Thinking of upgrading to a vkb kosmosima stick from my ch combatstick but keeping my ch throttle.
Anyone got an ED binding for this arrangement?
Anyone got an ED binding for this arrangement?
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Hardware & Technical High-end HOTAS & control options?
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Think the best option is to setup as you see most suitable.
For elite at least i would keep the old stick plugged in.
ED will invalidate and refuse to load any keybindings that uses a device not connected.
Learned that when I changed rudders pedals.
Oh, I know that! Spent several hours this week trying to get things sorted after moving from my wired EDTracker Pro to my wireless version! Eventually found the device number was being inserted into the binds file against Headlookyawaxis and Headlookpitchaxis, even though I was using OpenTrack so those direct axis binds were nugatory. Set them to {nodevice} & got the binds file working again.
No, just interested in seeing how people have used the different physical arrangement of buttons; would still make my own mapping but find it helps to see examples. The combatstick has 6 buttons & two hats. Think the Kosmosima has 4 buttons with three hats but the hats also have centre push buttons. Interested to see what functions have been mapped to those centre push as I suspect there is a possibility of hitting a hat-bound function while pressing the centre switch.
Well.
From just looking at the pics.
Here's my first thought.
FA\off on the pinky
Deploy on the side index finger button.
Pip's and energy management on the middle\low hat, that also doubles as main menu navigation.
Secondary fire on the red.
Targeting on the right, and next previous panel under menu management.
Open the various menu's on the left one.
Various things on the throttle.
I used the button under left index for invert throttle axis, the other two as shift buttons.
Pressing the middle and invert was boost.
No accidental boosting since it required two buttons.
For example one thumb hat under the throttle was supercruise forward, hyper up.
Never used the contextual binding for FSD.
For example of using modifiers, holding the first modifier button would change target select to hostiles only, second modifier button to wingman 1-3 and the fourth for wingman's target.
That works not only in combat but also for navigation, if a wingman has a system select you can use that to select the same system and you can for instance jump at the same time and not bother with FSD lock, which is just annoyingly slow.
And using the variuos hat's and modifiers you should easily be able to add things as you please.
For instance currently I use one mod button of mine to inject heatsinks on the first trigger detent, and SCB's on the second.
So if I need to fluff my shields in a hurry I just hold that and squeeze the trigger fully.
From just looking at the pics.
Here's my first thought.
FA\off on the pinky
Deploy on the side index finger button.
Pip's and energy management on the middle\low hat, that also doubles as main menu navigation.
Secondary fire on the red.
Targeting on the right, and next previous panel under menu management.
Open the various menu's on the left one.
Various things on the throttle.
I used the button under left index for invert throttle axis, the other two as shift buttons.
Pressing the middle and invert was boost.
No accidental boosting since it required two buttons.
For example one thumb hat under the throttle was supercruise forward, hyper up.
Never used the contextual binding for FSD.
For example of using modifiers, holding the first modifier button would change target select to hostiles only, second modifier button to wingman 1-3 and the fourth for wingman's target.
That works not only in combat but also for navigation, if a wingman has a system select you can use that to select the same system and you can for instance jump at the same time and not bother with FSD lock, which is just annoyingly slow.
And using the variuos hat's and modifiers you should easily be able to add things as you please.
For instance currently I use one mod button of mine to inject heatsinks on the first trigger detent, and SCB's on the second.
So if I need to fluff my shields in a hurry I just hold that and squeeze the trigger fully.
Interesting! I currently have the throttle pinky as reverse, other two buttons alongside as modifier keys, with pinky on stick as another modifier. All assigned in-game but use CH Cintrol Manager to set deadzones & s-curves.
Assuming I’ll have to go to Joystick Gremlin to map dissimilar controllers (CH Pro & VKB).
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Just found a video of Black Hog's prototype controller. Yikes. As much as I'm looking forward to getting my hands on the b-explorer, this early prototype looks amazing.
I'd go for a HOTAS setup, a b-explorer extension on both throttle and stick (a different button layout on each) and the device above behind the keyboard.
....aaaand then I'd spend most of my gaming time setting up / remembering my keybinds.
I'd go for a HOTAS setup, a b-explorer extension on both throttle and stick (a different button layout on each) and the device above behind the keyboard.
....aaaand then I'd spend most of my gaming time setting up / remembering my keybinds.
