Hardware & Technical VKB TECS (Twin Engine Control System)

[Zeeman]

So, erm... Info on this little beauty was dropped not long ago...

We VKB team take our pride in creating a fully dimensional world of modern virtual combat aviation control devices rather than a common "model range".

TECS (Twin Engine Control System) is a completely new throttle control device made for today's and future jet warbirds.
This unique state of art device is already out of "development" phase, and is currently entering "preparation for serial production".

It would be wrong to say that TECS "worthily follows the line of VKB engineering tradition" that we have carefully maintained for 14 years. No, it takes this tradition farther and further.


https://s26.postimg.org/c6cr0jj9j/MECS_v01_02.jpg?dl=1

The design as usually is based on modular principle with data streaming between the blocks via VKB proprietary digital interface.
Structurally, the system is built around the basic throttle control unit (the base). It can be expanded by additional panels connected to its front (with special braces) and to its rear (directly). These panels are also modular and allow users to configure the entire system according to their personal preferences.

Inside the slider grips, the base, and the panels we put bus controllers that collect the data from control elements and pass it to the main processing unit that is hidden in the throttle control base.
There are two ways the TECS can be connected to the computer: directly via USB, and via bus – by passing the data through the BlackBox. This way, it becomes possible to combine all control systems (the control grip + throttle control + pedals + extension panels) in one uncompromisingly rigid and integral piloting complex.


https://s26.postimg.org/xsrrhka47/TECS_v02_4.jpg?dl=1

The TECS's main control sliders' movement is physically made linear that surely adds to the realistic feeling and allows for the user's greater immersion. Frictions that load this movement can be adjusted individually.

VKB engineers managed to design a unique stop mechanism that never before had been implemented in the gaming world. Now, like on a real plane, there are stops that demand additional effort on passing certain points of the movement range at Idle, Afterburner, and Afterburner max.

Same as on a real plane, both slider grips are equipped with individual stops. If desired, these stops can be deactivated, and the sliders will travel without additional effort along its entire range.

The grips' shape, similar to MCG, is as close as possible to the real fighters' controls. We only very slightly altered it to optimize its use in simulated environment.

Structural parts of the TECS's mechanism are all metal. Full slider travel – 110 mm.
Our own contactless magnetic sensors are used for extra precision.

We see no point in overloading the surface with as many control knobs and switches as possible – it would likely make flying less handy and controlling the plane would become trickier.

Instead, we focused on making the design and ergonomics of the TECS "VR ready". Every element can be easily found and identified by grope.

A complete complex made of Gunfighter base, MCG grip, TECS, T-Rudder Pedals (or Twist), and Extension Panels is the best possible cockpit set that offers the user exceptional control over the plane, unparalleled immersion, and allows to take pilotage to a much higher level.

The rendered image shows the pre-production version of the TECS. We will work together with the DCS experts to finalize the panels' layout, and confirm the text of the prints. If you read Russian, you might like studying these prints now: there might be something you wouldn't expect to see.

Desktop version will be the first to see the world, and cockpit version will follow. Stay tuned for announcements.

We estimate the price range for the main TECS base somewhere about US$ 200, and the extension panels – about 40 galactic credits.
Now, the question is WHEN?! – stay tuned!

Yours as always,
Global VKB Team

North America https://vkbcontrollers.com/
Europe https://flightsimcontrols.com/
Russia http://vkb-sim.pro/

Looks tasty, to say the least! At about $200 for the basic throttle, it's not bad for the high end of town.

Z...

 

[Patrick_68000]

Looks very professional

Beautiful aesthetics too

 

[-VR- Max Factor]

So many buttons and switches that one can press. I like it.

 

[Zeeman]

But does it have an analog thumb/finger stick?

Also, they just showed off the render of their WWII throttle, not really suitable for ED as such (though I'm sure it'd work with some good bindings fore thought), but damn, this thing is sexy:

Z...

 

[jasonbarron]

So, erm... Info on this little beauty was dropped not long ago...

https://s26.postimg.org/4qdheqvk9/MECS_v01_02.jpg


Looks tasty, to say the least! At about $200 for the basic throttle, it's not bad for the high end of town.

Z...

Yummy! What stick would you pair with that for ED?

Edit: for that matter, what system do you use? And what flying style? When I get back into ED my focus/interest is always mainly on combat, all FA Off, but I haven't really felt like the performance of my previous two HOTAS's (x52 Pro & the Thrustmaster T16000M FCS) were up to the challenge.

 

[BurnyBurns]

Those two lock sexy af. If either comes with an analogue stick, so they can also comfortably double as ED 6dof input device and if either of those finally becomes available for purchase (together with the Virpil alternatve), I may be sourly tempted.

