Let's just start with I'm very old. Just had a PC built and still learning how to use a PC. I'm in the process of purchasing my collective from Virpil. But I'm also still trying to figure out all the settings for my thrust master warthog throttle and stick and the Tpl rudder pedal. I'm having a hard time due to each jet and each helicopter has different settings. So I'm still struggling along learning how to set them all up. One of these years I might even be able to figure out how to use the Lazer and lock it into something and fire a rocket. But I love your videos and hope they help this old fellow out. Thanks and keep the helpful videos coming.
Hey there - We found this video to be quite helpful and even the manual link you posted was helpful as well. So thanx so much for creating this video and for showing us how its done. Truly a great video dude :)
Thanks for the detailed video, one thing that bothered looking was the collective angle in the end, your arm does not look comfortable to me sir. Maybe try installing the collective mount higher and slightly forward, so that your elbow doesnt go behind your back. But if you enjoy it this way, then this is how you like it. cheers
You're welcome, glad you enjoyed it! For the mounting, the wide angle on the GoPro may be creating an illusion. With the collective all the way down, the grip is about right below my shoulder. I can't move it much farther forward as the mounting plate for the throttle would interfere. As I raise it, I pull my elbow back a bit. Doesn't feel uncomfortable at all, and the new counter-balance makes that feel even better.
My pleasure, glad you enjoyed it! They seem to be shipping out in batches. A squadron mate got his about 2-3 weeks ago. I got mine late last week, and I had placed my order in November.
Hey there, I've got the Thrustmaster Warthog I use on a "goose-neck" extension for flying helis in DCS, MSFS and X-Plane and I have just ordered the VIRPIL TCS Rotor Base Plus with the UH-60 grip, both of which I now see as on "Back-Order" - goddammit. That gives me time to work out how and to what I'm going to mount the base as the VPC Chair Mount won't work with my office chair. I am thinking of drilling holes in the covered wooden base of my office chair to enable me to mount the VPC Base's bracket directly to the underside of it with the bracket as shown in "Option #1" of the online Rotor Plus TCS Base User Manual, probably with a couple of metal sheets on either side of the chair's wooden base for re-enforcement - if that works I don't care if it looks ugly!!! But I don't know the size and spacing of the various pre-drilled holes on the bracket. The bracket itself it is 152mm x 83mm as depicted in one of the images on the Rotor Plus TCS Base product page so I want to make a template and have the holes drilled for when it all arrives from VIRPIL UK. Are you aware of any such drawings/schematics? Also, what pedals are you using? TIA, Guy
Just found this, i got mine setup probably about the same time you did. I also got the blackhawk grip and twist throttle, ( i actually dont use the twist, only for the look). Have you flown the Blackhawk mod, I love it, definitely my favorite. Nice to see virpil came out with their own counter balance, i got the one the guy makes and sells on etsy, with the little bolted weights, it works perfectly, anyway, thanks for the videos, oh the only other thing i did differently, (I also have the same chair, by the way) is i mounted my collective on some 2x4s that i screwed directly to my floor, so super solid, that chair isnt going anywhere so it works for me. Also for head tracking i use , AI Track and Open track, but not with the ir lights they didn;t work for me. I use the one that just sees your face, not perfect but good enough.
This angle you're using it in the end is very rough. Doesn't look very ergonomic and you'll have problems being able to use the dual stage apache collective in this configuration. I recommend raising the base itself so that it bottoms out without you having to reach down and moving it forward. The collective grip in a normal seating position would then be "in line" with your crotch roughly and the arm just extended, no leaning forward or something. I'd also suggest dropping the limiter down down to 40° or keeping it at default if you have the throttle variant. The angle is just way too steep if the collective arm is elongated - which it is in your case with the throttle grip. The apache grip worsens that problem. Virpil also did an oopsie on this - the counter balance kit can NOT go on it if it's vertical. The spring is supposed to be screwed and fixed in the round hole in the bracket - you can measure and will see the distance of the round and square holes is different. Seriously the biggest flaw of this hardware that must be addressed on a v2 version.
The wide angle lens likely doesn't help with that. It feels pretty good when flying with it. With it all the way down I can reach it without having to stretch for it (being tall with long arms helps here), and it is forward of my shoulder. Mounting height feels fine and it's rare that I have to pull the collective all the way up in flight. Thankfully there are other holes that the spring arm can get screwed to and it works out well. Moreso that the spring tension is adjustable. A v2 version of this with a built-in counterbalance would be nice, though it is good on Virpil to offer a (very reasonably priced) solution for the tight friction of the original ones.
Amazon has it, so does Grainger and AliExpress. Sorry I don't have a specific link for you but found quite a few links for it after Googling "3030 extrusion".
Ok, so I'm gonna be a bit lazy and ask, what are you using for head tracking? TrackIR or is it full VR? I have the HP VR rig and I like it, but using switches and such is a pain because you can't see your controls and such. Was thinking of trying trackIR and wondered what you thought of it? Oh, and yeah, the Hind is a blast... 🙂
Good question! Though my PC has the horsepower, I don't use VR. Still pretty expensive, and I'm quite happy with the 4K panel. I do use OpenTrack with a modified Playstation PSEye camera, and a LED clip attached to my headset. TrackIR/OpenTrack is quite nice!
