VIRPIL

Anyone tried these Virpil controllers? I only heard about them for the first time today, on DTEA's YouTube channel, and it looks impressive. I'm particularly interested in the VPC Constellation ALPHA. I also need to know if you can run it with a Warthog Throttle (unlikely I know), and if not, is the VPC MongoosT-50CM2 a worthy replacement? Thanks in advance.
 
Been sporting my virpil setup for a few years now, certainly don't regret buying, but they are pricy.

First things first, no issues using one with a TM warthog, they are individual USB controllers and work fine, just plug them in and map whatever axis or button as you feel and blast off.
I used a warthog throttle myself along my t50 gimbal for a while before I also got the t50 throttle.

The Delta Alpha I think isn't quite released yet, but I'm seeing certain streamers getting early batch numbers now so probably not to far off a launch.

If you are getting one for elite, I highly recommend also getting the cosmo-sim cam's the default cams are suited for avaition simulation where going full deflection is rare and the force needed to go to the full extent needs quite a bit more force.
With the cosmo cams there is no increase in force needed to go all the way.

Currently what I use with Elite is the first run t50 gimbal with the CM2 grip on the right, a Warbrd and delta constellation grip in the left hand.
With the t50 first run throttle as additional throttle control, and additional buttons etc, for supercruise for example, that way I don't have to hold the left stick forward to cruise to Hutton. And a set of MFG Crosswinds rudder pedals for yaw control.
Not that I go to Hutton anymore.
 
I've been using Virpils for over two years. Nothing comes close. I started with twin MongoosT-50s and recently switched to Delta stick with CM2 throttle.

They're fantastic devices, but the game to get hold of them is more fun and trickier than playing ED. The next restock is on Saturday at 6 AM GMT. You'll have about 10 minutes to log in and place your order before the stock runs out. The problem is that the stuff runs out so quickly, that you can get the stick but no base, or a throttle but no mount. You'll probably have to buy what you need a bit at a time over more than one re-stock. Patience,determination and good planning will get you what you want.

 
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Perhaps you can answer a question for me. The VPC MongoosT-50CM2 Base seems to need a base itself. Is that true?
 
I understand that. What I'm suggesting is that the base itself also needs a base plate, also sold separately.

Apologies! Yeah, it seems the MongoosT-50CM base isn't "desktop ready", whereas the WarBRD base is.

Aimed at the professional virtual pilot, it is recommended to combine the VPC MongoosT-50CM2 Base with VPC Flighstick Extensions (sold separately) and mount with the VPC Desk Mount (sold separately) for the best home cockpit experience.

Note: The VPC MongoosT-50CM2 Base requires mounting and is not suitable for desktop use. Mounting must be done with the included u-bracket to ensure safe operation.

Source
 
Flying currently with dual Constellation Delta/WarBRD sticks. Thinking about getting the cosmoSim cams, but my main gripe is that the twist axis is too hard. Setting up dual sticks is a bit of a puzzle, but I think I've figured it out (on the fifth try or so).
Combining any USB input controllers is no issue in ED - just map whichever control you want to whatever function you want to use.
 
Flying currently with dual Constellation Delta/WarBRD sticks. Thinking about getting the cosmoSim cams, but my main gripe is that the twist axis is too hard. Setting up dual sticks is a bit of a puzzle, but I think I've figured it out (on the fifth try or so).
Combining any USB input controllers is no issue in ED - just map whichever control you want to whatever function you want to use.

I'm curious here. A number of people seem to like dual sticks. Why?
 
I'm curious here. A number of people seem to like dual sticks. Why?
Short: 6 DOF

Slightly longer: unlike other games (including atmospheric flight simulators), ED offers you full 6 degreees of freedom (DOF): yaw, pitch, roll for rotation, and thrusters in all 3 spatial directions. The flight (and ship) model of ED is still sufficiently influenced by atmospheric flight, though, that (for me) a true 6 DOF input device (like a space mouse - check The Expanse for example) would feel too strange.
While I used HOTAS, I had the three rotations on the stick (right hand), forward/reverse throttle on the throttle and up/down and left/right thrusters on a funny little stick on the throttle, which really didn't work too well - no fine control. Now I have the three rotations on the right stick, and the three translations on the left. Having the throttle on twist allows for fast maneuvers in battle (ok, I'm still at the stage of "just shake the stick until the enemy is in my sights") or precise control when landing. I also have the throttle duplicated on the right stick's thumbwheel, in 12.5% increments. So going from full to 75% (SC approach speed) is "two clicks down". Zeroing throttle either means counting the clicks, or just a short twist (either way) on the left hand.
I'm also (slowly - I'm not that battle oriented, but it works out nice for planting seismic charges) learning to properly strafe - controlling movement with the left, attitude with the right.
 