With just the virpil kit. I honestly have keys and axes unused.
And that's not even considering circumventing the 32 button limit.
And that's not even considering circumventing the 32 button limit.
Thats what I do, but then I am 69 and keep forgetting things!
It's more fun with two different setups!!!
CH pro throttle, WarBRD with Warthog grip and VKB pedals at one location, Warthog throttle, Virpil T50 and T50 grip with BRD F3 pedals at the other. Needless to say, I'm ditching the T50 and Warthog grips, and getting 2 x T50 v2 grips, plus another CH Pro throttle. I've given up on waiting for Virpil to release the analog thumb stick version of their throttle.
Z...
Oh Tor.... I think you and I both know, we passed the point of what we "need" a long, long time ago. Now it's all about what we want.
Been waiting since late October for an update on my VKB Gunfighter Mk II pre-order, still nothing. There's an "available April 7" on the site now (was "available March 7" I think, a few days ago, "available February..." before that). I don't know if these are multiple pre-order windows, or just one window that's slipping. No idea if/when existing pre-orders are being fulfilled.
Emailed VKB a few days ago asking if they could provide any update, no reply.
Update on this - VKB finally are allowing payment on the pre-orders. Looks like this'll be shipping on or around April 7th.
I'd really like both VKB and Virpil to up their games (though Virpil seem to be doing better at this - by a little), there is clearly huge demand for their stuff, and I know there is the whole supply/demand issue, though at least Virpil have their own factory, but man, when items are selling out within 5 minutes of dropping on the website, you know you're under producing.
FOr those truly into ED, I'm talking folks with a thousand hours or more that do not look like they are stopping any time soon - and especially if you also play the likes of DCS (or some other sim), it is truly a worthwhile investment. I've got the Warthog, and the WarBRD is simply miles ahead - and that is saying a lot, as the Warthog itself ain't bad, but it is showing it's age.
The stiction free, cam-adjustable mechanism is an absolute delight. As I said before, newbies should buy a T-flight, if they are loving it and the game, save for the VPC/VKB/Slaw etc gear.
I guess I'm at that age where you realise that if you want something, you may as well get a good one, and enjoy the experience to the fullest. If I get bored of ED or DCS, when the bug strikes again 5-10 years later, the gear will still be just as beautiful to use.
Z...
Virpil aren't that bad, VKB are much worse (in my experience). Not just in having vague pre-order periods, and shifting estimates; but also in terms of rumouring releases years in advance and then nothing.. The VKB throttle looks awesome, IMO, but no idea if/when it'll be released.
I currently have the Warthog too, and while I love the solidity of the grip, I did have the annoying stiction issues too forcing me to re-grease it. And while it's all back together, I still haven't been able to calibrate a very slight roll drift out of it. Plus some of the hat-switches are getting sporadically 'sticky' (not re-centring without a little nudge).
I'm kind of in the same boat. Have been playing games on and off for years on low-end PCs / Macs, and suddenly realised - I have a pretty good job. I don't need to feel guilty about treating myself, don't need to ask my parents for permission/pocket-money
So after spending a small fortune on devices (Warthog, Virpil throttle, Crosswind pedals, TrackIR, EyeX & 4C..) I'm finally going to buy a decent gaming PC. Considering the amount of time I spend using it, it'll be a great investment.
I really like the look and appeal of the Virpil/VKB stuff and would really like to try/buy the throttle in particular, but - as mentioned - the inventory problems have me concerned. It's not that I mind waiting a bit, but I'm not confident that they are going to actually fill orders they have, based on reported delays. If you have a high end product that's in demand and you can't fill orders, that's a real warning sign for me about the management of the company.
As much as I'd like to buy the throttle, I'm going to wait until I see some sign of stability and an improvement in their ability to actually fill orders.
Until then the Thrustmaster Warthog with the Cougar MFD's with a good set of high-end rudders pedals is still a good reliable setup at a reasonable price.
I absolutely love my Slaw Device BF-109 pedals, but I don't think he makes that style anymore and there again, the purchase process and wait time are considerable. Therefore, my next set is likely to be the MFG Crosswinds as I like the full pedal style, they are easy to purchase on the website, and there are many reports from owners that these are high quality and may be as good as the Slaw, which if true is impressive.
So, given all the options available, if I had to set up another rig today, I'd go with the Warthog, Cougar MFD and the Crosswinds. The combination of price, quality, and availability is probably hard to beat for anyone looking to step up to the next level.
