamba Mk.III Limited Edition orders and share pictures of their next-gen gimbal. 

 

Fat Black Mamba Mk.III Order Update

 

Customers who ordered the Fat Black Mamba Mk.III Limited Edition joystick this fall will be happy to know that their orders are very close to being shipped, likely before the end of January. Production has begun and all units are on the assembly line. VKB and Stratojet have decided to deliver directly from the factory to shave four to five weeks off the wait time! The assembly team is taking great care to assemble each stick properly and they will all be tested to ensure they work before shipment. 

 

 

Next-Gen Gimbal

 

VKB has released the first ever images of the finished all-metal gimbal that will be included in their latest joysticks. All parts are precisely machined and coated and ready for years of virtual flying and combat. No other joystick manufacturer engineers their gimbals like VKB. They are built to last and designed to be the best!

 

 

Special Cam for Warthog Adapter

 

Included in every Warthog Adapter kit will be a newly designed heavy-duty cam unit that properly balances the Warthog grip when installed. This will provide an even better response to user inputs for those customers that choose to combine the Warthog grip with the Mamba base. 

 

 

Vintage Black Mamba Availability

 

The Vintage Black Mamba joystick is still available for pre-order, but available units are running low. If you are considering purchasing one of these amazing sticks - don’t delay. Quantities are very limited!  And remember that the Vintage Black Mamba also comes with our new next-gen gimbal that sets a new standard for joystick design!

 

The Vintage Black Mamba joystick is available through our retail partners Stratojet (http://www.gostratojet.com/Vintage_Black_Mamba/index.html)and FSC VKB Europe (https://flightsimcontrols.com/store/joysticks/vkb-fat-black-mamba-mk-iii-limited-edition-pre-order-kg12-grip/).

 

 

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) will be coming soon. 

 

The VKB and Stratojet Teams

 

PR Contact for VKB and Stratojet

Jason Williams

jason@gostratojet.com

 

[LukeFF]

Sweet, man! Looking good. 

[kestrel79]

Can't wait awesome news!

[Warpig]

It's happening! I never thought I'd get my hands on one of these.

[9./JG27DavidRed]

still waiting for the gunfighter announcement and trying to keep patience....

[SCG_Space_Ghost]

still waiting for the gunfighter announcement and trying to keep patience....

 

Q1, 2016 is comprised of the month(s) between January and March.

 

We've got 2 and 3/4 months to go before that expected announcement deadline is exceeded.

[SC_Manu653]

On the Vintage Black Mamba  in his specification it s written that you have a HAT switch on the grip.  I don't see it on the pics or don't understand it . Someone can lighten me up please ?

[LukeFF]

On the Vintage Black Mamba  in his specification it s written that you have a HAT switch on the grip.  I don't see it on the pics or don't understand it . Someone can lighten me up please ?

 

It's the button on the left-hand side of the grip.

[SC_Manu653]

Thanks Luke, can't wait to get it ! Q1 is a long waiting for me... so excited !

Edited January 10, 2016 by 4./JG53Manu653

[LukeFF]

Jason, how is the programming software for these controllers going to be distributed?

[Jason_Williams]

There is no new programming software at the moment. You can either use the existing NJoy32 software or wait for further development.

 

Jason

[LukeFF]

There is no new programming software at the moment. You can either use the existing NJoy32 software or wait for further development.

 

Jason

 

Got it, thanks! 

[Jason_Williams]

The existing N32Joy software does A LOT of amazing things, BUT as usual, it was designed by a Russian dude and it's complex. Sound familiar? I've given VKB some design insight on how new simpler to understand software should be laid out, but I don't know if or when that will become a reality frankly.

 

I really need someone who speaks english to learn the N32Joy software and write a primer so new users can use it to program buttons etc. if they wish. My usual problem. :-(

 

Jason

[JG27_Chivas]

Looking forward to receiving the new Mamba.   Jason on a side not, did you happen to get to Vegas, to look at the new Rift, Vive VR headsets.

[Jason_Williams]

No I didn't go to CES this year. I used to go every year, but it wasn't really translating into any good leads to anything I could use. Then VR hits and the show is relevant to gamers again, but I decided it was nothing I hadn't seen before. Plus unless you get VIP treatment from the VR devs you're scrambling and waiting in line forever to get a 2 min peek. Not worth it.  All that stuff will also be at E3 as usual in June. I always go to E3.