Virpil gear with MFG Crosswind pedals is as good as it gets. I'm just not willing to spend ~1000 € on a complete HOTAS set.
 
I understand that. What I'm suggesting is that the base itself also needs a base plate, also sold separately.
No, it's got a front facing mount that you can attach directly to a board or something like a square pipe.

But for Elite, or 99% of any other use cases. You want to look at the Warbrd gimbal.
It's a great choice really.
The t50cm is meant for dedicated diy cockpit builds, the t50cm will not work comfortably parked on a desk like an x52 or t16000m.

Honestly the customer group that truly fit the need for the t50 is tiny.
If you are looking for a quality piece you can almost mount directly on the floor, on very look extension with very hard springs to simulate old warbirds or something.

Basically can double as an arm-wrestling simulator.

I can highly recommend the Warbrd gimbal.
It can be made to work cause it is flexible but it involves disassemble the unit.

For example the mount point of my t50 when standing is 5cm or so below my kneecaps using the force neutral cosmosim cams, optional, and the light springs, included.

I got the t50 when that was the only gimbal they sold.
If I'd pick now I'd get the Warbrd for my use.
 
Virpil gear with MFG Crosswind pedals is as good as it gets. I'm just not willing to spend ~1000 € on a complete HOTAS set.

Well , I'm nearly 40, my financials settled and predictable, and single.

So I was sitting there one spring, thinking of embracing the stereotype.

Buy a tiny convertible and start hitting on 25 yr olds at bars. (n)❌

I really don't want to be that guy.
And I could only use the convertible for two months out of the year so why?

So I figured I'd just embrace the nutty option and dive down the rabbit hole of VR and flight sims. Sure made the right choice rhere. :)

I don't think there are any rules here, whatever makes sense to you and works for you go for it.

I have roll and pitch on the right hand stick. The main axes on the left is thrusters forward and horisontal thrusters, left and right, makes sense to my mind.
Lateral thrust on the thumbstick, the thumbstick on these are as good as those found on xbx or PlayStation controllers.
In the Virpil software I have applied an S curve. That and any other configuration and calibration you do is stored in the sticks firmware, no software you need to keep running while you play.

The only thing I have on the twist grip is galactic and system map zoom.
I have pedals for rudder control.
I also use the thumbstick for SRV turret control.

In supercruise I use my throttle and not the left stick, that also gives me a host of additional buttons.

The main benefit to this is primarily in the forward/reverse thrusters . The long and sensitive travel means I can much easier find the correct sweet position that I want. For instance the controllability I got in the SRV was vastly increased.
 
I've had a T50 throttle (V2) for almost a year. I highly recommend it. The only problem is they don't make it any more. Their current offering is the CM2 throttle which is pretty much a more compact, total redesign. I'm not sure I'd trade if given the option.

I've had a Virpil Constellation Alpha joystick on pre-order since November of last year which will hopefully ship within the next few weeks. In the interim I've been using a VKB Gladiator MkII, which is actually a very nice joystick for the price. Its main problem is it lacks very many controls on the stick itself, although the base has a quite nice assortment.
 
Well it's no surprise the gladiator doesn't feature too many buttons on the stick.

It was built to resemble a Russian WW2 fighter plane. Those barely had a trigger.

Yeah I can see your choice to keep your throttle.

I have the one before the CM version so I don't have the the analog stick on the throttle grip etc but I deemed it not worth another $400+ or quite a small upgrade.
Personally I don't find the loss of detents between the first run and the second not much loss.

The detents on mine are barely recognized, at best it's a soft bump you can blow through very easily.
Nothing as potent as you can get with the hog when you setup the AB stop, but detents is not something I would want in elite anyways., And for dcs I prefer none compare to what I get on mine.

The latest and the newest throttle doesn't make much sense as an upgrade to the old ones, until I also take into account the planned button panels as well.
But I'm no longer even certain they are building those anymore.

But I have to admit I would be tempted to get both the piston aircraft one and the jet aircraft panel...
 
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