VKB Modern Combat Grip

[Sokol1]

Looks the final design:

 

Introducing the VKB-Sim ‘Modern Combat Grip’ (MCG) Range of Flight Control Grips

 

(Shenzhen, PRC / Norman, Oklahoma USA / Utrecht, The Netherlands) - April 28, 2017 

 

VKB-Sim ‘Modern Combat Grip’ (MCG) Range of Grips

After VKB’s initial announcement of the MCG Grip back in March of 2017, VKB HQ has gathered a lot of useful feedback from the simulation community across the web. This feedback changed the course of the MCG development and VKB has decided to expand the Modern Combat Grip range to include a total of three variants. 

 

‘Modern Combat Grip’ Design

 

 

The real grip was developed by AVIAAVTOMATIKA in Russia for Sukhoi’s modernized Flanker series of fighter jets, as well as their 5th generation prototypes. VKB engineers adapted the ergonomics of the real Flanker grip for the use in flight simulations with only minimal design changes.

 

All MCG variants share the following design features:

- Made with OMRON and ALPS buttons and switches

- Grip made from ABS plastic (injection molding)

- Contactless ministicks (analog* or digital modes) for Slew Control w/ integrated Push Button

- Trigger 1: Dual-stage trigger

- Trigger 2: Metal trigger (foldable)

- Metal analog* wheel brake lever with contactless MaRS sensor

- Adjustable palm rest

- Quick release fastening

- Optional external twist adapter** (currently under development)

 

* Except for MCG-TM; Thrustmaster® bases only function in digital mode

** Except for MCG-TM; optional twist adapter not compatible with Thrustmaster® bases

 

Specific ‘Modern Combat Grip’ features:

 

 

MCG:

- 14 Programmable Buttons

- 5 Analog Axes

- MSRP $99 (plus shipping)

 

-MCG-TM

- 23 Programmable Buttons

- Compatible with Thrustmaster® Warthog and Cougar bases; no adapter needed

- NOTE: To ensure compatibility with the Thrustmaster® controller base, the MCG’s axes controls (ministicks/brake axis) will function as digital hat switch/buttons only

- MSRP TBD*

 

MCG-Pro

- 24 Programmable Buttons

- 6 Analog Axes

- Trigger 2: Metal Folding Trigger with two position sensors (flipped up or down)

- Swappable thumb button (push button or 4-way switch with push)

- MSRP TBD*

 

*To Be Determined

 

‘Modern Combat Grip’ Production Status:

 

- Currently in the mock-up production phase for final ergonomics validation and testing

- Order availability, shipping date, as well as final MSRP for MCG-TM and MCG-Pro to be determined and announced at a later date – stay tuned!

 

For more information, please contact: VKB

 

MCG "vanilla" and PRO is not TmW base compatible. MCG-TM is PnP on TmW base, don't require extra adapter like for use TmW grip in Gladiator PRO base.

 

Theoretically seems possible use use MCG-TM in Baur BRN base, and even in VirPil, but this has his own "T-50" like grip.

Edited April 29, 2017 by Sokol1

[=EXPEND=Tripwire]

Wow. I'm impressed.

 

My trusty FFB2 which has been with me since the original IL2 is looking like it might be getting closer to retirement.

[kestrel79]

Love the amount of buttons on the actual stick! Should be nice for VR users.

[Warpig]

I'm definitely gonna want this for my Black Mamba MK.III base.

 

I wonder what purchasing options will be available for US customers now that Stratojet is no more? 

[dburne]

I'm definitely gonna want this for my Black Mamba MK.III base.

 

I wonder what purchasing options will be available for US customers now that Stratojet is no more? 

 

VKB North America, they have a rep here as well.

http://vkbcontrollers.com/

 

Edit: Appears the site is having some difficulties, saw him post on another forum they were doing maintenance - if you can't reach it eventually it should be working again.

I have the Gunfighter on order with him and it was a very painless process for me. Will be ordering the Pro grip as soon as orders open up for it as well.

Edited May 2, 2017 by dburne

[SCG_Space_Ghost]

Wow, this is really cool!

 

Sokol, I'm assuming this will be PnP with the gunfighter base/extension - can you confirm?

[Sokol1]

Well, after "plug" will be need download for Gunfighter controller a buttons configuration profile specific for this grip, to be able do "play".

 

VKB Njoy32 controller can control up do 128 buttons, so no problems.

 

 

(VKB) uiv, on 02 May 2017 - 06:55, said:

 

Yes, you need to fill MCG profile in controller.

 

In the future I think we will find the time and make automatic downloading of the profile of the handle to the controller. I changed the knob to tune the controller to the new handle automatically.

Edited May 3, 2017 by Sokol1

[Sokol1]

 

https://vkbcontrollers.com/?p=5368

Edited May 8, 2017 by Sokol1

[Warpig]

I'm wondering, will the ministicks have the option of acting as a 4-way hat as well?

 

I'm finding it harder and harder to contain my excitement for this product!