 

Jason

[chiliwili69]

No I didn't go to CES this year. I used to go every year, but it wasn't really translating into any good leads to anything I could use. Then VR hits and the show is relevant to gamers again, but I decided it was nothing I hadn't seen before. Plus unless you get VIP treatment from the VR devs you're scrambling and waiting in line forever to get a 2 min peek. Not worth it.  All that stuff will also be at E3 as usual in June. I always go to E3.

 

Jason

 

Last words you said about VR were in June last year after being in E3 talking with Razer about OSVR.

If possible, many people in this forum would like to know what is the current plan for VR: OSVR, Vive, Rift, Waitandsee, anything else...

Your company will create long queues if you would be able to create a VR demo of ROF/BOS/BOM with the Mamba at the next E3...and you will put Palmer at the queue!

[kestrel79]

Just got mine. Looks awesome.

 

What's the best way to mount these I've always used velcro on my x52 but I feel like I want to screw this thing down. Well done.

[PeterZvan]

I like to use the following for my sticks - works excelently:

http://www.uhu.com/en/products/glue-pads.html

 

Holds well, can be remowed and reused all the time. Also leaves no marks on the table / joystick.

Perfect for the job.

[kestrel79]

Nice thanks! Can you get these at most hardware stores in the US or something similar?

[PeterZvan]

No idea - I am from europe.

I get these in any supermarket here.

[LukeFF]

Nice thanks! Can you get these at most hardware stores in the US or something similar?

 

Yes, something just like that can be found in American hardware stores. I personally use small, pre-cut velcro strips from 3M with my rudder pedals and plan on using them with my VKB stick, once it arrives. They are very, very sturdy. 

Edited February 1, 2016 by LukeFF

[9./JG27golani79]

Is there any chance that the vintage version will be produced again?

[Warpig]

I received my stick yesterday. The thing feels beautiful! The all metal gimbal system seems it will live up to its expectations, and it's the best feel I've ever gotten from any flight stick.

 

Although, I do have one complaint, and it's a nit-picky one.. The grip has a grey face like the Cobra Defender model, I was expecting a black face that is shown in the image of the Limited Edition Black Mamba Mk. III. It might not sound like much, but that is a big deal to me. I have expectations when an image of a product is shown, and that is the look I am expecting.

 

I was also under the impression that the grip would be aluminum instead of rubberized plastic, but I could have been wrong about that. The site did state that the stick was of aluminum and steel construction, it just didn't specify what exact parts were made of them materials. Or maybe I mistakenly got a cheaper Defender grip?

 

Now that's out of the way, I have a couple questions for anybody that can answer.

 

-What are the extra cams and springs for? Are they spare parts, or are they a different calibration setting?

-Where do I find the programming software?

-If I were to get the Warthog adapter, do we know that all the buttons on the Warthog grip will operate?

Edited February 2, 2016 by Warpig

[Jason_Williams]

I received my stick yesterday. The thing feels beautiful! The all metal gimbal system seems it will live up to its expectations, and it's the best feel I've ever gotten from any flight stick.

 

Although, I do have one complaint, and it's a nit-picky one.. The stick has a grey face like the Cobra Defender model, I was expecting a black face that is shown in the image of the Limited Edition Black Mamba Mk. III. It might not sound like much, but that is a big deal to me. I have expectations when an image of a product is shown, and that is the look I am expecting.

 

I was also under the impression that the stick would be aluminum instead of rubberized plastic, but I could have been wrong about that. The site did state that the stick was of aluminum and steel construction, it just didn't specify what exact parts were made of them materials. Or maybe I mistakenly got a cheaper Defender stick?

 

Now that's out of the way, I have a couple questions for anybody that can answer.

 

-What are the extra cams and springs for? Are they spare parts, or are they a different calibration setting?

-Where do I find the programming software?

-If I were to get the Wathog adapter, do we know that all the buttons on the Warthog stick will operate?

 

1. About the grey part. VKB did not tell me this was going to be the case and the pics posted were given to me by VKB. I was surprised as anyone and gave them hell for it. It won't happen again.