The angles are exaggerated with TrackIR/OpenTrack. Turning your head approximately 30º left or right will get your virtual pilot to check six so to speak. Setting it up for your space takes a little bit but is worth it.
Thank you for your response to my message you are the only one I follow that does so I might just cancel those other u tube subscriptions and just wait for your next video thanks again
Your content is kool was a crew chief for a L5 in the confederate air force and enjoyed it I work on helicopters on the weekends apart from my full time job thanks again
On the chair it's 15 1/2 inches. I had a three foot piece to start with, and just eyeballed it when I cut it. Nothing special, it's just 3030 T slot extrusion.
Ugh, this is the last thing I need. My wallet is already trying to hide in my couch with my computer aging to a point that DCS is struggling a bit, and now with the Apache collective out, it's ready to jump off the roof. I need to grab the Virpil rudder dampener attachment for the rudder pedals when it comes out. That thing looks like it will make helicopter flying a lot easier. Watching it, this is definitely why I was thinking about using that kind of piping to build my own little throttle/collective stand. I usually just use desk mounts, but it would be nice to have something I could slide under my desk and out of the way that would allow me to have my throttle on top and then mount a collective on the side to use as needed. I also didn't see the appeal of the helicopters initially, but then once I found the joy of the hand flying fun that is the Mi-8 and Mi-24, I was hooked on helicopter in general. The Mi-24 really does feel like you're throwing around a massive murder bus.
Murder bus, I like it! I think that is why I like flying them too. Hard to learn but a lot of fun once you do. That aluminum extrusion is really useful stuff. Another one of my squadronmates has the Virpil pedals that he just modified with the damper kit, he really likes it.
@@DieselThunderAviation Nice! I'll have to try it out. And yeah, the Apache is a blast with the way you get the fly and fight in it, but the Hind always has that extra layer of fun when you don't have the fancy missile warning system or countermeasures, and you can't really hover and pick your shots as easily.
Glad to see I'm not the only Coast Guard Chief into DCS.
Let's just start with I'm very old. Just had a PC built and still learning how to use a PC. I'm in the process of purchasing my collective from Virpil. But I'm also still trying to figure out all the settings for my thrust master warthog throttle and stick and the Tpl rudder pedal. I'm having a hard time due to each jet and each helicopter has different settings. So I'm still struggling along learning how to set them all up. One of these years I might even be able to figure out how to use the Lazer and lock it into something and fire a rocket. But I love your videos and hope they help this old fellow out. Thanks and keep the helpful videos coming.
Thanks for posting. I followed your video step by step, and it worked out very well. Great job thanks.
Hey there - We found this video to be quite helpful and even the manual link you posted was helpful as well. So thanx so much for creating this video and for showing us how its done. Truly a great video dude :)
Glad you found it helpful!
The HIND is my favourite helicopter entirely :D
Good choice for the Helicopter
Indeed! Kinda kicking myself for not getting into it sooner!
Thanks for the detailed video, one thing that bothered looking was the collective angle in the end, your arm does not look comfortable to me sir. Maybe try installing the collective mount higher and slightly forward, so that your elbow doesnt go behind your back. But if you enjoy it this way, then this is how you like it. cheers
You're welcome, glad you enjoyed it! For the mounting, the wide angle on the GoPro may be creating an illusion. With the collective all the way down, the grip is about right below my shoulder. I can't move it much farther forward as the mounting plate for the throttle would interfere. As I raise it, I pull my elbow back a bit. Doesn't feel uncomfortable at all, and the new counter-balance makes that feel even better.
Great video many thanks very useful. 👌I am waiting for mine to be delivered.
My pleasure, glad you enjoyed it! They seem to be shipping out in batches. A squadron mate got his about 2-3 weeks ago. I got mine late last week, and I had placed my order in November.
Hey there,
I've got the Thrustmaster Warthog I use on a "goose-neck" extension for flying helis in DCS, MSFS and X-Plane and I have just ordered the VIRPIL TCS Rotor Base Plus with the UH-60 grip, both of which I now see as on "Back-Order" - goddammit. That gives me time to work out how and to what I'm going to mount the base as the VPC Chair Mount won't work with my office chair.
I am thinking of drilling holes in the covered wooden base of my office chair to enable me to mount the VPC Base's bracket directly to the underside of it with the bracket as shown in "Option #1" of the online Rotor Plus TCS Base User Manual, probably with a couple of metal sheets on either side of the chair's wooden base for re-enforcement - if that works I don't care if it looks ugly!!!
But I don't know the size and spacing of the various pre-drilled holes on the bracket. The bracket itself it is 152mm x 83mm as depicted in one of the images on the Rotor Plus TCS Base product page so I want to make a template and have the holes drilled for when it all arrives from VIRPIL UK. Are you aware of any such drawings/schematics?
Also, what pedals are you using?
