VKB-SIM

Just had a chat with VKB HQ, and they said they're working on an upgrade kit that allows Gladiator (first-gen and Mk.II) owners to upgrade theirs to the Gladiator Pro level, with an all-metal gimbal:

The upgrade kit will contain:

- All metal gimbal with 3-pin connector
- Steel cams (center detent / soft center)
- Metal trigger
- Set of springs
- Assembly Guide

NOTE: there won't be a grip included, but you will be able to choose from available VKB grip designs as they become available, or buy an adapter kit to use a 3rd party grip.

I don't have an ETA or a price just yet, but I'll update this post once I know more.

Thanks.

Hello,

Great news, making all your items compatible is a good thing. Will the Mk.III be included with such upgrade options?

Thanks,
Etzu

What's the Mk.III?

Is the Mk.III not the Fat Black Mamba?

Mk.I, II, III is just a way to count a version of something. So without a name, the Mk.III can be anything in its 3rd iteration.

About the VKB Mamba Mk.III then - there won't be a gimbal upgrade to upgrade it to the one from the Gunfighter, as the Mamba's housing is too small (if that's what you were asking about).

I see. So I cannot mount a Gunfighter grip onto my Fat Mamba base?

Etzu wrote:I see. So I cannot mount a Gunfighter grip onto my Fat Mamba base?

According to VKB, there will be adapters for the KG12 grip (which is the default for the Gunfighter and the Gladiator series) for other the Mamba - if I am not mistaken. According to VKB HQ, most of the VKB grips will be adaptable for all VKB bases for changeability.

Are there any plans to make an upgrade for Gladiator Pro users to enable them to use the quick change grips?

I say " too many chiefs, not enoth indians"
All the information is all over the place,but not listed in one place

Bye, David

kverdon wrote:Are there any plans to make an upgrade for Gladiator Pro users to enable them to use the quick change grips?

From the Mk.II announcement:
"A note to first-generation Gladiator Pro owners:
All future VKB-Sim grips will be designed to fit both the first-gen Gladiator Pro and the new
Mk.II alike!"
So, that's good news; however, that doesn't specify if that includes quick release options. Let me ask VKB HQ.

david_wi wrote:I say " too many chiefs, not enoth indians"
All the information is all over the place,but not listed in one place

Bye, David

Once these products (Gunfighter, adapter kits, grips, etc) get closer to release and being announced, the information will then be available on the respective product page at VKBcontrollers.com

You made very important improvements to the vkb controller site including links to critical files.
Vkb hq need to have better translations to firmware,programs and documentation.

david_wi wrote:Vkb hq need to have better translations to firmware,programs and documentation.

Agreed!

Will the gladiator still retain the twist axis after upgrading to the pro gimbal? I guess the note that it doesn't come with a grip seems to imply that the base gladiator grip will not be compatible and that this feature would be lost. At least until a replacement grip with twist becomes available.

Likely not, because the gimbal replaces the centering mechanism of the non-Pro completely. However VKB's future grips, the new modern jet grip (to be announced soon), and the Kosmosima space grip will feature twist options.