2. The product is steel and aluminum except the grip which is sourced from a 3rd party.

3. The extra cams and springs are for creating a different feel. We will try to address that in videos and other instructions in the near future.

4. There is no easy to use programming software yet. Please use in-game assignments. There is the Njoy32 software that VKB has for their products, but it's so complex I don't recommend it at this time. There are no english instructions. I don't have a status update in the latest version or a link for it at the moment.

5. Yes the Warthog adapter allows all the buttons to work, but I do not have any in stock in the U.S. at this time. ETA is unknown at this time, but I will work on it.

 

This first, accelerated shipment of Mamba Mk.III LEs is a learning experience for all unfortunately. I was supposed to have more time to flesh out certain info and details before arrival. Shipping from the factory got you your stick faster, but it put Stratojet out of place to address everything properly.

 

Please visit the VKB forum for more info. http://forum.vkb-sim.pro/index.php Thatis where I will be addressing all Stratojet customers on these issues moving forward.

 

Jason

[Warpig]

1. About the grey part. VKB did not tell me this was going to be the case and the pics posted were given to me by VKB. I was surprised as anyone and gave them hell for it. It won't happen again.

2. The product is steel and aluminum except the grip which is sourced from a 3rd party.

3. The extra cams and springs are for creating a different feel. We will try to address that in videos and other instructions in the near future.

4. There is no easy to use programming software yet. Please use in-game assignments. There is the Njoy32 software that VKB has for their products, but it's so complex I don't recommend it at this time. There are no english instructions. I don't have a status update in the latest version or a link for it at the moment.

5. Yes the Warthog adapter allows all the buttons to work, but I do not have any in stock in the U.S. at this time. ETA is unknown at this time, but I will work on it.

 

This first, accelerated shipment of Mamba Mk.III LEs is a learning experience for all unfortunately. I was supposed to have more time to flesh out certain info and details before arrival. Shipping from the factory got you your stick faster, but it put Stratojet out of place to address everything properly.

 

Please visit the VKB forum for more info. http://forum.vkb-sim.pro/index.php Thatis where I will be addressing all Stratojet customers on these issues moving forward.

 

Jason

Thanks for the info. I will reserve all future inquires to the VKB forums.

 

Overall, good job getting these available to North America. Even though there might have been some minor mishaps with communication with VKB, I appreciate your efforts Jason.

Edited February 2, 2016 by Warpig

[Sokol1]

 

 

-Where do I find the programming software?

 

If you want try, in ED forum find a guy - Burrinophate - used to VKB Config software that maybe can help you.

[LukeFF]

For those that want to use the current software, you can get it from here. It's on the right, in the Featured Downloads section, and it's called "Configurator tool." I've only ever used the software with VKB's pedals, but it should also work fine with their joysticks. 

 

But yes, like Jason has said, it's not the easiest software to work with, so be prepared to take some time learning how it works. 

Edited February 2, 2016 by LukeFF

[Jason_Williams]

I don't recommend the VKB Configurator (Njoy32) for beginners. Please stay away from it until I can explain how it works. You can pork your stick or pedals if you don't know what you are doing. There is a much simpler solution for basic inputs called svmapper. Found here: http://vkb-sim.pro/support/software/

 

I am recommending everyone who bought a Mamba Mk,III to use svmapper if they want to program buttons.

 

VKB has work to do in the software department for sure, but it takes time to make something super user friendly. I'm helping them along as best I can.

 

Jason 

[Warpig]

Fair enough. I guess I'll stay away from the software and be patient.

[Jason_Williams]

You can use the svmapper to assign keys to buttons. Very easy to use. It's going to be a while before any new software or any manuals are written.

 

Jason

[Sokol1]

SVMapper is in this VKB link  - Utilities:

 

http://vkb-sim.pro/support/software/

 

svmapper.rar

 

BTW - Mamba "mode" selector switch change grip buttons # 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 in hardware - allowing use more 14 virtual buttons.

This mode switch don't affect triggers (B1, B2) and POV HAT:

 

post a picture

Edited February 3, 2016 by Jason_Williams

[Warpig]

 

SVMapper is in this VKB link  - Utilities:

 

http://vkb-sim.pro/support/software/

 

svmapper.rar

 

BTW - Mamba "mode" selector switch change grip buttons # 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 in hardware - allowing use more 14 virtual buttons.

