Virpil HOTAS - Luxury Problem

Gleitfrosch

Gleitfrosch
Do other Virpil HOTAS users have the same issue and do you have any recommendations on how to solve it?

I have a Warbrd base with an Alpha-R stick and the joystick is huge. If I put it on the desk, The grip is uncomfortably high. If I use a desk mount, I have to move away from the monitor to be able to use the joystick. That also causes the issue, that I can't easily move it to the side, when I switch to mouse & keyboard for on foot missions.
When I use the desk mounts for the joystick and Mongoose throttle I again either have to mount both more at the side of the desk, to be able to move with my chair closer to the desk, when needed (then its uncomfortable to hold them), or I have somehow squeeze my hands and chair between/around them to play ground missions.

Like I said, its a luxury problem, but also one that can kill the fun. Does any other Virpil user has an idea when I could do to solve this?

ps. No , I'm not going to give them away :p
 

J Growlear

J Growlear
thrustmaster hotas user here,

make a keyboard/mouse plate between the desk mounts.
IMG_0511.jpg

in stylish oak to fit with my desk :)
 

the100thmonkey

the100thmonkey
I don't know if this is an option for you, but I find that the discomfort from wide positioning is due to the joystick's axes not being in a natural position, with the axis of rotation on the stick not matching the natural axis of your elbow planted on the desk.

Before I play, I pick my joystick up like I would grip it in flight, and put it down on the desk (with my Odyssey controls between the flight controls) such that my arm is straight, with my shoulder, elbow and wrist joints all aligned. This gives a natural rotation that keeps my old man joints happy.

Alternatively, you could buy a monitor arm. That way, you can pull the display closer to your face. You'll like the extra space it gives you on your desk too.
 

aRJay

aRJay
Depending on your desk you could sink the controls into the desk to counter the height, another possibility might be to raise the height of the chair by using bigger wheels or a longer gas lift or even sitting it on blocks.

A way around the lack of space for the mouse when on foot is to just use the HOTAS instead.
 

Shurimal

Shurimal
The perfect height for the stick and throttle is so that your hand rests at about your thigh's height and your elbow is at around 80° angle. The stick should also be angled outboard at around 10°. An adjustable elbow rest, preferrably one that slides freely back and forth on bearings, is a must for your stick hand. Less critical for your throttle hand, but still nice to have. Putting HOTAS on a desk is the worst ergonomics possible, chair mount is the best. You should also have a chair that doesn't swivel nor has wheels, office/"gaming" chairs are no good, especially if you use rudder pedals.

Just like with fitting a road bicycle, over long sessions you'll feel a couple mm and a few degrees of difference.
 

Stealthie

Stealthie
Personally, I'm not at all keen on desk mounts.
I much prefer to have my HOTAS attached to my seat so that the position of the joystick can never change as long as I'm sat in the seat.

I've always found that a centre-stick mount (attached to a chair) is incredibly comfortable, allowing you to position the joystick low and rest your arm on your leg or position it higher and rest your arm on an armrest.

One thing that might be considered bad about a centre-stick configuration is that it means you're sat in your seat, facing forward, with both of your arms turned to the left - right arm to hold the joystick and left arm to hold the throttle - and that could lead to somebody sitting with their upper body twisted around to the left.
 

Gleitfrosch

Gleitfrosch
Thank you for the answers.

I live in Germany, that means I like to overengineer the solutions ;)

Right now I think of a linear guide rail attached to my desk (I can attach the desk mount to) which will allow me to slide the Hotas to the sides when I want to use my mouse and keyboard. It would also require a lock to keep the stick and throttle in place when I use them.

EDIT:
I could also loosen the clamp of the mount and reattach it on the side
 
Last edited:

Rory12

R
Why screw it to the table these days? It's better to buy VR glasses and play in any corner.

I have two aluminum profiles screwed to the bottom of a large office chair. The throttle and joystick are screwed to these profiles on the sides. Elbows on the armrests, hands on the controls.
 

photomankc

photomankc
I'd like a chair mount but that is not practical because of the cables and the need to move the chair around and I now have the stick, the throttle, and a button panel so thats a lot to get on a chair. My next idea was going to be to cut out locations to drop them down to near desktop level. Later I ended up playing at my 65" TV which eliminates all those options really but is an amazing view of the game. So I got a game chair with a lot more lift height as well as extended arm-rest height. My setup now all lives on a TV tray that I lowered a bit and I used a pool-noodle as a foot rest on the rear cross beam on that TV tray. It's not perfect and if I'm really cranking on the controls for hours It's imperfections shine through but it was a workable solution. In casual flying I get some elbow support which is nice.
 

Bill Clement

Bill Clement
Have you got room for a simpit?

It might be presumptuous, but if you can afford Virpil controllers, then maybe something purpose built for virtual flying might be the answer?

I use a GT Ultimate 'pit, it's out of production now, but the latest version looks lovely. There are other suppliers out there, but I've never seen their kit up close, so I can't vouch for their quality. The GT is amazing, very sturdy and quite comfortable, I'd imagine the latest version is similar.

Linky: https://nextlevelracing.com/flight-cockpits/

Andrei Celesti (HiP Games) did a sponsored review:

Source: https://youtu.be/jlxHCS28gbQ?si=KeANdnLDPkrQewtA
 

Gleitfrosch

Gleitfrosch
Bill Clement said:
Have you got room for a simpit?

It might be presumptuous, but if you can afford Virpil controllers, then maybe something purpose built for virtual flying might be the answer?

