RainMan Posted December 30, 2016 Posted December 30, 2016 Introducing the VKB-Sim Gunfighter Series of Flight-Control Sticks (Shenzhen, China / Norman, OK USA) - December 29, 2016 – VKB Industries and VKB-Sim North America are proud to announce the new and innovative Gunfighter series of flight-control sticks. The Gunfighter series continues VKB-Sim’s commitment to creating a highly modular control device; here are a few highlights: A new quick release locking mechanism with improved electric contacts allows the user to quickly customize and configure the Gunfighter’s grip configuration; this includes the possibility to swap out adapted grips, or install the grip at an ergonomic angle based on the placement of the stick (e.g., a zero angle grip rotation might be a good choice for a side stick, while a fifteen degree twist to the left might be best for a center-mounted stick, while putting less strain on the wrist). Newly developed adapters allow the Gunfighter to work with non-VKB grips, such as those of the ‘Thrustmaster ® Warthog ™’, or the ‘Defender Cobra M5’ sticks. In addition to the already familiar high-quality components of the all-metal gimbal of the ‘Mamba MkIII’ or ‘Gladiator Pro,’ VKB engineers are proud to announce a new, innovative feature of the Gunfighter’s gimbal: force-adjustable dry clutches. These ‘clutches’ allow the user to change the friction of the stick’s movement along its way of travel. This lets the user overcome a spring-loaded stick’s tendency to return back to center - which might be especially useful during helicopter flight (or wherever else desired). With the right amount of friction configured, the stick will stay put where the user wants it to stay – even off-center! With this innovative new feature, the Gunfighter series of controllers will enhance the realistic overall feeling of VKB sticks even further – the Gunfighter’s stick movement feels “heavier”, and the added friction prevents oscillations when letting go of the stick. VKB engineers managed to keep these dry clutches small without the need to enlarge the base of the stick, so the new Gunfighter remains a compact controller for desktop usage. During the design phase of these stick, the VKB-Sim engineers implemented user feedback and drew from their vast experience to create a most reliable, professional controller with excellent performance and customization options at a reasonable price – the all-new Gunfighter series. The base and the centering mechanism of the stick are made entirely of metal. The use of high-quality and high-performance metals results in an accurate and robust construction with a minimum number of components; this will have a positive effect on the reliability and longevity of the product. Update on the production status of the VKB-Sim Gunfighter series: VKB-Sim is currently underway to start the production of the Gunfighter series of flight simulation controllers. Pre-ordering for all Gunfighter variants will commence at the final stage of the initial production run. Stay tuned for further VKB-Sim announcements as the Gunfighter release gets closer! Standard Gunfighter equipment: - Gunfighter base, including VKB-Sim’s next-gen, all metal gimbal with ‘dry clutches’ - Gimbal supports up to two springs per axis - Swappable KG-12 grip (plastic) - USB-Controller ‘BlackBox’ - Set of exchangeable cams and springs - Set of cables - Protective “Remove before flight” Dust Cover PRICE: MSRP $299 USD (plus shipping) Gunfighter Pro In addition to the Gunfighter’s equipment, the Gunfighter Pro includes: - A stick extension (20cm / 8”) - A smaller base-plate with pre-drilled holes (useful for center-mounting inside a simulation cockpit) PRICE: MSRP $359 USD (plus shipping) Gunfighter ECP (Enhanced Control Panel) To expand the development of the Gunfighter lineup, the Gunfighter ECP is also underway. The ‘ECP’ version is designed for virtual pilots who need a large enough set of controls in the form of buttons, toggle switches, and encoders in addition to what the standard grip offers. In essence, the Gunfighter ECP offers an enhanced control panel that an be attached to the Gunfighter’s base, with many additional ways to interact with the simulation of choice. This removable panel adds a lot of versatility to the standard Gunfighter, while still remaining compact enough for desktop use. Stay tuned for more details on the Gunfighter ECP coming up soon. For more information, please contact: NorthAmerica@VKB-Sim.pro http://www.VKBcontrollers.com
Piekarz Posted December 30, 2016 Posted December 30, 2016 1.Does the Pro version include both plates, small and large? 2.There is direct conection to USB port? Orange black box is necessary?
PA-Sniv Posted December 30, 2016 Posted December 30, 2016 (edited) Hi! Thanks for the news! Some questions: how do you change the force-adjustable dry clutches? With the hex screw shown on image? no news about a WWII like generic throttle for Gunfighter serie... is it still planned or replaced by this? will VKB europe sell Gunfighter? Cheers, Edited December 30, 2016 by PA-Sniv
Bando Posted December 30, 2016 Posted December 30, 2016 This looks very promising. That Pro version would fulfill all my needs concerning stick hardware (I hope I'm not saying something dirty here), interesting thread. I'll be watching this.
