Will these work with Elite Dangerous?

Fnord Velkor · Nov 27, 2023

There is plastic and there is plastic.

You have the cheap stuff you find on the T16000M and then you have the industrial-quality nylon-reinforced stuff like on CHPro stuff. The EVO stuff is the latter.

People talking "jobbie" about the material really have no idea what they are talking about - and breaking the springs? They must be having a laugh, complete nonsense.

"Some assembly required" - well, OK - you get two boxes, one has the base, the other has the stick. Guess what - you can buy sticks and bases separately.

Have you even thought about looking at VKB's videos showing you about these things?

https://www.youtube.com/@VKBSim/videos

If you can't trust the plethora of VKB users on here extolling their quality, then that's up to you.

If you want the next step up in quality and build - go buy Virpil - but it will cost you a bucketload more. Or even VKB's Gunfighter range.

(edit): BY THE WAY - I noticed just how cheap these EVOs are on the USA site - jeeze, what a bargain, way WAY cheaper than the European shop.

STRONTIUM DOG · Nov 27, 2023

i am a bit of an anommaly i have had numerous methods of control going from a microsoft force feed back sidewinder CH yolk to warthog to vkb (all sold off)
oddly enough i now just use an xbox controller mainly go figure.......
i did not want to discourage you as most do prefer a hotas of some kind
it's kinda like a new car at first you marvel the smell responsiveness looks and feel of it..............
after 6 months you just look at the road ahead and bear it no mind at all unless something goes wrong
it took some time to master the fine movements required of duel analog mini thumbsticks & triggers for acc and brake/reverse and FA off flying but now just like the new car i bear it no mind
and no hotas can rapid opposite lock quite like it all other controls are voice controlled via voice attack which is quire simply the best complimentary control software since sliced bread which many a here cmdr uses and works for any game once the easy to programe ui is mastered though most op for a elite voice control pack from hcs with this game

Helmut Grokenberger · Nov 27, 2023

Fnord Velkor said:
There is plastic and there is plastic.

To add to that: The EVOs are not just made from cheap molded plastic. The gimbal - this is where it counts - is made from glass-fiber reinforced PA, the base plate is solid steel, and the rest is not your usual toy plastic, but industrial grade ABS. If you manage to break the spring, the gimbal or the grip, you're really abusing the stick.

JamesJB · Nov 27, 2023

Helmut Grokenberger said:
From personal experience I can say that is nonsense. Did, by any chance, those who told you that they are cheap and can break also have a business relationship with Virpil or any other higher grade manufacturer? Read the testimonials we gave you in this thread, and all over the forums and other Elite Dangerous virtual spaces. There is no better quality stick you can buy for that price tag.

The assembly consists of screwing the grip to the base, plugging it in and puting on the base plate. It is not rocket science. VKB also provides very good visual documentation of the assembly (and complete disassembly should you wish to do it) on their YT channel.

The software isn't easy, but you only need it once for calibration (which is, again, well documented) unless you want to reprogram something - don't try to calibrate the stick with windows tools. The manual is long but good.

If you want to talk yourself out of buying a VKB that's fine. But the T16000M is a toy compared to the EVO stick. The TWCS is a good pair for a throttle with a VKB stick though. Cannot comment on that yoke, but don't listen to high end snobs that the EVO line is "cheap" or "breaks". It will if you abuse it. Everything does.

Well look at the sources and try to see what their incentives are. Nobody here giving the EVO stuff a good testimonial has any financial interest in recommending it, yet there isn't a single negative voice about that stuff on here. A "professional" YT reviewer might have said incentive - not saying they do, but the "high end" stick guys on the net tend to trash everything that is cheaper than four figures. Especially when they get that four figure stuff for free.

This is one of the reviews;
YouTube
Doesn't sound like he says anything about being paid or incentives.
He does say good things about them just where he has the pros and cons is what sorta got me worried sorry

JamesJB · Nov 27, 2023

Fnord Velkor said:
There is plastic and there is plastic.

You have the cheap stuff you find on the T16000M and then you have the industrial-quality nylon-reinforced stuff like on CHPro stuff. The EVO stuff is the latter.