I use a GT Ultimate 'pit, it's out of production now, but the latest version looks lovely. There are other suppliers out there, but I've never seen their kit up close, so I can't vouch for their quality. The GT is amazing, very sturdy and quite comfortable, I'd imagine the latest version is similar.

Linky: https://nextlevelracing.com/flight-cockpits/

Andrei Celesti (HiP Games) did a sponsored review:

Source: https://youtu.be/jlxHCS28gbQ?si=KeANdnLDPkrQewtA
Click to expand...
I dont have enough space in my gaming room for a simpit.

Today I bought a monitor arm and I think I will go with the cheap solution (for now). That means, I will use the desk mounts and move the monitor closer when flying and loosen the clamps to move the stick/throttle to the side when playing on ground.

Its not ideal but it works good enough.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions.
 

SharkBiscuit

S
Gleitfrosch said:
Do other Virpil HOTAS users have the same issue and do you have any recommendations on how to solve it?

I have a Warbrd base with an Alpha-R stick and the joystick is huge. If I put it on the desk, The grip is uncomfortably high. If I use a desk mount, I have to move away from the monitor to be able to use the joystick. That also causes the issue, that I can't easily move it to the side, when I switch to mouse & keyboard for on foot missions.
When I use the desk mounts for the joystick and Mongoose throttle I again either have to mount both more at the side of the desk, to be able to move with my chair closer to the desk, when needed (then its uncomfortable to hold them), or I have somehow squeeze my hands and chair between/around them to play ground missions.

Like I said, its a luxury problem, but also one that can kill the fun. Does any other Virpil user has an idea when I could do to solve this?

ps. No , I'm not going to give them away :p
Click to expand...
i feel your pain.
i have the same stick, but a throttle also.
to solve the keyboard & mouse reach problem, i bought 2x mouse pad mounts to attach to my stick & and throttle desk mounts. a left hand & right hand one for either side
these sit in between my stick and throttle.
my mouse goes on the one at my right hand (actually the left hand mouse mount).
and for my left hand, i found a cheap FPS gaming keypad with WASD, left side of a normal keyboard. this velcros on to the left mouse mount (actually the right handed one)

this is comfortable and works GREAT.
I'll only have to reach for my full keyboard if typing in chat.

my only complaint would be the mouse pad could be a little bigger, but it's very workable, and fine tor Elite.

my mounts are Monster-tech, lovely and quick release, slide to the side of the desk when not gaming.

these are the mouse mount attachments.
www.monster.tech

Mouse Extension for Desk Mount – MTSIM – MONSTERTECH

Mouse extension for table mounts for optimal positioning of the mouse next to joystick or throttle. This module is designed as an add-on: As a base you need another mount, for example the Joystick / Hotas table mount.
www.monster.tech www.monster.tech

I'll hunt down a photo so you can see what i mean.
 

Dragsham

Dragsham
I'm in VR. With 2 virpil twins only the left ones right angled to act as a throttle/strafe.
The 2 mounts are on the desk edge. Chinese ones which surprisingly are very good. Strong clamps and adjustable height, depth etc. Work really well.
 

SharkBiscuit

S
SharkBiscuit said:
i feel your pain.
i have the same stick, but a throttle also.
to solve the keyboard & mouse reach problem, i bought 2x mouse pad mounts to attach to my stick & and throttle desk mounts. a left hand & right hand one for either side
these sit in between my stick and throttle.
my mouse goes on the one at my right hand (actually the left hand mouse mount).
and for my left hand, i found a cheap FPS gaming keypad with WASD, left side of a normal keyboard. this velcros on to the left mouse mount (actually the right handed one)

this is comfortable and works GREAT.
I'll only have to reach for my full keyboard if typing in chat.

my only complaint would be the mouse pad could be a little bigger, but it's very workable, and fine tor Elite.

my mounts are Monster-tech, lovely and quick release, slide to the side of the desk when not gaming.

these are the mouse mount attachments.
www.monster.tech

Mouse Extension for Desk Mount – MTSIM – MONSTERTECH

Mouse extension for table mounts for optimal positioning of the mouse next to joystick or throttle. This module is designed as an add-on: As a base you need another mount, for example the Joystick / Hotas table mount.
www.monster.tech www.monster.tech

I'll hunt down a photo so you can see what i mean.
Click to expand...

As promised, here's a pic...
PXL_20241016_082613440~2.jpg
 

Schmack

Schmack
I made something similar to the image above from these


I added starboard bases with a wrap of non-slip material you'd use in tool chest drawers. I added soft foam corners to the starboard to protect my legs when I stand up and make contact suddenly.


Some custom adjustments and hardware, it works like a charm. One on each side and quick to remove for productivity while working from home.
 

Silverwings

S
Gleitfrosch said:
Do other Virpil HOTAS users have the same issue and do you have any recommendations on how to solve it?

I have a Warbrd base with an Alpha-R stick and the joystick is huge. If I put it on the desk, The grip is uncomfortably high. If I use a desk mount, I have to move away from the monitor to be able to use the joystick. That also causes the issue, that I can't easily move it to the side, when I switch to mouse & keyboard for on foot missions.
When I use the desk mounts for the joystick and Mongoose throttle I again either have to mount both more at the side of the desk, to be able to move with my chair closer to the desk, when needed (then its uncomfortable to hold them), or I have somehow squeeze my hands and chair between/around them to play ground missions.

Like I said, its a luxury problem, but also one that can kill the fun. Does any other Virpil user has an idea when I could do to solve this?

ps. No , I'm not going to give them away :p
Click to expand...
Keep the desk mounts but put you monitor on an articulating arm mount you cam move back and forth, or get chair mounts
 
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