 

[lysan]

I'm ordering this for my bomber build IL2, however there are so many nice builds out there now, it's wonderful to be a simmer.

Spoiler

 

[Zeeman]

Yummy! What stick would you pair with that for ED?

Edit: for that matter, what system do you use? And what flying style? When I get back into ED my focus/interest is always mainly on combat, all FA Off, but I haven't really felt like the performance of my previous two HOTAS's (x52 Pro & the Thrustmaster T16000M FCS) were up to the challenge.

I currently just switched from a Warthog to a Virpil Mongoos T50. I tried playing full time FA Off with the Warthog, but the centre detent and "stiction" made it hard to be really super precise, despite the sensors being stupidly precise themselves.

The Mongoos is stupid accurate, but incredibly tuneable. I run mine with a "no centre detent" cam, so it's just smooth all the way. You can change the springs and also adjust the spring tension of each axis to suit.

the only bad things I have to say, are that the cams I originally got were a bit rough, though they did send replacements super quick, and I got them in a week (I'm in Australia for the purposes of deliveries). Also, I do miss the 5 way thumb button on the warthog, however, the Warthog grip is 100% interchangeable with the Mongoos grip, so I can always swap it if I find myself not adjusting well.

Now, having said that... If you are serious, I'd wait for the Virpil WarBRD. I already have the BRD F3 rudder pedals, and they truly are Teh Awesome™, in the same league as Slaw and Milan (of MFG Crosswinds fame), he also happened to have the best design for my purposes. The BRD pedals use the same scissor dual cam type design as the WarBRD gimbal, and I can vouch for how awesome it feels.

To top it off, it is said to be cheaper than the Mongoos, which makes it a win/win in my book. Probably less (if any) adjustment, apart from swapping springs, but the reality is, that is already more than a lot of folks will try anyway.

Anyway, back to flying style, I tend to fly small agile fighters most (Vulture, IEagle, Courier), and enjoy canyon runs in a Taipan when in Exploration mode. I am again having a go at full time FA-off, and am finding it far easier with the Virpil. Having a smooth, precise, responsive stick really makes it a pleasure to learn - at least I know my screw ups are down to me, not my stick getting... Erm.. Stuck.

Now, also, having said all that, seeing as the VKB MCG is now officially released... I'd be doing serious research into the VKB Gunfighter with MCG, also a sensational gimbal design, and the stick itself, whilst looking near identical to the Virpil, does have a few key differences that may sway a few CMDR's, including the analog sticks, and the 4 way + press thumb button, and a very comfy looking thumb rest.

What swayed me to the Virpil was the fact that I could swap to the Warthog grip with no modification of the Warthog grip itself, it's just plug and play. and with rumours of a new F-18 grip from TM, and the ability of Virpil to put stuff on the market quicker than VKB, that pretty much pushed me over the line.

I'm likely still going to get a Gunfighter and MCG at some stage, though...

Z...

 

[Zeeman]

Those two lock sexy af. If either comes with an analogue stick, so they can also comfortably double as ED 6dof input device and if either of those finally becomes available for purchase (together with the Virpil alternatve), I may be sourly tempted.

The second one (the WWII job) is just a "concept", and modern throttle is the one currently in the process of finalising/pre-production. No clue re the analog stick, however, the Virpil Mongoos throttle will have the option of an analog stick.

I'm ordering this for my bomber build IL2, however there are so many nice builds out there now, it's wonderful to be a simmer.

Spoiler

http://kanttorinkone.com/console/bomber_console.jpg

That looks very, very nice. Please, please... PLEASE post pics when it's in your hands!!!

Z...

 

[BurnyBurns]

I'm ordering this for my bomber build IL2, however there are so many nice builds out there now, it's wonderful to be a simmer.

Spoiler

http://kanttorinkone.com/console/bomber_console.jpg

Looks pretty comprehensive. Where do you get it from? Who builds these things?

The second one (the WWII job) is just a "concept", and modern throttle is the one currently in the process of finalising/pre-production. No clue re the analog stick, however, the Virpil Mongoos throttle will have the option of an analog stick.
Z...

I know about the Virpil throttle, which is why I hope VKB will offer the option of analogue stick as well. Their MCG Pro seems to have mini analogue sticks in place of one or two hats even, doesn't it? Pity about the WWII throttle, because that looks really good for prop planes requiring the respective analogue axis for pitch, fuel mixture and whatnot. Pretty elaborate for a mockup.

I'd only be int he market for the modern throttles anyway. That would in all likelyhood offer enough analogue inputs for single engine crafts anyway.

 

[lysan]

The second one (the WWII job) is just a "concept", and modern throttle is the one currently in the process of finalising/pre-production. No clue re the analog stick, however, the Virpil Mongoos throttle will have the option of an analog stick.


That looks very, very nice. Please, please... PLEASE post pics when it's in your hands!!!

