VKB-Sim Gunfighter Review & Mount Bracket

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VampireNZ
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VKB-Sim Gunfighter Review & Mount Bracket

Postby VampireNZ » Tue Jun 20, 2017 10:35

My VKB-Sim Gunfighter Pro order recently arrived and I wanted to share a few initial observations and thoughts in a 'short amateur' review for those interested.

The first surprises were the fast shipping and compactness of the entire package. Everything is nicely packaged and protected in custom foam cut-outs and protective plastic. Laying everything out on the bench I was impressed with build quality of all the components and the large amount of ‘extras’ in the form of plenty of springs of varying strengths and all the tools required for the adjustment of various settings such as the dry clutch and removal of the hex head screws. Even small sections of rubber tube to prevent the springs rubbing against each other when installed were included, as well as a nifty cover complete with a Remove Before Flight tag.

I set about removing the gimbal from the housing to set up the springs and clutches. Make sure to download the small Gunfighter ‘advice’ sheet from the VKB-Sim website as it details exactly the procedure required to gain access to the springs, and includes the tip of removing the applicable bearing to ease spring replacement. As I had the ‘Pro’ version with the extension I opted for a 50+20 spring combo on the roll axis, and a 50+40 spring combo for pitch. I left the default ‘soft center’ cams in and eased off the clutches a little from their shipping setting. I also note that there is a provision for differing amounts of grip offset – very nice.

Time to put everything back together and mount it to my Obutto Ozone game rig. I had previously designed and manufactured a small mounting bracket in anticipation of the sticks arrival, so after mounting the base directly to the bracket with some 4mm screws it was ready to mount to my rig via two bolts, and some wing nuts for quick changes as I also use my rig for driving sims. For any Obutto Ozone & Gunfighter owners out there I will attach the plans for the mount to this post – just manufacture from standard unequal length angle 125x75x6mm mild steel or equiv. The stick sits perfectly in the middle height location (mount has 3 height options) and nicely clears the seat cushion with the seat fully forward (usual location) thanks to a previous minor seat cushion mod. Connection is a breeze with a few cables to attach via the ‘Black Box’ (which is orange...just like RL ones!) and no drivers are necessary.

After a quick calibration using the VKB-Sim Config program and some control assignments I am ready to try it in DCS. First up is the Huey, naturally. Preparing for take-off and I input the standard pre-lift corrections and add some collective. A few more 'light on the skids’ corrections and I keep adding pitch…”Am I airborne yet..I think I am, but I am still dead level and not drifting (like usual!). Hmm try adding a bit more collective – yep I am definitely airborne…wow!” I literally couldn’t tell when I lifted off. I have been flying the Huey in DCS on and off since its release, and thought I was pretty good being able to hover in the ‘general area’. But this was just a whole different ballgame, the level of control and smoothness was unreal. The small amount of dry clutch I had dialled in allowed me to perfectly place the stick exactly where you wanted around the centre position and it pretty much stayed there with super-tiny adjustments. You are not trying to maintain a perfect amount of pressure against springs anymore or fighting across detents. I should note in 20+ years of flight simming I have tried most controllers, including two modified (by me) TMWH’s with extensions. This was an entirely different experience. Hover taxi was just a matter of thinking about what you wanted to do, and general flying was just as good.

Time to load up some fixed wing so I jumped in the F-15. Much the same sentiment – my formation skills improved dramatically. Again no hard detents and smooth pressure build up helped this significantly. I have several hours in RL jet fighters down low pulling G etc. and the feeling at the stick was very similar. Most fighters use artificial feel anyway, as the hydraulic flight controls are non-feedback and input forces to simulate the force of the airflow – which the springs and cams in the GF duplicate very closely.

So in summary the VKB-Sim Gunfighter is a pretty amazing flight sim control device. I don’t usually feel compelled to write reviews on products, but as I said it was just an incredible experience using the GF for the first time. Add that to the great level of service and support provided by Rainer at VKB-Sim America, and well you get the idea.

In closing I can highly recommend this flight-control stick to anyone serious about their flight simming.

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rrohde
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Re: VKB-Sim Gunfighter Review & Mount Bracket

Postby rrohde » Tue Jun 20, 2017 19:32

Thank you for the awesome write up and review!
VKB North America
https://VKBcontrollers.com

TheBigDustin
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Re: VKB-Sim Gunfighter Review & Mount Bracket

Postby TheBigDustin » Thu Jun 22, 2017 4:20

Im loving my Gunfighter Pro. My mounting solution might not be as elegant as yours though. Its a 2x6, some 2x4s ripped in half and a few screws and glue! It may be ugly but it cost me $0.00 dollars to make an about an hour of my time.


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