TIA,
Guy
Just found this, i got mine setup probably about the same time you did. I also got the blackhawk grip and twist throttle, ( i actually dont use the twist, only for the look). Have you flown the Blackhawk mod, I love it, definitely my favorite. Nice to see virpil came out with their own counter balance, i got the one the guy makes and sells on etsy, with the little bolted weights, it works perfectly, anyway, thanks for the videos, oh the only other thing i did differently, (I also have the same chair, by the way) is i mounted my collective on some 2x4s that i screwed directly to my floor, so super solid, that chair isnt going anywhere so it works for me. Also for head tracking i use , AI Track and Open track, but not with the ir lights they didn;t work for me. I use the one that just sees your face, not perfect but good enough.
This angle you're using it in the end is very rough. Doesn't look very ergonomic and you'll have problems being able to use the dual stage apache collective in this configuration.
I recommend raising the base itself so that it bottoms out without you having to reach down and moving it forward.
The collective grip in a normal seating position would then be "in line" with your crotch roughly and the arm just extended, no leaning forward or something.
I'd also suggest dropping the limiter down down to 40° or keeping it at default if you have the throttle variant. The angle is just way too steep if the collective arm is elongated - which it is in your case with the throttle grip. The apache grip worsens that problem.
Virpil also did an oopsie on this - the counter balance kit can NOT go on it if it's vertical. The spring is supposed to be screwed and fixed in the round hole in the bracket - you can measure and will see the distance of the round and square holes is different.
Seriously the biggest flaw of this hardware that must be addressed on a v2 version.
The wide angle lens likely doesn't help with that. It feels pretty good when flying with it. With it all the way down I can reach it without having to stretch for it (being tall with long arms helps here), and it is forward of my shoulder. Mounting height feels fine and it's rare that I have to pull the collective all the way up in flight.
Thankfully there are other holes that the spring arm can get screwed to and it works out well. Moreso that the spring tension is adjustable. A v2 version of this with a built-in counterbalance would be nice, though it is good on Virpil to offer a (very reasonably priced) solution for the tight friction of the original ones.
Can you please send me the link? Where can I purchase the 3030 mounting bar
Amazon has it, so does Grainger and AliExpress. Sorry I don't have a specific link for you but found quite a few links for it after Googling "3030 extrusion".
Ok, so I'm gonna be a bit lazy and ask, what are you using for head tracking? TrackIR or is it full VR? I have the HP VR rig and I like it, but using switches and such is a pain because you can't see your controls and such. Was thinking of trying trackIR and wondered what you thought of it? Oh, and yeah, the Hind is a blast... 🙂
Good question! Though my PC has the horsepower, I don't use VR. Still pretty expensive, and I'm quite happy with the 4K panel. I do use OpenTrack with a modified Playstation PSEye camera, and a LED clip attached to my headset. TrackIR/OpenTrack is quite nice!
Thanks for the reply. I think I will check it out! Still wondering how to check six though... 😛@@DieselThunderAviation
The angles are exaggerated with TrackIR/OpenTrack. Turning your head approximately 30º left or right will get your virtual pilot to check six so to speak. Setting it up for your space takes a little bit but is worth it.
Thank you for your response to my message you are the only one I follow that does so I might just cancel those other u tube subscriptions and just wait for your next video thanks again
My pleasure, I do what I can 🙂
Your content is kool was a crew chief for a L5 in the confederate air force and enjoyed it I work on helicopters on the weekends apart from my full time job thanks again
What's the length of that extrusion you have there?
On the chair it's 15 1/2 inches. I had a three foot piece to start with, and just eyeballed it when I cut it. Nothing special, it's just 3030 T slot extrusion.
Ugh, this is the last thing I need. My wallet is already trying to hide in my couch with my computer aging to a point that DCS is struggling a bit, and now with the Apache collective out, it's ready to jump off the roof.
I need to grab the Virpil rudder dampener attachment for the rudder pedals when it comes out. That thing looks like it will make helicopter flying a lot easier.
Watching it, this is definitely why I was thinking about using that kind of piping to build my own little throttle/collective stand. I usually just use desk mounts, but it would be nice to have something I could slide under my desk and out of the way that would allow me to have my throttle on top and then mount a collective on the side to use as needed.
I also didn't see the appeal of the helicopters initially, but then once I found the joy of the hand flying fun that is the Mi-8 and Mi-24, I was hooked on helicopter in general. The Mi-24 really does feel like you're throwing around a massive murder bus.
Murder bus, I like it!
I think that is why I like flying them too. Hard to learn but a lot of fun once you do. That aluminum extrusion is really useful stuff. Another one of my squadronmates has the Virpil pedals that he just modified with the damper kit, he really likes it.
@@DieselThunderAviation Nice! I'll have to try it out. And yeah, the Apache is a blast with the way you get the fly and fight in it, but the Hind always has that extra layer of fun when you don't have the fancy missile warning system or countermeasures, and you can't really hover and pick your shots as easily.
I would suggest your collective is mounted too low... never had a collective lever that low in any helicopter I've been in.
I'm fairly tall, so with how it's mounted for me feels pretty good. It's a touch low with it all the way down but not out of reach.