EDIT: I've just communicated with Slaw and he has informed me that he is working on getting a web site up and will be updating product availability and ordering procedures soon. I'm really happy to hear he's going this route as he is a real craftsman and he has always been a pleasure to communicate with. I'm really hoping he continues to provide the high quality products he's capable of making.
As much as I'd like to buy the throttle, I'm going to wait until I see some sign of stability and an improvement in their ability to actually fill orders.
Until then the Thrustmaster Warthog with the Cougar MFD's with a good set of high-end rudders pedals is still a good reliable setup at a reasonable price.
I absolutely love my Slaw Device BF-109 pedals, but I don't think he makes that style anymore and there again, the purchase process and wait time are considerable. Therefore, my next set is likely to be the MFG Crosswinds as I like the full pedal style, they are easy to purchase on the website, and there are many reports from owners that these are high quality and may be as good as the Slaw, which if true is impressive.
So, given all the options available, if I had to set up another rig today, I'd go with the Warthog, Cougar MFD and the Crosswinds. The combination of price, quality, and availability is probably hard to beat for anyone looking to step up to the next level.
EDIT: I've just communicated with Slaw and he has informed me that he is working on getting a web site up and will be updating product availability and ordering procedures soon. I'm really happy to hear he's going this route as he is a real craftsman and he has always been a pleasure to communicate with. I'm really hoping he continues to provide the high quality products he's capable of making.
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The VKB Gunfighter Pro arrived today, just getting it set up now. First impressions - it's ridiculously light in comparison with the Warthog throttle. Still looks and feels like quality though.It also - out of the box - has much, much less resistance. It does come with several sets of optional springs & one set of cams; but I'm not brave enough yet to try replacing them. As it currently stands, if you push it to one extremity and release, it 'wobbles' back to centre a little. The Warthog, with its very high resistance/springs, returns with a decisive thunk.
(I've just read the default cam has a soft detent, which I'm not yet sure about. And the installed springs are the 2nd weakest of the 5 sets).
The dual triggers are nice (one dual-stage trigger, and a second fold-down trigger). The pinkie trigger is an analogue axis, as opposed to an on-off switch on the Warthog. Plus it has a POV switch, and a POV-ish switch with two analog axes. There's one 4-way switch and push button on the right side of the stick, which I - with my small hands - find a bit hard to easily reach. I might just use that as a push button, I'm definitely not short of buttons now.
For anyone interested, it looks like VKB are ramping up manufacturing a bit, but if you pre-order now they're estimating 2-3 months to delivery.
(I've just read the default cam has a soft detent, which I'm not yet sure about. And the installed springs are the 2nd weakest of the 5 sets).
The dual triggers are nice (one dual-stage trigger, and a second fold-down trigger). The pinkie trigger is an analogue axis, as opposed to an on-off switch on the Warthog. Plus it has a POV switch, and a POV-ish switch with two analog axes. There's one 4-way switch and push button on the right side of the stick, which I - with my small hands - find a bit hard to easily reach. I might just use that as a push button, I'm definitely not short of buttons now.
For anyone interested, it looks like VKB are ramping up manufacturing a bit, but if you pre-order now they're estimating 2-3 months to delivery.
The Blackhog b-explorer units are now shipping. As a nice little bonus, there are three different button layouts (and a choice of three types of labelling each) to choose from, depending on whether you want more sliders, knobs or buttons.
I opened up the Gunfighter Pro to change springs & cams, but once it was taken apart I realised I didn't have the tools required (would be nice if assembly/disassembly manuals listed the exact tools required at the start. Or if I had half a brain, I could have read through the entire manual and carefully inspected the photos before starting!) So ended up taking it a local repair shop who'll give it a go.
A little nervous about putting the stronger springs on, as it's very lightweight and with too vigorous handling the base might start to lift/tilt.
I opened up the Gunfighter Pro to change springs & cams, but once it was taken apart I realised I didn't have the tools required (would be nice if assembly/disassembly manuals listed the exact tools required at the start. Or if I had half a brain, I could have read through the entire manual and carefully inspected the photos before starting!) So ended up taking it a local repair shop who'll give it a go.
A little nervous about putting the stronger springs on, as it's very lightweight and with too vigorous handling the base might start to lift/tilt.