VKB T-Rudder Pedals Just Got Better

[fallout9]

Dear Pilots, while we've been head over heels preparing new products, mature ones were not left without attention.

Evolution of electronic components and software development called for newer, better, more intelligent solutions in our veteran T-rudders.

First launched in 2014, these pedals have undergone upgrades, and here is a more serious one.

Besides obvious (pedal platforms for better comfort) there is a number of hidden upgrades. MaRS sensor we previously used were designed in 2006. Newest VKB architecture demanded new vMaRS sensors, same as used in the newest GF IV, making these pedals future proof.

And guess what? - The price just stays where it was.

In stores within days.

With VKB this Universe is yours.

[Martin8]

Any plans for upgrade pack for mk iv owners?

[CaptainPi]

I would be very interested in hearing about this also. Only recently got myself one of these pedals and haven't been overly happy with the small surface area on the toes.

[fallout9]

Working on it.

[Fri13]

What I think being sad, is that mk4 and mk5 are not compatible with each others blackboxes.
Meaning that now three different "Blackboxes";
Mk1 "Orangebox"
Mk2 "Blackbox"
Mk3 "Blackbox"

Are incompatible with each others, and those does require own versions depending pedals, joystick base and now coming throttle.

I would think it is not a problem if the newer "blackbox" would be backward compatible, using the same connectors. So that you can buy a new pheripheral and get new blackbox to connect at least the three basic controllers:

- Joystick
- Pedals
- Throttle.

As now it is against the idea of modularity where the electronics are moved to external box, instead being inside each device separately, when you anyways need to have own box for each controller and each connected via USB to PC.

So if someone now buy the Gunfighter Mk4, T-rudders Mk5 and coming STECS throttle Mk1, then all can be connected via Blackbox mk3.
But if someone has Gunfighter Mk2 or Mk3, T-rudders Mk4 or MK3, and wants to get new throttle, it is one Blackbox more to the set.

Personally I don't have technical problems to connect even every device separately via own boxes, but it is just annoyance that now every device is seen in Windows as a separate unit, instead one unit. So older games and even newer games, will require you to have support for multiple USB gaming controllers or you need to start using some third party software to combine the VKB devices as one virtual one, or you need to upgrade the controllers that cost even more money.

For that a 40-50 € for a new blackbox to get all previous connected as one unit would have been fair deal... Even if you would need to get a new cable to example connect joystick base to new blackbox (rev.A to rev.B to rev.C etc).

[fallout9]

As much as we'd like to have everyone covered, regardless of how old their device is, sometimes this is difficult. The IC market is unpredictable, with sudden shortages and price spikes especially when it comes to older ICs; also, the need to upgrade the electronics for future expansion make us to create these gaps. I can only assure you that we're always considering previous products and try not to let anything behind.
There are also a few incorrect things in your post:
- Black Box MKI and MKII ARE 100% compatible;
- STECS line won't need a Black Box;
- the Black Box MKIII is backwards compatible, so it will work with older then MKIV bases, but not with rudders older than MKV;
- the older games usually could read a single joystick with 3 axes, 32 buttons and 1 POV hat. Combining several devices would put you well over that anyway.

[CaptainPi]

Working on it.

Any updates regarding this? I'd be very keen to upgrade my pedals

[fallout9]

We're getting ready to release the STECS now; the GFIV and T-Rudders MKV will come after.

[Leifr]

A little annoying that there was absolutely no news about this forthcoming, I bought a pair of Mk.IV pedals two months ago! I would have held back for the new version if I knew it was coming. The larger footpads look interesting, I hope there is an upgrade kit offered.

[DeadWalking]

Should be an upgrade kit eventually, they are working towards making the GF IV accessories and T Rudder MKIV - MKV upgrade kits available.
Just a matter of time.
Wish I knew how long though to give a better idea of the wait.

[mobbmann]

Srsly? no dampner still? I bought Virpil Torq pedals because of this instead, but I'd rather have the adjustable throw of the t rudders if they had a dampner...

[KoN]

Do these have toe brakes . ?

[fallout9]

Only by setting virtual toe brakes. There's only 1 axis.

[KoN]

Shame i think VKB would make good Rudder pedals with Toe breaks .

[zeddikus]

Only by setting virtual toe brakes. There's only 1 axis.

Why actually only one axis?
I mean especially for simulations like Star Citizen a second axis would be a nice thing. You can then use that wonderfully for strafen (up, down, left, right).
The MFG Crosswind shows how it could work.