Complete Flight Controller Upgrade Recommendations?

[dhessel]

Hello everyone. I know this question has been asked before, I have read several topics here already, but I have been away for a while and technology is always changing. I would appreciate advice for the following items. IL2 is my primary flight sim but I would like to have a setup that would work well for others. I am upgrading from a Thrustmaster 1600tm flight pack and have them mounted to a Next Level Racing GTLite seat.

 

I have some ideas already which I have put down below but am open to suggestions for other options.

 

Flight stick: I am currently looking at the VKB Gunfighter MK iii MCE - I don't think I want the twist since I am going to use rudder pedals, probably going with the long extension, not sure about going ultimate or not.

 

Throttle: VPC MongoosT-50CM3 

 

Rudder: VPC ACE Interceptor Pedals - not sure about these half foot v the full foot option.

 

Control Panel: VPC SharKa-50 Control Panel - It seems like having some additional sliders and buttons would be useful but I am not sure if its worth while or needed to have an additional control panel? I am curious what you all are using if any.

 

Lastly, any accessories or suggestions for mounting these to my racing chair or would desk mounted be better?

 

Thank you for any input you may have.

[dburne]

Nice choices. You should also consider Virpil's newer CM3 Base but either is good. 

 Check out Monster Tech desk and chair mounts.

[dhessel]

Thank you, I will have a look at those. Is there any disadvantage to using a VKB stick with everything else being Virpil? 

[LukeFF]

2 minutes ago, dhessel said:

Thank you, I will have a look at those. Is there any disadvantage to using a VKB stick with everything else being Virpil? 

 

No, they'll work together just fine. You'll just have to understand two different sets of controller configuration software. ?

[dburne]

1 hour ago, dhessel said:

Thank you, I will have a look at those. Is there any disadvantage to using a VKB stick with everything else being Virpil? 

 

Nope pretty much like Luke said, and the software is not a big deal really as most of time it is just used for initial setup of the stick. Least in my case it is.

I have a Gunfighter Mk III with 200mm extension and Ultimate Grip that I really like and have been using for some time now. 

Having said that I also have the newer Virpil CM3 stick with Alpha Prime Grip and 200mm extension on order and expect it sometime probably latter part of Jan.

What can I say I am a hardware junkie lol...

[dhessel]

Thank you, in some ways it would be nice to have them all the same brand and one configuration software for everything. I am kind of tempted by the WWII stick but I think I would eventually miss not have more buttons.

[Drano]

Can highly recommend the VKB Gunfighter/MCG-Pro combo for a stick. I've had that with a 200mm extension on it for a while now and it's easily the best stick I've ever owned and don't see it wearing out maybe ever. Very sturdily built. I have MFG crosswinds peds. They're perfect too. Get the stabilizer mod for it, you'll be glad you did. I've put a personal end date on waiting on VKB to release the throttle they announced coming up on 5 years ago. First of the year I'll be looking at another throttle. Most likely a Virpil CM3.

[dhessel]

Thank you for all of the advice so far. I am looking into the MFG pedals. What is your opinion on command panels? Would it be good to have or is the VKB Gunfighter and CM3 throttle sufficient?

[cardboard_killer]

If you fly other modern sims, you will probably want more buttons. However, I'd try it without first to see if you feel the need for more.

[dburne]

2 hours ago, dhessel said:

Thank you for all of the advice so far. I am looking into the MFG pedals. What is your opinion on command panels? Would it be good to have or is the VKB Gunfighter and CM3 throttle sufficient?

 

I have to date not found a need for them. I seem to have plenty on my Gunfighter /CM3 Throttle combo. Also love my MFG pedals especially after adding the damper to it.

[dhessel]

Good to know, I am using vr and want as many controls as possible on the joysticks the keyboard is too hard to find specific keys. Would that change your opinion on a command panel?

[Drano]

If there's anything else in the meantime, look into Voice Attack. Super cool voice command app indispensable for VR, IMO. There's a trial version you can add like 10 commands to. The full on version is only ten bucks and is well worth it.

 

I have a button mapped to my stick that starts it listening for a command. Once it hears the command it implements it (keystrokes) and stops listening until I hit the button again.