[Sokol1]

Yes, just set in VKB DevCfg that mini-stick axis send buttons press and save in controller EPROM.

[71st_AH_Mastiff]

Considering I already have the gladiator pro II I'll be ordering this!! Grip!!

[Retnek]

Considering I already have the gladiator pro II I'll be ordering this!! Grip!!

This is looking VERY tempting, even for a yoke-flyer - could you please give us a (short) report about your experiences?

[71st_AH_Mastiff]

Well the gladiator pro is very well made, I love the mechanicle gimble mechanism and the hall sensors are very good. Been flying a year on it and it's very high quality.

[LLv34_Temuri]

What kind of sensors does that ministick have? I hope it'll be better for slew control than the ministick in my CH Pro Throttle.

[Sokol1]

VKB mini sticks (and secondary foldable trigger) use the same MaRS (proprietary) contactless sensor of X, Y axis. At least in the paper, steeps ahead than solutions used in COTS sticks.

[LLv34_Temuri]

VKB mini sticks (and secondary foldable trigger) use the same MaRS (proprietary) contactless sensor of X, Y axis. At least in the paper, steeps ahead than solutions used in COTS sticks.

OK, I guess I'll have to order the grip once it's out

[dburne]

OK, I guess I'll have to order the grip once it's out

 

Yeah I am anxiously awaiting, have a new Gunfighter sitting here waiting to try out when I can get my hands on this new grip.

[LLv24_SukkaVR]

Looks great but im bit disappointed that TM versions countermeasure button only has 1 button instead of 5.

[Sokol1]

" ...im bit disappointed that TM versions countermeasure button only has 1 button instead of 5."

 

Options -  as Tm base are not able to handle this extra four buttons (MCG-TM has same number of button than Warthog), so for put 5 buttons in this place is need remove 4 for other place in MCG, resulting a "Frankestein":

 

1 - Buy Tm F-16'ish stick instead.   

 

2  - Buy MCG PRO (+VKB base) with "4 Buttons + Push" switch in that place (right side of picture above).   

Edited June 16, 2017 by Sokol1

[CIA_Windhawk]

VKB, you should get some stickers and t-shirts made. Your logo is really sweet.   

 

I don't usually buy stuff like that, but I would if they were in the accessories section of your store.

 

Just a thought.

[LLv24_SukkaVR]

" ...im bit disappointed that TM versions countermeasure button only has 1 button instead of 5."

 

Options -  as Tm base are not able to handle this extra four buttons (MCG-TM has same number of button than Warthog), so for put 5 buttons in this place is need remove 4 for other place in MCG, resulting a "Frankestein":

 

1 - Buy Tm F-16'ish stick instead.   

 

2  - Buy MCG PRO (+VKB base) with "4 Buttons + Push" switch in that place (right side of picture above).   

 

Ok, makes sense now and thank you for explanation. VKB base looks great and i would buy it but im currently using WSP Super Warthog stand which is super handy as you can just fold it and throw it into a closet and VKB base isnt compatible with it unfortunately.

 

I might buy the grip anyway if its not super expensive.

[CIA_Windhawk]

NahkaSukka, I looked up that stand.  I might get one too, looks really handy.   How stable is it?

 

If I get one, i will just drill my own holes for the VKB base.  Easy to do with a hand-held drill and a cheap steel drillbit.

Edited June 16, 2017 by CIA_Windhawk

[LLv24_SukkaVR]

NahkaSukka, I looked up that stand.  I might get one too, looks really handy.   How stable is it?

 

If I get one, i will just drill my own holes for the VKB base.  Easy to do with a hand-held drill and a cheap steel drillbit.

 

Very stable if you have all 3 components installed(throttle, stick and 3rd stand). With only 2 it moves a bit when you push the rudder unless you clean the stand legs and floor before playing. How tall is the VKB base btw? If its too tall i'll have to cut the stand little bit. If i can make it compatible with this setup, i will definitely buy it.

 

http://www.wheelstandpro.us/x-parts-warthog-joystick-adapter-no-returns-no-refunds/

 

I also have this adapter. Which is really handy because you can get rid of that huge metal plate and get that stick between your legs. I wish there were something similar for this product too

[CIA_Windhawk]

VKB base height is about the same height as the stock Warthog base.  Very close, less than an inch difference I would say.

 

Thanks for the info on the center mount.  Looks even better, because I have a gunfight pro in the mail

[Sokol1]

How tall is the VKB base btw?

 

http://ftp.vkb-sim.pro/Documentations/Gunfighter.PDF

http://ftp.vkb-sim.pro/Documentations/GunfighterPro.PDF

Edited June 17, 2017 by Sokol1

[CIA_Windhawk]

Dumb question... will the Brake Lever be recognized as an axis?  or as a button (like the warthog brake lever)?

[Sokol1]

Depends on versions.

 

MCG and MCG-PRO in VKB bases will be recognized as axis - but can be use as button too (even both at same time).

 

MCG-TM in Warthog base will be recognized as button - because Warthog base don't recognize more axis than X and Y - already used for aileron and elevator.

