New Gimbal and Fat Black Mamba Joystick Orders Update

[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

 

Is the SVMapper software required for the 3 modes? The mode switch is not changing the hardware inputs for me. Rather, I get 6,7,8,9 for all 3 modes on the left hat for example. The other buttons do not change for modes either.

[Sokol1]

No, you should not need SVMapper for this... I ask help for some "guru"  and report back. 

Edited February 8, 2016 by Sokol1

[kestrel79]

I hooked my stick up this weekend.

 

I can also report what Warpig said when you flick the mode switch it does not change the button numbers on the stick in the Windows 7 joystick screen. All I see is each mode button click counts as a button, but it does not change the function of the other buttons on the stick like that diagram shows. That's too bad I was really looking forward to that. Hope this can be sorted out.

[Warpig]

I'm on Windows 7 as well. I did make a post on the VKB tech forums here: http://forum.vkb-sim.pro/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=2081

Edited February 9, 2016 by Warpig

[Bourrinopathe]

Hi Warpig,

I tried to give you some clues in the topic @ VKB-Sim.pro

But, please, keep in mind I don't own a Fat Black Mamba MkIII (I own the BM MkII), so I can't be too specific.

Edited February 9, 2016 by Bourrinopathe

[Sokol1]

If want try SVMapper, some tips there: http://forum.il2sturmovik.com/topic/20963-svmapper/

[VictorUs]

I'm on Windows 7 as well. I did make a post on the VKB tech forums here: http://forum.vkb-sim.pro/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=2081

Look at my answer http://forum.vkb-sim.pro/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=2081&p=19969#p19969

[Warpig]

I hooked my stick up this weekend.

 

I can also report what Warpig said when you flick the mode switch it does not change the button numbers on the stick in the Windows 7 joystick screen. All I see is each mode button click counts as a button, but it does not change the function of the other buttons on the stick like that diagram shows. That's too bad I was really looking forward to that. Hope this can be sorted out.

After much work with Victor and advice from Bourrinopathe, a solution to our wishes has been accomplished.

 

The attached .zip contains my profile, and all the required software/firmware downloads.

 

You will have to update your firmware before loading the profile, just follow the topic to see how this is all done.

 

There is also some instructions on how to use the software, and how to use it with keyboard inputs. Good luck.

 

The complete discussion is posted here: http://forum.vkb-sim.pro/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=2081

VKB software.zip

Edited February 15, 2016 by Warpig

[Sokol1]

Warping,

 

How practical is use the trim knobs - encoders and not analog axis  - in Black Mamba base in IL-2: BoS?

[Warpig]

Warping,

 

How practical is use the trim knobs - encoders and not analog axis  - in Black Mamba base in IL-2: BoS?

The encoders work like a button input by their default config. Meaning that each click on the encoder is another button press.

Example: On my config, RDR Trim will return input #25 for every click left, and #34 for every click right. The push operation is also its own input.

 

Since IL-2 uses button presses rather than axes for trimming, these encoders work great in IL-2.

Edited February 15, 2016 by Warpig

[VictorUs]

Warpig! Next our step to be guru is  - how to use encoders as axes and trim existing ones! Even if real prototype has no trimmers of given axis

Cheat detected!!!

[Sokol1]

Valid "cheater", CH Manager and TARGET users do this all time. 

[kestrel79]

Thanks Warpig! That's good to hear, but reading that thread on the VKB forums I think all those updates and downloads are a bit above my comfort level. I'll wait for an official release that is a bit easier to download and install.

 

The encoders work great, they will be great to use for trim. You can also push them in for another button press, this will work great for reset trim buttons. After mounting my stick the encoder on the bottom left side of the stick is kinda hard to reach because it's under the 2 analog trim knobs but the encoders on the front and back and very easy to reach.

[Warpig]

Thanks Warpig! That's good to hear, but reading that thread on the VKB forums I think all those updates and downloads are a bit above my comfort level. I'll wait for an official release that is a bit easier to download and install.

Maybe a quick step-by-step summary will make it easier. With my attached file, the downloads you need are all in one spot already. I know on the discussion, there were multiple version downloads and some resulting troubleshooting involved. This will avoid all that.

 

Step 1: Download the attached files from my earlier post. Keep them all in the same folder, like they are.

 

Step 2: Run VKBDevCfg-C_0.76.3.8.exe to save your default config.