People talking "jobbie" about the material really have no idea what they are talking about - and breaking the springs? They must be having a laugh, complete nonsense.

"Some assembly required" - well, OK - you get two boxes, one has the base, the other has the stick. Guess what - you can buy sticks and bases separately.

Have you even thought about looking at VKB's videos showing you about these things?

https://www.youtube.com/@VKBSim/videos

If you can't trust the plethora of VKB users on here extolling their quality, then that's up to you.

If you want the next step up in quality and build - go buy Virpil - but it will cost you a bucketload more. Or even VKB's Gunfighter range.

(edit): BY THE WAY - I noticed just how cheap these EVOs are on the USA site - jeeze, what a bargain, way WAY cheaper than the European shop.

I haven't seen that vid yet,ill check it out.
Yea I probably still be getting the Stick and Throttle then no worries

JamesJB · Nov 27, 2023

Helmut Grokenberger said:
To add to that: The EVOs are not just made from cheap molded plastic. The gimbal - this is where it counts - is made from glass-fiber reinforced PA, the base plate is solid steel, and the rest is not your usual toy plastic, but industrial grade ABS. If you manage to break the spring, the gimbal or the grip, you're really abusing the stick.

I'm pretty much gentle with my stuff and do take care of them.

Helmut Grokenberger · Nov 27, 2023

JamesJB said:
This is one of the reviews;
YouTube
Doesn't sound like he says anything about being paid or incentives.
He does say good things about them just where he has the pros and cons is what sorta got me worried sorry

Honestly, that review's "con" section sounds like he's fishing. Obviously his stick didn't break after two years, and "things can break if they are all plastic" is very vague. I can confirm the issue with the adjustment screws falling out he mentioned; it was an issue on my right hand stick, where I ended up taking them out, and my left hand Omni Throttle came with rubber grommets preventing the screws from falling out. So that's not an issue any more.

the next-cheapest stuff of a higher tier you can buy is probably the gunfighter, but there we're talking about adding 200 bucks+ to the tab.

Really. Don't worry about the "plastic".

JamesJB · Nov 27, 2023

Helmut Grokenberger said:
Honestly, that review's "con" section sounds like he's fishing. Obviously his stick didn't break after two years, and "things can break if they are all plastic" is very vague. I can confirm the issue with the adjustment screws falling out he mentioned; it was an issue on my right hand stick, where I ended up taking them out, and my left hand Omni Throttle came with rubber grommets preventing the screws from falling out. So that's not an issue any more.

the next-cheapest stuff of a higher tier you can buy is probably the gunfighter, but there we're talking about adding 200 bucks+ to the tab.

Really. Don't worry about the "plastic".

Oh ok. Yea Ill still get the Stick and Throttle then,can't wait lol

Curious if I would ever wanted to can ya upgrade the Bases on the Stick and Throttle to the metal ones and can you upgrade the Omni throttle to the Premium grip? Hope I made sense.

Helmut Grokenberger · Nov 27, 2023

In all fairness, to be most transparent and to make your confusion complete: I had three minor failures on my sticks. The first: If you use the bolt-on palm rest, chances are that after a while the glue holding the rubber pad gives way, and the pad will slide out. Happened to mine after about a year. You can probably get a replacement, but I didn't bother, removed the palm rest and adjusted my hand position.

The second: I used the analog mini-stick in POV mode for weapon group selection. After six months, it started to bounce. Again, I could have gotten a replacement from VKB, but I didn't bother and just swapped the analog stick for the POV module that was supplied when I bought the stick, as I didn't need the analog stick function anyway.

The third one was the aforementioned adjustment screw falling out.

In general, if it hasn't been said before: The EVO sticks are meant to be user-servicable, and you can get pretty much every part as a replacement from VKB. They are meant to last.

JamesJB · Nov 27, 2023

Helmut Grokenberger said:
In all fairness, to be most transparent and to make your confusion complete: I had three minor failures on my sticks. The first: If you use the bolt-on palm rest, chances are that after a while the glue holding the rubber pad gives way, and the pad will slide out. Happened to mine after about a year. You can probably get a replacement, but I didn't bother, removed the palm rest and adjusted my hand position.