[CIA_Windhawk]

That's hot

 

I have 2 gunfighters pros.  Will be watching closely

Edited June 19, 2017 by CIA_Windhawk

[Jade_Monkey]

Seems like joystick manufacturers are experiencing a comeback.

 

Would love to see a fair comparison test between this and the virpil stick.

 

Too bad everyone says they are planning on making throttles but they never seem to come. I would have guessed they are easier to make.

[dburne]

Seems like joystick manufacturers are experiencing a comeback.

 

Would love to see a fair comparison test between this and the virpil stick.

 

 

I should be able to give one whenever I receive my Virpil setup. I ordered the stick, extensions, and center desk mount bracket. Will probably wait though till I can get the new MCG grip before I hook up the Gunfighter. I just got the desktop version, but when I order the MCG grip going to also order extension for it and turn it into the Pro. 

 

Then I should be able to give a good comparison between the two.

Edited June 23, 2017 by dburne

[Jade_Monkey]

Great, i look forward to hearing about it.

[Sokol1]

Too bad everyone says they are planning on making throttles but they never seem to come. I would have guessed they are easier to make.

 

Well the planned throttles from VKB, VirPil - and even the 202x Tm throttle - will be "modern jet" throttle, or just "more or the same" already in market made by CH, Logitech/Saitek, Tm... 

So don't expect much novelty in this area unless maybe better manufacturing quality.

[Jade_Monkey]

Yes that's mostly what im looking for . A throttle worthy of the high end sticks.

 

My x55 is very light plastic and the buttons are wobbly/loose and feel too light. It has a cheap feel overall.

[ShamrockOneFive]

Seems like joystick manufacturers are experiencing a comeback.

 

Would love to see a fair comparison test between this and the virpil stick.

 

Too bad everyone says they are planning on making throttles but they never seem to come. I would have guessed they are easier to make.

 

VKB's throttle is expected more around the end of this year into early next as I understood the latest on it. I'm pretty excited to see it seeing as its more of a WWII themed device.

[Sokol1]

I'm pretty excited to see it seeing as its more of a WWII themed device.

 

The plan of "WW II throttle" was postponed in favor of another"jet/spaceship throttle"...   

Edited June 25, 2017 by Sokol1

[Jade_Monkey]

As long as its black and gray, and not yellow/blue i think ill be ok with it.

[Warpig]

I noticed on the website that the Pro version is priced at $160.00 and "out of stock"..... I didn't even realize they were taking orders....

 

I am a bit confused though. Is this the one that will be compatible with the 5-pin Mambas? According to the specs it is, based on this comment. "Compatible with VKB-Sim Mamba Mk.III, Gladiator Pro/Pro Mk.II, and VKB-Sim Gunfighter"

 

I own the Fat Black Mamba Mk.III Limited Edition.

Edited July 7, 2017 by Warpig

[dburne]

I noticed on the website that the Pro version is priced at $160.00 and "out of stock"..... I didn't even realize they were taking orders....

 

 

 

AFAIK, they have not opened up ordering  of the MCG grip yet.

I have tried to keep a close eye out for this, as I want to get one on order as soon as they do.

[Sokol1]

"Out of stock"  in this case means not produced yet, not that a batch are produced and run out.

 

VKBControllers say in ED forum that will only take order for  MCP after became available -   to avoid "dramas" about delays like the recently with VirPil -  as the delay for this small "boutiques" highly dependent on 3rd part is common.

 

For VKB 5 pins base the latest information suggest a adapter - that will add~2cm in grip height...

Edited July 8, 2017 by Sokol1

[Brizzly]

Very stable if you have all 3 components installed(throttle, stick and 3rd stand). With only 2 it moves a bit when you push the rudder unless you clean the stand legs and floor before playing. How tall is the VKB base btw? If its too tall i'll have to cut the stand little bit. If i can make it compatible with this setup, i will definitely buy it.

 

http://www.wheelstandpro.us/x-parts-warthog-joystick-adapter-no-returns-no-refunds/

 

I also have this adapter. Which is really handy because you can get rid of that huge metal plate and get that stick between your legs. I wish there were something similar for this product too

 

 

If it helps at all, I have a Monstertech with the center mount (link below), and they only recently came out with a Gunfighter adapter.  Before this, I was using their Warthog mounting plate with the Gunfighter, and it worked fine.  Only the front two screw holes on the Gunfighter lined up with the mounting plate, but it was enough to keep it stable for flying.  In fact, I wouldn't have even gotten a new adapter plate, except for the fact that the newer one is longer, and gives more room for forward stick throw.  Not an issue for you with the WSP.

 

Also, honestly, after going to the Gunfighter, I couldn't go back to the Warthog base.  It's much smoother, especially around center, and the customization options for spring tension and damping are awesome.

 

Here's the link to the Monstertech center mount for their sim setup.  I noticed after I went there, that they don't yet have pictures of the new Gunfighter mounting plate, but rest assured it exists, as I just received mine in the mail.  

 

https://www.monstertech.de/en/product/center-joystick-expansion/