Sokol1 Posted December 30, 2016 Posted December 30, 2016 (edited) 2.There is direct conection to USB port? Orange black box is necessary? Piekarz, The "Black Box" contain the USB controller, so the stick need be connect here - inside Gunfighter base is only the MaRS sensors, and the "Black BoX" connected in computer USB port. Other peripherals, e.g. T-Rudder pedals can be connected and controlled by "Black Box". The idea is this (my interpretation): how do you change the force-adjustable dry clutches? With the hex screw shown on image? Edited December 30, 2016 by Sokol1
Lusekofte Posted December 30, 2016 Posted December 30, 2016 I be damned, 299$ is probably a bargain + extension I presume , but still a bargain. I might buy a new rig, and will keep the old as a dedicated IL 2 1946 sim. This might just be the controller I want for it. and ofcource with this as a throttle
dburne Posted December 30, 2016 Posted December 30, 2016 I be damned, 299$ is probably a bargain + extension I presume , but still a bargain. I might buy a new rig, and will keep the old as a dedicated IL 2 1946 sim. This might just be the controller I want for it. and ofcource with this as a throttle Nice looking throttle!
Lusekofte Posted December 30, 2016 Posted December 30, 2016 Yes it is , it is not mine , It is home made and shown in SimHq a while back . Splendid piece of work
Sokol1 Posted December 30, 2016 Posted December 30, 2016 (edited) I think this throttle maker accept order, looks in IL-2(ru), with grip furnished by you or billet metal ones. Hope that VKB offer something similar, feed up of "Jet's" ( TM) and "Spaceships" (CH/Saitek) throttles. "Shelf'ed" there TQS and SFS. Edited December 30, 2016 by Sokol1
dburne Posted December 30, 2016 Posted December 30, 2016 Hope that VKB offer something similar, feed up of "Jet's" ( TM) and "Spaceships" (CH/Saitek) throttles. "Shelf'ed" there TQS and SFS. That certainly would be very nice. I wonder what options those of us in North America might have for pre-ordering the Gunfighter? Anyone know if it will be offered through Amazon?
Sokol1 Posted December 30, 2016 Posted December 30, 2016 Dburne, Think for US/Canada better is maintain contact with rrohde (RaiMan) there: http://forum.vkb-sim.pro/viewtopic.php?f=26&p=24362&sid=2af37d165ca763aacddd22e3596f7f75#p24362 But due Chinese New Year in end January/ early February, March/April is the probable date for receive pre-orders.
dburne Posted December 30, 2016 Posted December 30, 2016 Dburne, Think for US/Canada better is maintain contact with rrohde (RaiMan) there: http://forum.vkb-sim.pro/viewtopic.php?f=26&p=24362&sid=2af37d165ca763aacddd22e3596f7f75#p24362 But due Chinese New Year in end January/ early February, March/April is the probable date for receive pre-orders. Will do thanks for the info.
RainMan Posted December 30, 2016 Author Posted December 30, 2016 A WW II style throttle? I woud bye it. That's coming! 1
Sokol1 Posted December 31, 2016 Posted December 31, 2016 (edited) Use your imagination. I like this new way to 'teaser". Edited December 31, 2016 by Sokol1
curiousGamblerr Posted January 6, 2017 Posted January 6, 2017 (edited) Man, I am gonna buy the crap out of the Gunfighter Pro once it's available! That plus some crosswinds... simpit heaven awaits! Edited January 6, 2017 by 19.GIAP//curiousGamblerr
Beazil Posted January 6, 2017 Posted January 6, 2017 My poor wallet. It's gonna be in for some pain this year. 1
ShamrockOneFive Posted January 10, 2017 Posted January 10, 2017 I'm really interested in the developments here... especially around the throttle system. I'm curious to see what features it has. Also, I see that the Gunfighter has a metal trigger. The plastic trigger on the Gladiator is probably the only thing that I'm disappointed about with the stick. I love it otherwise. Is there a way to get the metal trigger? It appears to be held on with a couple of screws so that seems like no big deal to swap out.
curiousGamblerr Posted January 10, 2017 Posted January 10, 2017 YOU’LL BE ABLE TO ORDER SOON! I'll BE CHECKING EVERY DAY!
VBF-12_Stick-95 Posted January 10, 2017 Posted January 10, 2017 You have my attention on that throttle.
RainMan Posted January 10, 2017 Author Posted January 10, 2017 I'll BE CHECKING EVERY DAY! Well, ordering should start at the end of the first production run, in time for a March 2017 shipping run.
dburne Posted January 10, 2017 Posted January 10, 2017 I'll BE CHECKING EVERY DAY! Lol I have been keeping an eye on this for more months than I care to think about... Hopefully it is indeed getting close.