This mode switch don't affect triggers (B1, B2) and POV HAT:

 

post a picture

 

With this understanding does that mean the game will accept the different modes as separate inputs? That was the main reason I wanted the software, to make the mode selector work.

Edited February 3, 2016 by Warpig

[Sokol1]

In this grip the mode selector switch don't add a "clutch/shift..."(modifier) to the buttons - like, e.g. in Saitek's - but instead change in the controller the button input linked to a give grip button, in that way you don't need software for use the three modes.

 

See the left "shoulder" button, can be button #3, #16 or #23 based on mode selector position.

 

Try this, set this button (3) for (example) fire rockets with mode selector in 1 - the button assigned in game should be #3.

Then change mode selector for 2 and assign the same button (3) for drop bombs, the button assigned in game should be # 16, etc.

 

But if you want use soft, besides the SVMapper, can try Joy2Key, XPadder, each have some exclusive function.

Despite simple - relative to "HOTAS" soft - this keypmapers use few computer resourcers (e.g. ~500kb of memoy against ~50 MB of TARGET), can be started, changed... after start the game, and AFAIK dont cause BSOD (like HOTAS soft).

Edited February 3, 2016 by Sokol1

[Warpig]

Exactly the info I was looking for. Thanks Sokol1.

Edited February 3, 2016 by Warpig

[RainMan]

 

Although, I do have one complaint, and it's a nit-picky one.. The grip has a grey face like the Cobra Defender model, I was expecting a black face that is shown in the image of the Limited Edition Black Mamba Mk. III. It might not sound like much, but that is a big deal to me. I have expectations when an image of a product is shown, and that is the look I am expecting.

 

+1

[kestrel79]

I was expecting the actual stick part to have a little metal in it as well, and be black in color. But it's okay still looks cool and feels good. Rubber material similar to x52 pro. But the base and gimbal are all metal and that's where the action happens. All the switches look solid too, real nice click and feel to the rotaries. The custom engraving looks baller as well. I have yet to set mine up as I wasn't sure how to stick it into place to my Obutto center stick attachment, but think I'm going the Velcro route again or glue pads. The base is a little wider than x52 so I'll see how that plays out. Love the joystick dust cover too!

 

Sokol that's awesome news about the modifier switch! I think I'll make M1 taxi/takeoff/landing, M2 combat, and M3 bomber stuff. That's what I did on my old x52 setup and worked out pretty good. Plenty of buttons!

 

So I noticed you can move the B1 trigger and the pinky switch out of the way. What's the purpose of this, to just move it out of the way if you aren't using it? Kind of a cool feature.

[Sokol1]

So I noticed you can move the B1 trigger and the pinky switch out of the way. What's the purpose of this, to just move it out of the way if you aren't using it? Kind of a cool feature.

 

I think that is just because this: "cool feature". 

 

In the real sticks where the M-5 design* was inspired - SU fighters - the trigger usually fold up as "safety lock", as well the pinky lever.

The M-5 mimic this "safety" positions.

 

Other feature is, the trigger 1 can be pressed over trigger 2. In this way is possible use MG only (T1), cannon only (T2) and both (T1+T2) - not limited to MG and MG+cannon like in X-52, Warthog/Cougar.

 

http://s9.postimg.org/s1dalrxj3/output_GO4_PDq.gif

 

* The M-5 grip design history was curious, discussions about in the (deceased) Sukhoi forum - circa ~2008 - last six mounts or more, with "simmers" participation - and no way was find to please all involved.

 

 

 

 

[ST_ami7b5]

Great Mouse-pilot avatar Sokol

[Sokol1]

 

 

 

The existing N32Joy software does A LOT of amazing things, BUT as usual, it was designed by a Russian dude and it's complex. 

 

Sample of what the NJoy32 Config creator can do with this software.

Usually POV HAT is divided in 8 angles, but he can divide in 240:

 

[Sokol1]

Video guides:

 

 

 

By default is installed the "soft center" CAM - # 10.

 

https://www.facebook.com/vkbsim/

Edited February 5, 2016 by Sokol1