1. Select your device on the top window.

2. Choose Save button on the Action tab will allow you to save parameters to file.

3. Choose the folder and set file name in standard Windows dialog window. By default configuration file name extension is cfg. Do not change it.

 

Step 3: Update Firmware. If you have T-Rudder pedals, I would suggest to unplug them first for this part, just so you don't get the devices confused.

1. Run VKBDevCfg-C_0.76.3.8.exe, select joystick name in the list.

2. Press Bootloader button on Tools tab. You will see firmware upgrade utility window.

3. Browse to the _MambaFat_v1_75_5.vkb file.

4. Press Flash it! button. You will see the device disconnect. After it is all done, physically disconnect and reconnect your device.

5. After that, you should see it reappear in the device section.

For troubleshooting refer to Victor's controller.pdf if there's any difficulties with this part.

 

Step 4: Run VKBDevCfg-C_0.76.3.8.exe to load the new profile.

1. Select your device on the top window.

2. Choose Load on the Action tab, browse to _mamba_w_shifts.cfg profile

3. Choose Set on Action tab.

After that, you should be good to go.

 

I will admit, the software was intimidating at first. With the directions that Victor wrote on page two of the original discussion, I dove in and spent a good part of my day trying things, and eventually getting what I wanted out of it. After one day of tinkering, I am no longer apprehensive to use the software. What helped me the most, was making a spreadsheet to visually map out the input results as I switched things around. Also very important, using the Poll checkbox on the Physical layer window will allow you to hit a button and indicate which tile it is located on.

 

Note: Any change you make will not work until you use the Set button on the Action tab.

Edited February 29, 2016 by Warpig

[RainMan]

Thanks for the writeup, Warpig!

[kestrel79]

Thanks for all your hard work. Glad it's possible to make the mode buttons work as intended. I just wish this was done for me at the factory by VKB so I didn't have to do it and risk messing something up. I'll still wait for an easier firmware and profile update before updating.

[Skoop]

I notice that warpig posted an English version done by VictorUs of the 1st chapter of the full N32Joy manual. The full version in Russian has 7 to 8 chapters, any chance we could get the rest of the manual in English ?

[Jason_Williams]

I notice that warpig posted an English version done by VictorUs of the 1st chapter of the full N32Joy manual. The full version in Russian has 7 to 8 chapters, any chance we could get the rest of the manual in English ?

 

Eventually we'll that in english and a newer simpler version of programming software. 

 

Jason

[VictorUs]

Brief Mamba User manual here https://yadi.sk/i/RI5TcNzfqB85f

Some FAQ here https://yadi.sk/d/PklM5vR9q9o63

Please post your questions here or at VKB forum http://forum.vkb-sim.pro/index.php

[kestrel79]

Curious as to what everyone's joystick settings are in game with their Fat Black Mamba III's? No doubt this stick is SO precise I'm not used to that in IL2 and Warthunder right now, but I also don't want to limit my planes performance by adding too much of a deadzone, filter, or lowering sensitivity? What do you guys use?

 

Right now I have everything maxed out and I'm getting used to moving the stick much less and finding I have a lot of control I love it, but just want to make sure there's not a better way.

[Warpig]

Curious as to what everyone's joystick settings are in game with their Fat Black Mamba III's? No doubt this stick is SO precise I'm not used to that in IL2 and Warthunder right now, but I also don't want to limit my planes performance by adding too much of a deadzone, filter, or lowering sensitivity? What do you guys use?

 

Right now I have everything maxed out and I'm getting used to moving the stick much less and finding I have a lot of control I love it, but just want to make sure there's not a better way.

I can only speak for War Thunder, I haven't set it up in IL-2 yet.

 

First off, it is taking some getting used to. The stick is so reactive, that I have minor osculation on the pitch axis. This is something that I think I'll be able to remedy with more use.

 

I am currently using the detented cams, so it is easy for me to find center, and I prefer a solid center to relax my hand on sense my stick is to the side of me. This probably also allows me to be more stable in the pitch axis rather than the smooth cams. I also just switched to the heaviest spring for the pitch axis, and this also helped reduce osculation. For the roll axis, I find the default medium tension spring feels just right.

 

For pitch sensitivity I am using 44%. I might try something lower, but I'm giving this setting a chance. I don't want to remove too much sensitivity. For roll I use 100% sensitivity. I don't use any deadzones, or nonlinearity on any axis.

Edited April 1, 2016 by Warpig