Z...

This is a guy just like Slaw, building expensive hand build equipment for us insane simmers!

https://forum.il2sturmovik.com/topic/28738-metal-throttle-consoles/

Looks pretty comprehensive. Where do you get it from? Who builds these things?




I know about the Virpil throttle, which is why I hope VKB will offer the option of analogue stick as well. Their MCG Pro seems to have mini analogue sticks in place of one or two hats even, doesn't it? Pity about the WWII throttle, because that looks really good for prop planes requiring the respective analogue axis for pitch, fuel mixture and whatnot. Pretty elaborate for a mockup.

I'd only be int he market for the modern throttles anyway. That would in all likelyhood offer enough analogue inputs for single engine crafts anyway.

http://www.kanttorinkone.com/consoles.html

 

[Hadarmil]

Considering the MCG has two analog sticks, I'm guessing their throttle will have two also - one side and one front. Sometime in the far flung future when they actually release the damn thing I'll definitely be a costumer.

I currently just switched from a Warthog to a Virpil Mongoos T50.
Now, having said that... If you are serious, I'd wait for the Virpil WarBRD.

Baur's gimbal...he knows his stuff.

 

[jasonbarron]

I currently just switched from a Warthog to a Virpil Mongoos T50. I tried playing full time FA Off with the Warthog, but the centre detent and "stiction" made it hard to be really super precise, despite the sensors being stupidly precise themselves.

The Mongoos is stupid accurate, but incredibly tuneable. I run mine with a "no centre detent" cam, so it's just smooth all the way. You can change the springs and also adjust the spring tension of each axis to suit.

the only bad things I have to say, are that the cams I originally got were a bit rough, though they did send replacements super quick, and I got them in a week (I'm in Australia for the purposes of deliveries). Also, I do miss the 5 way thumb button on the warthog, however, the Warthog grip is 100% interchangeable with the Mongoos grip, so I can always swap it if I find myself not adjusting well.

Now, having said that... If you are serious, I'd wait for the Virpil WarBRD. I already have the BRD F3 rudder pedals, and they truly are Teh Awesome™, in the same league as Slaw and Milan (of MFG Crosswinds fame), he also happened to have the best design for my purposes. The BRD pedals use the same scissor dual cam type design as the WarBRD gimbal, and I can vouch for how awesome it feels.

To top it off, it is said to be cheaper than the Mongoos, which makes it a win/win in my book. Probably less (if any) adjustment, apart from swapping springs, but the reality is, that is already more than a lot of folks will try anyway.

Anyway, back to flying style, I tend to fly small agile fighters most (Vulture, IEagle, Courier), and enjoy canyon runs in a Taipan when in Exploration mode. I am again having a go at full time FA-off, and am finding it far easier with the Virpil. Having a smooth, precise, responsive stick really makes it a pleasure to learn - at least I know my screw ups are down to me, not my stick getting... Erm.. Stuck.

Now, also, having said all that, seeing as the VKB MCG is now officially released... I'd be doing serious research into the VKB Gunfighter with MCG, also a sensational gimbal design, and the stick itself, whilst looking near identical to the Virpil, does have a few key differences that may sway a few CMDR's, including the analog sticks, and the 4 way + press thumb button, and a very comfy looking thumb rest.

What swayed me to the Virpil was the fact that I could swap to the Warthog grip with no modification of the Warthog grip itself, it's just plug and play. and with rumours of a new F-18 grip from TM, and the ability of Virpil to put stuff on the market quicker than VKB, that pretty much pushed me over the line.

I'm likely still going to get a Gunfighter and MCG at some stage, though...

Z...

That Virpil Mongoose is a damn sexy looking stick for sure, but I don't understand what you mean by "waiting for the Virpil WarBRD." What is the WarBRD? Also, am I correct in thinking the Mongoose has no rudder control and that is why you use pedals?

 

[Zeeman]

That Virpil Mongoose is a damn sexy looking stick for sure, but I don't understand what you mean by "waiting for the Virpil WarBRD." What is the WarBRD? Also, am I correct in thinking the Mongoose has no rudder control and that is why you use pedals?

You may have missed the link in the text (hard to spot on some themes).

The reason I'd wait, is that it will be cheaper than the Mongoos, and I honestly think Baur's gimbal design is something special. If it translates to the stick as well as it works on the pedals... And there is no reason not to think so, as he already builds a base (the BDR-N <- that'll be a link - which anyone who has used it, swears by).

Virpil do not have a twist on their sticks, at present, there is an add on mechanism in development, however.

Honestly, go for rudder pedals, your wrists, and precision, will thank you. I currently use the excellent BRD F3, and also the VKB T-rudder MKIII - which is brilliant if you don't need toe brakes, and ideal for an office chair type set up.