The second: I used the analog mini-stick in POV mode for weapon group selection. After six months, it started to bounce. Again, I could have gotten a replacement from VKB, but I didn't bother and just swapped the analog stick for the POV module that was supplied when I bought the stick, as I didn't need the analog stick function anyway.

The third one was the aforementioned adjustment screw falling out.

In general, if it hasn't been said before: The EVO sticks are meant to be user-servicable, and you can get pretty much every part as a replacement from VKB. They are meant to last.

Eventually down the road I do want to get this when I can afford it for fighter games like DCS,etc...
STECS Throttle System - Max

I 'm so used to the Thrustmaster throttle that came with the Flight pack,so going to that Omni throttle I wonder if it will be a good transition more control maybe?

JamesJB · Dec 1, 2023

Well I went and brought the Stick and Throttle as of 12/01/2023 9:34am

Now the waiting game,I am in Easton,Pa. Hopefully it doesn't take 2 weeks

I used DHL as the shipping carrier.

Is there anything I need to do to prepare? anything I should read any software i should get? I never had a Gladiator Stick or Throttle before and never got anything from this company before. Never heard of the company till recently.

STRONTIUM DOG · Dec 1, 2023

grab a copy of the binding folder and stash it away somewhere like another drive
(it may prove prudent until your changes are completed then it can be deleted and as its so small it wont eat away any space
(or keep it as if you ever revert back to your old devices it can be just plugged(copy/pasted) back in)

Fnord Velkor · Dec 1, 2023

JamesJB said:
...

Is there anything I need to do to prepare? anything I should read any software i should get? I never had a Gladiator Stick or Throttle before and never got anything from this company before. Never heard of the company till recently.

Just steel yourself for the laborious task of setting your assignments in Elite's Options pages. If you want to, you can look at how other people have their buttons assigned by perusing the published bindings list on EDRefCard - but probably best just to print out a blank image and pencil-in your current controller assignments to what looks like the most applicable button / axis on the EVOs.

Blank "maps":

RIGHT STICK -

EDRefCard

edrefcard.info

LEFT STICK -

EDRefCard

edrefcard.info

Bit of a tip for when you are messing with your binds - don't keep copies in the same directory and rename them as per the sticky thread at the top of this forum. (Just in case you were not aware already.)

JamesJB · Dec 1, 2023

Fnord Velkor said:
Just steel yourself for the laborious task of setting your assignments in Elite's Options pages. If you want to, you can look at how other people have their buttons assigned by perusing the published bindings list on EDRefCard - but probably best just to print out a blank image and pencil-in your current controller assignments to what looks like the most applicable button / axis on the EVOs.

Blank "maps":

RIGHT STICK -

EDRefCard

edrefcard.info

LEFT STICK -

EDRefCard

edrefcard.info

Bit of a tip for when you are messing with your binds - don't keep copies in the same directory and rename them as per the sticky thread at the top of this forum. (Just in case you were not aware already.)

I am getting this Throttle i'm assuming the bindings will be the same?

Throttle

Do I need or should I put that block/stopper thing on for the throttle? How is it for flying in ED with out the block thing?

JamesJB · Dec 1, 2023

Fnord Velkor said:
Just steel yourself for the laborious task of setting your assignments in Elite's Options pages. If you want to, you can look at how other people have their buttons assigned by perusing the published bindings list on EDRefCard - but probably best just to print out a blank image and pencil-in your current controller assignments to what looks like the most applicable button / axis on the EVOs.

Blank "maps":

RIGHT STICK -

EDRefCard

edrefcard.info

LEFT STICK -

EDRefCard

edrefcard.info

Bit of a tip for when you are messing with your binds - don't keep copies in the same directory and rename them as per the sticky thread at the top of this forum. (Just in case you were not aware already.)

No I wasn't aware sorry,do they get over written or something?

Fnord Velkor · Dec 1, 2023

JamesJB said:
I am getting this Throttle i'm assuming the bindings will be the same?

