Popular controllers (joysticks etc) for upgrade?

[Aapje]

I don't have a Blackbox, but my understanding is that the STECS has the controller in the device itself, but for devices that use the Blackbox, the box is the controller. So I think that you have the Gunfighter firmware on the controller, not the T-Rudder firmware.

 

Can you follow these steps?

 

- get the latest VKBDevCfg and zBootloader, then the latest firmware package, unzip them all in the same folder and run zBootloader as Admin;

- select your rudders at the top, then click the Start Boot button;

- when the device restarts click the ... button, navigate to the folder where you stored the firmware package, chose the _BB_Mk2_TRudder_[version].vkb file and load it up;

- when done, click the Flash It! button;

- if everything went well the zBootloader will automatically close after flashing, so you should run VKBDevCfg as Admin;

- select the rudders at the top, then press the Default button under the Tools tab;

- if you get a popup asking to configure after restart click Yes;

- either way, click the Start Calibr button, push the rudders left and right and few times, then click the End Calibr button and this should get them working just fine.

 

Note that I copied the instructions from a post by the vendor, but I removed the links, since they are to old versions. Just download the software and firmware here: https://www.vkbcontrollers.com/pages/downloads

 

Alternatively, you can go to the VKB discord and ask people there, since they will know a lot more about this than me.

 

 

[Crockett]

On 7/16/2025 at 2:05 AM, Aapje said:

Alternatively, you can go to the VKB discord and ask people there, since they will know a lot more about this than me.

On 7/16/2025 at 2:05 AM, Aapje said:

So I think that you have the Gunfighter firmware on the controller, not the T-Rudder firmware.

I hadn't been able to get the T-Rudder calibrated no matter what I tried and finally decided to try VKB support. I fellow who signed as "fallout9" responded and has been great! He had me try a number of things, none of which worked but we've corresponded with each other quite a bit and I always got a reply and another suggestion. I finally started to send him screenshots of what I'd been seeing and from that he zeroed in on the connection between the Black Box and the T-Rudder. He had asked previously if the CAT cable was securely plugged in to both the Black Box and the T-Rudder and after checking both, I determined they were secure! His last suggestion was to open the config software and wiggle the CAT connections at both ends to see if the device would disconnect! Well -- it didn't disconnect but suddenly, I saw a different screen come up after the restart and when I looked at the Axis1 screen, I saw a different screen there too and the T-Rudder was configured! So -- it turns out the CAT cable wasn't making proper connection until I wiggled it -- don't know which end but the T-Rudder is now configured and the game recognized it.

Then everything in game was backwards -- so I had to "invert" everything! Pitch, elevator yaw -- everything! Don't know why that happened but  it's all working properly now!

Now to get used to the rudder pedals -- as they're far more sensitive than my old CH pedals!

"fallout9" also suggested that I might get quicker responses from the Discord Forum but I was never able to get onto that forum! Every time I tried to log on, it took me to an "invitation" page and when I gave my e-mail address it told me "that e-mail is already registered"! So much for Discord -- but I doubt I could have gotten quicker replies from Discord than I did from fallout9!

I really appreciate what everyone here did to try to help, especially Aapje!  I've got to say the technical support that "fallout9" gave me was above and beyond -- and I can't say enough good about how excellent it was with his quick responses! 

[Crockett]

I'm amazed how much better I'm doing with my new KVB equipment! It's far more sensitive than my old CH joystick and rudders. Before I got shot down almost every time I flew and could never complete a successful landing with almost any plane either WW I or WW II! I've actually taken flight lessons in a Cessna 172 some years ago and did my solo and have done a bunch of touch and goes but I just figured these planes were much more difficult and I just wasn't a good pilot! Well -- I'm flying an early career in the RNAS Squadron for the British and have completed missions in a Pup, a Nieuport 11 (Bebe) and a Nieuport 17! Shot down 2 planes and a balloon and made successful landings in each of the planes! A couple of nights ago I did a "quick mission" in a Me 109 and was able to shoot down one P47 and get back to base and land it without dying -- first time ever! 

 

[BladeMeister]

On 6/12/2025 at 6:06 PM, [CPT]Crunch said:

If your flying WWII an extension these days is mandatory for maximum fun and realistic feel.  Next gen Korea they've already stated they're putting in specialized controller options for high end sticks with extensions.     

This!

After flying with the VKB

Gunfighter III with the 200mm extension I don't know how I ever flew with a short throw joystick. I had the T16000(loved it) and before that the X52 Pro(Mehh). Each for many years. Once you step up to a high quality stick you will realize what you have been missing. The same applies to rudder pedals, I had the Saitek Pedals(Meh), and once I got my Crosswinds OMG it is so much better IMHO. Unfortunately you have to spend the money if you want to experience the finite feeling of control in flight sims. My old stuff worked, no doubt, but my new stuff heightens my enjoyment of any and all combat flight sims that I fly. So, VKB, Virpil and Crosswinds for me.

Nuff Said!

 

S!Blade<><

[SR-F_Winger]

If you buy cheap you ALWAYS buy at least twice. Still learning that simple truth again every now and then despite my 52  years of age. But the frequency is getting lower☺️

 

@op If you want the real deal, Go FFB. VPForce or Beast are the best Options available currently. Costly - but AWESOME☺️

Edited September 27 by SR-F_Winger