Considering the MCG has two analog sticks, I'm guessing their throttle will have two also - one side and one front. Sometime in the far flung future when they actually release the damn thing I'll definitely be a costumer.

Safe to say I think you'd be correct. No confirmation of anything yet, really, though I am looking forward to an announcement with more concrete info.
Z...

 

[Zeeman]

This is a guy just like Slaw, building expensive hand build equipment for us insane simmers!

https://forum.il2sturmovik.com/topic/28738-metal-throttle-consoles/



http://www.kanttorinkone.com/consoles.html

Oh wow... That's hardware prawn right there. I think I may need to change my underwear. How on Earth will I justify this to the Minister of War and Finance?

"It's cheaper than golf" will only work so long...

Seriously, the pricing is actually not as bad as I would have thought - especially in this sort of hardware territory.

Z...

 

[lysan]

Oh wow... That's hardware prawn right there. I think I may need to change my underwear. How on Earth will I justify this to the Minister of War and Finance?

"It's cheaper than golf" will only work so long...

Seriously, the pricing is actually not as bad as I would have thought - especially in this sort of hardware territory.

Z...

LMAO "It's cheaper than golf" I tried and failed miserably, I just get that look you know -_-

Oh so we got money?

I need this
*long very expensive list*

It's better to ask for forgiveness than permission....

 

[jasonbarron]

You may have missed the link in the text (hard to spot on some themes).



https://virpil.com/images/2017/12/17/WarBRDMech_02.png


The reason I'd wait, is that it will be cheaper than the Mongoos, and I honestly think Baur's gimbal design is something special. If it translates to the stick as well as it works on the pedals... And there is no reason not to think so, as he already builds a base (the BDR-N <- that'll be a link - which anyone who has used it, swears by).

Virpil do not have a twist on their sticks, at present, there is an add on mechanism in development, however.

Honestly, go for rudder pedals, your wrists, and precision, will thank you. I currently use the excellent BRD F3, and also the VKB T-rudder MKIII - which is brilliant if you don't need toe brakes, and ideal for an office chair type set up

Hehe, remember you're talking to a guy whose nicest HOTAS to date was an x52 Pro, so you'll have to pardon me for sounding hopelessly ignorant...but that picture only shows a base without a stick. Are you saying you would buy a stick and base separately? And if so, which stick would you put into that base?

 

[NascentChemist]

Hehe, remember you're talking to a guy whose nicest HOTAS to date was an x52 Pro, so you'll have to pardon me for sounding hopelessly ignorant...but that picture only shows a base without a stick. Are you saying you would buy a stick and base separately? And if so, which stick would you put into that base?

I'm looking into this myself, so I may be wrong.

But Virpil sells grips and bases separately. It allows people to use their grip with the Warthog base. Unless they release a new grip for it, people will use or buy their Mongoose grip.

 

[Zeeman]

Hehe, remember you're talking to a guy whose nicest HOTAS to date was an x52 Pro, so you'll have to pardon me for sounding hopelessly ignorant...but that picture only shows a base without a stick. Are you saying you would buy a stick and base separately? And if so, which stick would you put into that base?

All good - the thing about VKB, Virpil, and the Warthog, is that they are modular. You can, in theory at least, swap grips - so you have one high quality base, and then you can use a stick that is a replica of the Warthog for your DCS simming, another grip that is a replica of a WWII fighter for your WWII stuff, a space oriented grip for ED/SC/etc...

So, basically, when you buy a VKB or Virpil, you have the option to buy just the base, or to buy with a grip of your choice. Remember, the Virpil Constellation is also slated for release shortly, and I suspect it may be a good stick for ED, especially as it supports lefties and righties, thus also a good option for dual stick use.

Both the WarBRD, and the Constellation are said to be at the "budget" end of the spectrum (though, keep in mind, "budget" is relative, the Boxster is the budget level Porsche, hardly a cheap car).

The image, though, is to show off the mechanical internals. If you compare that to the Warthog, which is a plastic ball with a big spring...

(the one on the right)

...You'll realise just how much more advanced the Virpil, Baur and VKB designs are mechanically.

I'm looking into this myself, so I may be wrong.

But Virpil sells grips and bases separately. It allows people to use their grip with the Warthog base. Unless they release a new grip for it, people will use or buy their Mongoose grip.

Correct.

You can also use the Warthog grip (which is actually a very nice grip, super nice button layout, ergonomically), which I do, as I have a Warthog.

If I were buying today, and wanted a Warthog grip, I'd buy a Virpil or VKB base, and buy a Warthog grip form the TM parts department (yes, they will sell you one, just tell them the dog ate the old one or something).


Z...

 

[Avago Earo]

http://forum.vkb-sim.pro/viewtopic.php?f=26&t=2880