LLv34_Temuri Posted January 10, 2017 Posted January 10, 2017 The plastic trigger on the Gladiator is probably the only thing that I'm disappointed about with the stick. I love it otherwise. Is there a way to get the metal trigger? It appears to be held on with a couple of screws so that seems like no big deal to swap out. My Gladiator Pro has the metal trigger and the plastic one as a separate part, so I think it should be possible to get the metal trigger somehow.
RainMan Posted January 10, 2017 Author Posted January 10, 2017 Also, I see that the Gunfighter has a metal trigger. The plastic trigger on the Gladiator is probably the only thing that I'm disappointed about with the stick. I love it otherwise. Is there a way to get the metal trigger? It appears to be held on with a couple of screws so that seems like no big deal to swap out. Currently on backorder here: http://vkbcontrollers.com/?product=vkb-gladiator-pro-replacement-trigger-metal That plus some crosswinds... simpit heaven awaits! Baur or Slaw pedals are so much better though...
Dutchvdm Posted January 10, 2017 Posted January 10, 2017 I would really like a throttle, but not going to buy the single warthog unit. Is there something like an ETA for the VKB unit? Grt M
RainMan Posted January 10, 2017 Author Posted January 10, 2017 Sadly, no ETA at this time. VKB HQ is involved in a lot of projects, and they're being worked on in sequence. Highest priorities at this time are the Gunfighter assembly process, and the new batch of Gladiator Pro MkIIs.
sinned Posted January 10, 2017 Posted January 10, 2017 I disagree. I have been debating between mfg and slaw. Money wasnt issue. I decided to go woth mfg due to better movement.
1CGS LukeFF Posted January 10, 2017 1CGS Posted January 10, 2017 The plastic trigger on the Gladiator is probably the only thing that I'm disappointed about with the stick. I love it otherwise. Is there a way to get the metal trigger? It appears to be held on with a couple of screws so that seems like no big deal to swap out. Yeah, it can be easily swapped out with nothing more than an Allen wrench. In my case, I went with the plastic trigger, since it's magnetized on its backside and thus (IMO) holds in place better than the metal one. The metal one is now on my keychain.
ShamrockOneFive Posted January 11, 2017 Posted January 11, 2017 Yeah, it can be easily swapped out with nothing more than an Allen wrench. In my case, I went with the plastic trigger, since it's magnetized on its backside and thus (IMO) holds in place better than the metal one. The metal one is now on my keychain. Odd that the metal one isn't also magnetic I think the metal one would have a nicer feel. My feeling is that the plastic trigger is the cheapest part of the whole unit... everything else feels pretty good. It's not a big deal but maybe at some point I'll see about getting the metal one. And using an Allen wrench :D
RainMan Posted January 11, 2017 Author Posted January 11, 2017 Have to say, the metal trigger sold like hotcakes on VKBcontrollers.com...
Sokol1 Posted January 11, 2017 Posted January 11, 2017 (edited) Odd that the metal one isn't also magnetic Glue a small Neodymium magnet in back side of metal trigger. Or make a hole there and insert the magnet, someone already did this. VKB should make metal trigger at least optional for Gladiator, making a less 'shine" and low cost version. Edited January 11, 2017 by Sokol1
ShamrockOneFive Posted January 11, 2017 Posted January 11, 2017 Have to say, the metal trigger sold like hotcakes on VKBcontrollers.com... Any more expected in? I wouldn't mind getting one if I can send it to Canada without too much cost Glue a small Neodymium magnet in back side of metal trigger. Or make a hole there and insert the magnet, someone already did this. VKB should make metal trigger at least optional for Gladiator, making a less 'shine" and low cost version. Not a bad ideal at all!
SJ_Butcher Posted January 15, 2017 Posted January 15, 2017 difference between the VKB-Sim Gladiator Mk.II and VKB-Sim Gladiator Pro Mk.II???
RainMan Posted January 15, 2017 Author Posted January 15, 2017 difference between the VKB-Sim Gladiator Mk.II and VKB-Sim Gladiator Pro Mk.II??? And just a quick tidbit on the MkII vs. the MkI versions: For the Gladiator (non-Pro), a new and improved centering mechanism is coming, based on customer feedback, and for the Gladiator Pro, the only change is the newly developed 3-pin connector and quick release for the grip (which is the same as it is for the Gunfighter series).
SJ_Butcher Posted January 15, 2017 Posted January 15, 2017 And just a quick tidbit on the MkII vs. the MkI versions: For the Gladiator (non-Pro), a new and improved centering mechanism is coming, based on customer feedback, and for the Gladiator Pro, the only change is the newly developed 3-pin connector and quick release for the grip (which is the same as it is for the Gunfighter series). so its better to wait for a new version?usd just for a simple change lol
RainMan Posted January 17, 2017 Author Posted January 17, 2017 so its better to wait for a new version?usd just for a simple change lol Not sure what "usd just for a simple change lol" means...
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