Throttle

Do I need or should I put that block/stopper thing on for the throttle? How is it for flying in ED with out the block thing?

The button / axis names are the same on the onmi-throttle as those on the left-hand stick image I linked. (I have never seen a corresponding image of the omni-throttle labels).

By "block thing" I assume you mean the omni-angled-adapter. As you bought the Omni-Throttle, then that comes pre-attached. They do sell the adapter assembly separately for people who have the stick already but the Omini-Throttle is already fitted (I did look to see if the adapter could be removed but it didn't look like an obvious job).

JamesJB said:
No I wasn't aware sorry,do they get over written or something?

I assume you mean the tip about not keeping backups in the same directory, this is because it has been found to prevent any changes you make in options / controls being saved (presumably the game in those cases has been saving to one of the backups ¯\(ツ)/¯ ). Renaming your binds is also a way of preventing the game inadvertently overwriting your binds if you just rely on using "custom" as the name. Using "custom" is the only time the game messes you about like that, it never overwrites your named binds file - that is only changed by your actions in the options screen(s).

JamesJB · Dec 1, 2023

I am seriously thinking on adding this to the throttle eventually does it work good with ED any benefits?;
GNX SEM (Side Extension Module)

Also eventually I want to get this for other flight games;
STECS Throttle System - Max

Thanks I blame yas's

ya got me hooked lol. didn't realize my Space Sim setup is becoming crazy LOL

JamesJB · Dec 1, 2023

Fnord Velkor said:
The button / axis names are the same on the onmi-throttle as those on the left-hand stick image I linked. (I have never seen a corresponding image of the omni-throttle labels).

By "block thing" I assume you mean the omni-angled-adapter. As you bought the Omni-Throttle, then that comes pre-attached. They do sell the adapter assembly separately for people who have the stick already but the Omini-Throttle is already fitted (I did look to see if the adapter could be removed but it didn't look like an obvious job).

I assume you mean the tip about not keeping backups in the same directory, this is because it has been found to prevent any changes you make in options / controls being saved (presumably the game in those cases has been saving to one of the backups ¯\(ツ)/¯ ). Renaming your binds is also a way of preventing the game inadvertently overwriting your binds if you just rely on using "custom" as the name. Using "custom" is the only time the game messes you about like that, it never overwrites your named binds file - that is only changed by your actions in the options screen(s).

I am sorry I meant stopper it's put in to make it a throttle so it doesn't go left and right just forward and back. I''m assuming like ya said its already in. I seen them mention it or something in YouTube videos.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggPpmlQDUYg
My bad its called a stopping plate.
Sorry

Yea that's what I meant about not keeping backups in the same directory,sorry.

Fnord Velkor · Dec 1, 2023

JamesJB said:
I am sorry I meant stopper it's put in to make it a throttle so it doesn't go left and right just forward and back. I''m assuming like ya said its already in. I seen them mention it or something in YouTube videos.
Sorry

Yea that's what I meant about not keeping backups in the same directory,sorry.

Oh yeah - you can fit the little plate thing inside to secure one of the axes - I have fitted it in mine but some people use the X and Y axes for controls and use the twist for throttle - I never tried that since the twist is centre-sprung so doesn't act like a twst-throttle as I understand them.

Fnord Velkor · Dec 1, 2023

JamesJB said:
I am seriously thinking on adding this to the throttle eventually does it work good with ED any benefits?;
GNX SEM (Side Extension Module)

Also eventually I want to get this for other flight games;
STECS Throttle System - Max

Thanks I blame yas's ya got me hooked lol. didn't realize my Space Sim setup is becoming crazy LOL

I have two Cougar MFDs on my desk so lots of extra buttons - so there is scope for using other devices to expand the controls available to you in Elite.

I wouldn't say those items would take the place of the Honeycomb Bravo Throttle though if that is something you want to add to your Alpha Yoke - depends on what you like to fly I suppose. Mind you, I am a sucker for FltSim gear, radio panel, multi-control panel and 3 PIDs in addition to the other stuff. You pays your money and makes your choice - the only issue is space.